Favorite: Fort Lauderdale Stranahan

Last season’s team won the Class 4A title a year ahead of schedule with a thrilling game against St. Pete Gibbs. Four starters return from that squad.  Damari Foster, a 6’0 junior, impresses with his poise and control of the offense. He directs the attack at both ends of the court.  Christian Yeargin, a 6’4 senior, is a dynamic athlete with a greatly improved perimeter shot and a nose for the ball when it comes to rebounds and playing defense.  Protecting the paint is 6’9 senior Isaiah Brown.  He rebounds well at both ends, runs the floor, and scores inside with basic but reliable post moves.

Regional Favorites: Jacksonville Ribault (Region One); Citra North Marion (Region Two); St. Petersburg Gibbs (Region Three)

Region One appears to be wide open.  Ribault has had a lot of success the past few seasons and we hesitate to bet against them. After seeing North Marion play a couple of times this “off-season”, it looks like they can take a step forward in Region 2.  The most likely challenges to them in the region are expected to be Eustis and Rockledge.  Gibbs has a nice inside/outside combo in 6’10 senior Michael Broxton and 6’5 junior Ronald Williams.

Best Player: Isaiah Brown, Fort Lauderdale Stranahan

The 6’9 senior has come a long over the course of his high school career.  As his strength, stamina, and coordination caught up to his height, Brown provided more production at both ends of the court.  He does a good job of protecting the rim without fouling, can step out and guard on ball-screens, is always a lob threat, is fast up the floor and will score inside if not challenged physically.

Pre-Season All-State: Brown; Anthony Brown (Boca Ciega); Calvin Russell (Miami Northwestern); Tai Bell (Hialeah Mater Lakes); Christian Yeargin (Fort Lauderdale Stranahan)

Boca Ciega’s 6’6 Brown, a junior, is a matchup problem.  He has the size and strength of an interior player but the skills of a guard or wing.  He is tough to contain off the bounce and will rip defensive rebounds, push the ball up the floor, and finish or find a teammate for a score.  Russell, a 6’5 senior, has a future on the football field but makes an impact on the court.  He scores well inside the arc, is quick off the floor to pursue rebounds at both ends, and can defend any position.  Bell, a 6’2 sophomore, is one of the better players in his class nationally.  He’s been playing varsity ball since the eighth grade and produces at a high level against older and more physically developed competition thanks to his skill and savvy.  Yeargin can be a highlight in transition but has become much more of a factor when the tempo slows down.

Better Than Advertised: Panama City Bay

We are admittedly playing a hunch here.  The team looked solid at the FABC team camp, has some size to it in the form of 6’6 senior Maddox Memmen and 6’7 senior Jahmius Franklin.  If a host of guards can contribute at both ends, Bay should have a successful season. 

Don’t Sleep On: Calvin Thomas, Tallahassee Rickards

The 6’4 senior is multi-skilled, is a shot maker, and gets his teammates involved.  Thomas is difficult to keep out of the lane, is a creative finisher, and has a knack for being disruptive in the passing lanes.

PRE-SEASON TOP TEN

1.Fort Lauderdale Stranahan

2.Miami Northwestern

3.Boca Ciega

4.Jacksonville Ribault

5.Citra North Marion

6.St. Petersburg Gibbs

7.Hialeah Mater Lakes

8.Tallahassee Rickards

9.Tallahassee Godby

10.Eustis