Top Shelf Performers: Miami/Palm Beach County
David Perez, Riviera Prep
The oil-smooth 6-foot-1 guard has a motor. He also possesses sneaky, dazzling athleticism.
A creator and multi-layered scorer, the Class of 2020 guard has developed a manipulative and yo-yo handle.
Perez’ knack for knifing to the rim and scoring in crafty style at the rim are aspects which cement Perez as such a unique (and jarringly underrated) threat.
Zaire Wade, American Heritage
The Class of 2020 prospect has an innate, beyond his years feel for the game.
Wade is bolstered by a purity of vision that makes him a stealth scorer and passer. His IQ is translatable to his adeptness in picking apart a defense.
The son of Miami Heat franchise posterboy Dwayne Wade, the 6-foot-2 Class of 2020 guard has improved in his athleticism and at the rim finishing.
With his stroke and the future ahead of him, Wade could wind up being the program’s most electrifying guard since Kobie Eubanks.
George Becceri, Mater Academy
The foundation of Mater head coach and legendary South Florida coach Marcos “Shakey” Rodriguez’ young core, the rugged 5-foot-10 guard has the ultimate winning mentality.
Becceri’s active hands and thorough on ball defense, crafty scoring, and ability to operate offense make him a safe net to consistently win the plus/minus category. The bigger the stage, the bigger Becceri plays.
Nicholas Choi, McArthur High
The 6-foot-7 forward has been a sturdy rebounder and stable interior presence.
A tactical scorer with a knack for hustle points, Choi provides hustle points and proficiency.
He’s better than most bigs at this level between the ears. Choi impacts the game with his outlet passes and tendency to trigger McArthur’s transition attack fresh off a defensive rebound.
Maximus Fulton-Durant, Suncoast
The 6-foot-6 forward has the length and rim to rim athleticism to be a stud disguised as a glue guy next season.
While Suncoast is predicated on gritty guard play, Fulton’s size and sneaky bounce are certainly appealing factors.
Fulton, a Class of 2019 forward on a small and guard-laden team, has the potential to create a radiant interior tandem alongside promising 6-foot-5 Class of 2021 forward Makye Bowles.
Antonio Daye, Fort Lauderdale
The 6-foot-1 Class of 2019 guard authored enough explosive scoring performances this season to prove his value as a significant feature piece.
Buoyed by an advanced all around skill-set, Daye has made a habit out of reeling points in a hurry.
Craig Starks, Mater Lakes Academy
The smooth 6-foot-6 Class of 2021 forward has the build of a sheer manchild.
The quality and promise are there, as Starks has the essential attributes to be an elite level player down the road.
Expect Starks Jr., who averaged 12 PPG this season, to be flushed into a prominent role next season.
Avery Brooks, Lake Worth
The 6-foot-2 guard is a lights out 3-point trigger man. Several games this season, including a 32-point performance, Brooks showed he could commandeer the offense when he seizes the hot hand.
If Brooks makes consistency a livelihood next year, he’s got the potential to become one of the most adept shooters and high scoring guards in South Florida.
Zach Scott, Westminster Academy
Few could have envisioned a more fitting conclusion to Florida Gulf Coast signee Zach Scott’s illustrious career than a wowing 35-point showing and a second consecutive state title.
Scott, who tends to put together his best performances when the stakes are raised, added nine rebounds, six assists, and five steals.
In back to back state titles and state tournaments, Scott was poised and clutch.
The 6-foot-4 guard left his stamp on Westminster, culminating his career with a program record 2,740 points.
Miles Coleman, Dwyer
The 6-foot-5 guard scored with such a natural feel for the game, it’s hard to see why he’s only got low-major Division-I interest.
His pure shooting display against a loaded (and newly minted state champion) University School team should have opened more eyes to the well-built, veteran guard.