Tough-Hearted: Florida Guards/Forwards
Nico Toledo, Wellington
Don’t let that 5-foot-9 size fool you. Toledo established himself as one of the grittiest guards in South Florida this season. He’s an bonafide pest on defense, one who really causes disruption and neutralizes high-scoring guards. While his rugged defensive tactics are what he’s most widely recognized for, Toledo has become more of a scorer and loves to attack the rim with gritted teeth. While his outside shot is a work in progress, he’s improved drastically in that compartment and can manufacture points.
“He was purely the heart and soul of our team and our leader,” explained Wellington head coach Matt Colin. “He’s just a guy that is completely relentless. Opponents may look at him initially and not think much of him because of his size, but he’s going to prove himself every time. He commanded the respect of both teammates and opponents.”
Todd Novacek, St. Thomas Aquinas
The 6-foot-7, 215-pound prospect is an undersized low post scorer at the next level. He’s really learned to play with grit, tenacity, and a mental moxie this past season. He hustles, runs the floor well, and can score in smooth fashion around the rim. He’s steadily growing as a guy who can score the ball with only a few dribbles to create his own shot. Novacek is evolving with his face-up game, as he’s been putting the ball on the deck more and looking comfortable and controlled in doing so.
Mykayle Carter, CAI
The Broward County native brings an offensively adept game at 6-foot-6. He’s got an underrated pull-up jump shot and ability to hit some very tough shots, shots which are rather difficult to pull off. Carter can really score in bunches, as he proved multiple times this season. He has bouncy athleticism, as evidenced by his open floor finishing and increasing vertical. He’s got the type of quickness that’s translatable to reputable levels of Division-I basketball. Playing a post-graduate level should enable his stock to become more appealing to coaches looking for a rangy forward.
Jordan Grant, Olympia
The bullish 5-foot-10 point guard is extremely composed with the rock in his hands. He’s got a know-how and a poise to him, a factor which makes him a leader and calming influence out there on the floor. Grant knows how to quarterback and offense and really get key defensive stops. He’s not the greatest shooter, but he gets to the rim with ease. He’s a reliable driver who can really make things happen with the ball in his hands. He’s got the football player build which makes him a bit harder to stay in front of than most.
Reggie Perez, Doral
Like the previously mentioned Grant, Perez has a factor that cannot be taught and that’s reliability and know-how. He’s constantly playing with his eyes up at all times, seeing the floor and being cognizant of where the right play needs to be delivered. His strength and shiftiness are central principles of his make-up. While he’s not a knockdown shooter and doesn’t always look to shoot, he can bury that jumper when necessary.
Devin Gross, Calvary Christian
The 6-foot-2 shooter is a specialist. He’s constantly a threat to get loose and knockdown a shot. His shot release and consistency are essential in making him a specialist at the next level. If he were 6-foot-7 or 6-foot-9, he would be a Steve Novak or Kyle Korver type. At 6-foot-2, he needs to be more creative as a scorer and implement new facets in his arsenal. This will make him more attractive to college coaches. He’s got a great attitude and certainly has the work ethic to be a solid contributor at the collegiate level.
Nicholas Bailey, West Broward
The 6-foot-2 guard might not get the same high expectations, heavy exposure, and hype as other similar guards of his fabric, but Bailey can flat out play. He’s a reliable scorer with a very dependable 3-point shot. He’s equally effective and knifing into the driving lines and creating separation for a short jumper. Getting stronger and packing muscle onto his spindly frame is essential.