Mike’s Takes: Best of the Best…so Far
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I’ve been to a number of games and events through the first half of the season. As we close 2021, which players have stood out? Michael Cooper – Forest Hill 2022 Michael Cooper is coming into his own after the…
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Continue ReadingI’ve been to a number of games and events through the first half of the season. As we close 2021, which players have stood out?
Michael Cooper – Forest Hill
2022 Michael Cooper is coming into his own after the graduations of Jalen Jeter and Donovan Draper. The 6-foot-1 guard has a ton of ball skill and movement to regularly score at the rim. You can quickly tell he has another spring in his step. Cooper is averaging 16.8 points per game while shooting 54 percent from the field. Therefore, he can beat you in a multitude of ways. Cooper might have to go the JUCO route, but he has a bright future.
Houston Culpepper Houston Culpepper 6'3" | CG Stranahan | 2022 State FL – Stranahan
2022 Houston Culpepper Houston Culpepper 6'3" | CG Stranahan | 2022 State FL has been a dominant forward for Stranahan. The 6-foot-4, 225-pound prospect is averaging 14.7 points and 9.7 rebounds per game. Per latest information, Culpepper has four double-doubles. He is a tough/physical kid on the glass with 28 offensive boards. Culpepper won’t get pushed around in the paint. This also carries over into his scoring ability as he’s able to bull his way towards the rim. The Mighty Dragons are 8-0 with him leading the charge.
Guilherme Tesch Guilherme Tesch 6'8" | SF North Broward Prep | 2023 FL – North Broward Prep
2023 Guilherme Tesch Guilherme Tesch 6'8" | SF North Broward Prep | 2023 FL has been one of the top stretch players in South Florida. The 6-foot-8 forward is averaging 17.3 points per game while shooting 45 percent from deep. Tesch has shot 40 percent or better from the perimeter in six of nine contests. He can put the ball on the floor and attack the rim like a guard. Furthermore, Tesch is a nice passer at his size. He’s been a big reason for North Broward Prep’s undefeated start.
Ian Smikle Ian Smikle 6'9" | C Suncoast | 2024 State FL – Suncoast
2024 Ian Smikle Ian Smikle 6'9" | C Suncoast | 2024 State FL is a player that deserves more recognition. The 6-foot-8 forward is averaging 13.5 points and 13.3 rebounds per game while shooting 62 percent from the field. Smikle is a massive kid that has exerted his presence in the paint. I’ve been impressed with his touch and efficiency around the rim. Against Jupiter, Smikle had 15 points and 17 rebounds. He is currently fifth in the state in rebounds per game. Again, he is just a sophomore.
Ricardo Corvil – Somerest Prep North Lauderdale
2023 Ricardo Corvil is averaging 15.2 rebounds per game. Only Isaac Celiscar (Winter Haven) is ahead of him in Florida. Of note, Corvil is 6-foot-1 while Celiscar is 6-foot-5. He already has three games of 20 or more rebounds. Against Jupiter Christian, he had 20 boards (10 offensive) while adding six steals and three blocks. Keep an eye out for him in 2022.
For any South Florida Prep Hoops news or information…please contact Michael Costeines @Steins_23 on Instagram or follow him on Twitter @Mungertown_Mike23.