Teams to Watch: Miami-Dade County
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My latest article takes us to the 305. I have lightly covered Palm Beach and Broward counties over the past few days. There are many interesting headlines coming out of greater Miami. Let’s get into it… Booker T. Washington (Last…
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Continue ReadingMy latest article takes us to the 305.
I have lightly covered Palm Beach and Broward counties over the past few days. There are many interesting headlines coming out of greater Miami.
Let’s get into it…
Booker T. Washington (Last season: 3-6)
The Tornadoes got a great transfer in PJ Paulk PJ Paulk 6'3" | CG Northwestern | 2023 State FL . The 6-foot-2 guard had a successful stint with Miami Northwestern. He is also an incredible tight end/wide receiver on the football field. Therefore, he is tough and durable in either sport. Paulk will go on the attack on the basketball court. He’s the type of floor leader you want in a close game. Count on him for a big bucket in traffic if things are tight down the stretch.
North Miami Beach (Last season: 10-12)
The Chargers return some pieces off a team that enjoyed some highs and lows last season. The good news is three of their top four scorers should be back. 2022 Tyrieke Sterile Tyrieke Sterile 6'0" | CG North Miami Beach | 2022 State FL leads the way after averaging 14.8 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. The 6-foot-1 wing/forward can score on multiple levels and is a nice defender. Look for him to be more consistent this season. I think he’s got an extra level in his game we have yet to see. 2022 Kaseam Purkiss (7.1 ppg) and 2023 Kevin Armand (7.8 ppg) also have an opportunity to step up. Both players can rebound a bit and Purkiss is a nice on-ball defender (2.9 spg). 2021 David Alize David Alize 5'10" | CG North Miami Beach | 2021 State FL is the man to replace.
Mater Lakes Academy (Last season: 12-10)
The Bears will be a new group next season at the coaching (Eric Rodriguez) and player level. In terms of on-court personnel, 2024 Christian Reid Christian Reid 6'5" | SF Mater Lakes | 2024 State FL (SLAM) is a prospect to watch and that I have talked about. 2025 Anthony Knowles might be one of the better freshman in the county. He averaged over 11 points per game as an eight grader. Look for Knowles to take another step.
Keys Gate – (Last season 12-8)
The Knights went 10-3 over their final 13 games last season. Overall, many of their eight defeats were by single digits. The good thing is much of the roster is expected to return. 2022 Daniel Zaladon Daniel Zaladon 5'11" | PG Keys Gate | 2022 State FL averaged 22.3 points per game while shooting 63 percent from the floor (per MaxPreps). He also went 24-of-43 from deep (56 percent). 2023’s Andre Velez (13 ppg) and Carlos Santos (12.2 ppg) provide depth. 6-foot-4 2024 Javier Surze led the team in rebound (8.8 rpg). He also blocked 33 shots (2.8 bpg). If this team stayed together, Keys Gate is a tough out.
Miami Southridge – (Last season: 4-6)
The Spartans should be very talented team after a number of players from South Miami transferred over. 6-foot-5 2023 Koree Cotton Koree Cotton 6'4" | SF Souhtridge | 2023 State FL is a high-level point guard with athleticism and size. He averaged 15 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.7 steals and 3.3 assists for the Cobras as a sophomore. Cotton is extremely gifted and a great playmaker off the dribble. 2023 Josh Middlebrooks Josh Middlebrooks 6'2" | PF Southridge | 2023 State FL is an accurate shooter from deep. The 6-foot-3 shooting guard should average 15 points per game. Mister Dean, brother of Arturo Dean Arturo Dean 5'11" | CG South Miami | 2021 State FL , is another kid to keep an eye on. Dean is 6-foot-5 and has played great this summer.
For any South Florida Prep Hoops news or information…please contact Michael Costeines @Steins_23 on Instagram or follow him on Twitter @Mungertown_Mike23.