SIAA Season Preview (Part 2)
Preseason classics are approaching in a few weeks for the FHSAA and the regular season officially begins on November 26.
Before that all starts, the SIAA will open up its season in early November.
After that, we will bring you previews on all nine classes in the state of Florida and the independent conferences.
Here’s a look at the SIAA north.
ICYMI: South (Part 1)
2017-18 state champion: The Rock
2017-18 runner-up: Victory Rock
North
Potter’s House Christian
—Outside of 2019 6’3″ guard Marsei Caston (USF, VCU and UMass among his 16 offers) this is a revamped and deep Potter’s House Christian group.
—2020 6’4″ guard Mayoum Mayoum (Georgetown, Mississippi State and Stetson among his four offers) and 2020 6’5″ guard Keano Calderon (UAB, FAU and Stetson among his six offers) came over from DME together. They are dynamic guards who like to attack and distribute.
—A trio of 2019 prospects arrived there with 6’3″ guard Taelon Martin (UConn, Rutgers and Penn State among his offers), 6’5″ guard Thomasi Gilgeous-Alexander (South Carolina, New Mexico, Fresno State among his offers) and 6’7″ forward Dontavius King (College of Charleston commit). These three are athletic, long and blazing fast.
DME
—A new look DME group brought in the No. 1 ranked 2021 prospect in Florida, per Prep Hoops in 6’10” forward Moussa Diabate (Miami, UNLV, Georgia Tech and Memphis among his offers). The reliable shooter is long and dangerous on both ends of the floor.
—Joining him are 2019 guards Malcolm Farrington (a 6’3″ athlete committed to Arkansas State) and Kmani Doughty (a 6’6″ athlete committed to New Orleans). Also, 2019 guard/forward Wilkenson Isnord will suit up and bring size at his 6’7″ frame.
—Four other names to remember are 2019 6’8″ forward Vadim Clanet, 2020 guard Freddy Johnson and 2021 athletes Elhadji Moth Seck, a 6’11” forward and Cherif Kanoute, a 6’5″ combo guard. They’ll be the guys this team builds around Diabate for year’s to come.
Downey Christian
—One of the most well known basketball players in the state and perhaps the country is Julian Newman. He’s been playing varsity for quite awhile. Fresh off a sophomore campaign where he averaged 33.7 PPG, the 2020 guard will be asked to do more of the same this season for Downey Christian.
—A recent transfer to the program is a promising player in 2021 6’3″ guard Emmanuel Maldonado. He has the length and shooting ability to fit right in.
—Three 2019 athletes will be asked to do plenty for this group in 6’6″ guard/forward Eduardo Peralta (23 PPG as a junior), 6’3″ guard Carlos Felix and 6’3″ guard Kirin Hill.
The Rock
—The defending SIAA state champions added 2019 FSU commit Zimife Nwojeki, a 6’8″ forward who can score in a variety of ways as a ballhandler or spot up shooter. 2020 6’4″ guard Alec Oglesby (UNF, USF and DePaul offers) came down to The Rock from Georgia. 2020 6’7″ forward Amaree McGriff did as well.
—One of the biggest risers of late is 2021 6’10” forward Lynn Kidd (Wake Forest, UF, Xavier and Georgia Tech are among his top offers). Based off of his shooting and slashing ability, he’s an advanced big who is improving by the day. It is no surprise that colleges are taking notice.
—A quartet of 2019 prospects were crucial to the team’s success a season ago in 6’0″ point guard Bryan Greenlee (Columbia, Iowa State and Arkansas State offers), 5’10” guard Trey McCray, 6’5″ wing Jaden Campbell and 6’10” forward Dardan Kapiti (FAU commit).
Inspire
—The lead dog for Inspire is 2020 guard Khalyl Simmons. The 6’3″ scorer isn’t afraid to pull the trigger often and he has a very quick release which is dangerous.
—Three fellow 2020 athletes are going to be crucial to Inspire’s flow in 6’8″ forward Jabez Thomas, 6’3″ guard/forward Demoi Bradley and 5’10” guard Jalil Melvin. Inspire always plays tough ball regardless of who they go up against.
Central Pointe Christian
—A pair of 2020 starters, 6’6″ point guard Victor Rosa (FGCU, FIU, FAU, Wake Forest, Austin Peay and Arkansas State offers) and 6’9″ forward Jonathan Aybar (FGCU and FIU offers) have made some noise as of late.
—2020 6’6″ forward Harry Sosa (Arkansas State offer), 2020 6’2″ guard Luis Rolon and 2019 6’2″ guard Jerial Zayas all contribute to the quick tempo that Central Pointe Christian employs.
—Three other names to focus on are a pair of lengthy 2021 prospects in 6’6″ guard Ramses Melendez and 6’9″ forward Diego Romero and 2019 scrappy and tough nosed defender and slasher 6’0″ guard Nestlee Quinones.