SIAA Season Preview
Preseason classics are approaching in a few weeks for the FHSAA and the regular season officially begins on November 25. Before that all starts, the SIAA will open up its season in early November. After that, we will bring you…
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Continue ReadingPreseason classics are approaching in a few weeks for the FHSAA and the regular season officially begins on November 25.
Before that all starts, the SIAA will open up its season in early November.
After that, we will bring you previews on all seven classes in the state of Florida and the independent conferences.
Here’s a look at the national SIAA teams.
2018-19 state champion: The Rock
2018-19 runner-up: West Oaks
The Rock
With consecutive SIAA state titles under its belt, The Rock is looking for a 3-Peat under head coach Justin Harden. This is a different look for the Lions program. However, there are some key pieces back in the fold for the Gainesville team.
—2020 6’5″ guard Alec Oglesby, a Cleveland State commit is the top all-around talent back with his ability to connect from deep with ease, attack the rim and set up his squad with his good ball movement. 2021 6’3″ guard Kyle Duke is in his second year at The Rock after coming down from Canada. He’s drawing interest from Division I programs (Wake Forest, USF, UCF, Harvard, FGCU, Yale, Winthrop & Georgia Tech) and is the top creator for this offense.
—New faces in the mix are two 2020 Florida kids in 6′ guard Jalen Speer, a transfer from PK Yonge who holds offers from FAMU and Presbyterian and 6’8″ forward Lenzy Hancock, a transfer from University Christian who has offers from FAMU, UNF and Jacksonville. Both players are natural scorers and already fit in well in this offense. A pair of Georgia athletes are now at The Rock: 2020 6’3″ guard Kendall Latney, a transfer from Mill Creek, who holds an offer from Bryant and 2021 6’8″ forward Atraiel Washington, a transfer from Camden County. Also, two youngsters to keep an eye on are 2024 6’6″ forward Ryan Jones and 2023 5’9″ guard Seth Childers.
West Oaks
Under the guidance of Kenny Gillion and Diana Gillion, West Oaks is reloaded once again with a trio of players returning and a new cast of athletes to build around.
—2020 6’5″ guard Selton Miguel, a Kansas State commit is the best playmaker and leader for the Flame and he is certainly in charge of a lot with this offense. Two other key prospects are back in 2021 6’1″ guard AJ Neal (24 offers including UCF, USF, Georgetown, FSU, Oklahoma State & TCU) and 2022 6’7″ forward Fray Nguimbi (Offers from Alabama, USF, Stetson, Iowa State, Arkansas Little Rock & Southeastern Louisiana). Neal is a shooter who is making more plays as an attacker while Nguimbi is a long forward full of burst and tenacity as a shotblocker.
—Top additions to West Oaks are 2020 6’5″ guard AJ Staton-McCray, a transfer from Blanche Ely who has offers from Louisiana Tech, DePaul, Appalachian State, Missouri Kansas City, Illinois State and Northeastern. 2020 6’5″ guard Jadrian Tracey transferred in from Riverdale after playing at Oldsmar Christian last season. He has a quartet of offers from Murray State, FIU, Tennessee Tech & Canisius. Both Staton-Mccray and Tracey are bigger-bodied guards who serve as smooth operators, who can shoot the rock and create for themselves and others.
—Other new faces to watch: 2022 6’8″ forward Moh Sabiu (moved to the US in January from Ghana and has since earned offers from Southeastern Louisiana, Stetson, Louisiana Monroe and Edward Waters. 2020 6’6′ forward Carl Bigord, a transfer from Schoolhouse Prep who has an offer from James Madison. 2020 6’7 forward Kobe Gibbs, a transfer from Oldsmar Christian and 2020 6’2 guard Zackary White, a transfer from Rickards are important bench pieces.
Central Pointe Christian
The core is back for Central Pointe Christian under the guidance of Richie Dalmau and Carlos Morales Jr. This is a deep and very in-sync group.
—2020 6’6″ guard Victor Rosa (offers from Vermont, UNF, Virginia Tech, Fresno State, USF, Oklahoma State, Arkansas State, FAU, FIU, Arizona State, FGCU, Austin Peay & FGCU) has been the mainstay in terms of his shooting ability and scoring prowess. 2021 6’6″ guard Ramses Melendez (offers from UMass, Rhode Island, St. John’s, USF, FAU, Oklahoma State & UF) had a huge summer with Team Parsons and is dunking with ease on top of his steady jumper. 2020 6’9″ forward Jonathan Aybar (UNF commit) continues to get his footwork better and provide endless energy down low as a slasher and shot blocker.
—2020 6’3″ guard Luis Rolon broke out late in the summer earning four offers from Stetson, FGCU, Coastal Carolina & UMass and his high IQ passing and strong frame separates him from many. Coming over from Mali, Africa is 2021 6’9″ forward Modibo Sanogo (offers from Stetson and Siena) and he instantly brings size and physicality to this team. 2020 6’6″ forward Harry Sosa (offer from Arkansas State) rounds out the White Tigers squad with his versatility as a defender and shooter.
Victory Rock
Loren Jackson has his group of guards and forwards to build around from last season.
—2021 6′ guard Kevin “Boopie” Miller (offers from DePaul, Illinois Chicago) is a speedy and talented point man. 2022 6’8″ forward Prince Mosengo is destined to break out with his ability to shoot as a big and take on bigger defenders inside. 2020 6’7″ Mohamadou Mbow is an essential piece inside with his strength and shot blocking ability. 2021 6’4″ guard Tyler Delevante came down from Canada a season ago and played a nice 1B role to current UMass freshman and lead Victory Rock point guard Kolton Mitchell in 2019. Also, 2021 6’5″ guard Curtis Butler transferred over from Booker and provides a ton of IQ and ability to push the ball on the break.
Potter’s House Christian
This is a much different looking Potter’s House Christian team under coach Stephen McLaughlin.
—2020 6’4″ guard Mayoum Mayoum (Wyoming, McNeese State, Georgetown, Canisius, Mississippi State & Stetson) is back for his second year with the program after coming in from DME. A trio of athletes arrived from out of state to suit up for the Lions: 2020 6’7″ forward Brandon Harris (Elon commit), a transfer from Georgia Sol. C Johnson, 2020 6’0″ forward Valentin Catt (offers from Stetson, Milwaukee, James Madison, New Orleans, Oral Roberts, Tulsa & McNeese State), a transfer from Texas Orangefield and 2021 6’1″ guard TJ Toney, a transfer from Kentucky Aspire Academy. Potter’s House has a good collective group that should fare well in SIAA play this season.
Oldsmar Christian
Jordan Fair is back as the head coach at Oldsmar Christian and he told me he is excited about this season ahead while also calling it a rebuilding year. The Eagles have some nice pieces in place with a whole slew of new faces.
—2020 6’3″ guard Khalil Shaheed (offers from Morgan State, IUPUI, Elon, Stetson, Bethune Cookman, FAU and James Madison) made the move over from Superior Collegiate and is the clear top playmaker for this Oldsmar Christian squad. 2020 6′ guard Jerry Vaughn transferred in from Georgia Cumberland Christian and Fair says he thinks he’ll finish as the top point guard in the SIAA.
—Other players to monitor are: 2021 6’6″ forward Javaris Patterson (the lone returnee from a year ago). Superior Collegiate transfers, 2020 6’1″ guard Josh Frazier and 2020 5’10” guard Murad Berrian will bring seasoned ballhandling and slashing to the table. A trio of transfers came in from Tampa Catholic: 2020 6’4″ guard Angel Muniz, 2020 6’7″ forward Roque Diaz (sat out last year due to injury) and 2021 6’1″ guard Ahmad Edmonds. Lastly, there is 2023 6’3″ guard Woody Machado who Fair says he believes will be the top freshman by the end of the season.
Downey Christian
Gary Clemons has taken over Downey Christian with 2020 guard Julian Newman now over at newly found Prodigy Prep. He was a former assistant for the Patriots and calls this a rebuilding stage for his team.
—It is a brand new cast that features two steady guards in 2021 6′ Jaythan Bosch, a transfer from New Hampshire Central and 2020 6’1″ Josh Walton, from Canada originally and previously with Montverde CBD. If you google Bosch, ironically enough you find videos of him going 1-on-1 with Newman at camps from a year or two ago and he has clear quick handles. As for Bosch, he is a really good confident shooter.
—Other prospects to watch at Downey Christian are: 2020 6’4″ forward Marteece Hayes, a transfer from Lake Howell, 2022 6’4″ forward Marvin Windom and 2021 6′ guard Devonte Taylor, a transfer from Winter Park.