South Florida’s Underrated
While some of Fort Lauderdale and Miami’s heavy hitters have generated national visibility and headlines already, several lesser-known programs have been making noise across the area.
While some of these programs may not have the same strength of schedule, personnel, or highly-touted prospects, the talent is certainly not in short supply.
Mikal Starks, Palmetto: The severely unsung Class of 2018 guard continues to stake his claim as one of South Florida’s most prolific scorers. He’s also not equated with the same star power as others, an aspect which should certainly change soon. Starks was the engine that propelled Palmetto to a win over Norland in AAA action, scoring 20 points. In Palmetto’s season opener, Starks scorched Killian to the tune of 33 points in a 73-68 win. He added five assists and six steals in this dazzling season-opener.
Starks has a flair for high-pressure occasions. He proved this last year when he hit a game-winner to beat Coral Gables in a triple overtime thriller. The Miami Rebels product is averaging 26.5 points, 5.5 assists, and 5.0 steals in the early going. Can he sustain this monstrous pace throughout the 2017-18 campaign and are these performances a harbinger of what is to come?
Victor Hart, North Miami Senior High:
Victor Hart gave an efficient account of himself at the Hoophall Invitational, showing both his versatility and ability to grab rebounds. Expect the veritable walking double double to lead by example for North Miami. The bouncy 6-foot-6 forward, who is constantly in attack mode and thrives in the transition attack, scored 22 points, grabbed 10 boards, and pickpocketed four steals during a recent Hoophall Invite performance. Mobile forward is underappreciated.
Bryce Oliver, Dillard
6-foot-3, 205-pound guard is known for his prodigious playmaking ability as a receiver. He’s additionally made a name for himself on the court. Oliver’s 18 points helped propel Dillard to a 71-49 victory over Oxbridge in the annual Kreul Classic.