5 guys you should know from the 2018 class
Article for Prep Hoops Florida by Edward Lamar
Sometimes players slip through the cracks based on low exposure or the school/ travel team playing for and sometimes guys just ride under the radar. With the season kicking off this week, I looked around to see what players coaches are game planning for but aren’t getting the notoriety they deserve.
Here’s the 5 guys:
Brandon Hill (Strawberry Crest)
Last year Hill transferred to Strawberry Crest in what looked to be the 2nd year of rebuilding for Coach Andre Lewis. In 2016, Brandon hit the court running on all cylinders averaging a double double, but stats fell to a final average of 9 points and 7 rebounds as the Chargers struggled in some stretches. He became know as a fierce rebounder, shot blocker, and all-around hustle guy. The Chargers will depend on him heavily to protect the paint and provide some sort of post presence as the young core they have matures throughout the year. At 6’7 I think he could be a good fit to the right program.
Matt Simpson (Plant City)
6’ Matt Simpson seems to have a lot of teams and players worried about facing him. With a 18-10 record, a 2nd place finish in Class 8A District 9, and 2016/ 17 stats of 15 points 4 assist 4 rebounds you think he’d garner some attention from colleges. Simpson is a blue collar versatile guard. This year he will be featured as a off guard after spending the season last year as the teams point. When asking teammates and opposing players about his play, the common response is “that’s just Matt” as is if he’ll find a way to get the job done no matter what. The Raiders have a big match up with Lakewood Ranch this weekend so I’m eager to see him on the big stage.
Rod Boggan (Kathleen)
Averaging 24 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals isn’t an easy task but Bogan did it and is expected to do even better this season. After 2 years at Lake Gibson, this is his 2nd season at Kathleen and his second head coach at Kathleen. Under Coach Shaw, the Red Devils will play an up in your face type of defense and up-tempo style of offense. Bogan will excel in this style due to his strong ball handling ability, precise shooting, and never quit attitude. This kid is a gym rat and his play will speak for itself.
DJ Henderson (Wharton)
Having a 6’5 PG is rare in the Tampa area, but Wharton has a big playmaker ready for a breakout year. Henderson has had to wait until his senior season to become a starter. It hasn’t been because of lack of talent; it’s just Wharton has produced lots of top talent that he had to play behind. He has also played with some talented travel teams in CP 25 Florida and Team Tampa. The lengthy guard has great vision, a smooth shot, and the knowledge to get the job done. Henderson is a high honor roll student athlete and his interest and offers are sure to mount up as the season continues.
Tyrick Brascom (Tampa Bay Tech)
Brascom has developed into the ultimate competitor, a strong leader, and his production is off the charts going into his final season of high school. Last year he averaged 17 points 8 assist 4 rebounds and 4 steals which helped Tech finish with a record of 23-1. The Titans like to play as fast as possible and Tyrick is the guy who pressures the ball and keeps pressure on defenses. Coaches and players fear the playmaker because of his quickness and ability to create for others that made him responsible for 60 % of the team’s offense.
These 5 guys will leave their mark on the game, every game. Their stats this season could rearrange history for each school. I’m certain that the interest and offers will pick up and several awards will be won individually.