Regional Notebook: South Florida (Part 2)
Roughly 116 games will kick off regional play on Thursday as we begin the road to Lakeland. In South Florida, I have seen about 75 percent of the teams in the region. Moreover, I have been sent tape and notes…
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Continue ReadingRoughly 116 games will kick off regional play on Thursday as we begin the road to Lakeland.
In South Florida, I have seen about 75 percent of the teams in the region. Moreover, I have been sent tape and notes from area coaches and players. I would like to breakdown some of the matchups across the area. This is a continuation piece from yesterday.
Here are my observations…
St. Andrew’s (10-5) vs. Westminster Academy (9-8) – Class 3A
The Scots quest to repeat as Class 3A state champions begins with a date with Westminster Academy. St. Andrew’s is coming off a 20-point victory over Jupiter Christian in the District 3A-11 championship. Memphis signee Josh Minott Josh Minott 6'9" | PF St. Andrew's | 2021 State #30 Nation FL leads the team averaging 22 points, 8.6 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game on 52 percent shooting from the field. The 6-foot-8 small forward scored 30 points on 11-of-16 from the field against Jupiter Christian. Moreover, Minott hit 3-of-6 from deep against the Eagles. He is essentially a point forward with his athleticism and length on the floor. Minott has 14 assists over his last two games. 2021 combo guard Devin Hines Devin Hines 6'4" | CG St. Andrew's | 2021 State FL generals the backcourt for the Scots. The 6-foot-4 Hines is averaging 13.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.1 steals per game on 47 percent from the field. Hines is an active defender (32 steals) and rebounds well (80 boards) for his position. You also have to be cognizant of his outside shooting. Hines has hit three or more 3-pointers in four games. 2021’s Bobby Stewart Bobby Stewart 6'8" | C St. Andrew's | 2021 State FL and Kenny Turner Kenny Turner 6'6" | PF St. Andrew's | 2021 State FL provide unique frontline skill. The 6-foot-6 Turner can muscle a defender in the paint or beat you in transition with his athleticism. Stewart is more of a rugged post player that can carve out space and finish with either hand. The pair combine to average 14.2 points and 9.7 rebounds per game. Westminster Academy is led by 2022’s Ben Middlebrooks and Aidan Abell Aidan Abell 6'6" | SG Westminster Academy | 2022 State FL . Middlebrooks is a 6-foot-10 power forward that can stretch the floor from the outside. He can jab and quick-step you from the top of the key before heading towards the rim. His athleticism in this area makes him dangerous to penetrate and score. Middlebrooks will grab rebounds at a high rate and plays with composure. The 3-star recruit will be a huge addition to any college program on and off the court. Auburn and Florida seem to be in early contention. Abell is a 6-foot-5 shooting guard with high athleticism in transition. He will take on contact and finish at the rim at a high rate. His 3-point shooting will be counted on against St. Andrew’s. His college interest is starting to pick up steam and could tick up in the state tournament. The Lions also have Jaylen Carey Jaylen Carey 6'8" | PF Westminster Academy | 2023 State #129 Nation FL and James Nichols III James Nichols III 6'4" | PF Westminster Academy | 2021 State FL . The 6-foot-10 Carey looks strong and agile with his footwork around the post. Nichols is underrated in my mind and plays with great touch for a 6-foot-5 forward. These teams met way back in the Sunshine State Preseason Classic. The Scots got off to a fast start and Westminster Academy never fully recovered. St. Andrew’s is too good to come out of the gate sloppy and the Lions should be better prepared this time.
Doral Academy (13-7) vs. North Miami (13-7) – Class 6A
The Firebirds and Pioneers were both represented in our Sun Bash tournament at Westminster Christian back in December. 2023 Justin Johnson and 2021 Kameron Johnson Kameron Johnson 6'6" | PF Doral | 2021 State FL lead the way averaging 17.9 and 17.6 points respectively. The pair have combined to average 16.4 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game. The younger Johnson is a 6-foot-7 power forward that can play as a wing. He has the athleticism to be effective as an attacking guard that can make the extra pass in rhythm. The older Johnson seems more of a natural forward with the size to finish around the rim. The duo are lethal if not contained and work well with one another. Do not sleep on Gabriel Hernandez Gabriel Hernandez 5'10" | PG Doral Academy | 2023 State FL (17.0 Ppg) from the point guard position. The Pioneers have depth and can play with multiple lineups. North Miami has four scorers averaging over 10 points per game led by 2021 Chamon Metayer (15.8 Ppg). They can play fresh and rotate guys in and out based on their production. An example of this is past performances from 2021’s Lennox Scholl and Johnsky Saintsurin Johnsky Saintsurin 6'4" | SF North Miami | 2021 State FL . Both players have the length and athleticism to give you a double-double any night on the floor. 2023 Derrick Edouard is a long armed guard with ability to hit from outside. The 6-foot-2 Edouard is averaging 11.1 points per game and has knocked down 39 3-pointers on the season. 2022 Rick Daniels Rick Daniels 6'0" | PG North Miami | 2022 State FL is also a big key here. Daniels scored 13 points and grabbed six rebounds against McArthur in the district championship. Daniels needs to limit his mistakes and control the tempo against the Firebirds.
Forest Hill (10-2) vs. Dwyer (10-3) – Class 7A
These two Palm Beach County titans met back in December with the Falcons winning 86-64. Forest Hill is coming off a thrilling victory over Wellington in the district championship and looking to surpass its state semifinal appearance from a year ago. 2021 Donovan Draper Donovan Draper 6'6" | PF Forrest Hill | 2021 State FL has been nothing short of spectacular for the Falcons. The 6-foot-6 wing is averaging 18.1 points, 9.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 3.9 rebounds per game via latest available statistics. Draper had 21 points, 14 rebounds, six steals, five assists and four blocks against the Panthers in their first meeting. Draper is a Swiss Army Knife on the court with his playmaking ability. 2021 Jalen Jeter Jalen Jeter 5'9" | PG Forest Hill | 2021 State FL is a lethal guard with tremendous toughness and quickness. His football background could be a huge asset during this playoff run. Jeter scored ten points and recorded five steals in the Dwyer victory. 2022 Michael Cooper can score in double figures (11.9 Ppg) and hit from outside. Cooper scored 16 points and hit a pair of 3-pointers against the Panthers. Dwyer’s only real blemish came against the Falcons. The Panthers other two losses were by a combined ten points. However, the 73-65 loss to Vero Beach in the 7A-9 District Championship should have them hungry. 2021 Roderick Johnson Roderick Johnson 6'4" | PF Dwyer | 2021 State FL leads the team averaging 14.2 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. The D’Youville signee is athletic on the wing and can rebound at a high rate. He will look to bounce back after scoring just two points and grabbing seven rebounds against the Falcons in their first meeting. Johnson has scored 55 points (18.3 Ppg) over his last three outings. Juwan Dawes provides extra depth on the wing for the Panthers. The 6-foot-4 Dawes averages 10.4 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. 2023 Kyle McNeal Kyle McNeal 6'1" | PG Dwyer | 2023 #297 Nation FL is coming off a 15-point outing against Vero Beach.
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