Impact Freshman: South Florida (Part 2)
This season was unlike any other as we know. The traditional breakthrough for high school freshmen was challenged by the pandemic crisis. The grind of acclimating to the speed of the high school game was just a part of the…
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Continue ReadingThis season was unlike any other as we know.
The traditional breakthrough for high school freshmen was challenged by the pandemic crisis. The grind of acclimating to the speed of the high school game was just a part of the normal growing process.
That is why I would like to highlight players who I believe made an impact for their teams this season. These individuals should be names to know in the area for years to come. This is a follow-up piece to my story yesterday. Please take a look and watch for these players this summer.
Stone Bureau Stone Bureau 6'0" | PG Calvary Christian Academy, Ft. Lauderdale | 2024 State FL – Suncoast
Bureau was a field general behind the Chargers 10-4 record this season. The 6-foot point guard averaged 10.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 3.1 steals on 50 percent shooting from the field. Bureau is a great on-ball defender with active hands and fluid motion. Against Jupiter, he scored a season-high 21 points while dishing out five assists and recording five steals. Bureau is a nice rebounding guard from the backcourt. He recorded five or more rebounds in nine games. This goes to show that his overall athleticism is high. His ability to hit from outside improved over the course of the season. Bureau has plenty of ways he can get to the rim as well. He can split a defense or spin off his defender to get to the basket. Overall, he has plenty of advanced skill to attack the rim in a variety of ways. Bureau is on a fast track to becoming a county star. Ian Smikle Ian Smikle 6'9" | C Suncoast | 2024 State FL is another talent on Suncoast to look out for. He can play the 3-5 and create mismatches with his versatility. The 6-foot-8 forward averaged 6.9 points and 7.0 rebounds on 43 percent shooting from the field. Against Atlantic, Smikle had 12 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks.
Braylon Burbridge Braylon Burbridge 6'2" | PG Miami Palmetto | 2024 State FL – Sagemont
Burbridge received extensive minutes when I watched him play against Westminster Academy. The 5-foot-10 point guard was running the Lions offense with an injury to 2021 Rapheal Houssou. I thought he handled himself brilliantly with poise and limited mistakes. Burbridge has a strong handle and will confidently shoot a 3-pointer if he is open. His ability to penetrate a defense with his quickness is strong at his age. Not a kid who seemed hesitant under pressure when I witnessed him. He will only become better at attacking the rim as he matures and gets stronger. However, I liked his aggressiveness throughout the course of the season.
Reece Randolph Reece Randolph 5'9" | PG Chaminade Madonna | 2024 FL – Stranahan
Randolph hit the ground running with a big-time performance against Blanche Ely in the Kreul Classic. The 5-foot-6 point guard scored nine points and knocked down three big 3-pointers. His long range shooting is an effective tool in his arsenal. Randolph has a nice base of quickness and agility to be effective in the halfcourt. This gels well with his ball handling, which continues to improve over time. He can certainly combine these traits when the Mighty Dragons want to run in transition. They like to do that over there in Fort Lauderdale. The Mighty Dragons have the athletes to complement Randolph’s growing skill. Look for him to continue to develop in his game this summer.
Casey Etienne Casey Etienne 6'1" | PG Cardinal Gibbons | 2024 FL Jr. – Cardinal Gibbons
Etienne Jr. is an elite athlete on the basketball court or the football field. The 6-foot-2 point guard has a ton of speed and plays with a football mentality on the hardwood. This kid is tough and will step-up when called upon. Etienne Jr. has a great handle when he wants to run out in transition. His dexterity with the basketball in his hands is impressive. Moreover, he can finish with an array of moves at the rim. He plays defensive back for the Chiefs so you know he has a knack for the ball. This likely gives him an advantage to read offenses and defenses on the court. Therefore, I believe he has strong instincts and advanced vision.
For any South Florida Prep Hoops news or information…please contact Michael Costeines @Steins_23 on Instagram or follow him on Twitter @Mungertown_Mike23.