By Times staff writers
Published November 16, 2005
CLASS A, DISTRICT 11:
PROJECTED ORDER OF FINISH
1. OLDSMAR CHRISTIAN (21-5): The Eagles graduated a lot of talent, but the Brandon pipeline continues to pay dividends, and David Minaya is one of the best around.
2. CALVARY CHRISTIAN (17-10): The Warriors might be the second-best Class A team in the region, with 6-9 junior center Kevin Cantinol leading the way.
3. CANTERBURY (13-12): Chris Vineyard (14.8 ppg) is the top returner, and a growth spurt sent sophomore Jake Troyli (11 ppg) to 6-7 to give the Crusaders inside beef.
4. PINELLAS CHRISTIAN HOMESCHOOL SPORTS: The Patriots return to district play, with junior Brad Tipton and brother Matt and Rich Lancaster playing pivotal roles.
ALL-DISTRICT TEAM
F - Watkins Williams, Jr., Oldsmar Christian
A key reserve for Brandon last year, Williams should have his way in Class A.
F - David Minaya, Jr., Oldsmar Christian
Trevor who? Has the potential to lead the county in scoring and rebounding.
F - Andrew Giancola, Jr., Calvary Christian
Averaged 14 ppg and 8.0 rebounds; out for 2-3 weeks with partially collapsed lung.
C - Kevin Cantinol, Jr., Calvary Christian
Big summer on AAU circuit for Guadalupe native should lead to big 2005-06.
G - Leo Liriano, Jr., Oldsmar Christian
Minaya's cousin and 6-4 point guard transferred from national power New Jersey St. Benedict's.
TOP PLAYER
DAVID MINAYA, OLDSMAR CHRISTIAN
Minaya made the under-18 Dominican national team this summer, and, according to assistant coach Ryan Pannone, led the team in rebounds and minutes played while helping it qualify for next summer's Pan-Am Games in Seattle. He is ably qualified to fill the high-scoring shoes of Trevor Ferguson and will be the No. 1 option for the Eagles. A Division I-A recruit, he has nice size (6-6), soft hands, a nose for the basket and a pretty sweet outside shot to boot.
TOP NEWCOMER
WATKINS WILLIAMS, OLDSMAR CHRISTIAN
Williams reminds Oldsmar Christian coaches of former standout Jesse Rodriguez. He runs the floor like Rodriguez and is determined to go to the hoop for dunks, but Williams is more polished all around and should put up big numbers.
TOP 3 STORYLINES
1. EAGLES' YEAR? With Florida Prep banished to the basketball hinterlands by the FHSAA, Oldsmar Christian's path to its first final four appearance is cleared .
2. YOUNG BLOOD: Sure, it's still only Class A, and private school or no private school, is there any district in the county that has a stronger junior class than this one?
3. TOUGH SCHEDS?: Each team will only play one district game, rendering the schedule moot. The big games will come against other schools in other districts.
CLASS 2A, DISTRICT 11:
PROJECTED ORDER OF FINISH
1. TAMPA PREP (20-9): The Terps have five returning varsity players, including four starters, from a team that reached the region finals last year.
2. KESWICK (8-17): A veteran squad with four seniors and two juniors, the Crusaders should battle for the top spot.
3. SHORECREST (6-20): Depth, skill and height will determine the Chargers' fate, with the coach's son, eighth-grader Javonte Maynor, manning the point.
4. ADMIRAL FARRAGUT (26-4): The Blue Jackets' reign of district terror is over after losing two starters to other schools and the others to graduation.
5. INDIAN ROCKS (13-14): Ryan Culkin (6-5) starts at center, with Kyle DeArmon, a north county all-star selection as quarterback, and Barrett Bailey heading the backcourt.
6. NORTHSIDE CHRISTIAN (0-22): The Mustangs return everyone from last year's 0-22 team.
7. BRADENTON ST. STEPHENS: No info available.
ALL-DISTRICT TEAM
F - Chris Scanlon, Sr., Shorecrest
Has been with the program since the eighth grade and will team with 6-6 junior forward Josh Walker and 6-6 sophomore transfer Carter Schwartz (Tampa Prep).
F - Stefan Larson, Sr., Keswick
A slasher with good moves around the basket, can jump and has nice touch from 15 feet out.
F - Walter Perkins, Jr., Tampa Prep
The Terrapins' leading returning scorer and rebounder from last year at 12 ppg and 7.0 rpg.
G/F - R.J. Denton, Sr., Keswick
At 6-3, can shoot from the outside, run the point and can play the three or four spot as well. Multifaceted, watch for big things from him.
G - Barrett Bailey, Jr., Indian Rocks Christian
Quick point guard with a very good outside shot, averaged 11 ppg last year.
TOP PLAYER
DAVID WALLER, TAMPA PREP
The 6-foot-5 forward is only a sophomore, but one of the best in Tampa Bay, according to coach Joe Fenlon. Waller started last year as a freshman on Tampa Prep's playoff team. Fenlon is expecting big things from Waller, who attended numerous camps over the summer as well as participated with the AAU team out of Brandon. "He's just good," said Fenlon. "A stud athlete, no other way to put it." Waller will have big shoes to fill with the graduation of Hillsborough County's rebounding leader, Johnny Taveras, but Fenlon is sure he's up to it.
TOP NEWCOMER
JAVONTE MAYNOR, SHORECREST
Though he's only an eighth-grader, Maynor has skills beyond his years. He'll have a tough task running the point on an experienced team, but the son of coach Fernando Maynor is ready. Aren't coaches sons always?
TOP 3 STORYLINES
1. WHAT GOES UP, MUST COME DOWN: Case in point: Admiral Farragut. After years of dominance, the Blue Jackets have lost their sting. Gone are a host of all-county selections such asMarreese Speights and Lewis Lampley, who are replaced by inexperienced players. "It will be a challenging year," coach Mike Wells said. 2. A WIN IS A WIN IS A WIN: After experiencing a dreadful donut last year, Northside Christian coach Adam Haines expects a much improved team. All five starters return and Northside receives huge help from Michigan transfer Zach Bacon. "We're not deep enough yet," Haines said. "But, we'll make some growth as a team."
3. WHO WILL BE KING OF THE MOUNTAIN? The battle for the top is no longer a forgone conclusion (see No. 1) with Tampa Prep, Keswick Christian and Shorecrest expected to battle it out.
Compiled by staff writer John C. Cotey, who can be reached at cotey@sptimes.com and correspondent Chris Girandola.
