Next Up in our classification previews is Class 2A. Annually this has become one of the most talent-laden and competitive classifications. We think it is highly possible that two teams from this classification, Providence out of Jacksonville and Miami Riviera Prep, will be included in the Open Division at the end of the season. We make our predictions for the post-season based on that.
Favorite: Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy
Westminster Academy certainly has the talent to earn a slot in the Open Division. D.J. Gaines, a 5’10 senior, is a mercurial scoring machine. He possesses great rance on his perimeter shot, has speed and quickness to the basket, and excels at finishing creatively in a crowd. Complementing Gaines on the interior is Kimario Sherman, a 7’2 senior. He was impressive in the fall as he showed off reliable power post moves and a soft scoring touch around the basket and the ability to make scoring in the lane difficult on the defensive end. Nate Winters, a 6’7 senior, is a mismatch on the perimeter with his size and ball-skills. He makes things happen at both ends with his activity and aggression. Seth Edwards, a 6’3 senior and Aiden Wallhoff, a 6’0 freshman, will make major contributions to the team’s success.
Regional Favorites: Orlando The First Academy (Region 1); Riverview Bell Creek Academy (Region 2); Miami Westminster Christian (Region 4)
The First Academy (TFA) has a lot of talent coming back from last year’s region finalist. The Royals have an excellent inside/outside combination in 6’9 senior Kyle Blair and 6’0 senior Cory McPherson. Region 2 will be very competitive with the likes of Bell Creek Academy, Windermere Prep, Lakeland Santa Fe Catholic, Tampa Prep and Tampa Carrollwood Day. Bell Creek has the top player in the region in 6’8 senior Jadus Sarhaindo and enough quality players around him to get the team up to Jacksonville. Westminster Christian, featuring 6’7 junior Mayar Dheiu and 6’0 sophomore Brenden Fragella, look to have the pathway to get past the likes of Hollywood Chaminade, COHEA, and Florida Christian this time around.
Best Player: Jeremy Jenkins, Miami Riviera Prep
The 6’9 Jenkins returns to Riviera Prep after spending two seasons in the OTE. Recently committed to Georgia Tech, Jenkins has the solid frame, strong body, and interior scoring ability to control the paint while also possessing adequate shooting and ball-handling skills to stretch defenses. He attacks the glass, runs the floor, and is an active interior defender.
Pre-Season All-State: Jenkins; Quincy Douby (Riviera Prep); Nolan Nelson (Jacksonville Providence); D.J. Gaines (Westminster Academy); Jadus Soirhando (Bell Creek Academy)
Douby, a 6’5 senior and Wake Forest commit, is a multi-faceted scorer. Nelson is ultra-productive on the interior and has become a perimeter weapon with his ability to score from deep. Gaines as mentioned earlier, is nearly impossible to contain with just one defender. Soirhando is a match-up problem due to his size, strength and skills.
Better Than Advertised: Niceville Rocky Bayou Christian
This group reached the regional semis last season. The club returns four starters and combined they averaged just over forty-five points a contest, a good start for any team. Senior Calix McCune averaged just shy of seventeen points a game last season while junior Harrison Sanders added just over twelve points a contest.
Don’t Sleep On: Myheir Session, Tampa Prep
The 6’4 senior makes an impact at either guard spot. He is a high-level athlete, gets into the paint and creates shots for himself and teammates, can score off the bounce from deep, and disrupt passing lanes with his speed, quickness, and ability to anticipate ball movement.
PRE-SEASON TOP TEN
1.Miami Riviera Prep
2.Jacksonville Providence
3.Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy
4.Orlando The First Academy
5.Boca Raton St. Andrew’s
6.Riverview Bell Creek Academy
7.Miami Westminster Christian
8.Gainesville Oak Hall
9.Windermere Prep
10.Lakeland Santa Fe Catholic