Sophomore duo leading the Raiders

Okaloosa-Walton was expected to be one of the top teams in the state of Florida this season. As they get ready for the second half, the Raiders have not disappointed.

"We're 15-and-1," said head coach Bruce Stewart. "I've got to be kind of happy."

The only loss of the season was a two-pointer to Daytona Beach way back in mid-November.

"We played Daytona early and they played a lot of sophomore guards," Stewart said. " don't think our freshmen were ready for that kind of a game, but they are now. We've played Santa Fe and South Georgia Tech and Vincennes and Georgia Perimeter, and we've beaten all those teams."

The Raiders have been led by a solid sophomore duo as that freshman class has grown up.

"Odarien Bassett has been a big time producer. He is averaging 22.5 a game and is extremely talented offensively," Stewart said. "We've gotten good leadership from our two sophomores too. Ralph Jennings has had a solid year. He's as good a defensive player that we've had since Brandon Vincent went to Mississippi State."

Bassett, who is ranked as the No. 8 overall prospect in the junior college ranks this season, signed with Troy back in November. Steward said Jennings is attracting some attention and expects that to heat up after the year is over.

"He is getting some looks," Stewart said. "He is a 6-8 kid, he's a versatile inside, outside guy. He can defend every position on the floor."

The recruiters will most certainly return to Niceville next year. There are a couple of freshmen who have played very well for the Raiders.

"Uriah Hethingtion is averaging a double-double, 13 and 11, plus about three blocks a game," Stewart said of the 6-foot-8 freshman. "We've got a freshman who I think is one of the top point guards in the state, Jonathon Tolles. He's averaging 6 or 7 assists. He's a quarterback, he gets us into what we need to get into. The development of Kenny Ware has really helped our team, he's a 6-6 three man that gives us some options."

Okaloosa-Walton will host Tallahassee on Wednesday night.