The Sunshine Independent Athletic Association (SIAA) announced its Boys Basketball All-State Teams this past weekend at the state championships.  Below is a look at the First and Second Team Nominees.

FIRST TEAM SIAA ALL-STATE

Paul Djobet, Orlando West Oaks Academy: Also named SIAA Player of the Year, the 6’7 senior is a wiry athlete that is a creative scorer.  His jump shot extends to the three-point line, he gets into the lane and scores through contact, and gets a lot of points on putbacks as he relentlessly attacks the offensive glass.

Jayden Smith, Orlando West Oaks Academy: The 5’10 senior excels at creating his own shot and drilling jumpers from the perimeter once he separates from a defender.  He is also a very good run/jump athlete that will excite the crowd in transition.  Smith’s on-ball defense has taken a quantum leap forward this season.

R.J. Jones, Gainesville The Rock School: The 6’9 junior made a very successful return from a knee injury that sidelined him last season.  The bounce in his legs is almost all the way back and with his strong upper-body he gets a lot done around the basket at both ends of the court.  Jones has developed into quite the perimeter shooter and puts a lot of pressure on the defense with his ability to stretch the floor.

Vuk Vukcevic, Kissimmee Central Pointe Christian: It will be very difficult to find someone who has watched SIAA basketball this season to name someone other than the 6’7 senior as the best shooter in the league.  He is deadly from deep with his quick release, soft touch, and consistent accuracy.  He has improved from the beginning of the season as a driver of the ball and as a passer.

Baraka Okojie, Daytona Beach DME Academy: A 6’3 junior out of Canada, Okojie was instrumental in leading DME to the top seed in the state tournament.  His ankle injury in the first game of the best-of-three semifinals was certainly a factor in DME not advancing.  A highly athletic point guard, Okojie is tough to keep from the basket but also has a perimeter shot that must be respected.

Petras Padegimas, Daytona Beach DME Academy: A 6’8 senior from Lithuania, Padegimas was a do-it-all performer for DME this season.  He scored both inside and out, rebounded at both ends, and put in effort on defense.

SECOND TEAM SIAA ALL-STATE

Bol Agu, Jacksonville Potter’s House Christian: The 6’8 senior was the key to Potter’s House successful season.  At times, Agu could be found running the point; other times he might take advantage of a mismatch inside.  Highly skilled, he makes the most of what the defense gives him.

Kameren Wright, Gainesville The Rock School: The 6’6 junior is a highlight reel waiting to happen.  He is dynamic in transition, gets up high to finish lobs and offensive stickbacks, and anticipates the passing lanes well to come up with steals that become scores.  Wright’s perimeter shot is becoming more consistent, as is his ability to blow by defenders and get to the basket.

Evan Sterk, Gainesville The Rock School: Just a sophomore, the 6’2 Sterk is solid in running a team but can also get points when necessary.  He has a reliable perimeter shooter, makes good pass vs. shot decisions when driving to the basket, and scores creatively in a crowd at the rim.

Braylon Jackson, Oldsmar Christian: The 6’5 senior is simply wired to score.  Whether knocking down jumpers from beyond the arc, connecting on floaters in the lane, or finishing creatively at the basket in transition or on drives, he simply finds a way to put the ball in the basket.  Jackson is also a good athlete that finds ways to contribute on defense.

Bronson Borlace, Bradenton Victory Rock Prep: The 6’6 senior was a double-double machine this season for Victory Rock. Quick off his feet and with a nose for the ball, it seemed like rebounds found him as much as Borlace found them.  While his perimeter shot continues to be a work in progress, Borlace is a threat to drive and score from the high post and short corners.

Alvaro Fogueires, Daytona Beach DME Academy: A 6’9 senior from Spain, Fogueires is very skilled with the ability to score with either hand at the rim, make good passes on the move, knock down open perimeter shots, and draw fouls when taking the ball to the rim.