Lots of movement into this classification after the FHSAA’s bi-annual realignment. The vast majority of these teams were Class 3A last season. A couple of Central Florida teams moved down from 4A. Region 1 extends from Pensacola to Central Florida, but most likely playoff travel will be between Jacksonville and Orlando. One surprise is that this classification did not retain the abundance of talented teams from last year’s Class 3A group as expected.
Favorite: Miami Riviera Prep
Riviera Prep grabbed last year’s Class 3A title and is a heavy favorite to win in 2A. Gustavo Guimaraes, a 7’0 senior, continues to show improvement in skill level and athleticism. He makes an impact at both ends of the court. Mason Fuentes, a 6’1 junior, attacks the basket relentlessly, has a respectable outside shot and can run the offense if need be. Myles Fuentes, a 6’2 sophomore, is solid at the point guard spot. He gets teammates where they need to go, get sthe ball to them at the right time and place, values the basketball, and can score when called upon. Jeremy Jenkins, a 6’9 sophomore, is considered one of the better sophomores in the country. He can score inside and out, rebound at both ends, and play physical defense on the interior. Michael Vilmenay, a 5’10 sophomore, stretches defenses with his shooting ability. Laron Mack, a 6’7 freshman, has a bright future according to the coaching staff.
Regional Favorites: Oviedo The Master’s Academy (Region 1); Lakeland Santa Fe Catholic (Region 2); Riverview Bell Creek Academy (Region 3)
The Master’s Academy has a solid combo in 6’0 senior Josh Pitts and 6’7 senior Micah Taber. Coach Reggie Kohn has a history of finding the right pieces to put around his best players to maximize results. Santa Fe Catholic features 6’4 senior and UT-Chattanooga commit Tate Darner, but he isn’t a one-man show. Toby Lane, a 5’10 junior, Malikai Broffitt, a 6’3 senior, and freshman Ethan Knox, 6’4, can all get hot and put points on the board at any time of the ball game. Bell Creek Academy features the inside/outside combo of 6’0 senior Lyrique Sartin and 6’7 junior Josiah Payne.
Best Player: Alex Lloyd, Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy
The 6’4 senior and University of Florida commit has been a starter since his freshman year and consistently produces. Lloyd was a key part of the success of the Nightrydas program that has dominated its age group in the EYBL these past three years. He can be an offensive juggernaut with his combination of speed, skills, and athletic ability. Lloyd is a multi-dimensional scorer and a disruptive defender.
Pre-Season All-State: Lloyd; Alex Constanza (Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy); Gustavo Guimares (Miami Riviera Prep); Tate Darner (Lakeland Santa Fe Catholic); Jasen Lopez (Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna)
Constanza, a 6’8 junior, is highly skilled and creates match-up issues all over the floor. He shoots the ball well from the perimeter, handles the ball, and pursues rebounds out of his area. Guimaraes scores well inside on basic post moves, will knock down mid-range shots if left open, and challenge all opponents that enter the lane. Darner, a 6’4 senior, is a deadly shooter from the perimeter that has also become more adept at getting to the basket and scoring in traffic thru contact. Lopez, a 6’0 junior, scores and distributes at a high rate. He makes contested shots and is a crafty finisher in a crowd at the basket.
Better Than Advertised: Miami Country Day
This is a young group but not to be overlooked. Malik Charles, a 6’1 sophomore and fellow 6’1 sophomore Miguel Orbe, are interchangeable at the guard spot. Charles has plenty of speed and quickness to get to and score at the basket. Orbe shoots the ball well from the perimeter. Chaim Galbut, a 6’6 senior, plays with ferocious energy and is a lot of fun to watch, just not so much to play against.
Don’t Sleep On: Micah Taber, Oviedo The Master’s Academy
Taber, a 6’7 senior, impressed as a junior with a skill set that allows him to be effective in the paint or on the perimeter. While a bit on the thin side, he plays hard and physical when posting up on offense, pursuing rebounds, or defending in the paint. Taber shoots the ball well from the perimeter and is an underrated passer.
PRE-SEASON TOP TEN
1.Miami Riviera Prep
2.Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy
3.Lakeland Santa Fe Catholic
4.Oviedo The Master’s Academy
5.Jacksonville Providence
6.Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna
7.Miami Divine Savior
8.Riverview Bell Creek Academy
9.City of Hialeah Educational Academy
10.Community School of Naples