Mismatch Nightmares: Florida
Sebastian Guitian, Westwood Christian
Very rarely at this level do you see a 6-foot-9 forward with such an adroit outside shooting touch. Guitian, who will prolong his career at Palm Beach Atlantic, was a smooth and efficient and tactical scorer throughout the year.
His knockdown game spread the floor out for Westwood Christian. Guitian racked up several 30+ point games. While Guitian doesn’t blow you away with wowing athleticism, he’s an active presence on the glass who is a crafty inside finisher.
Karn Goraya, The Conrad Academy
At 6-foot-4, Goraya has a halfback’s build. This helps him fend off defensive pressure and really out-duel smaller guards. Goraya, a post-graduate, hit countless clutch shots throughout the year. He was the team’s leading scorer and had 35 points (on the strength of seven 3-pointers) in a loss to Clearwater Academy Prep.
Richard Nunez, North Miami Beach
You would be hard-pressed to find a player more tailor-suited for the Mr. Everything role than Nunez. He’s 6-foot-8 and able to kick-start the transition game, finish above the rim, knock down 3-pointers, and cause disruption as an on-ball defender.
His size and length create mayhem for defenders, many of whom fail to contest his high-release 3-point shot. Nunez has the potential to be a very special and multi-dimensional player at the ensuing level.
Lee Flenor, South Miami
The 6-foot-6 Class of 2019 forward was on constant double double watch this past season. While he may not overwhelm you with his size, his aggression and sheer thirst for the basketball makes him a tough matchup. A monstrous athlete and high-energy guy throughout four quarters, Flenor is always full throttle. He will be flushed into a more prominent role as a senior next season.
Thomas Fortier, The Conrad Academy
The 6-foot-4 guard has the build and hustle of a position-less player. While Fortier is best as a knockdown shooter who can get hot in a hurry, his high-motor style makes it a long evening for whoever has the chore of guarding him.
A gym rat who has certainly put it the time in the weight room, Fortier is a pesky on-ball defender. Plain and simple, the France native has an engine that never stops.
Jesus Duquesne, Mater Academy
The long, 6-foot-7 Class of 2018 forward stretches out defenses with deep 3-point shooting acumen. He has the type of buckets-in-clusters ability to spark a game when he seizes that hot hand.
If he can incorporate more skill moves to his game and develop into a better defender, Duquesne has potential to be a formidable four year player somewhere next year.
Tyrese Williams, Oldsmar Christian
On paper, it would seem Williams has the odds stacked against him by playing out of position. Forced to clamp down on taller, significantly bigger forwards and centers on a night-to-night basis, Williams has thrived on adversity.
A maniacal dunker with a knack for above the rim, Williams brings sustains relentlessness. His physical nature is at times overwhelming for opposing bigs. Few at this level can simulate his tenacity and high-flying game.
Liu Yan Yu, Victory Rock Academy
Just getting into the lane against the 7-foot-1 post graduate Center is a daunting task. Yan Yu has the size and length to ultimately shut off the driving lanes. While his offensive game and production needs work, you can’t turn down the size and subsequently the intimidation factor he’s got to offer.
Bryce Workman, Tampa Sickles
At 6-foot-8 and 235 pounds, Workman has a monstrous build and a unique skill factor to go with it. He’s a bruising interior presence and sets big, hard picks that enables guys to get loose offensively.
A veritable double double cyborg, the Class of 2018 Workman averaged 20 points, 13.3 boards, 2.3 steals, and 2.3 blocks this past season.