Sports

Preps

Boys Basketball preview

By DAVID MURPHY
Published November 21, 2007

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Teams to watch

1. Ridgewood (25-4, 8-0 5A-7 last season)

Hard to see the Rams losing to any area competition. How far they can go in the state tournament is the question.

2. Land O'Lakes (19-6, 6-2 in 5A-7)

The Gators entered last season's district tournament as the No. 2 seed, but got bounced by rival Wesley Chapel despite taking the two regular-season games from the Wildcats. Land O'Lakes will lean heavily on Jerome Harrison (returning after being dismissed midseason last year), Kevin Burnell, Mike Espinoza and P.J. Potts.

3. Wesley Chapel (15-12, 4-4 in 5A-7)

The Wildcats were a surprise state tournament team but should return as a serious contender, led by feisty guards Greg Jenkins and Ladarius Manora. The duo was key in helping Doug Greseth's club reach the postseason for the sixth consecutive season.

4. Pasco (17-9, 10-4 in 4A-8)

The Pirates will lean on sharp-shooting guard Zach Caparaso and high-flying forward Demetrious Larry as the 1-2 punch as Pasco battles to return to the state tournament.

5. Hudson (6-19, 2-12 in 4A-8)

Cobras return all five starters, including junior guard Jarrod Branco, who led the team in scoring (13.7), rebounding (3.9), steals (2.9) and assists (2.8). Senior guard Tyler Hooten is the top returning outside shooter (27 of 73 last season).

6. Nature Coast (20-7, 11-3 in 4A-8)

The Sharks return with a solid team following last season's region quarterfinal berth. First-year coach Dave Pisarcik takes over and should get an immediate boost with the return of senior Joe Silvestri, who was knocked out at the season's midpoint after a horrific collision with Hudson's Jarrod Branco.

7. Springstead (23-6, 14-0 in 4A-8)

The Eagles won't begin the season as the favorite to repeat as district champs. They lost a pair of 15-point scorers in Tim Hennigan and Ethan Selph, and eight of their top nine players from last season have graduated. Springstead has a new first-year coach in Pat Kelly to help overcome the odds.

8. River Ridge (13-14, 2-6 in 5A-7)

Royal Knights are in a tough district but ended last season on a high note, winning five of their last six. They lose leading scorer and rebounder James Swanson (12.4 ppg, 7.9 rpg), as well as reserves David Mayler and Daniel Brantley. Forward Lance Babcock (6.6 ppg, 4.2 rpg) and Jeffrey Smithson (7.7 ppg) will have to fill the void.

9. Central (2-22, 0-8 in 5A-7)

The Bears struggled last season, but second-year coach Eric Hayes had the team playing decent basketball by the end. Junior Darryn Frazier (about 18 ppg last season) is back and could help the Bears contend for a county title.

10. Mitchell (6-20, 1-10 in 6A-7)

The Mustangs lose their top two scorers, top rebounder and top two leaders in assists. Guard Spencer Boyd (5.7 ppg, 38 percent 3-pointers) is back.

 

District outlook

Class 6A, District 7

Favorites: St. Petersburg, Sickles

Contenders: Gaither, Alonso

Bottom line: Even if 6-foot-6 Billy Hester (knee) gets back to full health, Mitchell will struggle.

 

Class 5A, District 7

Favorite: Ridgewood

Contenders: Land O'Lakes, Wesley Chapel

Bottom line: Ridgewood should roll, Central could surprise, and Land O'Lakes and Wesley Chapel will likely battle for the No. 2 seed.

 

Class 4A, District 8

Favorites: Nature Coast, Pasco

Contenders: Springstead, Hudson

Bottom line: Aside from Nature Coast, this district is a mystery.

 

Class 2A, District 9

Favorites: Calvary Christian, Tampa Prep

Bottom line: Calvary Christian and Tampa Prep are leagues ahead of the rest.

 

Class 1A, District 6

Favorite: Seven Rivers Christian

Contenders: First Academy

Bottom line: Hernando Christian should progress under Bill Brooks.

 

Class 1A, District 11

Favorite: Lakeland Christian

Contenders: Canterbury, Academy at the Lakes, Citrus Park Chr.

Bottom line: Lakeland Christian could be dominant.

 

Players to watch

Lukas Poderis, Ridgewood, Jr.

Averaged 14.6 ppg and 9.6 rpg as sophomore.

Mike Lawrence, Ridgewood, Sr.

Returning Pasco County POY has one of the best handles in the area. Averaged 13.2 ppg, 7.9 apg and 2.1 spg.

Jerome Harrison, Land O'Lakes, Sr.

Gators' leading scorer before he was dismissed in January for breaking unspecified team rules. He will give Land O'Lakes a big boost.

Joe Silvestri, Nature Coast, Sr.

Missed most of last season with a collarbone injury, but he makes the Sharks go and should provide a great spark.

Darryn Frazier, Central, Jr.

Led Hernando County in scoring last season (19.2 ppg); needs to work on defense and outside shot to become an elite player.

Jarrod Branco, Hudson, Jr.

Averaged 13.7 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 2.9 spg, 2.8 apg last year.

Greg Jenkins, Wesley Chapel, Sr.

Scrappy point guard who should average double digits in scoring.

Demetrious Larry, Pasco, Sr.

Athletic forward capable of taking over inside.

Alvin Satram, Ridgewood, Jr.

Hit a couple of big 3-pointers in Rams' preseason win over Clearwater. Averaged 6.2 ppg and 3.4 apg last season.

Dante Valentine, Springstead, Jr.

A spark plug for the Eagles until a suspension ended his season. Quick point guard should be gearing up for a solid season.

Nehemiah Mason, Springstead, Sr.

Tall, athletic forward will need to take over as a go-to player.

[Last modified November 20, 2007, 19:31:00]