Rosters stocked once again for some top academy programs.
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As summer transitions into fall, the high school basketball transfer season has finally started to slow down.
The moving and shaking has been beneficial for perennial powers like
IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.),
Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.) and
Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.), who have reloaded in unprecedented fashion.
In addition to the aforementioned trio, here is a look at teams that have stocked up via the transfer market.
Top 10 prospect Precious Achiuwa has made the move from St. Benedict's Prep to Montverde Academy.
Photo by: Wayne Litmer
32-5, GEICO Nationals semifinalist
2018-19 Outlook: The three-time national champions will operate under their sixth head coach in the past eight seasons with the appointment of Rodney Haddix. Despite the revolving door on the sideline, Findlay Prep is the only program to compete in every installment of GEICO Nationals dating back to 2009.
Losing all major production from last season, the Pilots were forced to build from the ground up this summer. The addition of seven high-major prospects will go a long way in their quest for an 11th consecutive GEICO Nationals berth.
Blaise Beauchamp (6-1, 160, Sr.),
Zachary Clemence (6-9, 185, So.),
P.J. Fuller (6-4, 170, Sr.),
Raymond Hawkins (6-8, 225, Sr.),
Sherif Kenney (6-4, 225, Sr.),
Alex Tchikou (6-8, Jr.) and
Breon Thompson (6-6, 200, Jr.) headline the list of newcomers.
IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.)2017-18 Record: 22-5
2018-19 Outlook: Senior forwards
Armando Bacot (6-foot-10, 240 pounds) and
Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (6-8, 235) will join 7-3 center
Chol Marial to form the most daunting frontcourt in America. Senior
Josh Green (6-6, 190) and juniors
Jaden Springer (6-4, 195) and
Noah Farrakhan (6-1, 160) will power the backcourt.
Three intriguing freshmen have also joined the program:
Eric Dailey (6-6),
Dior Johnson (6-3) and
Jarace Walker (6-6).
La Lumiere (LaPorte, Ind.)2017-18 Record: 23-4, GEICO Nationals participant
2018-19 Outlook: The Lakers return a strong core and add a handful of impact transfers. Top 5 prospect
Isaiah Stewart (6-9, 245, Sr.) returns as the catalyst once again after averaging 20.2 points and 11.3 rebounds per game last season. Other key returners include
Jakov Kukic (6-10, 220, Sr.) and
Paxson Wojcik (6-4, 170, Sr.).
2017-18 Record: 35-0, GEICO Nationals champions
2018-19 Outlook: Head coach Kevin Boyle has stockpiled the deepest roster in the country. Alongside their only returning starter in senior
Balsa Koprivica (7-0, 240), Montverde added Top 50 senior prospects
Precious Achiuwa (6-9, 190) and
Omar Payne (6-9, 195) as well as Top 50 junior prospects
Cade Cunningham (6-5, 185) and
Mose s Moody (6-5, 180).
Harlond Beverly (6-4, 170, Sr.),
Tibet Gorener (6-6, 175, Jr.),
Oton Jankovic (6-9, 205, Sr.),
Brandon Newman (6-4, 175, Sr.),
Justin Powell (6-5, 180, Jr.) and
Dariq Whitehead (6-5, 190, Fr.) add to the depth for the Eagles.
Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.)2017-18 Record: 44-2, GEICO Nationals semifinalist
2018-19 Outlook: The Warriors landed six high-major transfers set to make an immediate impact. Seniors
Kofi Cockburn (6-10, 255),
Chandler Lawson (6-8, 205),
Jahmius Ramsey (6-4, 180) and
Cole Anthony (6-3, 185), plus juniors
Lynn Greer III and
Cameron Thomas (6-3, 160) all announced they would be spending the season in Virginia.
Expect No. 3 overall prospect Anthony to lead the charge for what is shaping up to be one of the most talented Oak Hill Academy rosters in recent memory.
Sunrise Christian Academy (Bel Aire, Kan.)2017-18 Record: 23-2
2018-19 Outlook: The Buffaloes added perimeter help in the form of
Elijah Wood (6-5, 165, Jr.),
Grant Sherfield (6-2, 180, Sr.) and
Bryce Cook (5-9, 150, Sr.) to position around elite 6-11 junior center
N'Faly Dante.
Malik Hall (6-7, 190, Sr.),
Blaise Keita (6-11, 230, Sr.),
Carlos Paez (5-11, 155, Sr.) and
Jordan Turner (6-6, 190, Sr.) are also expected to make major contributions.
Last season, Sunrise Christian earned the reputation as a giant killer after beating Findlay Prep, La Lumiere, Oak Hill Academy and St. Benedict's Prep (Newark, (N.J.). In 2018-19 they will enter the season as a giant themselves.
