Broward County Best Bets (Part 1)
As we move into the fall, I would like to “hypothetically” list some good bets to make All-County teams at the end of the season. With transfers happening in South Florida due to Covid-19, the door has opened up for…
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Continue ReadingAs we move into the fall, I would like to “hypothetically” list some good bets to make All-County teams at the end of the season. With transfers happening in South Florida due to Covid-19, the door has opened up for more players to move into this conversation.
Look at this piece like picking the underdog horse at Gulfstream Park. While more popular picks get attention, these players could quietly produce into big winners by seasons end.
Justin ” last=”Abson”] – North Brow ard Prep
The Eagles interior is a lock to be secure with Abson pouching the offensive and defensive end. The 6-foot-9 junior cements himself in the paint with good position and can finish with either hand. Moreover, Abson has a pretty jump hook that is difficult to defend. Opponents who hesitate on him around the key will be greeted with his immediate rejection of the basketball. Abson is simply too long to not fill up the box score on both ends. Case in point, the D-1 prospect averaged 15.9 points, 12.8 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game as a sophomore. Look for him to exceed those numbers as his game continues to improve.
Kolby King Kolby King 6'2" | PG Pembroke Pines | 2022 State FL – Blanche Ely
A favorite of mine, King has all the tools to be one of the best point guards in the county. The 2022 Tiger has intangibles that a post-game write up won’t always catch. The 6-foot King is a tough, gritty defender who will hustle from the opening tip to the final buzzer. Along with the “IT” factor, King brings the numbers on the court as well. The current junior averaged 10.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 2.4 steals per game last season. When it is time to bear down in the fourth quarter, King has the heart that I want on the floor.
Update: King has since transferred to Pembroke Pines Charter.
Andrew Akuchie Andrew Akuchie 6'8" | PF St. Thomas Aquinas | 2022 State FL – St. Thomas Aquinas
Akuchie has D-1 programs on-call due to his size and athleticism. From a pure progression standpoint, few players have improved as much as the 6-foot-8 junior. Moreover, his talent on the court is mirrored in the classroom. Akuchie holds a 3.8 GPA at one of the best private schools in the nation. It is no wonder Akuchie has drawn interest from programs like Yale University. Whatever program lands him will be getting a terrific student-athlete. I encourage anyone interested in him to catch a game and watch his versatility at work. You will love the fact that he can stretch the floor and bury an outside 3-pointer.
Aidan Abell Aidan Abell 6'6" | SG Westminster Academy | 2022 State FL – Westminster Academy
I believe Abell was an honorable mention by the Sun Sentinel last season. A shortened sophomore campaign due to injury might have dampened his claim to be on a higher nomination. I can guarantee you that will not be the case in his junior year. Abell is too productive as a shooter to coincide with his 6-foot-5 frame to not land on a top list. Abell has the athleticism to get to his spot on dribble drives, whether that be down the center of the lane or on the baseline. If you fail to close out on him, Abell has the routine capability to beat you with his outside shot. In addition, his length will have him pile up rebounds and provide passing lanes off his initiation in offensive sets. All these tools make Abell an elite combo guard and budding D-1 prospect. The scary part is his best ball is still ahead of him.
Anthony Ruiz – Coral Glades
A local second-team selection, Ruiz is a good pick to bump up as a senior. The 5-foot-10 point guard is an efficient shooter that should average upwards of 20 points per game. Alongside Ruiz is Marcus Lewis, who also has tremendous potential for a big senior year. The 6-foot-2 Lewis is a 15-point scorer at the small forward position. Both players should lead Coral Glades past its 12-7 record last season.
Kaleb Walters – Westminster Academy
2022 Kaleb Walters is a high flying guard for the Lions. The 6-foot-6 shooting guard has the vertical to get above the rim or extend over a defense for put backs off missed shots. I would love to see how many additional points Walters brings to his team with this type of athleticism. In addition, stopping him in transition will be a hassle. The better he gets as a shooter, the more dangerous he is going to become. Walters has drawn interest from schools such as Dayton, Belmont, UCF, Stetson, Florida Gulf Coast, Mercer, College of Charleston and FAU.
For any South Florida Prep Hoops news or information…please contact Michael Costeines @Steins_23 or follow him on Twitter @Mungertown_Mike23.