Best of Palm Beach County (Returning – Pt. 2)
Josh Minott Josh Minott 6'9" | PF St. Andrew's | 2021 State #30 Nation FL …Memphis Devin Hines Devin Hines 6'4" | CG St. Andrew's | 2021 State FL …Lafayette Chris Walker Chris Walker 6'6" | SG Wellington | 2021…
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Continue ReadingJosh Minott Josh Minott 6'9" | PF St. Andrew's | 2021 State #30 Nation FL …Memphis
Devin Hines Devin Hines 6'4" | CG St. Andrew's | 2021 State FL …Lafayette
Chris Walker Chris Walker 6'6" | SG Wellington | 2021 State FL …Arkansas – Little Rock
Donovan Draper Donovan Draper 6'6" | PF Forrest Hill | 2021 State FL ...Navy Football
There is a bit of turnover up in Palm Beach County. The names I mentioned above are just some of the prospects moving on to the college level. Furthermore, they joined a number of players in the Class of 2021 on all-county lists.
Who might be the best player coming back? You can check out my initial thoughts by clicking here. Let’s look at another talented group below.
Nate Sasser Nate Sasser 6'6" | SG Suncoast | 2023 State #207 Nation FL – Suncoast
I am excited to witness the progression of Sasser heading into his junior season. The 6-foot-5 small forward has the size and athleticism to be a difference maker. Sasser is ambidextrous with his long arms to finish at the rim. He also has an impressive vertical to rise up and finish in transition. These qualities translate for him as a guard/wing against opponents. Sasser averaged 9.9 points and 4.6 rebounds per game while shooting 48 percent from the floor as a sophomore. Nearly half (24) of his total rebounds came on the offensive glass. He continues to get better as a rebounder with his evolving size/athleticism. Against Okeechobee (9-3), Sasser had 15 points and eight rebounds (five offensive). He can really be a force around the paint with his ability on putback attempts.
Stone Bureau Stone Bureau 6'0" | PG Calvary Christian Academy, Ft. Lauderdale | 2024 State FL – Suncoast
The Stone Ranger is as talented as any point guard in Palm Beach County. The 6-foot Bureau is lethal attacking the basket while stifling defenders with his strong handle. This 2024 Charger can really go and push the tempo in transition. Therefore, he can really hurt you off turnovers. Bureau averaged a team-best 10.3 points, 3.1 assists and 3.1 steals last season. In addition, he pulled down an impressive 5.3 rebounds per game. Against Wellington (12-3), Bureau had 13 points, seven rebounds and five assists. He is a very good defensive guard with quick hands while shifting his body to lock down a defender. Bureau even recorded seven games with at least one block. That just goes to show you his athleticism out of the backcourt. Watch out for Bureau’s perimeter game next season. I think he is starting to polish out into a well-rounded guard.
Gabriel Santos – Lake Worth Christian
2022 Gabriel Santos had a quality season playing for the Defenders in Boynton Beach. The 6-foot-3 forward averaged a team-best 14.2 points and 8.4 rebounds per game while shooting 55 percent from the floor last season. Moreover, he shot 60 percent or better from the field in 7 of eleven games. Against Boca Raton Christian (15-8), Santos had 19 points and a season-high 15 boards (six offensive). He also scored 21 points and grabbed eleven rebounds later in the year against the Blazers. You have to like his efficiency on the offensive end and his ability to collect a high volume of boards.
Gavin Aydelotte Gavin Aydelotte 6'11" | C Benjamin | 2023 State FL – Benjamin
Gavin Aydeloote is a rising frontcourt prospect as he enters his junior season. The 6-foot-10 power forward/center averaged a team-best 12.9 points and 6.7 rebounds per game while shooting 48 percent from the floor last season. Aydelotte also used his size to block 31 shots. Against Miami Country Day (12-10), Aydelotte scored a season-high 26 points and grabbed eight rebounds while shooting 11-of-20 from the field. The Spartans were a very good team that fell to Calvary Christian Academy in the state tournament. In addition, he knocked down two 3-pointers against Miami Country Day. Can you imagine his upside if he develops a solid perimeter/face up shot? Aydelotte is already a nice offensive force in the paint as it is. His athleticism and footwork will only get better with age and repetitions. A lot of potential here.
Michael Kalina Michael Kalina 6'0" | PG North Broward Prep | 2022 State FL – Boca Raton
Kalina’s all-around numbers make him a must on this list. The 6-foot-1 point guard averaged 14.2 points, five rebounds, 4.2 assists and 2.3 steals per game while shooting 45 percent from the floor last season. Against Wellington (12-3), Kalina scored a season-high 26 points on 6-of-12 from the field. He was consistently making plays in the offense as the Bobcats’ lead playmaker. Just look at some of his assist to turnover ratio. Kalina is a very good two-way prospect that shouldn’t be overlooked.
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