The upper classes were dominated by the chalk with Lake Wales, Norland, Ely and Hialeah Gardens all winning state titles as expected. One of the toughest aspects of this half of the classifications was finding the talent that was buried on the one-and-done squads that quite frankly are not even remotely close to being as bad as they appeared to be in the final box score. The teams were once again based on numbers in large part, but the main difference from the smaller classes is the amount of senior on the three teams. Out of the 15 selected, only 4 underclassmen (3 juniors and a freshman) were able to break the trend. Some of the individual performances were absolutely dominating, but I cannot think when I have ever seen a collective output from teams on the perimeter in final contests as dreadful than I witnessed last Thursday-Saturday. Hence, you may see a few names pop up from squads that only played one game because of their ability to actually score enough points to keep their teams competitive.
First Team
Ramon Rodriguez, Hialeah Gardens, 6-2, Point Guard (Senior)
The University of North Florida commit wasn’t exactly the second coming of Chris Paul, nor is he going to cause us to be confused with anyone else for that matter. Why is on the first team then? Because he was one of THE most consistent players in the entire tournament and led his team to a state title. Averaged 14 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists per game and although slightly erratic with the ball in his hands at times, it was more of a credit to the defenses that he played. Both Spanish River and Hagerty played a 3/4 to full-court trap and Rodriguez’ biggest attribute was his ability to make the right pass at the right time. Gardens won both of their games by an average of 18 points and can thank in large part his ability to display the characteristics of an effective point guard which is distribution whether in a the half-court set or transition, timely scoring and floor leadership.
Alante Fenner, Lake Wales, 6-5, Guard/Forward (Senior)
Another dude with a ring. We’re not exactly talking out-of-this-world numbers just like Rodriguez’, but as just mentioned he’s a state champion on one of the best teams in the state and entire southeast for that matter. Averaged 12 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals for a team that has many stars and won both of their games by an average of 33 points. Fenner, like most of his Highlanders teammates is long, quick and can play in the post or on the perimeter. He’s received interest from Providence, Fairfield, Georgia Southern and UAB but has not committed anywhere as of yet.
Marcel White, Lake Wales, 6-5, Guard/Forward (Senior)
This 6-5, 200lb beast carries offers from Alabama, College of Charleston, FSU, James Madison, Oregon State, Providence, Richmond and University of Washington along with strong interest from UCF and University of Southern California. Averaged 18 and 7 for Lake Wales en route to their 5A Championship. White moves well for his size and is well-conditioned to play either inside as part of a half-court set or in a semi up-tempo offense that allows him to take his man outside or off the dribble and create his own shot. Many tools in the arsenal.
Clide Geffrard, Blanche Ely, 6-6, Power Forward (Senior)
At 6-6, 210lbs I’d put a shock collar on him if he ever decided to leave the paint or move outside of the 15′ jumper range. Dude is a load and his body-type is more suited to play at an outside linebacker or TE than on the hardwood. He went off vs. St. Petersburg in the semifinal for 22 points, 9 rebounds and 3 steals then followed that up with 33 points, 14 rebounds and 4 steals in the championship game vs. Oak Ridge. Another guy that CAN run, but as mentioned with that frame he should stay with the big boys and clean up like some lemon-scented windex on the offensive and defensive glass; another area where he dominated which was the 2nd-chance points for the nationally ranked Tigers out of Pompano Beach.
Cleon Roberts, Norland, 6-5, Power Forward/Center (Senior)
The Georgia Southern commit averaged 27 points per game and was literally the only player that averaged double-figures the entire season for the Vikings. Roberts played on a team that reminded me of FSU in which every player on the floor at all times if 6-5 or better and can all handle and shoot the rock. Roberts’ main strength during his time in Lakeland was ability to clean up on the secondary fastbreaks and on the offensive boards with 2nd-chance points. An unbelievable steal for the Eagles up in Statesboro this fall. Will be a shoe-in for Southern Conference Freshman of the Year if he stays healthy.
Second Team
Josephus “Benji” Bell, Blanche Ely, 6-2, Senior, Point Guard (Senior)
Bell played the tournament with a heavy heart remembering his Brother Dante Anderson who was the #1 recruit in the state in 2008 and helped lead Gainesville Eastside to a title in ’05-’06 but was killed in a car-accident just 15 months following. Bell averaged 11 points, 6 rebs and 3 steals on a team that could have played their backups and subbed with JV players and most likely still have won. One of the most consistent players in the tournament.
Douglas Brooks, Lake Wales, 6-3, Guard (Junior)
The best 6th man in the tournament. Averaged 15ppg, 6 rebounds and 3 steals, but is on the 2nd-team because with all due respect Fenner was the catalyst for the distribution once Lake Wales was in their half-court offense. Brooks moves exceptionally without the ball with the ability to create space off screens and get the open shot which he rarely misses.
Brandon Barker, Oak Ridge, 6-4, Small Forward (Junior)
Has another year to develop his game, but was a force inside and in transition for the Pioneers. Averaged 13 points and 9 rebounds for the 7A Runners-up.
Alvaro Simoza, Hialeah Gardens, 6-7, Power Forward (Junior)
No answer whatsoever from either one of the Gladiators opponents for this guy. Averaged 17 points and 10 rebounds on 16-of-19 shooting. Couldn’t crack 1st-team though if you saw what I saw however. He’s still got a ring though. Scoreboard.
Tyler Bergantino, Nature Coast, 6-9, Center (Senior)
Talk about not having an answer for someone. Talk about needing a shock collar. If Nature Coast doesn’t fall behind to some sharp-shooting and their PG’s decide to feed Bergantino based on death threats if they don’t, Tyler goes for 35 and they play Lake Wales. Went for 18 points, 11 rebounds and 9 blocks. Yes, 9 blocks against a team that beat them by 26. Going to UMass this fall and is going to kill it in the Atlantic 10.
Third Team
Ira Smith, Hagerty, 6-1, Point Guard (Senior)
Averaged 16 points and 4 steals. Was lone bright spot in championship game and was pretty much the only reason they beat Vero Beach in the semifinals.
Matt Milon, Oviedo, 6-2, Shooting Guard (Freshman)
You know you’re good if you’re at least in the convo as a freshman in your first trip to the state finals. Poured in 19 against Oak Ridge, but unfortunately was the only offense.
Lamar Seymore, Terry Parker, 6-3, Small Forward (Senior)
Made the team pretty much on the strength of his 23 points, 9 rebounds and 3 steals against Nature Coast. Led his team in scoring against Lake Wales, but that was a total of a touchdown and extra point. (You do the math)
David Jones, St. Petersburg, 6-4, Guard/Small Forward (Senior)
Committed to play football for Richmond, but definitely held his own and then some vs. Ely in the 1st round. Had 12 points and 8 rebounds and appeared to have pogo-sticks connected to his shoes drawing “ooh’s” and “ahh’s” from the Lakeland crows on some of his rebounds.
Yunio Barrueta, Hialeah Gardens, 6-5, Forward (Senior)
Don’t really realize he’s on the floor until he’s already pumped in 12 points and 6 rebounds which is what he averaged for the tournament. Played the hoops equivalent of a shutdown corner by neutralizing Hagerty’s sharp-shooting guard Nate Bodegar who’s headed to UNF this fall.