Fall League: Blanche Ely adds key transfer Hazelton
FORT LAUDERDALE — Malachi Hazelton, a top-15 Massachusetts Class of 2020 prospect, has transferred to Pompano Beach Blanche Ely.
The 6-foot-5 Hazelton adds size to go with talented 6-5 standout Joshua Scott (2019) and 6-4 Lance Ranier (2019).
Hazelton has been impressive in Fall League action. He takes the ball strong to the basket and is an excellent finisher. Hazelton also is an excellent defender at the rim, brings energy and communicates very well.
“Malachi is a new kid, a transfer who came in,” Ely assistant coach Reginald McNair said. “Strong guy … very athletic. He’ll play mostly inside but I think he can play outside, also.”
Blanche Ely is coming off of its fifth state championship in seven seasons. Coach Melvin Randall (below) and Co. went 24-8 in 2017-18, romping past St. Johns Creekside, 77-54, for the FHSAA Class 8A state title.
The Tigers lost star guard Michael Forrest to graduation. Forrest signed with FAU.
REMEMBER THE NAME KERVENS: Somerset Prep-North Lauderdale senior Kervens Herman can score from all over the floor — inside and out. Herman is a transfer from Hallandale. “A lot of teams underestimate us,” coach Shantel Haye said of 3A Somerset. “We’re a pretty young team, a young school. But they’re coming along well. I think it’s just more of them believing in themselves.”
INJURY SIDELINES DOANE: Calvary Christian Academy 6-2 senior guard Alex Doane will be out 3-5 more weeks with a fractured fibula, according to coach Cilk McSweeney. Doane averaged 6. 5 points a game a season ago for the Fort Lauderdale program. Calvary pretty much has the same group from last year but appears to have grown. Look for big seasons from Tim Dalger (2019) and Gregg Glenn (2022). The Eagles added Jahmari Sylvester (2020) from Douglas.
NEW COACH, NEW PIECES: Cardinal Gibbons has a new coach in Devin Barta. And Gibbons has a few new pieces to play with in Suncoast transfer Isaiah Edden (2020), Westminster Academy transfer Troy Boynton (2021) and freshman Kamdyn Ayers. “Championships aren’t won in the fall but you know you can really get yourself more prepared for the season by taking on the best in the fall as you get prepared,” Barta said.
If you have high school basketball news, you can reach Pat Lammer via e-mail at PatALammer@Gmail.com or via text at 954-661-9671.