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 Kuehl Alijah Kuehl 6'10" | PF Bartram Trail | 2021 State FL (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 McGee CJ McGee 6'1" | SG Sandalwood | 2021 State FL (Sandalwood) Averaging 10.7 PPG a season ago, McGee has the path to a major breakout senior season at Sandalwood with 2021 forward Bryce Turner Bryce Turner 6'5" | SF Andrew Jackson | 2021 State FL now at Andrew Jackson. The 2021 6-1 guard is a gifted 3-point shooter who plays strong and confidently.  Logan Ryan Logan Ryan 6'1" | CG Nease | 2022 State FL (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 Allums Markel Allums 6'4" | CG Oakleaf | 2021 State FL (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 McDuffie Bennie McDuffie 5'7" | PG Fleming Island | 2022 State FL (Mandarin), 2021 F Corey Humbles Corey Humbles 6'4" | PF Oakleaf | 2021 State FL (Oakleaf), 2022 G Matt Guzie Matt Guzie 5'11" | CG Nease | 2022 State FL (Nease), 2021 G Darian Johnson Darian Johnson 6'2" | PF Bartram Trail | 2021 State FL (Bartram Trail), 2022 G Tyreek Hicks (Sandalwood). Region 1 – District 2 Demari Henderson Demari Henderson 6'1" | PG Sanford Seminole | 2022 State FL & Jacari Henderson Jacari Henderson 6'1" | PG Sanford Seminole | 2022 State FL (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 Pierce Jonah Pierce 6'7" | PF Sanford Seminole | 2021 State FL . Jerek Evans Jerek Evans 6'3" | SG West Port | 2021 State FL (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 Marshall Braeden Marshall 5'10" | PG Lake Mary | 2023 State FL (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 Bibber Noah Van Bibber 6'4" | SF DeLand | 2023 NC & 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 Verling Hunter Verling 6'4" | CG Lake Mary Prep | 2021 State FL (Lake Mary), 2022 F Giovanni Toscanini Giovanni Toscanini 6'4" | CG Lake Mary | 2022 State FL (Lake Mary), 2022 F Youssef Morkous (Spruce Creek), 2022 G Hayden Findley Hayden Findley 6'3" | SG Buchholz | 2022 State FL (Orange City University). 2021 G Adam Garcia (Orange City University). 2022 G Jerry Addo Boetang (Sanford Seminole), 2022 G Uchenna Kellman Uchenna Kellman 6'4" | CG Sanford Seminole | 2022 State FL (Sanford Seminole), 2023 F Joshua Cooper Joshua Cooper 6'7" | SF Trinity Prep (Winter Park, FL) | 2023 State FL (Sanford Seminole), 2021 G Dante Staff (West Port). Region 1 – District 3 Ernest Udeh Ernest Udeh 6'10" | C Dr. Phillips | 2022 State #48 Nation FL , Denzel Aberdeen Denzel Aberdeen 6'4" | PG Dr. Phillips | 2022 State #197 Nation FL & Riley Kugel Riley Kugel 6'5" | CG Dr. Phillips | 2022 State #208 Nation FL (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 Udeh Ernest Udeh 6'10" | C Dr. Phillips | 2022 State #48 Nation FL 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 Aberdeen Denzel Aberdeen 6'4" | PG Dr. Phillips | 2022 State #197 Nation FL (USF offer) is a locked-in 3-point shooter. The last part of the three-man crew is 6-5 guard Riley Kugel Riley Kugel 6'5" | CG Dr. Phillips | 2022 State #208 Nation FL who transferred in from Central Florida Christian. He is a dangerous shooter who has offers from Middle Tennessee, FAU, Stetson and UNF. John Latimer III John Latimer III 6'0" | CG Apopka | 2021 State FL (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. Edgerrin James Jr. 6'1" | CG Olympia | 2023 State #225 Nation FL & Tyeree Bryan Tyeree Bryan 6'3" | CG Olympia | 2021 State FL (Olympia) Olympia has a dynamic duo in 2021 6-3 forward Tyeree Bryan Tyeree Bryan 6'3" | CG Olympia | 2021 State FL and 2023 6-1 guard Edgerrin James Jr. Edgerrin James Jr. 6'1" | CG Olympia | 2023 State #225 Nation FL 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 McCalister Mike McCalister 6'6" | SF West Orange | 2021 State FL & Elliott Yorke Elliott Yorke 5'11" | CG West Orange | 2021 State FL (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 MacFadyen Declan MacFadyen 6'1" | CG Lake Brantley | 2021 State FL & Jack Klinger Jack Klinger 6'7" | C Lake Brantley | 2021 FL (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 Leath Devin Leath 6'2" | CG Apopka | 2021 State FL (Apopka), 2023 F Kyle Behrle Kyle Behrle 6'5" | SF West Orange | 2023 State FL (West Orange), 2021 G Jonas Polynice (West Orange), 2021 F Marcus Allen Marcus Allen 6'4" | SF West Orange | 2021 State FL (West Orange), 2023 F Joseph Poventud Joseph Poventud 6'3" | CG Dr. Phillips | 2023 State FL (Dr. Phillips), 2022 F Henry Calixte Henry Calixte 6'4" | PF Evans | 2022 State FL (Evans), 2022 G Jyshaun Melvin Jyshaun Melvin 5'10" | PG Evans | 2022 State FL (Evans), 2022 G Jivenson Sylvestre Jivenson Sylvestre 6'4" | CG Evans | 2022 State FL (Evans), 2022 F Clarens Pierre Clarens Pierre 6'8" | PF Ocoee | 2022 State FL (Ocoee), 2022 F Antonio Redding Antonio Redding 6'2" | SF Ocoee | 2022 State FL (Ocoee), 2022 F Tyrhan Lloyd (Ocoee), 2021 F Jackson Dillon Jackson Dillon 6'1" | CG Olympia | 2021 State FL (Olympia), 2023 F Kevins Charles Kevins Charles 6'5" | SF Olympia | 2023 State FL (Olympia). Region 1 – District 4 Jah Nze Jah Nze 6'3" | PG Hagerty | 2022 State FL (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 Luna Denzel Luna 6'2" | PG Timber Creek | 2021 State FL (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 Mendez Alvaro Mendez 6'0" | CG University | 2021 State FL & Ammir Thomas Ammir Thomas 6'4" | CG Orlando University | 2021 State FL (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 Ingram Jamar Ingram 6'4" | SF University | 2022 State FL (Orlando University), 2021 G Omarion Brown Omarion Brown 6'1" | PG Lyman | 2021 State FL (Lyman), 2023 G Dawson Barr Dawson Barr 6'4" | CG Oviedo | 2023 State FL (Oviedo), 2021 G Caleb Barr Caleb Barr 6'2" | SG Oviedo | 2021 State FL (Oviedo), 2021 G Spencer Rose Spencer Rose 6'0" | PG Oviedo | 2021 State FL (Oviedo), 2021 G Jacob Rose Jacob Rose 6'0" | PG Oviedo | 2021 State FL (Oviedo), 2021 F Zander Papke (Colonial), 2021 F Jack Cocchiarella Jack Cocchiarella 6'6" | PF Winter Park | 2021 State FL (Winter Park). Region 2 – District 5 Michael James Michael James 6'5" | SF Oak Ridge | 2021 State #113 Nation FL , Jalen Smith Jalen Smith 6'5" | PG Oak Ridge | 2021 State #230 Nation FL & Roderick Henry Roderick Henry 6'6" | SF Oak Ridge | 2021 State FL (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 Henry Roderick Henry 6'6" | SF Oak Ridge | 2021 State FL 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 Basili Fabio Basili 6'3" | CG Oak Ridge | 2022 State FL is a playmaker who has offers from SMU and TCU and should flourish alongside this versatile and athletic group. Javion Phelps Javion Phelps 6'1" | CG Boone | 2021 State FL & Will Searl Will Searl 6'3" | CG Boone | 2021 State FL (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 Depryor Joey Depryor 6'5" | SF Boone | 2022 State FL 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 Bannister Jeremiah Bannister 6'5" | PF Oak Ridge | 2021 State FL (Oak Ridge), 2023 F Jamari Sands (Oak Ridge), 2022 F Lewis Jones Lewis Jones 6'5" | CG Oak Ridge | 2022 State FL (Oak Ridge), 2021 F Jonathan Suarez Jonathan Suarez 6'4" | CG Downey Christian | 2021 State FL (Tohopekaliga), 2021 F Shambre Jackson Shambre Jackson 6'5" | PF Boone | 2021 State FL (Boone), 2021 G Austin Davis Garcia (Orlando Freedom), 2021 F Yonas Medfu (Orlando Cypress Creek) Region 2 – District 6 Trey Moss Trey Moss 6'3" | PG Windermere | 2021 State #199 Nation FL , Kanye Jones Kanye Jones 6'4" | CG Windermere | 2021 State FL & Sean Stewart Sean Stewart 6'8" | PF Windermere | 2023 State #64 Nation FL (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 Debose Jalen Debose 6'1" | CG Windermere | 2023 State FL , a 2023 6-0 guard who is a quick ballhandler and natural shooter. Chris Combs Chris Combs 5'9" | PG Osceola | 2022 State FL & Sean Combs Sean Combs 6'0" | CG Kissimmee Osceola | 2023 State FL (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 Combs Chris Combs 5'9" | PG Osceola | 2022 State FL , 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 Combs Sean Combs 6'0" | CG Kissimmee Osceola | 2023 State FL , a 2023 6-1 guard is going to be a major factor alongside his brother with his confidence and slashing ability shining. Jude St. Jacques Jude St. Jacques 6'1" | CG Ridge Community | 2021 State FL & Amon Moore Amon Moore 6'3" | CG Ridge Community | 2021 State FL (Ridge Community) Dayvion Smith, Trevon Coleman Trevon Coleman 5'10" | PG Ridge Community | 2022 State FL Other names to know: 2022 F Miles Hall Miles Hall 6'3" | CG Windermere | 2022 State FL (Windermere), 2021 F Kenyatta Richardson (Haines City), 2021 G Jaden Richard (Haines City), 2023 G Christopher Rios Christopher Rios 5'9" | PG Osceola | 2023 State FL (Osceola), 2023 G Ryan Rivera Ryan Rivera 6'1" | SG Osceola | 2023 State FL (Osceola), 2023 G Mitchell Starks (Celebration), 2021 G Jude St. Jacques Jude St. Jacques 6'1" | CG Ridge Community | 2021 State FL (Ridge Community), 2021 F Amon Moore Amon Moore 6'3" | CG Ridge Community | 2021 State FL (Ridge Community), 2021 F Davyion Smith Davyion Smith 6'6" | PF Ridge Community | 2021 State FL (Ridge Community) and 2022 G Trevon Coleman Trevon Coleman 5'10" | PG Ridge Community | 2022 State FL (Ridge Community). Region 2 – District 7 Dominic Gooden Dominic Gooden 6'0" | CG PHS Academy | 2022 State FL & Javohn Thomas Javohn Thomas 6'1" | CG Sickles | 2022 State FL (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 Burdgess Tripp Burdgess 6'7" | PF Alonso | 2021 State FL & Trent Scott Trent Scott 6'4" | CG Alonso | 2022 State FL (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 Davis Chandler Davis 6'3" | CG Wharton | 2023 State FL (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 Donaldson Matthias Donaldson 6'0" | PG Alonso | 2023 State FL (Alonso), 2021 G Marcel Singleton Marcel Singleton 5'10" | CG Alonso | 2022 State FL (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 Foreman Chris Foreman 5'10" | PG Sickles | 2023 State FL (Sickles). Region 2 – District 8 Jayven Millien Jayven Millien 6'7" | PF Sarasota Riverview | 2021 State FL , & John Solomon John Solomon 6'8" | PF Sarasota Riverview | 2021 State FL (Sarasota Riverview) Sarasota Riverview is gearing up for quite a season. 2021 6-7 forward Jayven Millien Jayven Millien 6'7" | PF Sarasota Riverview | 2021 State FL and 2021 6-8 forward John Solomon John Solomon 6'8" | PF Sarasota Riverview | 2021 State FL 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 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 Mazon David Mazon 6'5" | CG Sarasota Riverview | 2021 State FL , he is a load inside and a gifted shooter and 2021 6-4 guard Curtis Butler Jr. Curtis Butler Jr. 6'4" | CG Sarasota Riverview | 2021 State FL , a talented point guard and shooter. Andres Junge Andres Junge 6'4" | CG Lakewood Ranch | 2022 State FL & Jay’Den Clarke-Jones Jay’Den Clarke-Jones 6'2" | PG Lakewood Ranch | 2022 State FL (Lakewood Ranch) The new generation of talent is in place at Lakewood Ranch. 2022 duo Andres Junge Andres Junge 6'4" | CG Lakewood Ranch | 2022 State FL and Jay’Den Clarke-Jones Jay’Den Clarke-Jones 6'2" | PG Lakewood Ranch | 2022 State FL 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 Lentz Matthew Lentz 6'7" | PF Durant | 2021 State FL (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 Wharton Jaylen Wharton 6'8" | PF Durant | 2021 State FL is an interesting developing player to keep an eye on at Durant. Braylon Jackson Braylon Jackson 6'4" | CG Tampa Riverview | 2023 State FL (Tampa Riverview)  2023 6-2 guard Braylon Jackson Braylon Jackson 6'4" | CG Tampa Riverview | 2023 State FL is a breakout candidate in his sophomore campaign for Tampa Riverview. Lead 2021 guard Tyler Cauley Tyler Cauley 6'5" | CG Tampa Riverview | 2021 State FL transferred to Oldsmar Christian on Friday. Other names to know: 2023 F Chad Anderson Chad Anderson 6'8" | PF Lakewood Ranch | 2023 State FL (Lakewood Ranch), 2023 G Ian Rodriguez Ian Rodriguez 5'11" | PG Lakewood Ranch | 2023 State FL (Lakewood Ranch), 2021 G Robert Sanders (Durant), 2022 G Aaron Hayes (Lennard), 2021 F Owen Wightman Owen Wightman 6'6" | PF Newsome | 2021 State FL (Newsome), 2022 G Josiah Flowers (Newsome), 2022 G Joey Rivera (North Port), 2023 F Bradley Miller (North Port).