Favorite: Fleming Island

With quality size and length inside and skilled athleticism on the perimeter, Fleming Island has all the pieces needed to walk away with a state title in front of its hometown fans in Jacksonville come March.  Carson Crawford, a 6’7 junior, is multi-skilled and a high-major prospect.  Jalil Hill, a 6’8 freshman, showed this summer and fall that he can handle this level of basketball at a relatively young age.  The perimeter rotation of 6’4 senior Ryan Turner, 6’0 junior Joseph Johnson, 6’0 senior Bryce Robinson and 6’1 senior Isaiah Robinson will cause problems for opponents at both ends of the floor.

Regional Favorites: Leesburg (Region Two); Bradenton Braden River (Region Three); Pembroke Pines Charter (Region Four)

Leesburg, behind 6’5 senior Angelo Moton and Xavier Campbell, a 6’0 junior, looks to be favored in Region Two.  The likes of Orlando Jones, Delton Pine Ridge, and Auburndale look to be their primary challengers.  In Region Three, we feel like Braden River can take the next step.  The guard combo of 6’1 Jerrod Long and 5’10 Anquan Polynice, both juniors, is tough to contain and they have some athletic teammates that can help out.  It should come down to Braden River and St. Petersburg, led by 6’0 senior Emil Gainer and 6’5 sophomore Nijuan Harris for a trip to Jacksonville.  Pembroke Pines Charter has re-stocked and looks formidable down south.  Robert Guishard, a 6’8 senior, was a force inside all spring and summer.  Anthony Walcott, a 6’7 junior, and Zacuras Dawson, a 5’11 junior, are quick, athletic, and relentlessly attack the basket.  This is always a tough region and the likes of Miami Norland and Miami Belen Jesuit will certainly be involved in determining the championship.

Best Player: Carson Crawford, Fleming Island

In the highly competitive Nike EYBL, Crawford averaged a double-double in the 16U division.  He has good ball-skills to go along with length, athleticism, and a high-revving motor.  He can score from inside and out, defend multiple positions, and isn’t afraid to be the go-to guy on offense.  Crawford is getting some high-major interest and the number of suitors at that level will continue to grow over the next year.

Pre-Season All-State: Crawford; Robert Guishard (Pembroke Pines Charter); Angelo Moten (Leesburg); Nijuan Harris (St. Petersburg); Dallas Lambert (Port Charlotte)

Guishard is the Landlord of the Lane as he both protects the rim and scores inside at a high level.  He is either going to outwork or out skill his opponent, most nights both.  Moton is a strong and athletic driver and finisher.  He rebounds well, scores well inside the arc, and has an improved perimeter shot.  Harris is one of the better sophomores in the country.  With a strong frame and a soft jumper with range, he is tough to contain on the offensive end. Lambert, a 6’5 senior, is an athletic finisher, rebounds well at both ends, and puts in work on the defensive end.

Better Than Advertised: Tampa Jesuit

This group is always in the mix to make noise come playoff time.  Dylan Flach, a 6’3 senior, leads the team as a scorer and facilitator.  A pair of young guards, 6’2 Mike McLendon and 6’0 Junior Arroyo, both sophomores, played well for the SCE UA 15U squad this past off-season and will be expected to be productive contributors.

Don’t Sleep On: Braylen Moore, Lecanto

The 6’1 senior lefty is a top-notch scorer as he is quick to the hoop, scores well through contact, and has good range on his perimeter shoot.  He drains threes off the catch and the bounce, rebounds well for his size, and isn’t afraid to get down and dirty on defense.

PRE-SEASON TOP TEN

1.Fleming Island

2.Pembroke Pines Charter

3.Leesburg

4.Miami Belen Jesuit

5.Miami Norland

6.New Smyrna Beah

7.Bradenton Braden River

8.St. Petersburg HS

9.Port Charlotte

10.Lecanto