Prospects to Watch: Lakeland (South Florida)
Yesterday I did a piece analyzing my top picks for the state tournament this week in Lakeland. Today I will examine players to watch as get ready for the pinnacle of the Florida basketball season. Many of these players could…
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Continue ReadingYesterday I did a piece analyzing my top picks for the state tournament this week in Lakeland. Today I will examine players to watch as get ready for the pinnacle of the Florida basketball season.
Many of these players could have made my list yesterday. They could all be difference makers in winning state championships for their respective programs.
Here is my analysis..
Eros Carpio Eros Carpio 6'4" | CG Pine Crest | 2021 State FL – Pine Crest
2022’s Amen Thompson and Ausar Thompson create a lot of headaches for opponents. The twins make every player on Pine Crest better with their elusive ballhandling, court vision, and natural athleticism. One of those benefits is 2021 Eros Carpio Eros Carpio 6'4" | CG Pine Crest | 2021 State FL . The 6-foot-4 guard is averaging 11.3 points and 4.4 rebounds per game on 43 percent shooting from the field. The difference is that Carpio can create his own offense. He has the physical makeup to drive to the basket and absorb contact at the rim. In addition, Caprio can anticipate transitional offense and score in motion. Against Western, he scored 14 points and grabbed eight rebounds (seven offensive). That is impressive when you consider the Wildcats just blew the doors out on Columbus in the 7A regional semifinals. Pine Crest is a safe bet to win most of its games when Carpio scores between 15-20 points. His season-high is 24 points against Oxbridge Academy, so he is more than capable of that output. Caprio also scored 21 points against a good Sagemont team in December. Overall, the Thompson twins should get 20 apiece on a modest night. Combine the three and a victory is likely. The Panthers face Astronaut in the 4A state semifinals.
Roderick Johnson Roderick Johnson 6'4" | PF Dwyer | 2021 State FL – Dwyer
I strongly considered Johnson for my piece yesterday. The 6-foot-4 wing is averaging 13.2 points and 6.8 rebounds on 44 percent shooting from the field. The D’Youville signee has just struggled shooting the ball over his last two games. Johnson went 3-of-23 against Wellington and Coral Springs. However, he did combine to grab 16 rebounds in both contests. Against the Colts, Johnson went 9-of-11 from the free-throw line. He has plenty of offensive talent to show up in a big way against Western in the 7A state semifinals. Dwyer will need it against a strong Wildcat team. Johnson has recorded 11 games in double-figures for the Panthers. His length and offensive versatility makes him a tough guard. Many of those same characteristics show up on the defensive end. I expect him to play well in Lakeland.
Caelum Ethridge Caelum Ethridge 6'3" | SG Pembroke Pines | 2022 State FL – Pembroke Pines Charter
I have mentioned Ethridge a lot because he has put in the work to become a better player. The 6-foot-4 guard is averaging 13.5 points per game for the Jaguars this season. In the 5A regional final against Norland, Ethridge scored 17 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. The U-School Ethridge is nothing like the Pembroke Pines Ethridge. He has put on muscle and has the imposing look of a tough guard. He can withstand contact and use his size to his advantage when needed. Ethridge was already a crafty ballhandler and good shooter when I saw him with the Sharks. His stock should continue to grow.
Jordan Cooke Jordan Cooke 6'0" | CG Miami Country Day | 2021 State FL – Miami Country Day
2021 Jordan Cooke Jordan Cooke 6'0" | CG Miami Country Day | 2021 State FL has been one of the best scorers in Miami-Dade County over the last two seasons. The 5-foot-10 guard is averaging 17.1 points in his senior campaign with the Spartans. He is coming off a 23-point outing against Archbishop Carroll in the 3A regional final. Cooke can also dose you with a steady 3-point shot. He has hit 35 3-pointers according to his stats on MaxPreps. His free-throw shooting could also make him a factor in close games as well. Cooke is shooting 83 percent from the line this seaosn.
Ryan Sanchez – Mater Academy Charter
2021 Ryan Sanchez combines with 2022 Jimel Lane Jimel Lane 6'7" | PF Palmetto | 2022 State FL to give Mater Academy Charter a deadly 1-2 punch. The 5-foot-10 combo guard is averaging 16.5 points and 4.2 rebounds for the Lions. Moreover, Sanchez has scored 20 or more points in five of his last six games. His 26-point showing against previously undefeated Martin County helped Mater Academy Charter edge out the Tigers on the road. The Lions face Charlotte in the 6A state semifinals.
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