2022 Rankings: Contenders (South Florida)
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The senior class in South Florida is pretty good. Eleven total prospects rank inside the top 50. Pine Crest brothers Amen Thompson (No.8) and Ausar Thompson (No.10) are a cut above the rest at this point. Case in point, Amen…
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Continue ReadingThe senior class in South Florida is pretty good. Eleven total prospects rank inside the top 50.
Pine Crest brothers Amen Thompson (No.8) and Ausar Thompson (No.10) are a cut above the rest at this point. Case in point, Amen Thompson scored 43 points and grabbed 13 rebounds in a double overtime victory over Sante Fe Catholic in the Class 4A state title game. Ausar added 18 points and led the Panthers in scoring (22.6 ppg) last season. The 4-star twins will defend their 4A state championship next season before heading off to a major D-1 program.
Former South Florida stars Jett Howard Jett Howard 6'5" | SG IMG Academy | 2022 State #64 Nation FL (IMG Academy) and Malik Reneau Malik Reneau 6'7" | PF Montverde Academy | 2022 State #33 Nation FL (Montverde Academy) would give the region six inside the top 15 if you were to count them.
Let’s look at some prospects who could challenge Amen Thompson for the top spot.
Aidan Abell Aidan Abell 6'6" | SG Westminster Academy | 2022 State FL – Westminster Academy (PH. 36)
Aidan Abell Aidan Abell 6'6" | SG Westminster Academy | 2022 State FL and Westminster Academy were the only team to beat Pine Crest and the Thompson twins last season. That alone makes you a candidate to be the top dog. The 6-foot-5 shooting guard had 24 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals in the 70-65 victory over the Panthers. Abell is a 3-star sharpshooter that averaged 15.1 points, seven rebounds and four assists last season. You are not going to find many prospects with his size, quickness and accuracy shooting the basketball. Abell has a natural form to pile up points from deep. He can go from his left or right and square up for a shot in a flash. Abell can also accelerate his way into the lane and finish above the rim from any corner. His size and quickness also comes in handy in transition. He recently picked up an offer from Stetson University. The Hatters are home to former Westminster Academy star Chase Johnston. I expect more offers for Abell to come over the summer.
Ben Middlebrooks – Calvary Christian Academy (PH. 17)
Initially, Middlebrooks appeared to be heading to Clemson after reclassifying to the Class of 2021. A short time later, the 6-foot-10 power forward reverted back to the 2022 class. However, he is still verbally committed to the Tigers and head coach Brad Brownell. Middlebrooks already transferred from Westminster Academy to Calvary Christian Academy before the confusion. The Eagles are getting a powerful 3-star prospect on their frontline. Calvary Christian Academy already boasts Taylor Hendricks Taylor Hendricks 6'9" | PF Calvary Christian (FL) | 2022 State #124 Nation FL in the frontcourt. Middlebrooks averaged 20 points, 13 rebounds and three blocks for the Lions last season. His stretch four ability will be on display in front of a national audience. Calvary Christian Academy plans on playing a similar schedule to the one it played last season. The apparent goal is to earn a spot at GEICO Nationals. Middlebrooks will also have the luxury of playing with two very good guards in 2023’s Marvel Allen Marvel Allen 6'4" | SG Ft. Lauderdale Calvary Christian | 2023 State #46 Nation FL and Carl Cherenfant Carl Cherenfant 6'4" | CG Ft. Lauderdale Calvary Christian | 2023 State #68 Nation FL . The pair should give Middlebrooks ample looks from the perimeter off dribble penetration. The 3-star prospect can also take his opponent off the bounce thanks to his quick first step. He is a strong prospect with power to finish around the paint. Look for him to continue to improve on that aspect under head coach Cilk McSweeney.
Gregg Glenn Gregg Glenn 6'7" | PF Calvary Christian (FL) | 2022 State #161 Nation FL – Calvary Christian Academy (PH. 12)
It seems Glenn has had the spotlight on him since he was in middle school. The 6-foot-7 forward averaged 13.8 points and 6.6 rebounds per game for the Class 3A state champions. Glenn is a powerful point forward that can play downhill using his 235-pound frame. I think he can continue to improve on his finesse off the dribble and overall shooting. He could be very dangerous if he develops a consistent perimeter shot. The 4-star recruit is being heavily recruited by schools like Michigan, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida and Florida State. The first program on that list has been to the Elite Eight four times since 2013. Former head coach John Beilein and current boss Juwan Howard have turned the Wolverines into a national power. Glenn does have a relationship with the Howard family. Could he match his expectations with a future in Ann Arbor? Time will tell.
Taylor Hendricks Taylor Hendricks 6'9" | PF Calvary Christian (FL) | 2022 State #124 Nation FL – Calvary Christian Academy (PH. 15)
I have been saying for sometime that Hendricks is better than his 3-star rating. Specifically, he brings a ton of offensive versatility onto the floor. Hendricks can shoot from the perimeter (41 percent) or score in transition with his length and athleticism. Moreover, he can use his reach to score around the low block. On defense, Hendricks can use his frame to grab tough rebounds and block shots at the rim. The 6-foot-10 power forward averaged a team-best 14.1 points, 9.2 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game. Look for him to put on more muscle before he gets to college. He recently committed to UCF.
Deshawn Jean-Charles Deshawn Jean-Charles 6'6" | PF West Oaks | 2022 State FL – Miramar (PH. 55)
Jean-Charles is a prospect that is ascending in my opinion. The 6-foot-6 wing recently averaged 25 points and eight rebounds at the Source Hoops Florida Showdown. Jean-Charles can guard multiple positions due to his athleticism and length. He continues to morph his offensive game as a three-level scorer. If you recall, Jean-Charles had 25 points and eight rebounds in the Patriots’ state championship victory back in 2020. He is a matchup nightmare that is only getting better. He holds offers from Texas Southern, Samford, New Orleans and Bradley.
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