Early Preview: Palm Beach County Contenders
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November 1st is scheduled as the start of boys basketball season in Florida. That is followed by preseason tournaments from Nov. 15th – 20th. Two days later is the official start of the regular season. That means we are essentially…
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Continue ReadingNovember 1st is scheduled as the start of boys basketball season in Florida. That is followed by preseason tournaments from Nov. 15th – 20th. Two days later is the official start of the regular season.
That means we are essentially two months away from action. It will come very quickly as we know.
Who are contenders this season up in Palm Beach County?
Let’s look into it.
Benjamin Buccaneers: (Last season: 8-14)
The Buccaneers concluded last season with five consecutive losses and suffered six overall defeats to teams from Broward or Miami-Dade. They played a tough schedule that included Westminster Academy and Pine Crest. The good news is they are projected to bring back their top four scorers. Could last season’s experience help them in 2021? 2023 Gavin Aydelotte Gavin Aydelotte 6'11" | C Benjamin | 2023 State FL (6’10) is a player I’m looking to take the next step. He averaged 12.9 points and 6.7 rebounds per game as a sophomore. Aydelotte could be a dominant force with more athleticism and seasoning. Just let the kid devop and work on his game. 2023 Darrell Sweeting Darrell Sweeting 5'11" | PG Benjamin | 2023 FL is a dual-sport athlete that averaged 11.4 points per contest while shooting 60 percent from the floor. The Bucs have a nice nucleus and I expect a winning season. Previously, Isaiah Nesmith Isaiah Nesmith 6'4" | CG Benjamin | 2022 State FL was listed at Benjamin. He is now at American Heritage Plantation.
Suncoast Chargers: (Last season: 10-4)
Expectations should be high when you have 2023 Nate Sasser Nate Sasser 6'6" | SG Suncoast | 2023 State #207 Nation FL and 2024 Stone Bureau Stone Bureau 6'0" | PG Calvary Christian Academy, Ft. Lauderdale | 2024 State FL . The pair are two of the best players in the county. The 6-foot-6 Sasser holds offers from FGCU and USF. He is a mismatch problem with his size and athleticism. Sasser will be a high-double figure scorer as a junior. The 6-foot Bureau is a lightning quick point guard with his best basketball far ahead of him. I love his handle and control of an offense at a young age. 2024 Ian Smikle Ian Smikle 6'9" | C Suncoast | 2024 State FL is a prospect to watch as well. The 6-foot-8 forward/center averaged seven rebounds per game, including over three on the offensive end. The Chargers have a nice base of length and athleticism here.
Dwyer Panthers: (Last season: 14-4)
The Panthers lose Rodrick Johnson Rodrick Johnson 6'3" | PG Dwyer | 2021 FL Jr. (13.2 ppg/6.8 rpg) to graduation. However, behind Johnson are 2022’s Juwan Dawes Juwan Dawes 6'3" | CG Dwyer | 2022 State FL and Xavier Scott Jr. and 2023 Kyle McNeal Kyle McNeal 6'1" | PG Dwyer | 2023 #297 Nation FL . The trio averaged over 29 points per game for the Panthers. Dawes is a 6-foot-4 lefty wing that can defend multiple positions. Scott Jr. was selected first-team All-County by the Palm Beach Post. McNeal is an incredible athlete with a football offer from Florida Atlantic. There is no shortage of talent up in Palm Beach Gardens. Dwyer reached the 7A state title game before falling to Dr. Phillips last season.
Forest Hill Falcons: (Last season: 10-3)
Not an easy task for Forest Hill when you lose Donovan Draper Donovan Draper 6'6" | PF Forrest Hill | 2021 State FL and Jalen Jeter to graduation. The 6-foot-6 Draper signed with Navy to play football. Jeter is also playing football at Saginaw Valley State. On the court, the pair averaged over 30 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists per game. However, 2022 Michael Cooper is back after averaging nearly 12 points per contest. He also knocked down 48 percent of his 3-point attempts. He is a kid I’ve liked for quite sometime. I’ve also been impressed with 2022 Octavious Williams II. The 6-foot-3 guard has length and should be more assertive this season on offense. He averaged eight points per game on 41 percent shooting from the field as a junior.
Jupiter Warriors: – (Last season: 7-9)
We have documented the add of 2022 Conner Weston Conner Weston 6'7" | SF Jupiter | 2022 State FL from Jupiter Christian. I have also talked about 2022 6-foot-3 shooting guard Alex Houck Alex Houck 6'3" | CG Jupiter | 2022 State FL . Both kids have talent and familiarity with one another. Another kid to watch is 2025 Ray-Ray Collum. The young point guard could be the best catch and shoot player on the roster. His poise and tempo should be on display this season. Head coach JD DePesquale has a good group.
I have no idea how good Wellington or St. Andrew’s is going to be. Chris Walker Chris Walker 6'6" | SG Wellington | 2021 State FL , Jordan Johnson Jordan Johnson 6'3" | CG Ft. Lauderdale | 2021 State FL , and Will VanHook are gone from a Wolverines team that went 12-3. The Scots lose superstar Josh Minott Josh Minott 6'9" | PF St. Andrew's | 2021 State #30 Nation FL (Memphis) and Devin Hines Devin Hines 6'4" | CG St. Andrew's | 2021 State FL (Lafayette). Kenny Turner Kenny Turner 6'6" | PF St. Andrew's | 2021 State FL (King University) and Bob Stewart (Tufts) also depart. 2022 Anquan Boldin Jr Anquan Boldin Jr 6'5" | CG IMG Academy | 2023 FL . transferred to IMG Academy. That is an incredible amount of talent from a program that has dominated in recent years. I look forward to seeing what both programs have to offer this season.
For any South Florida Prep Hoops news or information…please contact Michael Costeines @Steins_23 on Instagram or follow him on Twitter @Mungertown_Mike23.