The Sunshine Independent Athletic Association (SIAA) announced its Boys Basketball All-State Teams this past weekend at the state championships. Below is a look at the First and Second Team Nominees.
FIRST TEAM SIAA ALL-STATE
Maurice Odom, Orlando West Oaks Academy: The 6’1 senior earned Player of the Year honors in the SIAA as he was the catalyst to the Flames run to the state title game. A quick and crafty point guard that both scores and distributes at a high level, Odom continues a lineage of West Oaks guards that have earned SIAA All-State honors. He totaled 78 points over the course of the state semi-final and title games.
Elijah Mahi, Jacksonville Potter’s House Christian Academy: The 6’6 senior did a little bit of everything for the Lions this season. At times, he ran the offense while at other times he found himself forced to play inside as the tallest player on the floor. Mahi is quite skilled, has a high basketball IQ, and proved to be a tough cover for opposing defenses.
Sammie Yeanay, Gainesville The Rock School: A 6’9 sophomore, Yeanay made a huge impact upon his arrival in December. Named the MVP of the state tournament, Yeanay is a walking double-double and a threat to block enough shots to earn triple-doubles. He scores well on the interior but has impressed onlookers with his ability to make perimeter shots as well as complete one or two-dribble drives at the basket in a crowd.
Willie Patterson, Oldsmar Christian: A 6’6 senior, Patterson nearly averaged a double-double in leading Oldsmar to the top seed in the South division. He plays and defends multiple positions, is more often than not the toughest guy on the court, and does whatever it takes to win. Patterson has a solid frame and a hefty dose of run/jump athleticism that he puts to good use at both ends of the floor.
Angel Montas, Kissimmee Life Christian Academy: The 6’5 senior is a tough and physical guard that takes the ball strong to the basket and routinely scores through contact in a crowd. Montas also has three-point range on his perimeter shot and must be respected from distance. He is also tough on the glass at both ends, an alert defender, and a player that wants the ball and delivers in closing moments of tight games.
Nicola Moretti, Daytona Beach DME Academy: A 6’2 senior guard from Italy, Morretti is a true point guard that is quick, makes good decisions with the basketball, and knocks down open perimeter shots. Shifty with the basketball, he makes good decisions on the move, takes care of the ball and keeps his teammates engaged on the offensive end.
SECOND TEAM SIAA ALL-STATE
R.J. Moore, Orlando West Oaks Academy: The 6’6 senior is a long slasher that gets a lot done in transition and on drives to the basket. He has good body control, a soft touch, and finishes creatively at the rim. Moore’s perimeter shot is also a viable weapon. He has proven to be an alert and active defender that disrupts the passing lanes and challenges opposing ball-handlers.
Hansel Emanuel-Donato, Kissimmee Life Christian: The 6’6 senior is arguably the best run/jump athlete in all of the SIAA. He has become an internet sensation due to his being a violent dunking machine despite playing with just one arm. However, he is tough to keep from the basket, racks up an inordinate amount of steals, tips, and deflections on the defensive end, and is a surprisingly good passer on the move.
Dallas Jones, Gainesville The Rock School: The 6’5 junior is a lethal combination of perimeter sniper and bulldozer heading to the basket. He has a strong frame and is able to overpower most defenders when attacking the rim. Jones is also an active rebounder on both sides of the floor and gets up and down the court swiftly in transition.
Braylon Jackson, Oldsmar Christian: The 6’5 junior is simply wired to score. Whether knocking down jumpers from beyond the arc, connecting on floaters in the lane, or finishing creatively at the basket in transition or on drives, he simply finds a way to put the ball in the basket. Jackson is also a good athlete that finds ways to contribute on defense.
Mykol Sanchez, Kissimmee Central Pointe Christian: The 6’6 senior was arguably the best perimeter shooter in the SIAA this season. Sanchez has a quick release and deep range. He is also adept at getting past over-zealous defenders that don’t close out under control and scoring at the basket. Sanchez has active hands and feet on defense and is alert to jump the passing lanes and convert steals into easy scores.
Victor Panev, Daytona Beach DME Academy: A 6’7 senior, Panev shot the ball very well from the perimeter this season. He plays with a good motor, is court savvy, and provides versatility at both ends of the floor.