Players To Watch By Class: 7A (Districts 1-8)

The FHSAA boys basketball season is just around the corner. Practices started this week with preseason games to be played in a week’s time and the regular season tipping off on Nov. 23. We will be looking at the top players to watch in all seven classes. Here is a peek at the top prospects to keep an eye on in Class 7A (Districts 1-8). 2019-20 state champion: Miramar Region 1 - District 1 Alijah KuehlAlijahKuehl6'10" | PFBartram Trail | 2021StateFL (Bartram Trail) Recently committing to San Diego, the 6-10 Kuehl is a dynamic big who can shoot it and handle the rock. As a junior, he averaged 11.6 PPG and 7.5 RPG and should improve further on those numbers as the top piece at Bartram Trail. CJ McGeeCJMcGee6'1" | SGSandalwood | 2021StateFL (Sandalwood) Averaging 10.7 PPG a season ago, McGee has the path to a major breakout senior season at Sandalwood with 2021 forward Bryce TurnerBryceTurner6'5" | SFAndrew Jackson | 2021StateFL now at Andrew Jackson. The 2021 6-1 guard is a gifted 3-point shooter who plays strong and confidently.  Logan RyanLoganRyan6'1" | CGNease | 2022StateFL (Nease) One of the most talented shooters in the Jacksonville area is Ryan. The 2022 6-1 guard averaged a team-best 13.4 PPG while shooting 43 percent from 3-point land. Ryan is in line for even more opportunities at Nease this fall.  Markel AllumsMarkelAllums6'4" | CGOakleaf | 2021StateFL (Oakleaf) A bigger-bodied 2021 guard, Allums averaged 11.1 PPG and 5.0 RPG last season for Oakleaf. He commands a lot of attention on both ends of the floor and should be the alpha dog for this squad. Joshua Swann (Mandarin) Swann, a 5-11 guard/forward played an undersized big role for Mandarin a season ago. He will find his spot at the wing as a junior after averaging 6.4 PPG and 3.6 RPG. The 2022 athlete is going to carve out a name for himself. Other names to know: 2022 G Bennie McDuffieBennieMcDuffie5'7" | PGMandarin | 2022StateFL (Mandarin), 2021 F Corey HumblesCoreyHumbles6'4" | PFOakleaf | 2021StateFL (Oakleaf), 2022 G Matt GuzieMattGuzie5'11" | CGNease | 2022StateFL (Nease), 2021 G Darian JohnsonDarianJohnson6'2" | PFBartram Trail | 2021StateFL (Bartram Trail), 2022 G Tyreek Hicks (Sandalwood). Region 1 – District 2 Demari HendersonDemariHenderson6'1" | PGSeminole | 2022State#242NationFL & Jacari HendersonJacariHenderson6'1" | PGSeminole | 2022State#244NationFL (Sanford Seminole) The 7A state runner-up featured a ton of speed and athleticism. Sanford Seminole returns 2022 6-1 the Henderson twins. The guards are super quick and athletic and will be tasked to run the show this season. Alongside them will be a true interior piece in 2021 6-7 Lake Howell transfer Jonah PierceJonahPierce6'7" | PFSanford Seminole | 2021StateFL. Jerek EvansJerekEvans6'3" | SGWest Port | 2021StateFL (West Port) Reaching double digits in all but six games a season ago, Evans is a true feature piece at West Port. The 2021 6-2 guard averaged 13.0 PPG and is in line for a heavy workload once again. Braeden MarshallBraedenMarshall5'10" | PGLake Mary | 2023StateFL (Lake Mary) Currently in football season, Marshall is a gifted athlete. The 2023 5’11" guard led his Lake Mary squad with 14.3 PPG as a freshman. He is stronger, quicker and ready to improve further on the basketball court this season. Noah Van BibberNoahVan Bibber6'3" | SFDeLand | 2022StateFL & Luke Van Bibber (DeLand) The Van Bibber brothers are the top two pieces for DeLand. Noah, a 2022 6-3 forward averaged 12.5 PPG last season which featured a 31-point game against Lake Mary as he shot 10-of-11 from the field. Luke, a 2021 6-3 forward averaged 8.7 PPG and had a 22-point outing against Deltona. Other names to know: 2022 F Welsey Snipes (DeLand), 2021 F Kariden Hardrick (DeLand), 2021 F Hunter VerlingHunterVerling6'4" | CGLake Mary Prep | 2021StateFL (Lake Mary), 2022 F Giovanni ToscaniniGiovanniToscanini6'4" | CGLake Mary | 2022StateFL (Lake Mary), 2022 F Youssef Morkous (Spruce Creek), 2022 G Trayvon BarbaryTrayvonBarbary6'0" | SGOrlando University | 2022StateFL (Orange City University). 2021 G Adam Garcia (Orange City University). 2022 G Jerry Addo Boetang (Sanford Seminole), 2022 G Uchenna KellmanUchennaKellman6'4" | CGSanford Seminole | 2022StateFL (Sanford Seminole), 2023 F Joshua CooperJoshuaCooper6'6" | SFSanford Seminole | 2023StateFL (Sanford Seminole), 2021 G Dante Staff (West Port). Region 1 – District 3 Ernest UdehErnestUdeh6'9" | PFDr. Phillips | 2022StateFL, Denzel AberdeenDenzelAberdeen6'1" | CGDr. Phillips | 2022StateFL & Riley KugelRileyKugel6'5" | CGDr. Phillips | 2022StateFL (Dr. Phillips) Dr. Phillips has a dangerous 2022 trio in place that will certainly make some serious noise in 7A-3. 6-10 forward Ernest UdehErnestUdeh6'9" | PFDr. Phillips | 2022StateFL looks primed for a major junior year (offers: UF, FAU, FGCU, Stetson & USF). He is a dangerous shot blocker and long and strong body. 6-4 guard Denzel AberdeenDenzelAberdeen6'1" | CGDr. Phillips | 2022StateFL (USF offer) is a locked-in 3-point shooter. The last part of the three-man crew is 6-5 guard Riley KugelRileyKugel6'5" | CGDr. Phillips | 2022StateFL who transferred in from Central Florida Christian. He is a dangerous shooter who has offers from Middle Tennessee, FAU, Stetson and UNF. John Latimer IIIJohnLatimer III6'0" | CGApopka | 2021StateFL (Apopka) It took some serious grinding and hard work, but 2021 6-1 guard John Latimer proved his worth plenty this summer. He earned offers from Holy Cross, NJIT, Presbyterian and Rollins. The hard nosed lead guard averaged 18.1 PPG for Apopka last season. Edgerrin James Jr.EdgerrinJames Jr.6'1" | CGOlympia | 2023StateFL & Tyeree BryanTyereeBryan6'3" | CGOlympia | 2021StateFL (Olympia) Olympia has a dynamic duo in 2021 6-3 forward Tyeree BryanTyereeBryan6'3" | CGOlympia | 2021StateFL and 2023 6-1 guard Edgerrin James Jr.EdgerrinJames Jr.6'1" | CGOlympia | 2023StateFL For Bryan, he is a rangy guard/forward who is really a hybrid player on both ends of the floor who uses his athleticism to his advantage. James Jr. is a lightning bolt and a confident playmaking point man. Mike McCalisterMikeMcCalister6'6" | SFWest Orange | 2021StateFL & Elliott YorkeElliottYorke5'11" | CGWest Orange | 2021StateFL (West Orange) Committing to Division II Embry Riddle last month, McCalister has been a steady presence at the high school level. He averaged 17.1 PPG and 10.2 RPG at West Orange. Yorke returns to West Orange after spending time at Windermere. He is a confident point guard who lifts up this offense plenty. Declan MacFadyenDeclanMacFadyen6'1" | CGLake Brantley | 2021StateFL & Jack KlingerJackKlinger6'7" | CLake Brantley | 2021FL (Lake Brantley) Lake Brantley has a high IQ and long duo in MacFadyen and Klinger. MacFadyen, a 2021 6-3 guard/wing averaged 12.7 PPG leading the charge all season long. Klinger has made serious strides and 2022 6-7 forward will certainly improve on his numbers (9.8 PPG, 6.5 RPG and 2.8 BPG). Other names to know: 2021 G Devin LeathDevinLeath6'2" | CGApopka | 2021StateFL (Apopka), 2023 F Kyle BehrleKyleBehrle6'5" | SFWest Orange | 2023StateFL (West Orange), 2021 G Jonas Polynice (West Orange), 2021 F Marcus AllenMarcusAllen6'4" | SFWest Orange | 2021StateFL (West Orange), 2023 F Joseph PoventudJosephPoventud6'3" | CGDr. Phillips | 2023StateFL (Dr. Phillips), 2022 F Henry CalixteHenryCalixte6'4" | PFEvans | 2022StateFL (Evans), 2022 G Jyshaun MelvinJyshaunMelvin5'10" | PGEvans | 2022StateFL (Evans), 2022 G Jivenson SylvestreJivensonSylvestre6'4" | CGEvans | 2022StateFL (Evans), 2022 F Clarens PierreClarensPierre6'8" | PFOcoee | 2022StateFL (Ocoee), 2022 F Antonio ReddingAntonioRedding6'6" | SFOcoee | 2022StateFL (Ocoee), 2022 F Tyrhan Lloyd (Ocoee), 2021 F Jackson DillonJacksonDillon6'1" | CGOlympia | 2021StateFL (Olympia), 2023 F Kevins CharlesKevinsCharles6'4" | SFOlympia | 2023StateFL (Olympia). Region 1 – District 4 Jah NzeJahNze6'3" | PGHagerty | 2022StateFL (Hagerty) The top playmaker in this district can certainly be Nze. The big bodied 6-3 guard can shoot from deep, drive to the rack and he is a reliable scorer. With offers out from FAU, USF and UNF, I wouldn’t be shocked to see him take the next step forward. Nze is in good hands as the lead piece at Hagerty. Denzel LunaDenzelLuna6'2" | PGTimber Creek | 2021StateFL (Timber Creek) Timber Creek has an underrated player who continues to prove his worth every time he hits the floor. The 6-2 Luna is a scorer hands down and can get it done on both ends. He plays with a chip on his shoulder and benefits everyone around him two-fold. Alvaro MendezAlvaroMendez6'0" | CGUniversity | 2021StateFL & Ammir ThomasAmmirThomas6'4" | CGOrlando University | 2021StateFL (Orlando University) I really like the duo that Orlando University has in place between Mendez and Thomas. Mendez is a 6-0 combo guard who had some breakout performances a season ago while averaging 12.7 PPG. He is going to be a dangerous attacker for his team this year. Thomas is a versatile player at 6-3 who can suit up at guard and wing and attack and defend with his length. Other names to know: 2022 F Jamar IngramJamarIngram6'3" | CGUniversity | 2022StateFL (Orlando University), 2021 G Omarion BrownOmarionBrown6'1" | PGLyman | 2021StateFL (Lyman), 2023 G Dawson BarrDawsonBarr6'3" | CGOviedo | 2023StateFL (Oviedo), 2021 G Caleb BarrCalebBarr6'2" | SGOviedo | 2021StateFL (Oviedo), 2021 G Spencer RoseSpencerRose6'0" | PGOviedo | 2021StateFL (Oviedo), 2021 G Jacob RoseJacobRose6'0" | PGOviedo | 2021StateFL (Oviedo), 2021 F Zander Papke (Colonial), 2021 F Jack CocchiarellaJackCocchiarella6'6" | PFWinter Park | 2021StateFL (Winter Park). Region 2 – District 5 Michael JamesMichaelJames6'5" | SFOak Ridge | 2021State#131NationFL, Jalen SmithJalenSmith6'5" | PGOak Ridge | 2021State#173NationFL & Roderick HenryRoderickHenry6'6" | SFOak Ridge | 2021StateFL (Oak Ridge) Oak Ridge has a ton of talent in place. James, a 6-6 guard is headed to Louisville next year but he is focused on the task ahead, a state title for the Pioneers as a strong scorer and shooter. Smith is a 6-5 guard who has always been a sharpshooter. The SMU commit has expanded his game and goes to the rack with ease now with his length and speed. 2021 6-5 forward Roderick HenryRoderickHenry6'6" | SFOak Ridge | 2021StateFL is a powerful inside presence who can mix it up as a jump shooter and shot blocker. Cleveland State and FAMU have offered him. 2022 6-3 guard Fabio BasiliFabioBasili6'3" | CGOak Ridge | 2022StateFL is a playmaker who has offers from SMU and TCU and should flourish alongside this versatile and athletic group. Javion PhelpsJavionPhelps6'1" | CGBoone | 2021StateFL & Will SearlWillSearl6'3" | CGBoone | 2021StateFL (Boone) It is pretty hard to ignore what Boone has brewing. Phelps is an tough nosed 6-4 guard/forward who recently committed to South Dakota for football. He reached double digits in all but one game a season ago, averaging a team-best 17.2 PPG and a season-high 33 points against Seffner Christian. Searl, a 6-3 guard is a dangerous outside shooter who has a quick release and has a knack for a big play defensively. He holds offers from Division II Converse College and Division III Berry College. Also, 2022 forward Joey DepryorJoeyDepryor6'5" | SFBoone | 2022StateFL is someone to monitor at his 6’5" frame, he is strong and doesn’t back down from anyone on either end of the floor. Other names to know: 2021 F Jeremiah BannisterJeremiahBannister6'5" | PFOak Ridge | 2021StateFL (Oak Ridge), 2023 F Jamari Sands (Oak Ridge), 2022 F Lewis JonesLewisJones6'5" | CGOak Ridge | 2022StateFL (Oak Ridge), 2021 F Jonathan SuarezJonathanSuarez6'4" | CGDowney Christian | 2021StateFL (Tohopekaliga), 2021 F Shambre JacksonShambreJackson6'5" | PFBoone | 2021StateFL (Boone), 2021 G Austin Davis Garcia (Orlando Freedom), 2021 F Yonas Medfu (Orlando Cypress Creek) Region 2 – District 6 Trey MossTreyMoss6'3" | PGWindermere | 2021State#192NationFL, Kanye JonesKanyeJones6'4" | CGWindermere | 2021StateFL & Sean StewartSeanStewart6'6" | PFLake Highland Prep | 2023StateFL (Windermere) Windermere has one of the best trios in the entire state between 2021 guards Moss (USF commit), Jones (College of Charleston commit) and emerging 2023 standout Stewart. Moss, a 6-3 guard always has a ball on a string and plays fast and with confidence as a playmaking point man. Jones, a 6-3 guard is a dangerous mid-range and outside shooter who can get past defenders in the blink of an eye. Stewart, a 6-7 forward transferred over from Lake Highland Prep and should get plenty of chances as a ballhandling wing. He has offers from Kansas, Georgetown, Maryland, Texas A&M, UF, USF, Pittsburgh, Arizona State and Stetson already. Another name of note for Windermere is Jalen DeboseJalenDebose6'1" | CGWindermere | 2023StateFL, a 2023 6-0 guard who is a quick ballhandler and natural shooter. Chris CombsChrisCombs5'9" | PGOsceola | 2022StateFL & Sean CombsSeanCombs6'0" | CGKissimmee Osceola | 2023StateFL (Kissimmee Osceola) Osceola will be a different looking squad this season but the Combs brother should be able to take the next steps forward there. Chris CombsChrisCombs5'9" | PGOsceola | 2022StateFL, a 2022 5-10 guard averaged 10.0 PPG and reached double digits in six of his team’s last nine games. He should be the top piece for this Kowboys squad. His younger brother Sean CombsSeanCombs6'0" | CGKissimmee Osceola | 2023StateFL, a 2023 6-1 guard is going to be a major factor alongside his brother with his confidence and slashing ability shining. Jude St. JacquesJudeSt. Jacques6'1" | CGRidge Community | 2021StateFL & Amon MooreAmonMoore6'3" | CGRidge Community | 2021StateFL (Ridge Community) Dayvion Smith, Trevon ColemanTrevonColeman5'10" | PGRidge Community | 2022StateFL Other names to know: 2022 F Miles HallMilesHall6'3" | CGWindermere | 2022StateFL (Windermere), 2021 F Kenyatta Richardson (Haines City), 2021 G Jaden Richard (Haines City), 2023 G Christopher RiosChristopherRios5'9" | PGOsceola | 2023StateFL (Osceola), 2023 G Ryan RiveraRyanRivera6'1" | SGOsceola | 2023StateFL (Osceola), 2023 G Mitchell Starks (Celebration), 2021 G Jude St. JacquesJudeSt. Jacques6'1" | CGRidge Community | 2021StateFL (Ridge Community), 2021 F Amon MooreAmonMoore6'3" | CGRidge Community | 2021StateFL (Ridge Community), 2021 F Davyion SmithDavyionSmith6'6" | PFRidge Community | 2021StateFL (Ridge Community) and 2022 G Trevon ColemanTrevonColeman5'10" | PGRidge Community | 2022StateFL (Ridge Community). Region 2 – District 7 Dominic GoodenDominicGooden6'0" | CGSickles | 2022StateFL & Javohn ThomasJavohnThomas6'1" | CGSickles | 2022StateFL (Sickles) Sickles is going to be guard-heavy and it should be plenty to have a chance to win this district. 2022 pair Gooden and Thomas are going to be fun to watch. Gooden, a 6-1 guard has been on a fast track since the end of last season and he is a dangerous scorer wherever he shoots or attacks on the floor. As for Thomas, the 6-3 guard took up football this season and that will add to his toughness and ability to attack the rim more often.  Tripp BurdgessTrippBurdgess6'7" | PFAlonso | 2021StateFL & Trent ScottTrentScott6'2" | CGAlonso | 2022StateFL (Alonso) Alonso has one of the biggest players in all of 7A ball in Burdgess. He is a towering presence at 6-8 and he has a big build. Doubling as an offensive lineman for the football team, he is ready to continue to attack down low and clean up the boards. Scott, a 2022 6-3 guard is certainly in line for a major role and will be tasked to score in bunches for this group. Trevor Dyson & Chandler DavisChandlerDavis6'3" | CGWharton | 2023StateFL (Wharton) Wharton continues to be one of the most competitive programs year in and year out. With Dyson, a 2022 6-3 guard/forward is a major factor every game as a core defender and leader inside. Davis, a 2023 6-3 guard is developing quickly and should shine plenty with heavy minutes in his sophomore campaign. Other names to know: 2023 G Matthias DonaldsonMatthiasDonaldson6'0" | PGAlonso | 2023StateFL (Alonso), 2021 G Marcel SingletonMarcelSingleton5'10" | CGAlonso | 2022StateFL (Alonso),  2021 G Aidan McDonald (Palm Harbor), 2021 G Jean Luma (Plant), 2021 F Matt Daniels (Steinbrenner), 2021 G Elijah Barnes (Wharton), 2022 G Isaiah Foreman (Sickles) and 2023 G Chris ForemanChrisForeman5'10" | PGSickles | 2023StateFL (Sickles). Region 2 – District 8 Jayven MillienJayvenMillien6'7" | PFSarasota Riverview | 2021StateFL, Jason JacksonJasonJackson6'4" | SGSarasota Riverview | 2023State#117NationFL & John SolomonJohnSolomon6'8" | PFSarasota Riverview | 2021StateFL (Sarasota Riverview) Sarasota Riverview is gearing up for quite a season. 2021 6-7 forward Jayven MillienJayvenMillien6'7" | PFSarasota Riverview | 2021StateFL and 2021 6-8 forward John SolomonJohnSolomon6'8" | PFSarasota Riverview | 2021StateFL both have a plethora of Division I offers and will make life awfully tough for opposing teams on both ends of the floor. 2023 6-4 guard Jason JacksonJasonJackson6'4" | SGSarasota Riverview | 2023State#117NationFL is hitting his peak and well on his way to a huge sophomore year (Offers from UF, LSU & Virginia Tech). Two other prospects to know are 2021 6-5 guard/forward David MazonDavidMazon6'5" | CGSarasota Riverview | 2021StateFL, he is a load inside and a gifted shooter and 2021 6-4 guard Curtis Butler Jr.CurtisButler Jr.6'4" | CGSarasota Riverview | 2021StateFL, a talented point guard and shooter. Andres JungeAndresJunge6'4" | CGLakewood Ranch | 2022StateFL & Jay’Den Clarke-JonesJay’DenClarke-Jones6'2" | PGLakewood Ranch | 2022StateFL (Lakewood Ranch) The new generation of talent is in place at Lakewood Ranch. 2022 duo Andres JungeAndresJunge6'4" | CGLakewood Ranch | 2022StateFL and Jay’Den Clarke-JonesJay’DenClarke-Jones6'2" | PGLakewood Ranch | 2022StateFL should be plenty dynamic all season long. Junge, a 6-4 guard earned an offer from Eastern Washington last month and is a true leaper. Clarke-Jones is an athletic and shifty lead guard. Matthew LentzMatthewLentz6'7" | PFDurant | 2021StateFL (Durant) The 6-7 guard/forward committed to Jacksonville. Lentz is a sharpshooter who can play all five positions on the floor and is active as can be with his high IQ game. He is peaking at the right time. Fellow big man 2021 6-8 forward Jaylen WhartonJaylenWharton6'8" | PFDurant | 2021StateFL is an interesting developing player to keep an eye on at Durant. Braylon JacksonBraylonJackson6'3" | CGTampa Riverview | 2023StateFL (Tampa Riverview)  2023 6-2 guard Braylon JacksonBraylonJackson6'3" | CGTampa Riverview | 2023StateFL is a breakout candidate in his sophomore campaign for Tampa Riverview. Lead 2021 guard Tyler CauleyTylerCauley6'5" | CGTampa Riverview | 2021StateFL transferred to Oldsmar Christian on Friday. Other names to know: 2023 F Chad AndersonChadAnderson6'7" | PFLakewood Ranch | 2023StateFL (Lakewood Ranch), 2023 G Ian RodriguezIanRodriguez5'11" | PGLakewood Ranch | 2023StateFL (Lakewood Ranch), 2021 G Robert Sanders (Durant), 2022 G Aaron Hayes (Lennard), 2021 F Owen WightmanOwenWightman6'6" | PFNewsome | 2021StateFL (Newsome), 2022 G Josiah Flowers (Newsome), 2022 G Joey Rivera (North Port), 2023 F Bradley Miller (North Port).