Tampa – The 2011 FHSAA State Finals for Boys Basketball are finally over after 4 days, 18 games, and 320 miles worth of roundtrips from Tampa to the George Jenkins Arena in Lakeland. Countless hours were spent courtside watching the future of hoops here in the Sunshine State and Big County Preps has decided to compile a 1st and 2nd Team based on the State Finals performances from the teams.
To make things a little easier and more balanced, the teams were put into groups based on the smaller classes (1A-3A) and larger classes (4A-6A). The players were chosen on a basis of statistical impact, as well as their influence on the game from a leadership standpoint.
The small classes saw a mixture of speed and finesse. Not too much size on any of the 12 teams from these 3 classes, but there was enough talent on the floor to certainly fill out college rosters across this country. Without further hesitation, here is your Innaugural BCP All Tournament 1st and 2nd Team performers from the 1A-3A Classification:
First Team:
G Jakari Bush, 5-7 Senior, Rickards: Bush was reminiscent of a point guard playing at Rucker Park more than the George Jenkins Arena. Averaged 15 points, 7 Assists for the tournament and along with teammate D’Marnier Cunningham was a 1-2 punch that was not answered by either Pine Crest or Jones.
G D’Marnier Cunningham, 5-9 Senior, Rickards: When you’re part of a tandem that lead a team to back-to-back titles, it doesn’t matter how much you score. Especially when neither member of that tandem are over 5’9″. Point is moot however because Cunningham averaged 18 points over two games and was the reason Rickards survived their Overtime against Jones.
F Angelo Warner, 6-2 Senior, Jones: Had 29 points in his final game nearly defeating Rickards all by himself after Chris Bryant fouled-out in. This versatile swingman was going at the Bush/Cunningham tandem with confidence, and was challenging defenders in both games with his lightning-quick penetration and pull-up jumpshot.
F Chris Bryant, 6-7 Senior, Rickards: This young man was in beastmode for both games. The Raiders were able to feed him down in the post or Bryant was able to pull his defenders out to the top of the key where he could then drive or shoot at that point. Has a nice 12-13′ jumpshot and can get to the boards with purpose. Worked in concert with both his guards whenever they would dribble-drive into the lane allowing him to roll off screens unblocked to the hoop.
C Ismaila Dauda, 6-9 Senior, Grandview Prep: Gotta show the big fella from the smallest school in the entire tourney some love. Dauda averaged 22 points a game and double-digit rebounds. Obviously he was able to throw his weight around down low, but at time showed a shaky foundation in his post position which gave defenders opportunities to move him out from the paint. Won’t stop him from becoming a nice addition to a collegiate roster this Fall though.
Second Team:
G Demarcus Croaker, 6-3 Sophomore, Jones: The other half of the Tigers Backcourt tandem, Croaker shows the ability to become one of Orange County’s greatest of all time before it’s all said and done. He averaged 15 points a game with 19 coming against Tampa Catholic. Quick first step. Ball handling skills are very good for such a young player. Made some unbelievably clutch plays down the stretch for Jones in both games.
G, Dillon Graham, 6-4 Junior, First Academy: IF you are into instant triple-threats once the ball is in their hands, then this young man is who you want. Averaged 20 points a game and can run the point or at the shooting guard. Shut Josh Heath and Devontae Morgan from Tampa Prep completely down in the 2A Semifinal. Great off-the-ball sense as well. Basketball IQ off the charts.
F, Jean Prophete, 6-4 Senior, Summit Christian: Led his team to the 1A State Championship averaging 15 points a game. Much in the same mold as Graham, but can slash to the whole even quicker. Jumpshot is smooth. Still needs to work on his decision-making with the ball in traffic, but he’s got a ring and that counts for something.
F, Jordan Warner, 6-5 Senior, FAMU: One of the only 1-and-done guys to get any consideration, but when that one game includes 31 points, you’ve earned it. Especially with a 6’5″ frame that is deceptive. Good guys to have on your team without a doubt.
C, Jeff Coby, 6-7 Junior, Sagemont: Averaged 15 points and 16 rebounds for the series leading the Lions to a 2A Title over First Academy. His Head Coach was more than willing to shower him with the majority of the praise for their victory in the Final. Coby needs add some beef (pun intended) to his frame or he may end up becoming just another 6’7″ Power Forward that plays more like a Small Forward. Don’t take it as an indictment though. The kid has game. Range is comfortable to about 15 feet. Can put the ball on the floor and draw the big guys out from underneath if necessary.
Honorable Mentions:
PG Josh Heath, 6-1 Sophomore, Tampa Prep: Was the only thing going for the Terrapins against First Academy. Had 12 points and could’ve added another 10 if he wasn’t so unselfish. Has great ball control and body control. Son of USF Head Coach Stan Heath so I’m not worried about genetics.
G, Taylor Akers, 6-0 Junior, First Academy: Will add a third dimension to what the Royals are doing on offense next year along with 6-2 Guard/Forward Tyler Coons. Akers is a streaky shooter that must have a hand in his face like most of the good ones do.
G, Farad Cobb, 5-11 Junior, Summit Christian: Debatable that he shouldn’t be on at the second team, but that’s how much I think of Croaker and Graham. Averaged 20 points a game for the 1A State Champs. Was instrumental in the 1-2 scoring punch of him and Prophete who was the bigger catalyst for his team in terms of overall effectiveness on both ends of the court.
The 4A-6A Classification BCP All-Tournament Team will post on Wednesday Night. Stay tuned!