Noble Neophytes
Mike Cooper, Ball4Lyfe
The 6-foot-2 guard is an absolute 3-point rainmaker. He showed this on a number of stages recently, most notably Palm Beach State camp.
Similar to Chance Dixon of Santaluces, Cooper is lethal for his consistency and fearless green light.
The way Cooper is able to spark runs and also avoid maddening droughts or streakiness pumps promise into the Class of 2022 prospect’s future.
While he still has a ways to go physically, Cooper has the IQ and fearlessness to play meaningful varsity minutes (and produce) before we know it.
Kaleb Thornton, Woodstock Acad.
The 6-foot, Class of 2019 guard is bolt-quick. He’s bolstered by bouncy athleticism, an attribute which makes him well suited for the breakneck style enforced at Woodstock.
Thornton recently earned offers from Manhattan and St. Peter’s. A drive-first attacker, Thornton will subscribe to the role of facilitator at Woodstock this season.
“He’s quick, he’s ultra athletic and he’s kind of like Joe Kaspersyzk,” explained head coach Tony Bergeron, who employs a deep system which enables him to play 14 guys comfortably.
“He distributes and he jumps to the moon.”
Lynn Kidd, The Rock School
Playing off instinct and a very good feel for the game, Kidd has evolved into a defensive backbone for head coach Justin Hardin at The Rock.
His knack for blocking, manipulating, and altering the trajectory of shots has made him an adequate rim protector.
At 6-foot-9 and plenty capable of interior scoring, the Class of 2021 Kidd is in the process of diversifying his offensive tool set.
He’s leaning more on his mid range game. He’s also tuned up a work in progress 3-point shot, becoming more consistent while establishing a quicker release.
A high ceiling prospect, Kidd was recently offered by Ole Miss.
Caeser Linarez, Mater Lakes Academy
Possessing the wealth of experience and poise that comes with the territory of being a two-year starter, Linarez averaged 14 points and five assists this summer.
He’s got all the tools necessary to be an ideal senior point guard, given his tightened handle and ability to see the floor and communication.
Landon Martinez, Mater Lakes Acad.
At 6-foot-8 and with a knack for hustle points, Martinez has the chance to be one of the top bigs and arguably the highest impact transfer in the Miami area next season.
Out of Los Angeles, Martinez averaged eight points and a team-best 16 boards under coach Juan Urbina during the summer league.
He’s got big, soft hands and a sheer nose for 50-50 balls. While his face up game and back to the rim game is still very much a work in progress, Martinez has the size and instinctive style to be very special in the 2019 class this coming season.
Hanley Poy, Mater Lakes Acad.
While he’s a tad undersized as a 6-foot-3 four man, Poy makes up for what he lacks in frontline height with toughness and unbridled energy.
He’s a consistent presence on the glass, as he averaged 12 points and 12 boards throughout the summer league.
Kamari Ware, BK Law & Tech
The 6-foot guard has a smooth as silk stroke and has proven he can handle tough defense and heightened pressure.
These factors have propelled the 6-foot guard into a starter’s role under coach Mike Levy and Kenny Pretlow next season. He’s improved with his quickness and ability to guard both backcourt positions.