We move on to Central Florida for our regional previews.
TOP FIVE “BIG” SCHOOLS (CLASS 6A thru 4A)
Orlando Oak Ridge (Class 5A, Region 2, District 6): Reclassification has dropped Oak Ridge down to Class 5A and has put them in a highly competitive region. Still, this is another group of talented Pioneers that will contend not only for a state title but also the Open Division title should they make it through an incredibly challenging schedule. There is plenty of size and scoring up and down the roster. Senior Bishop Winze, junior Caleb Smith, and sophomore Jordan Smith (no relation) each stand 6’7 or better and have athleticism and skills to boot. Both Smiths have the skills to play inside or out. The backcourt is stacked as well. Whitfield Bynoe, a 5’11 senior, is a heady scorer. Johnas Maurice, a 6’1 junior, is explosive and gets into the lane at will. Jahmar Smith, a 6’3 junior, is adept at “bully ball”, overpowering opponents to score while 6’4 junior Chaz Nunally does a little bit of everything.
Orlando Olympia (Class 6A, Region 2, District 6): Two years ago, the Titans sophomore class looked like it had the potential to be a lock for a state title as seniors. Sadly, the high school transfer portal has taken its toll on that group as only one of the original four is still with the program. Kevin Edou, a 6’5 senior, is an athletic wing that plays hard, makes an impact on the defensive end, and is tough to keep from the basket. A pair of transfers come in to solidify the backcourt. Josh Hernandez, a 5’10 senior, is solid with the ball and a crafty scorer and distributor. Josiah Gillard, a 6’0 junior, is effective at either guard spot and has had much success playing against older, top caliber competition. Kwasi Appiah, a 6’5 junior, provides needed muscle and athleticism on the interior while 6’4 sophomore Leyton Hatch is a threat from deep.
Windermere HS (Class 6A, Region 2, District 6): The Wolverines will be without Coach Mark Grisek for the first time in program history. Little should change however as enough talent returns to keep the program near the top of the Central Florida region. Gustavo Rocca, a 6’2 senior, has become a very dangerous three-point shooter but will drive the ball and score or distribute should the defense overplay him for the shot. Bryce Hoeffert, a 6’7 senior, is a good passer out of both posts, handles the ball well on the perimeter, rebounds well at both ends and is swift up and down the court in transition. Kaiden King, a 6’4 junior, is long, active, and plays full throttle throughout the course of a contest. Luis Valdez, a 6’8 junior, is thin but provides needed size up front.
Bartow (Class 5A, Region 2, District 8): The Yellow Jackets return quite a bit of talent from last year’s group. It is an athletic group, and Coach Terrance McGriff can go deep into his bench without losing much if any production. James Ratteree, a 6’1 junior, runs the show at both ends of the floor. His speed and quickness make him tough to deal with on both offense and defense. Gabe Grimsly, a 6’1 senior, is a blur with the ball, knocks down mid-range jumpers and anticipates well on defense. Matt Williams, a 6’3 senior, is a glue guy that every team needs to be successful. He just seems to be at the right place at the right time to make the right play to impact the game. Derwyn Link, a 6’7 junior, will play inside and outside depending on the matchup. He rebounds, runs, and slashes to the hoop with abandon. The Yellow Jackets have a legit shot of making the Open Division should they conquer a tough schedule.
Orlando Edgewater (Class 5A, Region 2, District 5): The Eagles’ speed and quickness in the backcourt should carry them to a successful season. Terrance Walker, a 6’1 senior, is quick-on-quick, excels at getting to the basket in both transition and half-court sets, and making opponents work hard on the defensive end. Julian Fox, a 6’4 senior, has a reliable three-point shot to go along with a strong body that absorbs contact and makes shots. Amir Elmamoud, a 6’2 junior, attacks the basket with no fear but also has a reliable shot from the perimeter on both sides of the arc. Brice Benton, a 6’5 sophomore, has been very impressive in various fall events, showing off a motor that runs high as well as some offensive prowess from the perimeter. Demetrick Smith, a 6’5 junior, is an enforcer in the paint and plays bigger than his size.
TOP FIVE “SMALL” SCHOOLS (CLASS 3A thru Rural)
Orlando The First Academy (Class 2A Region 1, District 4): This group has been impressive throughout the summer and fall. Kyle Blair, a 6’10 senior, continues to improve at a rapid rate. Both his frame and his game have become much more mature. He moves much better, scores well around the basket, and is solid as a rim protector. Cory McPherson, a 6’0 senior, is quick with the ball, gets into gaps and can spread the wealth or score on his own. Corey Capps, a 6’2 junior, is tough, gritty, and a threat to knock down outside shots. Jerry Bacon, a 6’4 junior, and Zion Siler, a 6’4 sophomore, are solidly built athletes with a nose for the ball, play with great energy, and simply make plays all over the floor. Elijah Baker, a 6’6 sophomore, is a smooth wing that can score and help out on the boards.
Orlando Lake Highland Prep (Class 3A, Region 2, District 6): This group may not have much size but they play with great chemistry and intelligence. Mark Dadlani, a 6’4 senior, is a reliable perimeter threat. As one of the bigger players on the team, he realizes that he needs to provide help on the glass at both ends and works hard to do so. Brandon Grow, a 6’0 senior, is another guy that can extend the defense with his shot. He is solid with the ball and will challenge opponents at the basket. N’mare Collins, a 6’7 junior, has inside/outside offensive skills. He also has good length and foot speed to defend multiple positions. Expect this squad to get better as the season progresses.
Windermere Prep (Class 2A, Region 2, District 6): The Lakers will be without Brandon Bass for the first time in five years, who is now at Florida State. However, the team should still be a tough out every night. Alex Nichols, a 6’2 senior, has proven to be a scoring threat and solid distributor of the basketball this fall. He will most likely be the one to pick up much of Bass’ scoring. Maddox Harden, a 6’8 senior, will provide rebounding, rim protection on defense and pose a lob and putback threat on offense. Zihong Fan, a 6’6 senior, helps out on the glass. Tristan Tucker, a 6’0 junior, will help run the offense and is a deep-ball threat. Claudius Burrows, a 6’4 junior, will use his high-level athleticism to make an impact at both ends of the floor.
Lakeland Victory Christian (Class 1A, Region 3, District 9): This group has been two the state final each of the past two years. If they don’t get placed in the Open Division, a distinct possibility, it would be stunning for them not to make a third straight year. Tico Smith, a 6’0 junior, is a stocky sparkplug that gets things done. He takes care of the ball, makes good decisions, and can score when necessary. Miles Morrell, a 5’8 senior, has deep range, pushes the pace, and is an alert defender. Terry Ogbeide, a 6’5 senior, is a strongly built swingman that can play inside and out with great effectiveness. Bryce Myers, a 6’7 junior, brings size to grab rebounds and a good shooting touch from the perimeter. Arik Ring, a 6’11 sophomore, is vastly improved since the end of last season. He is a rim protector and lob threat extraordinaire.
Lakeland Santa Fe Catholic (Class 2A, Region 2, District 6): This squad is a bit on the young side but don’t take them lightly. Urijah Newkirk, a 6’0 senior, has been impressive this off-season, showcasing the ability to make the game easier for teammates as well as scoring from all three levels. Shannon McArthur, a 6’4 senior, makes the most of his opportunities and is a good athlete. A pair of sophomores, 6’6 Danny Davis, and 6’7 Jordan Harris, will use their size to score inside, control their respective rebounding areas, and make opposing shots at the rim difficult.
Top Five Players
Henry Robinson, Deltona Pine Ridge: A 6’8 senior, Robinson is long, athletic, and skilled. He handles the ball well, has a reliable perimeter shot, and has the ability to grab a defensive rebound and go end-to-end for the score. He plays with a high hoops IQ which makes sense as his father is his high school coach.
Dooney Johnson, Orlando East River: A 6’5 senior, Johnson is a Gonzaga commit and legit McDonald’s All-American candidate. A Milwaukee, WI transplant, he is a versatile performer that is a tough cover. While he has played against top level competition on the Nike EYBL circuit, he will find playing against high-level athletes night after night in Central Florida is a bit different than what he experienced the past three years in Wisconsin.
Bryce Hoffert, Windermere: A 6’7 senior, amazes with his court vision, sneaky athleticism, and ability to impact the game besides just scoring. He excels as a passer out of both the post and along the perimeter, has a respectable perimeter shot, and will blow past unsuspecting defenders to finish over the rim. He rebounds out of his area, defends multiple positions, and never takes a play off.
Jahmar Smith, Orlando Oak Ridge: The 6’3 junior is strong and powerful. If he gets a defender on his hip and gets downhill, Smith is either getting points or going to the free throw line. It doesn’t stop there, as he is a voracious rebounder at both ends and plays bigger than his size.
Johnas Maurice, Orlando Oak Ridge: The 6’1 junior can get off a good shot any time he crosses mid-court. He can rise and fire from deep, blow past defenders off the bounce and finish inside through contact in traffic. Maurice is effective orchestrating offense and is a tenacious on-ball defender.
#1 Senior: Dooney Johnson, Orlando East River (see above)
#1 Junior: Jahmar Smith, Orlando Oak Ridge (see above)
#1 Sophomore: Jordan Smith, Orlando Oak Ridge: The 6’7 wing has a solid skill set to play inside and out. He will have every opportunity to average a double-double this season.
#1 Freshman: TBD: We’ve checked our notes and asked various knowledgeable people in regards to who should be considered the top freshman in the Central Florida area that plays under the FHSAA umbrella. No clear answer was found, so for now we wait and see.
Senior Sleeper: Andrew Ferguson, Orlando Evans: The 6’7 Ferguson is long, athletic, and plays with a great motor. He runs, rebounds, and is active on the offensive glass. Ferguson has the ability to score from fifteen feet and in via the shot or drive.