Balance. The legendary John Wooden stated this is one of the most important factors for basketball success. With the right mix of interior scoring and outside shooting, teams can make it a long night for opposing defenses. With that in mind, we look at some duos that should give opponents cause for concern.
Miami Christopher Columbus
Inside: 6’8 SO Cameron Boozer Outside: 6’1 SO Benny Fragela
Boozer is way advanced when it comes to post footwork and scoring tools around the basket. He can step away and either drive by bigger defenders or shoot over smaller ones. Boozer is also a very good passer and highly effective in ball-screen situations, whether it be diving to the rim or popping out for a perimeter shot. Fragela is going to see a lot of catch-and-shoot opportunities off double-teams on Boozer or from drive-and-kick penetration by Cayden Boozer.
Hialeah Mater Lakes
Inside: 6’5 JR Christian Reid Outside: 6’1 SR Michael Bradley
Reid may be a bit under-sized but you are unlikely to find anyone that plays with as much passion, purpose, and energy on this level. He isn’t afraid to play physically inside, is quick off the floor for boards and blocks, and uses his physical gifts to get shots up and over bigger opponents inside. Bradley’s range extends well past the three-point line. He has the green light to let it fly at all times. Bradley is especially effective in stopping and popping in transition.
Orlando Oak Ridge
Inside: 6’8 SO Amari Davis Outside: 6’0 SO Jalen Reece
Another young tandem, these two have been playing for a while on the travel circuit and have developed very good chemistry. Davis can step away from the basket and make shots, but he has good scoring tools inside. He also does a good job of protecting the paint and getting the ball out quickly once he secures the defensive rebound. Reece has excellent range on his shot and can knock it down with frequency off the dribble as well as the catch. He is also a dynamic driver and distributor that makes good decisions with the ball on the move.
Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy
Inside: 6’8 JR Jaylen Carey Outside: 6’4 SO Alex Lloyd
If these two get the defense in a two-man game on one side of the court, go ahead and put points on the board. Carey is a strong, big-bodied warrior inside with soft hands and good footwork. He will score with either hand around the rim, grab offensive rebounds, and set bone-crunching ball screens. Carey demands double-coverage inside. When the second defender comes, it better not be off Lloyd. He’s a knock-down shooter with deep range. Lloyd may see time at the point, but he is much better when he can focus on scoring.
Miami Riviera Prep
Inside: 6’9 SR Cheikh Ndiaye Outside: 6’2 SR Cooper Josefsburg
These two players will be the catalyst for a deep playoff run. Ndiaye comes over from Chaminade. He has good footwork in the post and scores well around the basket. Josefsburg is deadly off the catch as he is always well-prepared to get into his shooting motion. He’ll drive the ball if over-played for the perimeter shot.
OTHERS TO WATCH
Riviera Beach Suncoast: 6’7 SO Ian Smikle, 6’6 JR Nate Sasser/5’11 SO Stone Bureau
Miami Country Day: 6’7 SR Cole McCabe, 6’6 SR Jasai Miles
Jay: 6’5 SR Tristan Watson, 6’1 JR Ethan McDonald
Lake Worth: 6’7 JR Jeremy Innocent, 6’2 SR Anthony Coby
Windermere: 6’7 SR Cole White, 6’2 SR Jalen Dubose
Coral Glades: 6’6 JR Dylan Burrowes, 6’3 JR Ramez Zayed