While the Most Valuable Player award hinges on the player’s ability to push his team to great playoff success, our definition of the Most Outstanding Player is different.  The MOP to us is the best player, period.

RURAL

Tanner Mandell, Jay: A 6’2 junior, Mandell was second in the Rural Classification in scoring at 25.6 points a game and first in rebounding at 11.7 per game.  It was a tough season record-wise for the Royals, but Mandell’s play and the return of the team’s top four scorers should give the school located in the far west Panhandle plenty of reason for optimism in 26-27.

CLASS 1A

Kevin Thomas, Weston Sagemont: A 6’6 senior that recently got a release from his letter of intent with LSU due to the coaching change, Thomas started the season at Montverde.  Things didn’t go as hoped and by Thanksgiving Break, he had returned to Sagemont.  His presence took the team from contender to favorite in the classification.  A dynamic scorer that can scorch nets from deep or finish rack attacks above the rim, Thomas was a tough cover no matter the opponent.  He has the physical tools to be a versatile defender to go along with his ability to score from almost anywhere on the floor.

CLASS 2A

D.J. Gaines, Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy: The 5’10 junior suffered an injury that cut his season short but was a one-man wrecking crew whenever he hit the floor.  Gaines averaged a hair over thirty points a contest and was one of just three players in the state to average over 20 ppg, shoot 50% or better from the field, 40% or better from behind the arc and 80% or better from the free throw line.  With deep range on his shot, quick and shifty dribble moves, and a gift for hitting tough shots in a crowd around the basket, Gaines is one of the most exciting players to watch in the state.

CLASS 3A

Cayden Daughtry, Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian: The 6’1 junior was absolutely dynamic in leading the Eagles to a second straight state title along with finishing as the #2 team in the country according to Max Preps.  Daughtry definitely has an “it” factor when it comes to being one step ahead (or more) than the other nine players on the floor.  His ability to score is vast and varied but Daughtry is also a more-than-capable distributor and has great instincts for the ball on the defensive end.  He may not look the part off the court but when Daughtry steps between the lines he is spectacularly special.

CLASS 4A

Tai Bell, Hialeah Mater Lakes: A 6’2 sophomore, Bell led the state in scoring at 33 points a game per Max Preps.  While he may not blow observers away with blinding speed and quickness, he is a very good athlete and has a great understanding of reading defenders to get off shots.  Bell is very good at getting into the lane, using pivots and ball fakes to create space, and then lofting shots and/or earning a trip to the foul line.  He excels in transition and is quick to convert from defense to offense after gaining possession of the basketball.  Bell can play either guard spot effectively, create for himself and others, and control the pace of the game.

CLASS 5A

Robert Guishard, Pembroke Pines Charter: The 6’6 senior is living proof that you don’t have to score a ton of points to make a significant impact.  Though a bit undersized for the next level, Guishard was as dominant force around the basket at both ends of the floor this season.  Quick off the floor and with long arms, he scored repeatedly with putbacks, lobs, and basic post moves.  On defense he protected the rim, was a voracious rebounder, and had zero problems stepping out and defending smaller opponents.

CLASS 6A

D.J. Sandi, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas: The 6’0 senior and American University signee has been a huge factor in the Raiders back-to-back championships.  His toughness, energy, and relentlessness at both ends of the floor separate him from contemporaries that might be more skilled or athletic but lack the “winning” gene that Sandi appears to have.  While Sandi may not do any one thing exceptionally, he is more than solid at all phases of the game.  He has the ability to stay focused and impact the game in a variety of ways when his shot is not falling.

CLASS 7A

Caleb Gaskins, Miami Columbus: The 6’8 senior has been arguably the best player in his class since he stepped foot on a high school campus.  Always blessed with size and strength, Gaskins has worked very hard to become a high-level basketball player.  He is magnificent in the mid-range, a competent perimeter shooter on either side of the arc, and a rugged rebounder in traffic.  Gaskins’ ability to handle and pass the basketball has greatly improved as well as his ability to defend in the post and on the perimeter.  His ability to mesh with other talented players, both at Columbus and Montverde where he played as a sophomore, will allow him to make an impact from Day One at Miami.

INDEPENDENT

Caleb Holt, Fort Lauderdale Prolific Prep: The 6’6 senior is originally from Alabama but relocated to Prolific when it was in California and stayed with the program when it moved to Fort Lauderdale over the summer.  Gifted with an abundance of strength and athletic ability, Holt has worked very hard to become a complete basketball player.  While at this level it is easy for him to simply overpower opponents, he is very skilled as a shooter, scorer, and distributor.  Holt rebounds, runs, finishes above the rim and can realistically defend all five positions.  He should step in right away at Arizona and make an impact.