Impact Transfers for North Florida (2022)

<p style="text-align: left;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">The summer is always wild and alive in North Florida. The expectation for these guys is to make an immediate for their new schools. Here is my shortlist for the class of 2022.</span></p> <p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">[player_tooltip player_id="956774" first="Ross" last="Candelino"] l 6’4 W l </span><em><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Ponte Vedra</span></em></p> <p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">The wing averaged 20.3 points per game with 8.4 rebounds per game for the summer. Candelino is a big-time transfer for the Sharks as he comes over from Bishop Kenny. He creates his own shot and knocks down the perimeter jumper with consistency, giving him an edge. When you pair that with his high IQ, it just makes his value as a next-level player go up. Candelino recently picked up an offer from American University in June. He continued to perform well in July as well. He had multiple 30+ point games too.</span></p> <p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">[player_tooltip player_id="1065455" first="Jordan" last="Smith"] l 6’3 W l </span><em><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Sandalwood</span></em></p> <p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">The versatile wing/forward was the leading scorer for Wolfson his past two seasons. The lefty had a strong summer campaign averaging 20+ points per game. He is poised to continue his offensive output as a Saint next year. He can play multiple positions offensively and defensively. He will help turn around a 2-10 Saints squad in 2020-2021. </span></p> <p><strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Raheem Taplin l 6’5 F l </span></strong><em><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Providence</span></em></p> <p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">The forward departs from Westside and heads across town to Providence. I like this move for him. Adding his grit and hustle to a well-coached program will pay dividends. Taplin does most of his work in the paint; his perimeter shooting has improved over the summer. His athleticism was a need for the Stallions. Although Providence was a 20+ win team last year, Class 3A-2 was considered the "District of Death" in North Florida (Andrew Jackson, Bishop Snyder, Episcopal, Providence). I would plug him as a double-double guy for the Stallions this year. Consider this a very underrated transfer. </span></p> <p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">[player_tooltip player_id="1065462" first="Bennie" last="McDuffie"] l 5’7 G l </span><em><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Fleming Island</span></em></p> <p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">McDuffie comes over from Mandarin to fill a need at the point guard position. The guy is a speed demon on the court. He has a knack for affecting the game and being a pest on defense. He could finish top 5 in assists next season for the area.</span></p> <p><strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">[player_tooltip player_id="1260692" first="Torin" last="Thomas"] l 6’1 G l &amp; Liam Cates l 6’2 G l </span></strong><em><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Atlantic Coast</span></em></p> <p>Thomas led Baldwin in scoring last season (18.1 points per game). He has relocated to Atlantic Coast. He and Zhang make this backcourt improved compared to last season. It is a good fit for both sides as Thomas brings defense to the table as well. Atlantic Coast has the potential to make some noise this season in 6A.</p> <p><strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Kendrick Graydon l 5’9 G l </span></strong><em><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Seacoast</span></em></p> <p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Graydon is on the move from Ribault as he will be one of the top options for the Eagles this season. He is a strong guard with an underrated perimeter game. The Eagles like to run and gun; Graydon fits their style. Defensively he can be too physical for most guards. It is an immediate upgrade at the position.</span></p> <p>Photo Credit: D’Courtland Christian</p> <p><strong><em>For any North Florida Prep Hoops news or information, contact Mark Holland on Twitter @Mark__Holland</em></strong></p>