Update: Florida Mr. Basketball Prospects
Vernon Carey University School
University School is bolstered by a quartet of highly touted prospects capable of demonizing foes should they get going.
None are more of a game changer and all around threat than Vernon Carey Jr. A high-profile 6-foot-9 forward with a polished face up game, the Fort Lauderdale native turned in a hyper-efficient account of himself against Panther Creek.
During the most anticipated game of the John Wall Family Foundation Holiday Invitational in Raleigh, N.C., Carey scored 26 points on a sizzling 11-for-13 field goal clip.
This was before a jam packed crowd which included the entire Duke coaching staff. Duke and UNC, among others, are vying for the services of the country’s top-ranked Class of 2019 prospect.
Elijah Weaver, Rockledge High School
The bullish, USC-bound guard has left many defenders guessing and giving chase with his relentless surges to the rim.
The hard-attacking and left-handed Class of 2018 point guard poured in a game-best 26 points en route to a signature 56-53 win over reigning 3A state champions and top-ranked Orlando Christian Prep.
Prior to this performance, Weaver shredded Westminster Academy with thunderous at and above the rim finishes during a convincing 77-57 drubbing.
Weaver and an unheralded supporting cast’s performance against high-caliber opponents at Kingdom of the Sun has propelled the program to national relevance. Quarterbacking the offense and turning in timely buckets, Weaver is the figurehead of the program’s rapid ascension.
Neftali Alvarez, Miami Christian
A pure passer with a playmaking acumen which catalyzes Miami Christian’s offense, Alvarez caters to the strengths of a deep team with his heady on-court awareness.
Alvarez has spent this season staking his claim as Florida’s best traditional point guard on this side of (Florida commit) Andrew Nembhard of Montverde Academy.
Averaging double digits in assists (10.2), Alvarez is one of the few players at this level who can actually surprise you.
He’s capable of whizzing fireball passes so beyond this level of play it’s almost astonishing he’s able to pull them off.
Alvarez scored 17 points, pulled down nine boards, and doled out seven assists in Miami Christian’s 53-49 loss to McEachern during the Tournament of Champions Holiday Classic.
Darius Days IMG Academy
No stage seems better suited for a multi-dimensional threat of Days’ fabric than the prestigious Dick’s Sporting Goods tournament in March.
The nationally televised event will showcase just how effective the manchild 6-foot-8,218-pound forward is at snatching offensive boards and finishing between a defender and the basket.
Days has improved tremendously with a more tightened handle and a knack for creating his own shot.
The LSU-signee showed his all around scoring aptitude with a monstrous 20-point and 13-board effort during the aforementioned John Wall tournament in Raleigh.
Days, who evolved into a 50-plus percent 3-point shooter during his junior year at The Rock School (Gainesville, Fla.) certainly showed a dependable 3-point stroke.
Zach Scott, Westminster Academy
On the doorstep of 2018, the electrifying 6-foot-4 guard has already put together a senior year rife with memorable moments.
The future is as intriguing as the past has been eventful for Scott, an FCGU signee with a flair for pulsating and game-changing plays under heightened pressure.
Scott scored 33 points in spearheading Westminster to a thorough 84-67 thrashing of Stranahan. In the process, Scott eclipsed the single game scoring record of the Kingdom of the Sun tournament.
A feat perhaps as special was Scott’s active hands and readiness on the defensive end. He finished with four blocks.
Nassir Little, Orlando Christian Prep
A year after emerging into a top-10 national leader in field goal percentage (hovering around 60 percent), Little continues to thrive on both sides of the ball.
The 6-foot-6, 210-pound forward has the strength and innate finishing ability to bedevil defenders at this level. Having one of the state’s best passers and game managers in Renaldo Segu getting him the ball certainly helps.
Emmitt Williams Oak Ridge
Williams’ powerful finishing ability and ferocious above the rim game have long been evident.
Aftrr playing more of a supplemental role at IMG last year, Williams inherits some ownership of this Oak Ridge team. Several double doubles have been indicative of how well suited Williams is for the centerpiece role.
If you can anticipate a 30-point, 20-rebound performance from any player in the state this season, it is Williams.