Last but not least from the Hoop Exchange Fall Festival.
Orlando Evans
The Trojans return some key players from last year’s Class 7A Final Four team. However, due to FHSAA re-classification, they slide down to 6A and it will be a greater challenge to get back to Lakeland. Most notable is 6’2 senior Arosco Dubois. He was very dynamic in the game we watched on Sunday, scoring 26 points thru three quarters and finishing with 32 overall. It might have been more if he hadn’t missed time due to leg cramps. 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. Davis Rushing, a 6’3 senior, was an eye-opener for us. He has consistent range to the three-point line, scored well around the basket in transition and cuts into the lane, and was an active rebounder at both ends. Antonio Pollard, a 6’1 senior, was really good in transition and attacking the basket off the dribble in the half-court. The Trojans have a trio of 6’6+ juniors that will rotate in and out to coral rebounds and protect the basket on defense.
North Tampa Christian
The group might be as talented a starting five as there is in the state regardless of Class in the FHSAA. The big name is 6’10 Toni Bryant, a top twenty player nationally in the Class of 2026. He might be on the thin side but his length and leap allow him to play at a high level at both ends of the floor. Offensively, he’s a lob threat as well as an active offensive rebounder. He’ll knock down shots from fifteen feet and in if not respected by the defense. Defensively, he is the ultimate rim protector as opponents must be aware of where he is when they venture into the paint. Caleb Sanders, a 6’7 senior, brings a lot of versatility to the team. He is a good enough ball-handler and passer to help facilitate the offense, scores well inside the arc with jumpers as well as drives, and actively pursues rebounds at both ends of the court. Caleb Williams, a 6’5 senior, returns to Florida after a stint at an Arizona prep program. He can play either guard spot, is a natural scorer, and is a willing distributor of the ball when the defense collapses on him. Brody Cuffle, a 6’6 junior, is an X-Factor for the team. He scores when given the opportunity, values the basketball, and does a lot of little things that win basketball games. Archie McFadden, a 6’2 junior, brings a lot of speed and quickness to the offense when he is in control of the basketball. He has good chemistry with Bryant when it comes to lobs and has quick feet and hands on defense.
Jacksonville Providence
This group is very young after last season’s senior-laden team. They will still be one of the better teams in North Florida. Though just his first year in the program, 6’2 junior Luke Mayberry brings a calming presence to the young group. He orchestrates the offense, gets teammates involved, and will knock down perimeter shots. Will Rydzewski, a 6’6 sophomore and Colton Nuualitia, a 6’7 freshman, are young but show a lot of promise. Both have good frames, decent skills at a young age, and appear unfazed playing against older competition. Each will gain athleticism as their physiques mature over the next couple of years. Ryan Gornto, a 6’2 sophomore, shoots the ball well from the perimeter, moves well without the ball, and always seems to be available as an outlet to relieve pressure or start the transition game. Will Stewart, a 6’1 freshman, is an athletic wing that uses his speed and quickness to great effect at both ends of the floor. He scored on some tough drives in the Sunday game we took in.
Gainesville
We caught the Hurricanes in the first game of the event. They will be led by a trio of players this coming season. Cornelius White, a 6’7 senior, is a good athlete with a strong frame that gets a lot done inside the arc. He scores well off drives from the high post and short corners, comes up with a lot of offensive rebounds and second chance points, and changes ends swiftly. Younger brother Cordarius White, a 6’5 junior, scores the ball well from both sides of the arc and is also a solid distributor of the basketball. He could wind up as a point guard down the road. David Osho, a 6’7 senior, didn’t score a great deal but was always in the mix when it came to grabbing missed shots. He plays hard and his energy is contagious.
Miami Southridge
A long ride up the Turnpike then an immediate game with Orlando Oak Ridge probably didn’t show Southridge at its best but still some players were able to stand out. Quincy Douby, a 6’4 sophomore, had the most success on the offensive end, scoring well from the perimeter and mixing in a couple of forays to the basket in transition. He will have the ball in his hands a lot this coming season. O’cein Valdes, a 5’11 senior, is a game-changer with his ability to knock down shots well past the high school three-point line. Benjamin Hall, a 6’6 junior, brings needed size to the roster and works the glass at both ends of the floor.