Players Who Leveled Up (South Florida)
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Today I will be analyzing prospects who have boosted their stock over this past season. Many of the following players are receiving more college interest by the day. The momentum for their recruitment should continue to accelerate as we hit…
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Continue ReadingToday I will be analyzing prospects who have boosted their stock over this past season. Many of the following players are receiving more college interest by the day. The momentum for their recruitment should continue to accelerate as we hit the summer circuit.
Let’s look into my picks…
Aidan Abell Aidan Abell 6'6" | SG Westminster Academy | 2022 State FL – Westminster Academy
2022 Aidan Abell Aidan Abell 6'6" | SG Westminster Academy | 2022 State FL carried over a strong summer last season into his junior year with Westminster Academy. The 6-foot-5 shooting guard is very athletic for his size and can accelerate to the rim with regularity. In addition, Abell looked comfortable attacking the basket from the corners and in transition. His frame allows him to absorb contact and finish off the glass. Moreover, Abell can power above the rim for dunks in motion. He can go from his left or right and knock down 3-pointers with consistency. This was evident after scoring 22 points and going 6-of-9 from deep against powerhouse Montverde Academy. Against Pine Crest, Abell had 24 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals in a 70-65 victory. He also iced the game in the final moments, going a perfect 6-for-6 from the free-throw line. The Panthers haven’t lost a game since and are one of the best teams in the region. Abell has received interest from Belmont, Charleston, Clemson, Davidson, Florida Atlantic, Florida Gulf Coast, Kent State, Loyola (IL), Mercer, Miami (OH), North Florida, Northeastern, San Diego, South Florida and Stetson. He is considered a 3-star recruit and the 27th ranked shooting guard in his class. Keep in mind his progress comes during a pandemic that affected him and his team. His stock should only grow as normalcy returns and he settles into his routine. Check out some of his highlights by clicking here.
Jamai Hager-Tejada
Jamai
Hager-Tejada
5'10" | CG
Mater Lakes | 2023
FL
– Mater Lakes Academy.
2023 Jamai Hager-Tejada Jamai Hager-Tejada 5'10" | CG Mater Lakes | 2023 FL has been a killer on the court in his first two seasons with the Bears. The 5-foot-10 point guard averaged 18.6 points and 2.9 rebounds on 43 percent shooting from the field for Mater Lakes Academy. Moreover, Tejada went 30-of-82 (37 percent) from deep this season. Against McArthur, he scored 35 points on 10-of-19 shooting from the field. Tejada also went 3-of-6 from 3-point range against the Mustangs. That was a game where he pretty much took over. Tejada was relentless attacking the rim from every angle. His aggressive mentality is a trait that runs in his family. His cousin, Lance Tejada Jr., played at Lehigh and overseas in Puerto Rico. The 6-foot-3 Tejada Jr. was a South Florida standout at Miramar and Blanche Ely. Look for Jamai to grow into that mold over the next two seasons. I think you will see his college status grow as a result.
Jaylen Carey Jaylen Carey 6'8" | PF Westminster Academy | 2023 State #129 Nation FL – Westminster Academy
2023 Jaylen Carey Jaylen Carey 6'8" | PF Westminster Academy | 2023 State #129 Nation FL has immensely improved his game between University School and Westminster Academy. The 6-foot-10 power forward has better footwork and range between his two stops. This has also polished into his overall conditioning. Carey looks lean and more defined while maintaining his brute strength. Credit to his regiment and trainer for his new look. That becomes a problem on the court for opponents when you weigh 235 pounds and bulldoze your way into the paint. Combine that with his floor quickness and Carey’s assertion to elite status is brewing. Against Sagemont, he scored 15 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. Most of the qualities I mentioned above were on full display. To say anyone didn’t see this coming would be misinformed. His brother, Vernon Carey Jr., was the best player I have seen since covering prospects down here. You can imagine his projection with that lineage in mind.
Marcus Allen Marcus Allen 6'4" | SF West Orange | 2021 State FL – Miami Norland
When Leonard Hamilton wants you, that is saying something. 2024 Marcus Allen Marcus Allen 6'4" | SF West Orange | 2021 State FL is already drawing attention from elite programs in the country like Florida State. The Seminoles are just the first to offer the budding Viking star. The 6-foot-6 wing averaged 12.2 points and 7.2 rebounds per game on 50 percent shooting from the field. Moreover, Allen scored in double-figures in 21 of 28 games this season. His athleticism and court awareness is advanced for a player at his age. He showed a glimpse of his range with fourteen recorded 3-pointers (33 percent) this season. That overall efficiency will only get better with repetitions. Allen’s rebounding and positioning advantage will also improve as he gets stronger and fills out his body. However, his natural athleticism and talent is already better than most of the field as a rising sophomore. He should have a big summer season before he returns to Norland.
Andrew Akuchie Andrew Akuchie 6'8" | PF St. Thomas Aquinas | 2022 State FL – St. Thomas Aquinas
I am excited to see what another summer session will do for Akuchie. The 6-foot-8 forward is one of the more versatile players in South Florida. His mobility is only getting more fluid by the day. Akuchie has the length to score on all three levels and be a rim protector on the defensive end. I think his shooting has really improved since he stepped onto the floor at St. Thomas Aquinas. His 3.9 GPA in the classroom makes him a strong candidate for a school like Yale or Princeton. I think he has a chance to receive more interest from Power Five programs with a big 2021.
For any South Florida Prep Hoops news or information…please contact Michael Costeines @Steins_23 on Instagram or follow him on Twitter @Mungertown_Mike23.