Compiled By Rod Gipson
MaxPreps.com
Top Teams
St. Petersburg Lakewood
The Spartans advanced to the Class 5A state finals last year and have the firepower to get back there. Guards Shamon Cox and Dominic Lane will lead the way. Cox (6-foot-2) and Lane (6-1) helped Lakewood go 26-4 despite a 61-55 loss to Ft. Lauderdale Dillard in the state title game.
Tampa Sickles
The Gryphons will line up this year with one of the most watched players in the area. John Henson, a 6-10 senior forward who transferred in from Texas, has already committed to North Carolina. Along with guard Jordan Davis, Henson will try to help the team build on their three straight district titles.
Valrico Bloomingdale
The Bulls will field a formidable squad led by 6-foot-5 guard Callum Townsend, who led Hillsborough County in scoring last season with a 27 points per game average. He’ll be joined by transfer forward Joe Roga and guard Sean Rooks.
Tampa Prep
The Terrapins advanced to the Class 2A region semifinals last year and have plenty of talent remaining. Guard Jamal Cherry and forward Jake Haslam lead a deep Tampa Prep team.
Tampa Berkeley Prep
Berkeley Prep has the advantage of having three offensive threats that can control a game. Senior guard Jonathan Gray led the Bucs with 16 points per game last season. Berkeley’s other standouts include Austin Suarez and Christian Reintgen.
Area’s 10 Best Players
John Henson, 6-10, F, Sr., Tampa Sickles, Future North Carolina Tar Heel
Sheldon Cooley, 6-3, G, Sr., Tampa Plant, 22 points per game as junior
Okaro White, 6-9, F, Jr., Clearwater, Division I recruit
Johnathan Gray, 6-3, G, Sr., Berkeley Prep, Skilled 3-point shooter
Lukas Poderis, 6-8, C, Sr., NPR Ridgewood, Signed with East Tennessee State
Callum Townsend, 6-5, F/G, Sr., Valrico Bloomingdale, Back from ACL tear
Toarlyn Fitzpatrick, 6-8, F, Sr., Tampa King, 15 points, 10 rebounds a game
Myron Dempsey, 6-4, G/F, Sr., St. Pete Boca Ciega, Solid ball handler
Jordan Davis, 5-10, G, Jr., Tampa Sickles, Three-year starter
Jamal Cherry, 6-3, G, Jr., Tampa Prep, 15 points per game