We move onto Southwest Florida for our regional previews.
TOP FIVE “BIG” SCHOOLS (CLASS 7A thru 4A)
Sarasota (Class 7A, Region 3, District 12): It was a bit of a surprise last when Sarasota made it all the way to the final four in Lakeland. There are certainly enough pieces returning to make a return trip. Johnny Lackaff, a 6’2 junior, continues to prosper as he was the region’s MVP last season after averaging 20+ points a game. David Young, a 6’8 senior, was an excellent addition last season after moving from out of state. A big guy with a solid frame and soft touch around the rim, Young is a lot for opponents to deal with on both ends of the court. Greg Dauer, a 6’4 sophomore, was impressive at a few fall events for the squad. He should be an excellent complementary scorer as he has a high basketball IQ and feel for the game. Liam Lackaff, a 6’4 freshman, has good size and instincts, plays hard, and will do whatever needs to be done to win games.
Bartow (Class 6A, Region 2, District 7): Like clockwork, the Yellow Jackets continuously improve throughout the regular season to become an annual contender to make it to the state championships. Despite a young roster, Bartow should continue its winning ways. Ja’kylen Crossley, a 6’4 senior, was one of the top perimeter shooters in the state last season. Look for him to elevate his game to include more rim attacks as well as getting the ball to open teammates. Jah’mir Wallace, a 6’4 sophomore, is a tough matchup with his strength and skill level. He will overpower smaller opponents and find ways to get past bigger ones. Derwyn Link, a 6’6 sophomore, is long, athletic, and knows how to use his physical gifts to get things done at both ends of the court. James Ratteree, a 6’0 sophomore, brings a great deal of speed and quickness to the point guard spot. He pushes the pace and is the spearhead of an aggressive defense.
St. Petersburg HS (Class 5A, Region 3, District 10): The Green Devils reached the final four in Class 5A last season and have enough to return. It is essentially a two-headed monster in the forms of Nijuan Harris, a 6’5 sophomore and 6’0 senior Emir Gainer. Harris is a dynamic scorer from all three levels and has had success playing up for the FL Rebels on the EYBL circuit. He will overpower smaller players to get buckets at the rim or simply shoot over bigger players with his reliable and deep shooting range. Gainer runs the point but has plenty of scoring tools to complement Harris. He is quick, pushes the pace, and makes good pass vs. shot decisions after breaking down the defense with the dribble. If the Green Devils adequately gang rebound and adhere to its defensive concepts, it should be another successful season on the bay.
Tampa Sickles (Class 6A, Region 3, District 10): We admittedly came away impressed with Sickles prospects after watching them at the FABC Team Camp in June. Eddy Hernandez, a 6’7 senior, holds down the interior. He a solid frame, sets a mean ball-screen, has good post moves and a soft touch inside. Chase Weismiller, a 6’3 junior, is the primary perimeter threat. His jumper is reliable on either side of the arc, he can knock it down off the catch or dribble, and will attack the basket and finish in traffic if the outside shot is taken away. Bobby Buccino, a 6’0 junior, is the point of attack at both ends of the floor.
Bradenton Braden River (Class 5A, Region 3, District 9): Another squad that caught our attention in June, Braden River has a stable of athletes that like to attack on both offense and defense. A pair of juniors, 5’10 Anquan Polynice and 6’1 Jerrod Long, combined last season to average just over thirty points a game and should be event better this time around. Polynice will push the pace, initiate offense, and either get the ball to open shooters or score at the basket when getting paint touches. Long is able to create his own shot off the dribble and stretch defenses from the perimeter.
TOP FIVE “SMALL” SCHOOLS (CLASS 3A thru Rural)
Clearwater Calvary Christian (Class 3A, Region 2, District 8): This group looked really good at the Florida Association of Basketball Coaches team camp in June. Ethan Sabec, a 6’8 senior, is a multi-level scorer and tough player to contain one on one. He doesn’t back away from physical play at either end of the floor. Ethan Bergantino, a 6’3 senior, is tough with the ball, has an abundance of scoring tools, and backs down from no one. Madden Geiger, a 6’9 junior, had a good sophomore campaign and looks to step up his production at both ends of the floor. His body is starting to fill out which will serve him well when it comes to rebounding and defense. Tyler Sabec, a 6’7 sophomore, will find a variety of ways to make a positive impact.
Tampa Catholic (Class 3A Region 2, District 8): In one of the toughest regions in the state regardless of class, TC may have the best starting five. It starts with 6’5 senior Willie Piggott, Jr. A multi-dimensional scorer, he will see his fair share of double-teams this coming season. Piggott scores from all three levels, rebounds well, and has a nose for the ball on the defensive end. “Skoot” Donald”, a 6’1 junior, is given the task of running the offense, but he is a confident scorer. He had deep range, slick handles, and good court sense. Neo Flores, a 6’0 junior, is as tough as nails, loves to challenge the defense to keep him away from the basket, connects on open perimeter shots and disrupts passing lanes on defense. K.J. Morgan, a 6’7 senior, has football options, but his size, strength, and athletic ability make him a force to deal with in the paint at both ends of the floor. Mehki White, a 6’5 senior, may not get many plays run for him, but he makes the most of his opportunities in transition and on the offensive glass.
Tampa Prep (Class 2A, Region 3, District 10): The Terrapins made a run in the regionals last season and they return enough to go deeper in the playoffs. Kaii Levy, a 6’7 senior, is a quality athlete on the interior, rules the rebounding department, runs the floor, and scores well around the basket. Myheir Session, a 6’4 junior, scores the ball well but also has the ability to run offense and make plays for others. He causes a lot of mismatches. Look for players like 6’2 senior Meachi Kimble, 6’3 junior Jackson Lamarre, and 6’4 sophomore Colin Forde to step up their production from last season.
Lakeland Victory Christian (Class 1A, Region 3, District 9): No doubt losing Quinton Wilson to OTE hurts but last season’s Class 1A runner-up has plenty left to make another run. Tucker Fox, a 5’11 senior, is a clutch three-point shooter that will take on a greater leadership role. Miles Morrell, a 5’9 junior, is a potent floor-stretcher that can also blow by defenders, collapse defenses and get teammates involved. Christian Fuller, a 6’0 senior, is savvy, makes good shot vs. pass decisions on the move, and can score when called upon. VC has a pair of twin towers inside. Thok Gol, a 6’8 senior, seems to show improvement every time he steps on the court. He protects the rim, runs the floor, and finishes lobs and offensive rebounds. Arik Arik, a 6’11 sophomore, does many of the same things but needs game experience to reach his full potential.
Lakeland Santa Fe Catholic (Class 2A, Region 2, District 5): Santa Fe made a run last year’s 2A final but lost a lot via graduation and transfer. However, they retain 5’10 senior Toby Lane, and that may be enough. “The General” is the consummate competitor, gets the most out of his considerable talents and those of his teammates, and seems to be able to “will” Sante Fe to win. We have seen it too many times to discount them.
Top Five Players
Willie Piggott, Jr., Tampa Catholic: The 6’5 senior scores creatively and in bunches. Whether rising up on either side of the arc off the dribble or putting the ball on the floor to finish at the rim in traffic through contact, Piggott is a nightmare for the opposition. He is no slouch on the defensive end.
Ethan Sabec, Clearwater Calvary Christian: The 6’8 senior has been plagued with a variety of physical issues this offseason but is expected to be ready to go when the first game tips off. He has a sweet jumper, high basketball IQ, physical toughness, and simply a joy to watch play.
Johnny Lackaff, Sarasota High School: The 6’2 junior is one of the better shooters in the state as he averages 50+% from the field overall, near 40% from three, and over 80% from the free throw line. Lackaff is physically strong, finishes well at the basket, and is a sneaky defender and ball-hawk on defense.
Nijuan Harris, St. Petersburg HS: The 6’5 sophomore is a tough cover. He has a strong frame that he uses well to post up players of equal size or smaller. If a bigger opponent tries his luck, Harris can either get by him or simply drop in a jumper over the top. Harris is also a solid rebounder and plays good position defense.
Toby Lane, Lakeland Victory Christian: The 5’10 senior looks to get teammates involved from the jump but can take over a game at any time. A savvy ball-handler with good footwork, Lane employs a variety of ball, body, and pivots to get himself free for good looks at the basket. He makes the game easier for his teammates while opponents absolutely hate to see him as their defender.
#1 Senior: Willie Piggot, Jr, Tampa Catholic (see above)
#1 Junior: Johnny Lackaff, Sarasota HS (see above)
#1 Sophomore: Nijuan Harris, St. Petersburg HS (see above)
#1 Freshman: Reggie Evans, Tampa SLAM: The 6’4 guard played up on the SE Elite 15U circuit and was one of the team’s most consistent and better players. He has great skills, plays with confidence, and never takes a play off.
Senior Sleeper: Vernon Lee, Seffner Christian: The 6’3 guard is athletic as they come. He is an excellent slasher and finisher at the rim in both transition and the half-court and has an improving perimeter shot. He uses his physical gifts well on the defensive end.