Early Preview: Miami-Dade County Contenders
November 1st is scheduled as the start of boys basketball season in Florida. That is followed by preseason tournaments from Nov. 15th – 20th. Two days later is the official start of the regular season. That means we are essentially…
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Continue ReadingNovember 1st is scheduled as the start of boys basketball season in Florida. That is followed by preseason tournaments from Nov. 15th – 20th. Two days later is the official start of the regular season.
That means we are essentially two months away from action. It will come very quickly as we know.
Who are contenders this season in Miami-Dade County? Please click here (Palm Beach) and here (Broward County) for my previous articles.
Riviera Prep – (Last season DNP)
The Bulldogs have essentially shadowed as Shabazz Elite under head coach Anthony Shabazz. 2023 power forward Osmar Garcia Araujo Osmar Garcia Araujo 6'7" | PF Lanier | 2023 State GA might be the best fundamental big in the region. This is a kid at 6-foot-7 with a ton of skill as a face-up and back to the basket player. I love his footwork and passing ability around the cylinder. 2022 Esteban Lluberes Esteban Lluberes 5'10" | PG Riviera Prep | 2022 State FL first caught my attention two years ago in a game against Belen Jesuit. He is very quick and a lockdown defender. Lluberes is tough and doesn’t fold under pressure. For example, watch him late in games on the free-throw line. Ice water.
Miami Norland – (Last season: 19-9)
While they won 19 games, the Vikings took a big hit to Pembroke Pines Charter in the Class 5A state tournament. The Jaguars won that game 79-53 en route to a state title. The Vikings should be motivated from that loss. We all know how talented 2024 Marcus Allen Marcus Allen 6'4" | SF West Orange | 2021 State FL is. How much better is he going to get? I think that’s a key for the Vikings this season. However, Miami Norland is much more than one player. The Vikings return much of its production from last season. Legendary head coach Lawton Williams will have this team ready to go.
Miami Palmetto – (Last season: 14-8)
The Panthers bring back a lot of talent from last season, including 2022’s Warner Davis Warner Davis 6'1" | CG Miami Palmetto | 2022 State FL and Nick Pineryo. Per MaxPreps, Davis averaged 23.3 points per game while Pineryo averaged 17.9. Bring in transfer Jimel Lane Jimel Lane 6'7" | PF Palmetto | 2022 State FL (Mater Academy) and Braylon Burbridge Braylon Burbridge 6'2" | PG Miami Palmetto | 2024 State FL (Sagemont) and the Panthers might have something. Lane is one of the better players in the county.
Miami Country Day – (Last season: 12-10)
The Spartans reached the Class 3A final four before suffering a 18-point defeat to Calvary Christian Academy. While they lose 2021 Jordan Cooke Jordan Cooke 6'0" | CG Miami Country Day | 2021 State FL , Miami Country Day returns talented guard Jasai Miles Jasai Miles 6'5" | CG Miami Country Day | 2023 State #241 Nation FL . The 6-foot-5 Miles averaged nearly 20 points and eight rebounds per game last season. Miles’ size and athleticism at guard is one of a kind. He should be a force anytime he touches the ball in the halfcourt. 2022 Ryan Richardson Ryan Richardson 6'4" | CG Miami Country Day | 2022 State FL is another prospect to watch. Look for the Spartans to be more consistent this season.
Miami High should interesting to watch after the departure of Javorie Wilson. The Stingarees have a new coach in Humberto Govea (Coral Gables). Click here to read about one of their new kids.
Legendary head coach Melvin Randall is now at Miami Northwestern. The Bulls also bring in talented guard Jamai Hager-Tejada Jamai Hager-Tejada 5'10" | CG Mater Lakes | 2023 FL from Mater Lakes Academy. Randall and company should be hungry to compete.
Former South Miami head coach Robert Doctor is now at Miami Southridge. The Spartans are well represented and will compete in this year’s Sun Bash tournament in Miami.
How will Ray Allen do at Gulliver Prep? What about Doral Academy with new head coach Mike Hunt? Are 2025’s Cayden and Cameron Boozer superstars in the making at Columbus? All accounts point to yes.
Plenty of storylines in Miami-Dade.
For any South Florida Prep Hoops news or information…please contact Michael Costeines @Steins_23 on Instagram or follow him on Twitter @Mungertown_Mike23.