With Admiral Farragut expected to be less than dominant this season, teams such as Shorecrest and Keswick could make a splash.
By CHRIS GIRANDOLA
Published November 16, 2005
ST. PETERSBURG - For the past five years, Admiral Farragut has dominated the district. The Blue Jackets had talent good enough to compete with the best of the best in all classes, and in the past four years went 108-20 with two final four appearances and a state title in 2004.
It was fun while it lasted.
This year, Blue Jackets coach Mike Wells must deal with a team that lost all of its stars to graduation or other schools and is starting from scratch.
"No one on this year's team played varsity last year," Wells said.
You won't find too many coaches singing a sad song for the Blue Jackets, who routinely won most of their district games the past few years by 50 points or more.
With a void at the top, expect a renewed district title chase, with almost every team thinking it has a shot.
Tampa Prep, a region finalist last year, might have the best one. The Terrapins return four of five starters and have the most versatile player in 6-foot-5 forward David Waller.
Keswick and Shorecrest expect to bring the most pressure, as the they possess more height and athleticism than in past years.
The Crusaders enter the season with an experienced squad. Seniors Stefan Larson, Blake Engelhart and R.J. Denton are all taller than 6 feet 3, and Osceola transfer Ben Paul will contribute immediately. "We'll be up tempo on offense and defense," first-year coach Jack Skipper said.
The Chargers boast some quick playmaking guards to go along with a big front line. The offense will rely on eighth-grader Javonte Maynor and Louisiana-transfer Derek Ochoa. Maynor started for the JV last year and averaged more than 20 points a game. Ochoa brings quickness to a team that has three players over 6-5.
He also brings some toughness, having experienced the after effects of Hurricane Katrina. Ochoa's school in Louisiana soon will re-open, but the junior is unsure whether he wants to return.
The Chargers hope he sticks around, as expectations are high for big things from their backcourt.
"Their quickness will do wonders for our big men," coach Fernando Maynor said. "They'll create opportunities for both themselves and the guys inside. We should benefit in a big way from their backcourt play."
