Space Coast Names to Know (2022)
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Over the spring and summer players from major cities in Florida have been getting a lot of love, and rightfully so. One area that often gets overlooked is Florida’s Space coast. With myself being the closest scout on the Prep…
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Continue ReadingOver the spring and summer players from major cities in Florida have been getting a lot of love, and rightfully so. One area that often gets overlooked is Florida’s Space coast. With myself being the closest scout on the Prep Hoops Florida team based in the West Orlando, I take full responsibility. Over the last few months I have watched some film focusing on the area and these are some of the players in the class of 2022 who stood out to me:
CG Jamar Franklin Jamar Franklin 6'1" | CG Speights Academy | 2022 State #246 Nation FL 6-3 Rockledge
It’s crazy to think that six months ago few Division I coaches knew about the crafty scoring guard. Even after carrying Rockledge on a memorable postseason run that ended with them being one play away from the bright lights of Lakeland and the State Final 4. As the main attraction for Division I college coaches on a talented Team Speights aau program, Franklin was a constant as the team’s number one scoring option. He had multiple 30 point outings, and it was rare that he didn’t reach the 20 point mark. Shooting is Franklin’s calling card, as he is automatic off the catch, and he also can pull up and convert at a high rate off the dribble. At times he brought the ball up as the point guard, playing with great pace, never seeming to get sped up or rattled. He can also be effective as a slasher too with a deep bag of moves, and is a creative finisher around the basket. Recruiting wise Franklin blew up over the last few months raking in 19 Division I offers highlighted by South Alabama, Morehead St, Murray State, UIC, and Louisiana Tech.
SF Jordan White Jordan White 6'4" | CG Rockledge | 2022 State FL 6-5 Rockledge
Traveling across the state with his teammate, Jordan White Jordan White 6'4" | CG Rockledge | 2022 State FL also played for Team Speight’s. With great length at 6-5, White was a solid utility player that brought the defensive intensity for a team with a lot of scoring punch. He did most of his work on offense as a slasher who could rise up and crush a dunk, and also made a lot of hustle plays getting put backs off of rebounds, and transition points from steals. Last high school season, White averaged 10.8 PPG and 6.2 RPG. With Franklin and White returning to Rockledge, the Raiders seem poised to make another playoff run with a trip to Lakeland on their minds.
SG Ollie Pasque Ollie Pasque 6'3" | CG Satellite | 2022 State FL 6-3 Satellite
One of the joys of this gig is finding hidden gems. As an Orlando resident I had never heard of Pasque until I recently watched Legacy 321 Sportscast play on ballertv. The first thing that stood out to me about his game was his ability to shoot the 3 both off the catch, and dribble. At first I thought he maybe one dimensional, then the defense started to close out on him harder, and he showed off his all around game. Several times I watched as he broke defenders down off the dribble to either pull up from the midrange, or get to the basket for a crafty finish. He seemed adequate defensively as well with some sneaky athleticism. Based on the four games that I watched, he looked like a player Division II and NAIA programs should take a close look at. He holds a 3.8 GPA with a high SAT scores so elite Division III programs with academic prestige may want to enter the picture as well.
G/F Chase Jenkins Chase Jenkins 6'4" | CG Titusville | 2022 State FL 6-4 Titusville
Jenkins was another gem I came across this AAU season. He starred for East Coast United on a team that had quite a few future college players on it. Length, athleticism and versatility are three things that make Jenkins so intriguing. He is great in transition where he can showcase his athletic prowess, but he also can knock down the 3 at a near 40 % rate and makes great decisions on the court. With continued work on his game and in the weight room, Jenkins is a player who could make an impact from Day 1 at a college program. Recruiting wise he has taken a visit to Division II D’youville in Buffalo, New York and returned with his first offer.
C Turuk Rundial 6-8 Wade Christian
At 6-8, with a sturdy frame Rundial’s potential should not be overlooked as he was solid in his role for East Coast United as a true big man. He has the ability to play at and above the rim and does a great job of using his broad shoulders to his advantage while getting position in the post. He runs the floor well, and rebounds at a high rate, which should certainly solidifies him as a college prospect.
C Luca Sullivan 6-7 West Shore
Playing for Legacy 321 Sportscast, Sullivan manned the middle for a team that lacked size. He has long arms and enough weight to stand his ground in the post. While not a player who can jump out of the gym, I was impressed with his ability as a rebounder both offensively and defensively. He gets great position and can read which way the ball is going to come off the rim. In all four games I watched , he was in double digits for rebounding and got his points from sealing defenders and showed off a few nice post moves. Last season at West Shore the big man posted a respectable stat line of 7.3 PPG 6.4 RPG and 1.1 BPG. With a 4.0 GPA and 1300 SAT score, Sullivan should be a player prestigous academic programs should consider.
Other names & Notes:
SG Eric Parnell Eric Parnell 6'4" | CG Holy Trinity School | 2022 State FL 6-3 Holy Trinity Episcopal
A long athletic wing who can shoot the 3. He has a 3.7 GPA and could be in line for a larger role at Holy Trinity Episcopal which is considered a top program on Space Coast. Division III Schools have been in touch.
PG Elijah Naidas Elijah Naidas 5'11" | PG Palm Bay | 2022 State FL 5-9 Palm Bay
A throwback pass first point guard who can both score and facilitate. He was recently offered a roster spot by Division III UMASS-Dartmouth.
SG Theo Mansell Theo Mansell 6'4" | CG Holy Trinity | 2022 State FL 6-4 Holy Trinity Episcopal
Uber athletic wing who is valuable as a slasher and defender and can turn some heads in transition. He averaged just over 12 PPG on a Holy Trinity team that won over 20 games.
C Nick Motty 6-8 Viera
A big man that has made leaps and bounds since the end of his junior season. He runs the floor well and rebounds and blocks shots in the paint. He also caught my attention with a couple rim rattling two handed dunks. Academically he holds a 3.8 GPA and scored 1170 on the SAT.
SG Jalen Moreland Jalen Moreland 6'3" | CG Viera | 2022 State FL 6-3 Viera
Finished the season averaging 17 PPG for a very competitive Viera team. He can shoot both off the catch and dribble, and does a great job of getting to his spots in the mid range, as well as finding his way to the basket.
G/F Jake Hilliard Jake Hilliard 6'4" | CG Eau Gallie | 2022 State FL 6-4 Eau Gallie
Don’t jump with Jake. The 6-4 wing has the ability to play above the rim, and was Eau Gallie’s leading scorer averaging 16 PPG.
PG Q’Mari Phillips 6-3 Rockledge
Transferring into Rockledge, Phillips will solidify an already deep backcourt. The lead guard has good size and handle, and can put the clamps down defensively. He is at his best when he gets going down hill and into the paint as he can finish through contact. Last season he averaged 10 PPG 4 APG and 3 SPG at Viera.