Class 9A Season Preview (Part 1)
Preseason classics are underway and the regular season officially begins on November 27.
We will bring you previews on all nine classes in the state of Florida.
Here is an inside look at Class 9A and its 16 districts. This is part one which will break down the first eight districts.
Previous class previews (8A Part 2, 8A Part 1, 7A Part 2, 7A Part 1, 6A – Part 2, 6A – Part 1, 5A – Part 2, 5A – Part 1, 4A, 3A, 2A, 1A).
2016-17 state champion: Osceola
2016-17 runner-up: Wekiva
Class 9A-District 1
2016 winner: Flagler Palm Coast needed overtime to hold off DeLand and capture the district title. The Bulldogs beat Seminole in the region quarterfinal before falling to Oviedo in the region semifinal.
Teams to watch: DeLand, Spruce Creek, Flagler Palm Coast
Other teams in the district: Mandarin, Sandalwood
Predicted district champion: DeLand
– It was DeLand who battled all year long but ultimately couldn’t top a senior-oriented Flagler Palm Coast group. DeLand has 2018 prospects, guard Brodgie Gordon and center Wyatt Hollmann back in the mix. Also, 2019 guard Tavian Durrett is going to be a major factor for the Bulldogs again.
Class 9A-District 2
2016 winner: Oviedo took down Seminole in the district final and advanced to the region final before losing to eventual state runner-up Wekiva.
Teams to watch: Oviedo, Winter Springs, Seminole, Lake Mary
Other teams in the district: Lake Brantley, Lyman, University
Predicted district champion: Oviedo
– This is a rather hard district to predict. Oviedo’s top scorer Ivan Smith graduated and outside of Seminole, the rest of the teams in the district had losing records. Oviedo is still a good program, but the Lions top six scorers are gone leaving 2019 Aidan Knight as the main piece. Winter Springs has a very gifted 2020 guard in Cole Duncan. I have to give this district to Oviedo until further notice.
Class 9A-District 3
2016 winner: Wekiva snuck past West Orange, 54-53 to win the district. The Mustangs triumphed to the state title game before falling to Osceola 59-47. All four teams in the district finished .500 or better.
Teams to watch: Wekiva, West Orange, Apopka
Other teams in the district: Evans
Predicted district champion: Wekiva
– The Mustangs graduated its two best players in seniors Paul Reed and Ruben Sheppard, but 2018 point guard Ronderrick Perry and 2018 forwards Jeremy Johnson and Samuel Bostick played a crucial role in last year’s state tournament run. West Orange has a stellar athlete in 2018 guard KJ Simon and Apopka has a good one in 2018 guard Jai Clark.
Class 9A-District 4
2016 winner: Boone impressed all season long, beating University to win the district crown. Then, the Braves forced overtime in the region semifinal against Wekiva. They lost 37-35 in the defensive battle, but that was a tough performance.
Teams to watch: Boone, University, Timber Creek
Other teams in the district: Winter Park, Colonial, Lake Nona
Predicted district champion: University
– Boone lost a deep group of seniors. The Braves return 2018 guard Sean Halloran and 2019 forward Marlon Allen, but I have to give University this district. 2019 guard Zavien Smith transferred in and if he can make every possession count, then he’ll be a stud for the Cougars.
Class 9A-District 5
2016 winner: Oak Ridge won its second straight district title with a convincing win over Dr. Phillips. The Pioneers battled in the region final but ultimately lost 53-50 to Osceola.
Teams to watch: Oak Ridge, Dr. Phillips, Cypress Creek
Other teams in the district: Freedom, Olympia
Predicted district champion: Oak Ridge
– Oak Ridge is as deep as they come with 2018 guard Antwann Jones, 2018 guard Damon Harge Jr. (transfer from North Carolina), 2019 guard Emmanuel Adedoyin, 2019 forward Niven Glover (transferred back after spending the last few months at The Villages). 2018 forward Emmitt Williams transferred over from IMG but he was arrested last month on felony sexual battery and false imprisonment charge. So his status is cloudy to the say the least. 2018 Dr. Phillips guard Daniel Love is a player to watch as well in this district.
Class 9A-District 6
2016 winner: Sarasota Riverview beat Newsome for the district title. Both teams lost in the region quarterfinal to Dr. Phillips and Oak Ridge respectively.
Teams to watch: Sarasota Riverview, Newsome, Alonso
Other teams in the district: Riverview
Predicted district champion: Sarasota Riverview
– Seniors AJ Caldwell and Brion Whitley graduated but the Rams have a very gifted 2020 forward in Malachi Wideman, two smart guards in 2018 Ben Bloom and 2019 Tyrus Jackson. 2018 forward Jeff Pedro will be a factor. 2018 Newsome guard Isaiah Islam will have a big season for the Wolves and 2019 Alonso forward Sager Cavalier is going to be key for the Ravens. 2018 Riverview guard Riley Rudisill is a gifted player.
Class 9A-District 7
2016 winner: Osceola finished 30-2, beating Ridge Community in the district final and then five straight to take home the 9A state championship.
Teams to watch: Osceola, Gateway, Ridge Community
Other teams in the district: George Jenkins, Haines City
Predicted district champion: Osceola
–2019 trio Omar Payne, Isaiah Palermo and Josh Marte are back looking for another state trip. The Kowboys aren’t as deep as last season, but they have talent in all the right places and should be able to win this district easily.
Class 9A-District 8
2016 winner: Treasure Coast beat Central to win the district title. The Titans lost to Osceola in the region semifinal a few weeks later.
Teams to watch: Treasure Coast, Central, Martin County
Other teams in the district: Vero Beach, Centennial
Predicted district champion: Treasure Coast
– Treasure Coast was a deeper team last season which should give Central and Martin County a better chance to hang around in the district race. However, the Titans a nice talent in 2019 guard Tyrec Thompson, last year’s leading scorer. 2018 Central guard Cameron Hicks is a player to watch as well.
A predicted state champion will be announced in Part 2
Photo credit: Miami Herald