PCAC Preseason Predictions: South Division First Team

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Pinellas County Athletic Conference features plenty of talent heading into the upcoming boys basketball season. Here are my preseason predictions for the South Division's first team, highlighting five players who are expected to make a major impact for their teams this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3557224"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ae0d5e25d496"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Perkins has continued to evolve as a player and enters his senior season as a key piece of the Gibbs offense. He has become a more effective downhill attacker in both transition and the half court, consistently finding ways to get to the rim and finish over bigger defenders. Perkins has been a knockdown shooter throughout his career, with his off-ball creation continuing to improve. As the lead guard, his ability to facilitate and get his teammates involved will be essential to Gibbs' success. He's also made strides defensively this offseason, becoming more active and physically stronger.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2397093"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ae0d5e25d4fc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Brown is coming off a dominant season that helped put him on the map as one of the state's top players. After a strong first year at Boca Ciega, he led the team in all major statistical categories while carrying the program to its first state semifinal appearance since 2002. His production and impact were a major part of that run, and he'll look to build on that success heading into the new season. Brown has also committed to the University of Tulsa, giving the Golden Hurricane a talented player to look forward to adding after his high school career.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2194483"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ae0d5e25d543"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Harris enters his junior season coming off another strong offseason, highlighted by a Peach Jam championship with the Florida Rebels 17U team. He's been one of Pinellas County's top players since his freshman season and remains a nightmare matchup because of his scoring ability and size. Harris has been working to become more comfortable as a primary ball handler and a more active on-ball defender, adding to his already strong interior defensive presence. His catch and shoot ability has continued to improve, which will be valuable with another talented player alongside him this season. With less pressure to carry the entire offense, Harris has an opportunity to become a more efficient scorer while continuing to attract college attention.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2294540"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ae0d5e25d58b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Williams is an athletic wing with a strong frame and the tools to make an impact on both ends of the floor. He's been putting in work on his mechanics and ball handling, and looks to make a jump offensively for Gibbs in his senior season. Williams is already an excellent finisher around the rim, and his explosiveness and agility make him a difficult matchup for opposing defenses. He's also continued to improve as a jump shooter, giving him another way to contribute offensively. With his combination of athleticism and two-way potential, Williams will be an important piece as Gibbs looks to establish themselves among the top teams in the Tampa Bay area once again.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2397083"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ae0d5e25d5d0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ahlers is an effortless scorer who plays with a strong feel for the game and rarely forces the action. His composure allows him to operate at his own pace, regardless of the defender in front of him, while his size as a guard/wing gives him different ways to create scoring opportunities. His athleticism can catch defenders off guard, especially when he rises up to finish around the rim. Ahlers brings value on the defensive end as well, where his ability to block shots and move his feet well adds another dimension to his game. After transferring to Osceola for his senior season, he has an opportunity to take on a major role and showcase what he can do. He's a player who deserves more attention from college programs heading into the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->