Florida Friday: The top point guards
Every year the state of Florida is one of the strongest regions in NJCAA basketball. This year is no exception with multiple teams that could make a push for a national championship, and multiple players who will move on next year to the Division I level. As of now 26 players have signed with Division I programs and there are certainly many more to follow. This week we catch you up with action around the Sunshine State as well as taking a look at the state's top sophomore point guards.
Chipola, the second ranked team in the nation continues to play well and has an impressive record of 19-1. The Indians feature a very balanced attack with as many as 10 mid-major players contributing to their success. The only team to knock off Chipola thus far has been an extremely talented Daytona Beach squad. While the Falcons must make up for the loss of Florida A&M signee Stanley Branch, who was dismissed from the team, they still
Advertisement
possess an extremely talented roster, led by guards Blake Young and
Demetrius Green, who may be the best backcourt duo in the country.
Miami Dade, Tallahassee, Okaloosa-Walton, Hillsborough and Palm Beach are all off to impressive starts. Each team possesses numerous future Division I players, and all are capable of competing for the state title and advancing to the National Tournament.
Top Sophomore Point Guards
6-foot-4, 190 pounds, Santa Fe
Sandoval, who has signed with Dayton, has the biggest upside of all point guards in the state. With great size and strength he will be a solid player as he makes the jump to Division I. A solid shooter who sees the floor well and makes plays for himself and others, Sandoval's only weakness may be his on ball defense. With improvement there he will be a key contributer to the
Flyers next season.
6-foot-1, 175 pounds, Chipola
Hannah does it all, and has led an extremely talented team to a 19-1 record. The sophomore from Chicago has high major ability with his only drawback being his small and slender size. A great passer who can really handle the ball and sees the floor extremely well, Hannah will be a great fit and the mid to high major D1 level. He has the ability to knock down
the open shot, get into the lane and create for teammates and himself, and is very good at the free throw line.
6-foot-1, 185 pounds, Daytona Beach
Young has been the best scoring guard in the state up to this point. Although he plays the point, Young is more of a combo guard who may be best suited to play the 2. He's extremely strong and can really get into the lane and finish at the basket. He's got one of the best mid-range games in the state, and has really improved his outside shooting. A kid who's stock
is really on the rise Young will be an exceptional player at the mid-major
level.
5-foot-11, 165 pounds, Palm Beach
Harris is an exceptional signing for Matt Doherty's up and coming program at FAU. Harris is very talented on both ends of the floor and has really improved his decision making since his freshman season. While at times he tends to over penetrate and play out of control he has done a much better
job of understanding how to play the game. An outstanding on ball defender who can make the 3 and is good at getting to the basket, Harris has a bright future ahead of him.
6-foot-0, 180 pounds, Gulf Coast
Bailey has good size and great handles. He's got good quickness and an eye for finding the open man. He's not very flashy but gets the job done. A 2 year starter he must improve his jump shot but other than that has all of the tools. Is ready to contribute at the mid to low Division I level.
6-foot-0, 175 pounds, Miami Dade
Lazo is extremely solid, and a coach's type of player. A deadly shooter who truly understands how to play the game Lazo will be a solid contributer within the right system. He is not the type of player to beat you off the dribble and get to the basket but he is a perfect fit if you need someone to run your system and knock down the open shot. With great leadership skills and an outstanding attitude he is ready to step in and lead the right
program. Lazo has garnered interest from New Hampshire and Stephen F. Austin.
6-foot-0, 175 pounds, St. Petersburg
Hardy has great size and strength and can do everything you need in a point guard with the exception on consistently shooting the basketball. He finishes well in transition and is a solid on ball defender. A solid floor general Hardy has attracted interest from Nicholls State and Florida A&M.
Stay tuned next week as we update you on the sunshine state's top sophomore
off guards as well as keep you up to date with regular season action.