In the basketball world, rankings are always very fluid and up for debate. Prospects are going to progress or regress over a certain amount of time. I try to emphasize to players that this is just a number next to your name. Use it as motivation, but don’t get caught up into it too much.
A college recruiter watching you at a showcase is not going to care about your ranking. If they like you, they like you. A program will offer you a scholarship whether you are ranked #1 or #300 if they believe you can contribute as a student-athlete. It only takes one school to take a chance on you.
With that being said, I would like to highlight a group of prospects in the senior class playing above where they currently stand. My opinion comes from games I have witnessed and information I have obtained as we reach the mid-point of the season.
Maximo MoratinosMaximoMoratinos6'6" | PFMater Lakes | 2021StateFL - Mater Lakes (PH: 342)
Every time I see Moratinos play, I feel like he represents a match-up problem. The 6-foot-6 small forward has a long stride and quickness to him of a guard. If you get him around the low block,
In the basketball world, rankings are always very fluid and up for debate. Prospects are going to progress or regress over a certain amount of time. I try to emphasize to players that this is just a number next to your name. Use it as motivation, but don’t get caught up into it too much.
A college recruiter watching you at a showcase is not going to care about your ranking. If they like you, they like you. A program will offer you a scholarship whether you are ranked #1 or #300 if they believe you can contribute as a student-athlete. It only takes one school to take a chance on you.
With that being said, I would like to highlight a group of prospects in the senior class playing above where they currently stand. My opinion comes from games I have witnessed and information I have obtained as we reach the mid-point of the season.
Maximo MoratinosMaximoMoratinos6'6" | PFMater Lakes | 2021StateFL - Mater Lakes (PH: 342)
Every time I see Moratinos play, I feel like he represents a match-up problem. The 6-foot-6 small forward has a long stride and quickness to him of a guard. If you get him around the low block, Moratinos can power his way above the rim with his size. The overall length he has allows him to defend multiple positions and be a rim protector. Moratinos is finally in a system at Mater Lakes that knows how to use his talent. I think the ranking he has undervalues his versatility, especially at this spot.
James Nichols IIIJamesNichols III6'4" | PFWestminster Academy | 2021StateFL - Westminster Academy (PH 236)
Westminster Academy has a ton of talent on its roster, with one name being
James Nichols IIIJamesNichols III6'4" | PFWestminster Academy | 2021StateFL. The 6-foot-4 power forward joined the Lions after playing at Highlands Christian. With the Knights, he averaged 22.5 points per game as a junior. Nichols III runs the floor well in transition, a deadly dose for opponents when you account his size. Moreover, Nichols has the power to be a force in the paint alongside 2022
Ben Middlebrooks
BenMiddlebrooks6'10" | PFWestminster | 2022StateFL. With stacked talent that includes 2022
Aidan AbellAidanAbell6'5" | CGWestminster | 2022StateFL, statistics might not reflect how good of a player Nichols III is.
Jonathan RenoisJonathanRenois6'0" | CGSomerset | 2021StateFL - Somerset Academy (Pines) (PH 79)
The Panthers have a standout player in
Jonathan RenoisJonathanRenois6'0" | CGSomerset | 2021StateFL. The 6-foot combo guard can attack the rim, hit from mid-range, or connect from behind the arc with high efficiency. Unlike some players, Renois gets his points without being labeled as a high-volume shooter. I have seen him single-handedly bring his team back into games thanks to his offensive outbursts. Renois is a sleeper prospect in South Florida.
Kenny TurnerKennyTurner6'6" | PFSt. Andrew's | 2021StateFL - St. Andrew’s (PH 102)
The Scots are another team loaded with talent, led by 2021 Memphis commit
Josh MinottJoshMinott6'9" | PFSt. Andrew's | 2021State#30NationFL. Moreover, I have said in the past to lookout for
Kenny TurnerKennyTurner6'6" | PFSt. Andrew's | 2021StateFL. The 6-foot-6 power forward has all the attributes a team at the next level would like. One look at Turner and you will see what I mean. The Scots senior looks like he works in the weight room, especially next to some of his opponents. Turner can also run the floor well and finish in transition. His athleticism is not to be underestimated.
Christopher GeorgeChristopherGeorge6'8" | PFRoyal Palm Beach | 2021StateFL - Royal Palm Beach (PH 478)
I think there is a ton of value when it comes to
Christopher GeorgeChristopherGeorge6'8" | PFRoyal Palm Beach | 2021StateFL. The 6-foot-8 forward is averaging 13.7 points and 12.5 rebounds per game so far for the Wildcats. Moreover, he has shown a steady ability to hit from outside. Against a strong Forest Hill team, George scored 15 points and grabbed seven rebounds on 7-of-12 from the field.
Desmond RomerDesmondRomer5'11" | CGCoral Gables | 2021StateFL - Coral Gables (PH 474)
Romer is a playmaking combo guard that has good upside here. The 6-foot-1 Cavalier is capable of producing a 20-point, ten assist stat-line on any given night. Moreover, Romer is a smart defender with active hands. He is a big reason why the Cavaliers are 6-3 overall and one of the better teams in Miami-Dade County.
Dave DalgeDaveDalge6'3" | CGBoyd Anderson | 2021StateFL - Boyd Anderson (PH 457)
Boyd Anderson is off to a tremendous start behind the play of Dalge. The 6-foot-3 guard is averaging a team-best 12.9 points per game for the 8-1 Cobras. Moreover, Boyd Anderson has quality wins over Stranahan and Miramar. Dalge can also contribute on the glass, grabbing five or more rebounds in eight games thus far. Look for him to continue to lead the Cobras to more victories in the future.
For any South Florida Prep Hoops news or information...please contact Michael Costeines @Steins_23 on Instagram or Follow him on Twitter @Mungertown_Mike23.
