Team Preview: St. Petersburg

St. Pete’s season tip off launches their motto, “nothing less than I-4”. They’re revamped with two transfers that take them from a good team to a contender. They’re an older group filled with seniors, juniors, and a promising sophomore that has played meaningful games. Let’s break down the names and games that will stand out this season. <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/11/Derreck-Mitchell.jpg"><img class="alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-1331123" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/11/Derreck-Mitchell-150x150.jpg" alt="[player_tooltip player_id=" width="150" height="150" /></a>[player_tooltip player_id="814923" first="Derrick" last="Mitchell"] Mitchell’s already on the radar of Division II schools after developing into a combo forward. This season could be a breakout for him as a step into a full time perimeter role for St. Pete. He’s a well built physical 6’5 wing that plays on both ends. Expect the senior to be top 3 in most statistical categories. The transfer shows flashes of three level scoring this offseason, including a strong spring and summer with Team Speights. Mitchell projects as a 3 and D wing at the next level. He’s a high motor guy who knocks down perimeter shots and attack closeouts for finishes above the rim. There have been flashes of him mixing it up in the midrange between practice and the Prep Hoops Top 250 camp. Defense will be his calling card as lengthy and muscular frame helps him contain wings and guards. When you add in his experience of guarding post players for most of his high school career, he’s one of the most switchable defenders in the area. This preseason he’s wowed as an offensive rebounder with a quick second jump that leads to a lot of second chance points for a wing. [player_tooltip player_id="709233" first="Tristan" last="Gross"] The week I spent with St. Pete, Tristan had several coaches come in to watch him, including FGCU. He holds offers from Wake Forest, SMU, USF and FGCU currently and has interest from plenty more Division I programs. At 6’5 Gross has the size to play on and off ball. He’s better with the ball in his hands where his ability to shoot off the dribble shines, making him one of the better offensive options on this team. He can shoot over the top of smaller guards and find teammates when defenses send an extra man his way. Off the ball, the jump shot still works as he steps out to the perimeter with college basketball range. The junior can get to the hole where his size and sneaky athleticism take over for finishes. You can see his bounce and speed on the break where he can finish above the rim with some big dunks. Gross is a good off ball defender with the closing speed to live in passing lanes racking up steals and deflections throughout the game. <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/11/Kenyon-Clark.jpg"><img class="alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-1331126" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/11/Kenyon-Clark-150x150.jpg" alt="Kenyon Clark | The Traveling Hoopers" width="150" height="150" /></a>[player_tooltip player_id="1306095" first="Kenyon" last="Clarkson"] Jr. Clarkson played heavy minutes for St. Pete as a freshman. Now as a sophomore, he’ll take the experience he gained last year to add to a strong group of wings. At 6’3 adds to the size of this team. He’s a twitchy ball handler that’ll provide scoring with the second unit. His on ball speed, quickness, and creative handle help him get into his jumper. The season will be integral to his development as he’ll have a much bigger role next season. [player_tooltip player_id="1295996" first="Quez" last="Curry Jr"]. Curry will be this team’s spark plug. He's a quick smaller guard that can get around defenders with crossovers. The junior is a shot maker that can get to the rim but does wonders as a pull-up shooter. Expect him to be a double digit scorer that can dime teammates up in transition. Carson Woods The big body guard is one of three guys that can be X factors on any night. He’s vocal and shows leadership skills throughout his play. He’s a physical offensive guard that can handle the ball and take contact on his way to the rim. Woods will be there to pick up his teammates and provide energy throughout a tough season. [player_tooltip player_id="962457" first="Sam" last="Ducksworth"] Ducksworth is a grit and grind guy. He’s a starter with his real value being the intangibles he brings to the court. The junior scores within the offense & defends. As a strong, athletic guard, he’ll help as a rebounder and keep second chances alive. The green devils have one of the best big cores in the area. They may not be overly tall, but there are four physical guys between 6’5 and 6’6 that compete. At 6’5 Dylan Kramer has a strong wide frame that helps him operate in the paint. Kramer isn’t the most offensively gifted player, but he plays hard and fights every possession. The junior throws his weight around, rebounds against size, and mucks up the game for opposing bigs. As a sophomore he started for St. Pete averaging a double digit rebounds. Expect him to bring toughness to the starting unit every night. He finishes well around the basket even with size around him. Kramer is an high academic guy holding a 4.3 GPA. At 6’6 Jason Hollenberg is tough, has a nose for the ball, and is a good athlete. His length and vertical pop help him finish around the basket. On the defensive end, he uses his size and verticality to protect the rim. He uses his wide but slight frame to jam opponents on the block.