Underrated Prospects: (South Florida)
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I have witnessed many teams and prospects play over the past six months. I would like to highlight a group that I feel is particularly underrated. This list might not produce the greatest statistics, but they prove to be valuable…
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Continue ReadingI have witnessed many teams and prospects play over the past six months. I would like to highlight a group that I feel is particularly underrated.
This list might not produce the greatest statistics, but they prove to be valuable commodities on their respective teams.
Without further ado….here we go.
Andruw Rondon-Delacruz – Mater Lakes Academy
Rondon-Delacruz averaged nine points and 6.7 rebounds on 54 percent shooting from the field this season. The 6-foot-7 power forward grabbed 140 total boards, 67 coming on the offensive end. Therefore, I was particularly impressed with his rim protection. Rondon-Delacruz is long and improved his athleticism from his sophomore to junior year. This upgrade allowed him to be a better frontcourt defender, resulting in 27 blocks and numerous deflections. Check out his highlights by clicking here.
Matthew Newland – Archbishop McCarthy
Newland is super long with range to disrupt passing lanes. Moreover, the 6-foot-7 forward has the wingspan to cause turnovers or block shots in the paint. It is no wonder he averaged 2.7 blocks per game for the Mavericks. Against Champagnat Catholic, he rejected eight alone. His range also netted him five games with ten or more rebounds. Newland averaged nearly 12 points per game and shot 43 percent from the field on the season. He is a difference maker due to his versatility.
Lennox Scholl – North Miami
I was really impressed with Lennox in a game against North Miami Beach. The 6-foot-8 forward scored a season-high 21 points on 6-of-9 shooting from the field. He showed off his athleticism in transition and power around the rim. Scholl is dangerous because he has muscle to go along with his length. He is not like some other frontcourt players who are “slim”. Moreover, “Ox” has quick feet for a player of his size. His average of 4.3 points and 3.4 rebounds is not indicative of his talent. The Pioneers were a better team when he was on the floor.
Guilherme Tesch Guilherme Tesch 6'8" | SF North Broward Prep | 2023 FL – North Broward Prep
Tesch can go into the underrated and player to watch categories. The 6-foot-8 wing put up a solid stat line of 12.6 points and 6.1 rebounds per game on 45 percent shooting from the field this season. Moreover, Tesch went 23-of-67 (34 percent) from behind the arc. He is a growing offensive player with natural length to cause a disturbance on both ends of the floor. I also like his awareness in the halfcourt and ability to pass the ball. Does a multitude of things very well. Two more prep seasons could see his stock really soar.
Ashton Smith Ashton Smith 6'2" | PG Sagemont | 2023 State FL – Hallandale
Keep tabs on Smith with the graduation of Jonathan Pierre Jonathan Pierre 6'4" | SF Hallandale | 2021 State FL and David Valcourt. The 6-foot-1 point guard was next in line with 10.4 points and 3.4 rebounds per game for the Chargers this season. Moreover, Smith went 30-of-86 (35 percent) from behind the arc. Smith scored in double-figures in eleven games and helped the Chargers to twelve wins. He is an evolving playmaker with vision and a strong ability to finish off the dribble. Look for him to be a better shooter and take the reigns for Hallandale next season.
For any South Florida Prep Hoops news or information…please contact Michael Costeines @Steins_23 on Instagram or follow him on Twitter @Mungertown_Mike23.