Palmetto 2018-19 season preview
With excellent length and athleticism, the Palmetto Panthers are primed for what could be a special 2018-19 season.
The Panthers return seven players from a roster which went 21-5 last season before bowing out in the districts (9A-16) against Homestead.
During summer ball, Palmetto has racked up impressive wins including vs. Leesburg and Lakeland at USF.
Assistant coach Steven Lopez, the brother of junior guard Jordan Lopez, expects Palmetto to contend for a regional championship and reach the state tournament.
“Defensively we can give teams hell. We’re long and aggressive. Offensively we’re going to create better chemistry,” Lopez said. “Coach [Marcos] Molina is putting in a new dribble-drive system. It will be great for the kids that can finish at the basket and it will open up shots for our shooters.”
Here’s a look at the Palmetto roster, with comments from Lopez on each player:
Seniors
Joey Martinez (6-foot-6)
“He’s a lefty, very long and is very strong at attacking the basket. He’s starting to develop a mid-range and 3-point shot that will keep the defenders honest. Has been contacted by Florida Gulf Coast, Barry University, University of North Florida.”
Alex Rodriguez (6-foot-6)
“He’s stocky and can just jump out of the gym. He’s tough and a very good rebounder. We’re trying to help extend his shooting range out a little bit. Right now he’s a post presence. Is getting interest from Division III and NAIA schools.”
Gary Best (6-foot-4)
“That kid is going to be a stud. He does a little bit of everything. He can jump. He can shoot. He can dribble. He can play point, shooting guard and small forward. He’ll be a huge glue piece and a huge factor.”
Jovan Debrito (6-foot-1)
“He might be the best shooter in Dade County. Just last year he’s had three games of five threes or more and two games with six threes. He’s shooting above 45 percent from the three-point line.”
Juniors
Kentron Poitier (6-foot-5)
“Our most highly touted kid. He’s really, really long and jumps out the gym. He literally flies. He’s a great defender and a freak athlete. He’s played for Nike Team Florida and a little bit for Showtime Hoops out of Orlando. As of right now you have University of Florida, USF, Austin Peay as some of the schools that have expressed interest.”
Martin Mercedes (5-foot-11)
“He might be the fastest point guard in Miami-Dade County. He’s probably the best defensive guard in Dade County. He averaged like three or four steals this summer. He’s just a pure point guard that gets the whole team into rhythm and is a leader through his words and actions. Long Beach State has reached out about him.”
Jordan Lopez (6-foot-2)
“Along with Jovan he’s one of the best shooters in Dade County. He plays for my travel team, Gold Coast and led the team in scoring at 15 points a game. This summer Jordan has shot 48 percent from three. He has a scorer’s mentality at the two-guard position. Long Beach State has reached out about him.”
Sophomore
Marcos Molina Jr. (6-foot)
“He’s going to be the toughest point guard in Dade County by the time he becomes a senior. He’s literally a tough nosed kid offensively and defensively. He inspires his teammates. He’s a true leader. He does a great job running the second unit and when he gets chances with the first unit.”