Florida Regional Playoffs: 4A Preview
The regional round is here and with that, we take a look at the top teams, sleeper teams to watch and top players from Class 4A. Here is the preview. Top four teams (one from each region) Providence The Stallions…
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Continue ReadingThe regional round is here and with that, we take a look at the top teams, sleeper teams to watch and top players from Class 4A.
Here is the preview.
Top four teams (one from each region)
Providence
The Stallions (22-5) are destined to make a far run with UAB commit Zack Bryant at the forefront. The senior guard is joined by seniors, guard Kyle Marion and wing Jacorie Archie as the trio of 2017 leaders. Junior forward Will Erickson can score at will when needed. With 13 wins in a row, Providence is rolling. P.K. Yonge is the biggest threat in region one.
First Academy
The Royals have one blemish on their record, a 50-49 loss to 7A Edgewater. At this time last year, First Academy (27-1) charged into in the 3A state semifinals to Westminster. With seniors Chaundee Brown, Malik William, Elijah Jordan and Greg Summers are very talented players. Brown is a Wake Forest commit, who is an old school athlete and hard worker. Seffner Christian will try to knock off the Royals in the region final next week.
Westminster
Paul Atkinson is headed to Yale, but the senior forward is looking for one final trophy on his shelf, a state title. The Lions (25-4) fell in last year’s 3A championship 62-58 to a strong Windermere Prep program. Junior guard Zach Scott and senior forward Jason Strong are key players for this group. Dudley Blackwell is a rising freshman that is fun to watch. In region three, Westminster can get there.
Archbishop Carroll
It has been smooth sailing for the Bulldogs this season. At 27-2, the only losses came in overtime to 8A Mater and 5A Calvary Christian. Archbishop Carroll has put together 16 victories in a row which included a convincing 60-20 rout of Florida Christian in last weekend’s district final. Senior Christian Silva, junior Gus Deribeaux and senior Daniel Cordero are the feature trio. This team made it to the 3A state semifinal last season before losing to eventual champion Windermere Prep. The Bulldogs are a strong squad.
Sleeper teams to watch
Seffner Christian
The Crusaders (22-6) have eight seniors including Derek Webster, Donald Jorden and Reid Walker. Darius Lue, Bryson Grasse and Chrisitan Noskey are three other 2017 prospects who find ways to make plays. Seffner Christian upended Admiral Farragut in Saturday’s district final. They’ll host Orangewood Christian on Thursday and with a win that sets up a possible region final with First Academy.
Admiral Farragut
Speaking of Admiral Farragut, the Blue Jackets (17-3) have a brutally tough region semifinal against First on Thursday. Junior guard Winston Dessesow and senior guard Cross Meehan each had 18 points in the district final loss to Seffner Christian. Junior wing Dre Fuller returns for this game. Jeremiah Zio is a senior big man who is a rock solid defender. Fuller gives Admiral Farragut a fighting chance against First.
P.K. Yonge
The Blue Wave have been steady all year up in Gainesville. At 18-7, P.K. Yonge handled Maclay to capture the district crown this past weekend. Sophomore Byron Smith, junior Will Banks and freshman Jalen Speer are the three headed monster for this team. Senior Jevon Boswell is also a player to monitor. The Blue Wave host Bishop Snyder on Thursday and a victory would mean a likely final against Providence.
Palmer Trinity
Sophomore Zach Friedland and junior David Cuellar are the two main offensive weapons for the Falcons (21-9). Palmer Trinity snuck past Palm Glades Prep in the district final. Junior Sebastian Diaz and sophomore Gary Bess are also a pair of nice contributors. It won’t be an easy task to come out of region four with Archbishop Carroll there, but the Falcons should be able to defeat Florida Christian in Thursday’s region semifinal.
Top players
Chaundee Brown (First Academy)
Zack Bryant (Providence)
Malik William (First Academy)
Paul Atkinson (Westminster)
Kevin Veygel (Orangewood Christian)
Ben Lubarsky (Benjamin)
Corey Walker (Bishop Snyder)
Byron Smith (P.K. Yonge)
Tyler Polley (Sagemont)
Christian Silva (Archbishop Carroll)
Photo credit: Sun Sentinel