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: 6’9 JR Cameron Boozer  Outside: 6’2 JR 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.

St. Petersburg Gibbs

Inside: 6’7 JR Bobby Crawford  Outside: 6’1 JR Jacob Daniels

Crawford seemingly improves each time we see him.  Lithe, long , and bouncy, he is quick off the floor for boards, block, lobs and stickbacks.  He runs the floor and makes the most of his opportunities around the basket.  Daniels is a solid point guard that scores as well as distributes.  He will knock down shots from the arc or getting into the paint to put up points.

Jacksonville Episcopal

Inside: 6’8 SR Gradey Schwartz  Outside: 6’1 SR Kent Jackson

Schwartz is a strong-bodied physical player.  He has the skills to step away from the basket and score or take advantage of a size/strength mismatch in the post.  Jackson has deep shooting range and is a threat to break down the defense off the dribble and get teammates good shots.

Paxton

Inside: 6’9 SR Sawyer Adams  Outside: 6’1 SR Collin Stewart

This is a tough duo to contain in Class 1A hoops.  Adams not only his size but a solid frame and strength to bully smaller opponents inside.  A good but not great athlete, he controls his rebounding area and has a nice touch around the basket.  Stewart is a savvy scorer, ball-handler, and distributor that will run the team but come crunch time will get buckets.

Windermere Prep

Inside: 7’0 SO Sinan Huan  Outside: 6’3 SO Brandon Bass

This duo was key to Windermere Prep’s run to the state title game last season.  Huan has size and length but also gets up and down the floor well, protects the basket and continues to show improved scoring skills inside.  Basis an athletic left with a reliable shot past the arc.  He is an effective straight-line driver to the basket when the defense overplays for his shot.

OTHERS TO WATCH

Riverview Bell Creek: 6’7 SR Tahir Bibbs, 6’4 JR Caleb Sanders

Tampa Berkeley Prep: 6’7 FR Jadus Sorhaindo, 6’4 JR Matthew Able

Fort Myers Bishop Verto: 6’7 SR Jerry Ashley, 6’1 SR Leroy Roker

Orlando Edgewater: 6’7 JR Myles Mayfield, 6’4 SO Donovan Williams

Jacksonville Riverside: 6’7 SR Jaquan Wells, 6’5 JR Tae’shaun Gelsey

Hialeah Mater Lakes: 6’5 SR Christian Reid, 6’1 SR Braylen Burbridge

Orlando Oak Ridge: 6’8 JR Amari Davis, 6’6 SR Cam Simpson

Miami Riviera Prep: 7’0 JR Gustavo Gumaris, 6’4 JR Dante Allen

Weston Sagemont: 6’9 SR Kenneth Lopez, 6’5 JR Ricky Liburd

Boca Raton St. Andrew’s: 6’8 JR Vincent Stewart, 6’1 SR Brooklyn Vick

Windermere: 6’8 JR T.J. Drain, 6’3 SR Chalier Torres