2009 Kingdom of the Sun Preview

Notes from the "Chief" on the 2009 Kingdom of the Sun........

Early Signees

6’9”   Patric Young – Providence – University of Florida

6’4”   Stacey Poole – Providence – University of Kentucky

6’8”   Steve Forbes – East Ridge – Stetson University

5’10” Elisha Justice – Shelby Valley(Ky) – University of Louisville

6’1”   Alex Bodney – Providence – Eckerd College


Underclassmen Early Commitments

6’4”   Robert Brown – East Ridge – Virginia Tech

5’11” Kyle Simmons – Mt. Dora Bible – Stetson University

 

Pre-Tourney Favorites:

• Providence – 27-2 last season returning 3 starters & picking up two D-1 transfers in Poole (UK) and the best post player in Young (UF) make the “Stallions” the best team in the tourney from the sunshine state. 6’7” Jr. Wayne Martin is another   prospect getting looks from several top D-1 programs.while point guard Alex Bodney signed with D-2 Eckerd College . A 20-0 JV team adds depth to this river city powerhouse.
• Greene County(Al.) – The “Tigers” return 4 starters off a 16-6 team. The are led by a pair of seniors in 6’5” Neiko Hunter and 6’5” Quashawn Carpenter who both averaged 18 and 17 ppg respectively. 6’7” Sr. Pierre Crawford gives added size on this talented front line. Ranked as the #2 – AAA team in Alabama.
• Thomasville (Ga.)  The “Bulldogs” were 22-5 last season returning 4 starters returning two top 10 sophomores in the nation  in 6’7” Willie Clayton (20ppg-15 rbds) and 6’8” Robert Carter. Two seniors in 5’9” Charles Hayes and 6’2” Seandarius Coleman both averaged 10 ppg and provide leadership.

Other out-of-state entries: -

• Shelby Valley (Ky)   This “Bluegrass State” entry returns 3 starters from a 31-5 campaign that were the “Class A” state champions last season. The Wildcats made the Elite 8 in the overall state tourney held at Rupp Arena. This well-balanced lineup is led by University of Louisville commitment in 5’10” Elisha Justice (17.5ppg-5 assists) who was named MVP of the Class A state tourney. This senior laden quintet boasts two 15th region senior allstars in 6’6” Ashley Hatfield (12.7ppg) and 6’3” Taylor Newsome (9ppg).
• Meadowcreek (Ga.) The Mustangs are another Peach state entry with high aspirations. 2 starters return from a 24-4 quintet that will have a senior laden experienced lineup. 6’5” Lavon Hooks (18ppg-12 rbds) and 6’6” Terrance Glass (10ppg-8 rbds) provide a nice 1-2 scoring punch inside. 6’3” John Ruff (14ppg – 8 rbds) adds even more scoring to a talent laden front line.
• Lexington (SC) – Another senior experience that returns 4 starters off a 22-6 team. A balanced team scoring attack is spearheaded by lone underclassman starter Shaq Roland (13ppg) who was named all-region as a Freshman. 6’9” Matt Jergenson 7ppg-6 rbds) is an inside threat. Depth and experience is a plus amongst  the Seniors.

Three Sunshine State Sleepers:

1. The Rock-Gainesville – First year Coach Justin Harden inherits 2 cstarters off a 24-5 team that advanced to the state “final 4” in Lakeland last season. The Lions is a small school 2A power led by a pair of seniors in  6’5”  Ray Velez and 6’1” Eastside transfer Dennis Mavin (15ppg). 6’1” Jr. Scottie Wilbekin (13ppg) will team up with his 5’10” brother Mitchell to man the guard spots. A pair of 6’6” sophomores in Alain Chigha and Glenn Ceidanga will help Velez with the inside game.
2. East Ridge-Clermont  The Knights are loaded with 5 starters coming off a 17-6 season . Boasting a 1-2 scoring duo of 6’8” Sr Steve Forbes (15ppg-10 rbds) and 6’4” Jr. Robert Brown (19.6 ppg).A pair of Juniors in 6’4”  David Williams (8ppg-6 rbds) and 6’5” Mike May will be forces inside.
3. Summit Christian-WP Beach – Coach Murray Smith club will challenge for another run to the state playoffs.The “Fighting Saints: will be led by 6’4” Jr. Jean Prophete (19ppg-13rbds) and 6’3” Sr. Brice Jenkins (15ppg-10 rbds). The trio of  6’2” Sr. Damian Bivens, 5’10” Jr. Kyle Yong, and 5’10” Soph Farad Cobb form a team bond to challenge once again for state small school supremacy.

The rest of the Tourney field:

1. Williston       The “Red Devils” are a potent “little david” in the 2009 field as they return 5 starters off a 21-9 record advancing to the regional finals. 6’2” Sr. Isaac Floyd returns as leading scorer with 12.3ppg that spearheads a well balanced scoring attack. 6’6” Jr James Hunt (7ppg) is their tallest player but athleticism in the other key positions helps out 1st year coach Steve Faulkner, an assistant at Gainesville High’s state championship team. 6’1” Sr Deonte Welch (8ppg) and 6’ Jr. Jacques Edwards (9ppg) will improve their offensive numbers. Depth will come from a 13-1 JV team and 6’4” rising 6’4” Freshman newcomer Tre Wilson.
2. North Marion  The “Colts” will be a vastly improved version for 2009-10. Three starters return for Coach David Waters which will feature 4 underclassmen in the starting lineup led by 6’5” Soph Javon Alexander (10ppg-5rbds) , 6’5” Soph Sean Price (10ppg-5rbds) and the additions of 2 transfers in Jr.  Jeremy Singleton and heady 5’9” Soph point guard Travis Fletcher from Trinity Catholic. 5’8” Soph Markell Hawkins brings tons of energy off the bench. The future is bright in Citra.
3. Bishop Verot-Fort Myers – The Vikings enter their 1st Kingdom filled with enthusiasm under Coach Matt Herting who has an 11 year record of 189-94 at the helm of this Southwest Florida program. 2 starters return off a 23-9 final 4 appearance last season in 3A that hopes to improve during the season. Look for 6’ Sr. Jacquard Hagan (8ppg) to lead this young team and will get some additional help from 6’3” Freshman rookie Quinten Payne.
4. Eastside-Gainesville   The Rams return 3 starters off a 23-7 team and will get needed depth from a talented 18-3 JV team. A nice trio of guards compliment The offense led by 5’9” Sr. Jerrod Owens (15ppg-7 assists), 6’2” Soph Benji Bell (10ppg); and 6’2” Sr. Harold Hoskins. An all-underclassmen bench will have to contribute early. The Rams will be a solid defensive orientated team. Coach “Pop” Williams has a 25 year  record of 286-90 leading the Rams.
5. Mount. Dora Bible – This small Christian school is coming off a nifty 21-6 campaign returning 3 starters. The “Bulldogs” possess the Sunshine State’s top Freshman in 6’  Kasey Hill (13ppg-6 assists) and 5’11” Jr. Kyle Simmons (13ppg-6 assists) who has early committed to Stetson University. 6’2” Jr Raymond Bernard (11ppg-9 rbds) add more offense to the mix. Coach Steve Hayes has one of the most talented guards comination in all of Central Florida.
6. St. Francis-Gainesville – The Saints are under new head coach Tim Cohane. The district runner-up team returns 2 starters  led by 6’1” sharp shooting senior Billy Donovan Jr. who is the son of  University of Florida coach Billy Donovan  and 5’7” Jr point guard Caleb Lee.                                                                                                                      
7. Vanguard – Ocala     The Knights return 4 starters from last seasons young quintet that at times started 4 sophomores and a Freshman. The scoring duo of 5’9”Jr. Brandon Farmer and inside play of 6’3” Jr Marcus Hagins will lead the Knights. 6’2” Sr Josh Nunn rejoins the team after a year’s absence will help out both inside & outside. The Knights are under 1st year coach Phillip Small, an assistant coach at Leesburg last season, who replaced former head coach Jim Haley who retired after 36 years In leading the knights to a 665-385 record  and 3 state titles.  The Knights are still full of youth but are always tough on their home court.

Top Nationally ranked player on display:

• Patric Young was named the top player at the Reebok “Top 40” camp this past summer….ranked #5 post player in the nation by Scout.com
• Scottie Wilbekin is ranked the #6 overall player in Florida  and #1 point guard in the class of 2011  by Florida Hoops.com
• Shaq Roland rated the #1 Sophomore in the state of South Carolina (2012)
• Kasey Hill is rated the #1 Freshman in the State of Florida (2013)
• Willie Clayton is ranked the #1 Sophomore in the state of Georgia and top 5 in thenation in the class of 2012 by several recruiting services
• Robert Carter is rated #5 in the state of Georgia’s class of 2012 and along with team mate Clayton is billed as the top front-line underclassmen duo

In the Peach State.

• Wayne Martin is rated #92 nationally in the class of 2011 and 16th best power forward by class by rivals.com
• Elisha Justice is ranked in the top 5 players in the Bluegrass State and is a candidate for Mr. Basketball