Game On The Rise: Miami
James Henderson, Westminster Christian
The Class of 2019 prospect has the opportunity to be one of the city’s elite shot blockers and rim protectors next season. A true interior banger with size and grit in the trenches, Henderson was a supplementary piece last season. He’s got the potential to be a true double double threat this season.
Protecting the goal and also altering the trajectory of shots and influencing countless others with his physicality are intriguing attributes of the big fella.
Alex Rodriguez, Palmetto
The 6-foot-6 high riser possesses a unique skill-set, especially with turning in athletic plays near the rim.
He’s got a stealth ability to get free and elude his defender, consistently finding ways to be on the receiving end of alley oops. He plays with unbridled energy and has nary a trace of hesitation when scoring between a defender and the basket.
Rodriguez has become more adept at threading through defenders on reverse lay-ins. His knack for getting after it on the defensive glass has made him a key big to keep tabs on this ensuing season.
Tedarrius Davis, Miami High Class of 2021
The sophomore is extremely raw, but has come a long way in becoming a true rim protector who can really steer the driving lanes clear. He averaged a whopping eight blocks per game at one point last season, actively swatting and influencing numerous shots per game.
While his motor has improved by leaps and bounds, Davis still needs to tweak his game in the skill compartments. If he can develop a consistent shot and back down smaller defenders, he would really catapult his stock as a sophomore this season.
Craig Starks, Miami Beach
Built like a blacksmith, the 6-foot-6 Starks had an immediate impact as a freshman at Mater Lakes last season. The Class of 2021 averaged 10 points and displayed exemplary rebounding at times, proving to be an adequate supplementary piece to prolific scoring guard Cyrus Largie.
Starks’ natural defensive ability and athleticism makes him a safe bet to provide a two-way threat at Miami Beach, where he’ll immediately inherit a more significant offensive role. He’ll have the chance to be a featured scorer from the get-go and become multi-positional offensively. It is certainly not too much too soon for Starks, who showed flashes as a freakish freshman last season.
Myquel Noel, American
The bulldozing Class of 2019 forward will be on constant double double watch next season. He’s had games where he really imposes his will, collecting double doubles and really scoring at a frenetic pace in the interior. He can score on hustle points and at point-blank while also using his size to back down smaller defenders into the post.
Noel’s high percentage scoring and ability to get free for stickbacks are his most unique assets as a player. In a world where many rim to rim bigs with a style predicated on versatility and finesse thrive, Noel is very much a throwback. His workmanlike and bullish style propels him into a leadership role in 2018-19.
Jimel Lane, Florida Lightning
It is rare that a player will catapult to the ESPN Top-10 plays before he even enters high school. Yet Lane, who loves to play downhill and has thunderous vertical leaping ability, broke a backboard to garner some national fanfare and exposure recently.
Lane’s scoring aptitude at all three levels, length, and athleticism are factors which pump tremendous promise into this Class of 2022 prospect’s future. He was especially notable in Las Vegas this summer, where he supplied blanketing defense while also serving as the offensive focal point. Beyond getting out in transition and finishing with a full head of steam, Lane showed a consistent 3-point stroke and the ability to create for himself off the dribble. This year will present intriguing task for him, a major barometer in how well he fares against varsity level competition as a freshman.
Jose Luis Benitez, Schoolhouse Prep
The 6-foot-1 guard understands the quarterback role. He’s become a facilitator who understands the intricacies of spacing, finding the open man, and doling out the right passes that will initiate the action and get his teammates involved. He’s the type of sturdy, reliable point guard who triggers the attack first and looks for his shot second.
He’s improved as an on-ball defender and possesses the type of shiftiness and witty nature that gives him a veteran savvy out there. He’s got the look of a low-major Division-I player. If he continues to shore up gaps in his game and improve, as he’s done, the offers will take care of themselves.