Triumphant Trigger Men: Florida’s Unsigned Shooters/Scorers
Rob Perry, Oak Ridge
The lights out 3-point trigger man has been one of the best supplementary pieces in the state.
On most other teams, Perry would be the featured scorer. One would think being flanked by LSU-bound forward Emmitt Williams (LSU) and Antwann Jones (Texas A& M) would enable the hot-shooting guard to garner more exposure.
Perry cemented his status as a Division-I player with a wowing 32-point performance (11-for-15 FG, 4-for-5 3FG) en route to a 71-60 state title victory over Wellington.
With Williams ejected for back to back technical fouls and Jones saddled with foul trouble, Perry’s play was instrumental in guiding Oak Ridge down the stretch.
It’s a mystery to many, as too many Division-I coaches appear to be feeling themselves a bit too much by not offering Perry a scholarship right away. He certainly has the high level scoring ability and all around potential.
Logan Alters, University School
The 6-foot-1 sharpshooter has taken advantage of the amplified pressure applied on five star recruits/teammates Vernon Carey Jr. (2019) and Scottie Barnes (2020) by buying into the role of certifiable knockdown man.
The Class of 2019 prospect will again savor the sniper role next year, when the U-School returns the star power which catapulted it to unprecedented national prominence this season.
Simply put, the Sharks ran into a deeper and higher caliber Montverde that couldn’t miss a 3-pointer during the GEICO Invitational finals.
With a bulk of their firepower and the core returning, U-School should resurface as a national favorite in 2018-19. Expect Alters to facilitate, knock down shots, and provide steady on-ball defense.
Chase Johnston, Westminster
Given Johnston’s knack for hitting timely 3-pointers and bolt-quick release, it’s easy to pigeonhole him as strictly a shooter.
While he’s most lethal from beyond the arc, the Division-I prospect has routinely been active across all categories of the stat sheet.
He’s had several performances of six assists or more and is an active ingredient on the glass. Having played meaningful minutes since he was a callow eighth grader and started as a freshman, Johnston will wrap up a stellar career at Westminster by embracing the alpha dog role as a veteran and battle tested senior.
Malcolm Farrington, Believe Prep Academy
The 3-point ace has hit countless shots over the past two years, as he’s been a key supplementary scorer to high-major Division-I talent such as Luguentz Dort (Arizona State) at the Conrad School and 6-foot-6 wing Devan Cambridge at Believe Prep Academy.
Poised, clutch, and capable of reeling off points in a hurry (he shot a scalding 6-for-7 during a memorable first half performance against Wesleyan Christian of North Carolina) Farrington has authored efficiency the last two seasons. The Class of 2019 prospect and West Palm Beach native has additionally gotten stronger and developed into more of a physical defensive presence.
During a critical stretch of the season, Farrington averaged 20 points on 11 shot attempts. South Alabama, Marshall, Cornell, and several other Ivy League programs are currently expressing interest.
Jason Preston, Believe Prep Academy
If there is one word to describe Preston’s game it’s so obvious it nearly falls off the page: Smooth.
Adept at creating his own shot and finishing, Preston is a crafty around the rim scorer.
He’s got a deft perimeter touch, a facet that allowed him to spark several game-altering runs during a competitive post-graduate slate this past season.
Preston has recently received an offer from Longwood. The Orlando native enhanced his recruiting profile following a productive senior summer on the AAU circuit, opening plenty of eyes with manipulative finishing and stealth one on one moves.
George Becceri, Mater Academy
The 5-foot-10 guard is the facilitator and the pulse for this Mater team. He’s created a niche for himself as the initiator, a guy who simply makes it all happen under legendary South Florida coach Marcos “Shakey” Rodriguez.
Beyond smooth passing and engineering the transition game, Becceri scores at all three levels. He’s a defensive pest constantly chasing 50-50 balls and going full throttle.
The class of 2019 prospect has bigger expectations ahead of him, as he’ll again pioneer the program in 2018-19.
Jaiden Lee, Palm Glades Prep
A natural high energy scoring guard, Lee is a highly effective one on one scorer who can create his own shot and has considerable rise on his fluid jumper. He gets to the rim with ease and has no trepidation in attacking hard and finishing over bigger rim protecting frontlines. At 6-foot-3, Lee brings a unique combo of toughness and sheer athleticism.
Nathaniel Stewart, Palm Glades Prep
Stewart is a knockdown threat disguised as a scorer. The gritty guard is entertaining for his selflessness and willingness to do whatever it takes within the confines of the system. He doesn’t get rattled and never forces anything, an aspect that enables him to pick apart defenses and make heady decisions. He compiled several double doubles and triple doubles this season.
Charlie Osceola, South Ridge
The 5-foot-8 guard is a real pitbull, constantly in attack mode throughout four quarters. Knifing to the rim and creating for his teammates, Osceola is a smart offensive player who makes sound decisions. This aspect of his game enables him to consistently win the plus/minus department whenever he’s out there on the floor.
Gabriel Francisco, Miami High
The high-scoring guard is able to permeated the teeth of the defense on thorough hard drives. He’s equally as proficient in finding his shot via stepbacks, pull-ups, and other moves he incorporates.
He’s got a knockdown game from all over the court. Miami High certainly takes him for granted. Francisco had enough tools to give defenses headaches throughout his senior campaign.