We kick off our Classification previews with the Rural division.  While we don’t think a team from this classification will vie for a spot in the Open Division due to a lesser strength of schedule, there are quality programs that could give most bigger schools a run for their money on any given night.

Favorite: Hilliard

We were very impressed with this squad at the FABC event in June.  It starts with “King” McMillian, a 6’2 junior.  He has done well against national competition in the spring and summer.  He is a reliable double-digit scorer and active defender.  Jeremiah Reeder, a 5’10 junior, brings speed and poise to the point guard spot.  He can score when necessary but will get his teammates involved at every opportunity.  Jaidyn Davis, a 6’6 sophomore, provides a presence inside at both ends of the floor.  The rest of the squad are athletic and hungry to win a state title.

Regional Favorites: Ponce De Leon (Region 1); Port St. Joe (Region 2); Williston (Region 4)

Ponce De Leon reached the title game last season and are expected to return all five starters.  Amarion Griggs, a 6’5 junior, is a high-teens scorer that will be the key to the team’s success.  Port St. Joe only lost two games all last season, both to state title winner Crossroad Academy.  This time around Zay Jenkins, a 6’0 senior, and company look to have the experience and talent to head east on I-10 to compete for a state title.  Williston is consistently one of the top teams in the classification.  Their combination of overall size and athleticism, as well as past history, makes them tough to pick against.

Best Player: Zay Jenkins, Port St. Joe

Jenkins averaged nearly 23 points a contest last season and is the second-leading returning scorer in the Rural classification.  He is quick and plays with a relentless attacking mentality.

Pre-Season All-State: Jenkins; Tanner Mandell (Jay); Mason VunCannon (Trenton), King McMillian (Hilliard); Amarion Griggs (Ponce De Leon)

Mandell, a 6’2 senior, led the Rural Classification in scoring at 25.6 points a contest and was second in rebounding at over ten a game.  VunCannon, a 6’5 senior, led Trenton to the Final Four last season.  He has a solid perimeter stroke and makes the game easier for his teammates.  McMillian, a 6’2 junior, is a hard-nosed scorer and reliable shot maker.  Griggs, a 6’5 junior, can score from anywhere and play multiple positions.

Better Than Advertised: Paxton

This unheralded group is always a tough out come playoff time.  The team returns four starters from last year that reached the region semi-finals.  Those four averaged nearly forty points a contest between them.  Leading the way will by senior guard Wade Borgesen.

Don’t Sleep On: Christian Martin, Blountstown

The 6’2 senior averaged fourteen points a game in leading Blountstown to the rural semis last year.  He will be expected to do more to get the team over the hump in the playoffs.

PRE-SEASON “SUPER SIX”

1.Hilliard

2.Ponce De Leon

3.Blountstown

4.Port St. Joe

5.Trenton

6.Williston