It seems like the “new” Class 6A saw the most movement between classifications.  Most of the schools either moved down from 7A or up from 5A.  Region 1 now stretches from the Pensacola area of the Panhandle down to Seminole County just north of Orlando.  In Region 2, Orlando Evans drops down from 7A and is placed in the same district as Orlando Edgewater.  This is significant as both teams reached Lakeland last season in 7A and 6A respectively.  If reclassification had not taken place, both teams would be HEAVY favorites to return. Now only one will have the chance to take the hour drive down I-4.  Long story short: this classification will be extremely competitive with no obvious favorite.

Favorite: Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas

This group looks ready to roll as they were super-impressive at both the FHSAA Team Camp in June and the Hoop Exchange Fall Festival in September.  FSU recruit D.J. Wimbley, Jr., a 6’6 senior, has transferred in and is making a significant impact at both ends of the floor.  D.J. Sandi, a 6’1 junior, takes care of the ball and runs the show on offense while spearheading an aggressive attack at the defensive end.  Zane Elliott, a 6’6 junior, is an ideal complement to Wimbley in the frontcourt with his versatility.  Sophomores Clarence Westbrook and K.J. Sandi, both 6’1, were productive as freshmen and will have every opportunity to increase their stats this season.  Nate Accius, a 6’4 sophomore, brings a lot of energy and toughness when he enters the game.

Regional Favorites: Milton (Region One); Orlando Edgewater (Region Two); Punta Gorda Charlotte (Region Three)

Milton returns four of five starters from last season.  The quarter of 6’2 senior Traymar Jones, 5’9 senior Ra’shaun Elzy, 6’2 junior Mateo Robinson and 6’0 junior Sergio Robinson are all capable of putting up big numbers on any given night.  Edgewater has an excellent inside/outside combination in 6’8 senior Myles Mayfield and 6’4 senior Darius Washington III.  Both are D-I commits with Mayfield going to UNC-Ashville and Washington to Kennesaw State.  There is a great deal of supporting talent around them.  Charlotte will continue to adhere to the philosophy that a tough regular season schedule will prepare them for a playoff run.  For that to happen, 6’2 senior Jordan Attia and 6’8 senior Jordan Taylor, will have to be at the top of their games.

Best Player: Dwayne Wimbley, Jr., Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas

The 6’6 senior and Florida Stat recruit doesn’t seem to have a defined position; he just goes out and gets things done.  A grab-and-go rebounder, he pushes the pace until the defense stops him.  He is a rugged driver and finisher, scores thru contact, and has a reliable jumper inside the arc.  We’ve been impressed with his vision and passing ability this off-season.

Pre-Season All-State: Wimbley; Arosco Dubois (Orlando Evans); Darius Washington III (Orlando Edgewater); Traymar Jones (Milton); D.J. Sandi (Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas)

Dubois is an excellent perimeter shooter, can create his own shot, and can get to and score at the basket when the opportunity presents itself.  He has a strong frame and is a very good rebounder for his size.  Washington III, a 6’4 senior, is a bucket-getter, pure and simple.  Whether driving hard to the hoop, sniping from the perimeter, or scoring in transition, “D-3”, much like his father before him, knows how to light up a scoreboard.  Jones, a 6’3 senior, can and will do a little bit of everything that leads to wins.  He is a solid scorer at the rim after drives and has an accurate perimeter jump shot out to the arc.  Sandi, a 6’1 junior, is toughness personified.  He’s fearless in driving to the basket, has active hands and feet on defense, is a physical defender and makes tough shots in big moments.

Better Than Advertised: Wiregrass Ranch

Wiregrass Ranch was one of the big surprises last season, making a run to a regional final.  While the graduation losses sting, the team still has leading scorer K.J. Smith, one of the better players in the Tampa region.  He averaged just a shade under 19 ppg last season.  He will lead a hungry squad that will look to make amends for falling short of Lakeland last year.

Don’t Sleep On: Chris Murray, Land O’Lakes Sunlake

The 6’4 senior is a very good athlete out on the wing.  He scores well from the perimeter with his jumper and will quickly attack the basket and finish in a crowd above the rim if given the opportunity.  Murray rebounds well at both ends and covers a lot of ground quickly on defense.

PRE-SEASON TOP TEN

1.Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas

2.Orlando Edgewater

3.Orlando Evans

4.Milton

5.Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson

6.Punta Gorda Charlotte

7.Orange Park Oakleaf

8.Miami Southridge

9.Daytona Beach Mainland

10.Palm Beach Gardens Dwyer