Eye Openers: Florida
In this article:
Michael Ingraham, Dwyer
The stocky 5-foot-10 guard has gone from being a shooter with a deft long range stroke to an all around scorer. Conventional wisdom indicates that Ingraham’s leadership role next season will entail adapting to the role of facilitator, scorer, and multi-positional defender.
Ingraham had several notable performances last season, including a 13 point effort during a 59-49 win over Ridge View (S.C.). Now an adept slasher and dependable 3-point trigger man, Ingraham will be tasked with filling the leadership void left by now-graduated Class of 2018 seniors Miles Coleman and several others. Few were cognizant of the high-scoring Coleman’s capabilities until Dwyer went eyeball to eyeball in a heartbreaking loss to University School during the Suncoast tournament.
Felipe Doria, Orlando Christian Prep
The 6-foot-5, 180-pound off guard is another under the radar international talent whose game improved his game at IMG and is now headed to Orlando Christian Prep. A heady guard who can really stroke it, the sharpshooter joined Team AutoNation for July. While the Brazilian native is more of a role player/backup in that environment, Doria has done a significant job hitting shots and also supplying hard-nosed defense.
Locating a defender within Doria has been a pivotal factor, as locking up was once his glaring weakness. The Class of 2020 Doria’s court awareness and IQ are equally notable aspects of his game.
Wilkenson “Kenny” Isnord, Blanche Ely
The uber athletic 6-foot-8 forward has some explosiveness to him. He’s very capable above the rim and has a knack for turning in those momentum-bolstering finishes. Isnord’s hustle and status as a one dribble, attack the rim threat has recently attracted new head coach Michael Fly and Florida Gulf Coast University. FGCU, which offered yesterday, has the type of quick-paced and above the rim style that would appeal to a guy of Isnord’s style.
While he still needs to pack on some polish to the skill set he already has, few players in Florida can catch the ball and instantly power up to the rim in the powerful fashion Isnord does. Buffalo, Austin Peay, Stetson, Florida Atlantic, Tennessee Tech, St. Bonaventure, Appalachian State and others have all plunked down scholarship offers for The Class of 2019 prospect. Isnord’s high-soaring athleticism and ability to defend the goal with both hands ooze of potential.
Noah Farrakahn, IMG Academy
The Class of 2020 prospect is springboard bouncy and bolt quick. Playing for a loaded Nike Team Florida that’s had its fair share of in-house issues, Farrakhan has developed into a hard-driving guard who loves to attack the teeth of the defense and finish.
Energetic and charismatic as a point guard and team leader, Farrakhan has the upside of a Trevon Duval type. His adeptness in how he finesses to the rim is the most notable facet of his game. If he can develop a dependable 3-point shot and become more consistent with his shooting, he can anticipate more offers from national heavy hitters. Farrakhan’s smooth game is predicated on some flash, albeit he might need to dial it down a bit as he eventually assimilates to a more controlled environment in college.
Ray Barnes, Central Florida (JUCO)
The big 6-foot-5 guard is a pure shooter who can finish around the rim with either hand. On a College of Central Florida team that registered a 25-7 mark, Barnes was a role player as a freshman. Though he averaged just 6.8 PPG on the season, Barnes erupted during a February tear. The West Oaks Academy graduate averaged 20.0 points during a three game tear, burying 11 3-pointers in three games. Barnes kick-started this promising three game swing with a 23 point (on 9-of-16 FG) performance during a loss to Eastern Florida.
Louis Bangai, SCS
The 6-foot-11 former West Oaks forward has certainly showed flashes. During the first half of Scotland’s performance against Hargrave Military Academy (Va.), Bangai’s raw skill and ability to fly in for stick backs garnered notice. Though he’s not quite versatile yet, Bangai has length and a fluidity in running the court. If he can develop more of a skill-set to his offensive game and diversify his tool-set, he certainly has an intriguing chance to play high-major basketball.
Second chance buckets and finishing above the rim powerfully are areas in which he thrives. If he can continue to develop and score between a man and the basket more consistently, many opportunities will surely follow.
Kobe Opoku, St. John Paul II
The 6-foot-8 forward/center averaged 15 points, 10 boards, and four blocks this past season. He possesses a unique blend of length, instinct, and athleticism. While he’s been a supplemental option on the AAU scene this spring and summer, his defensive tactics and ability to alter the trajectory of shots have raised his stock. When he imposes his will, he has the potential to be a real game-changer.
At the right fit, his athleticism and ability to move in the open court and finish above the rim could be utilized immediately.
Avery Brookes, Lake Worth
A knockdown shooter and one of Palm Beach County’s most prolific scoring threats in the Class of 2019, Brookes returns as a battle tested guard with a wealth of big game experience. He enters the season as one of the few players in the County capable of dictating the flow of the game once he seizes the hot hand.
While he can play both guard positions, he’ll adjust to playing primarily off the ball as Willie “Tank” Razz assumes the leadership role. Razz may not possess the same scoring and playmaking prowess as now graduated Class of 2018 point guard Jay Medor, albeit he’s a bullish and oft-attacking guard who really energizes Lake Worth with his defensive tenacity.
Kemari Brown, Wellington
Though his shooting form is a bit cringe worthy, Brown has shown he can step outside and really hit the 3-pointer with consistency. The 6-foot-3 Class of 2020 prospect has also improved exponentially with his handle and ability to carve into the defense and finish.
Ethan Guzman, Coral Park High School
The big 6-foot-4 forward is an accurate depiction of “Mr. Everything” for head coach Alex Ordoqui. This much was evident during a junior season which saw him averaged 12 points, 10 boards, and three assists. An athletic guard/forward who seemed hell-bent on hitting the defensive glass at times last season, Guzman will surely be the go-to source this season.