Not surprisingly, Sagemont continued its roll of dominance in winning the Class 1A state title last season. This year should see many of the same programs in the hunt for a title, but likely a new king will be crowned.
Favorite: Lakeland Victory Christian
Victory Christian won a thrilling four-overtime semi-final contest on a three at the buzzer in last season’s semi-final before falling to Sagemont in the title game. Despite losing uber-sophomore Quinton Wilson to Overtime Elite, Victory Christian has enough firepower to take the next step this season. Tucker Fox, a 6’0 senior, is an outright flame-thrower from the perimeter while 6’0 senior Christian Fuller and 5’9 junior Miles Morrell do a great job of complimentary scoring. Twin towers Thok Gol, a 6’8 senior, and Arik Arik, a 6’11 sophomore, will control the paint.
Regional Favorites: Jacksonville Impact Christian (Region 1); Orlando Christian Prep (Region 2); Weston Sagemont (Region 4)
Yes, it does look similar to last year’s final four save for Orlando Christian Prep taking over for Tampa Northside Christian. Impact Christian has leading scorer Ron Clark, a 6’0 senior, returning and have some size in the form of 6’6 senior Frandy Perez and 6’9 senior Mechack Olungo. The coaching staff feels this may be the program’s best team in a long while. OCP is looking to get back to their rightful spot in the state title hunt. After watching them play at the FHSAA Team Camp, the Warriors, led by 6’2 senior Josh Theus, look to be back to their old ways of stingy defense and up-tempo offense. Sagemont still looks like a good bet out of Region 4, but losing LSU commit Kevin Smith to Montverde and 7’0 junior Charlie Cohn to Prolific Prep hurts their depth and leaves the team quite young. Look for 6’5 sophomore transfer Brandon Sharpe to be the alpha dog for this year’s team.
Best Player: Josh Theus, Orlando Christian Prep
The 6’2 senior was a stat sheet stuffer last season, compiling fifteen points, six rebounds and four assists per game. He is solid with the ball, makes good shot vs. pass decisions, is a reliable perimeter shooter, and can score and distribute at a high level. Theus is a stalwart on-ball defender and can be disruptive in the passing lanes.
Pre-Season All-State: Theus; Tucker Fox (Lakeland Victory Christian); Ethan Mott (Boca Raton Grandview Prep); Brandon Sharpe (Weston Sagemont); Alex DiPaulo (Orlando Central Florida Christian Academy)
Theus and Fox have already been discussed. Mott, a 6’6 sophomore, moves over from Pine Crest. He looked very good playing for Southeast Elite’s 15U squad on the Adidas circuit this spring and summer. When given the chance to play up, Mott was unfazed and produced well against older and stronger opponents. Sharpe, a 6’5 sophomore, comes over from Westminster Academy. He is very athletic, a strong driver and finisher at the rim, and works hard on the glass at both ends of the court. DiPaulo, a 6’5 senior, stretches the defense with his perimeter shot, rebounds, and does the crucial little things that win games.
Better Than Advertised: Melbourne Florida Prep
This group may be a bit on the small side, but the squad held their own at the Fall Festival against teams with greater size. Jayden Toppin, a 6’1 sophomore, runs the show, has good scoring skills, and plays all out every possession.
Don’t Sleep On: Justice Clements, Jacksonville Eagle’s View
The 6’1 senior was quite impressive this summer with his ability to create shots for himself and others. He got his points from all three levels, pushed the pace at every opportunity, and made the game easier for his teammates.
PRE-SEASON TOP TEN
1.Lakeland Victory Christian
2.Orlando Christian Prep
3.Weston Sagemont
4.Jacksonville Impact Christian
5.Orlando Central Florida Christian Academy
6.Jacksonville Eagle’s View
7.North Tampa Christian
8.Boca Raton Grandview Prep
9.Pompano Beach Highlands Christian
10.Jacksonville North Florida Educational Institute