The Duval County Middle School Basketball season kicks off this week as teams attempt to defend their titles. The Boys championship was dawned by Fletcher, thanks to the incredible play of an astonishing 8th grader who led them to an unprecedented playoff run. Which players will step up and lead their teams to titles in 2019? Check out the teams who round out our 2019 pre-season top 10, and don’t forget to follow Duval Sports for all your middle school basketball action.
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Boys Top 10
1. Fletcher
The defending county champions will look to repeat but without the talented Seth Allen who delivered the title last year. He’s moved on to High School, but Fletcher has superb coaching and strong players.
2. Gilbert
The Panthers did not win their division in 2018, and failed to make the championship for the first time in three years. The three time county champions will look to reclaim their title in 2019
3. Mandarin
Mandarin appeared in the Final 4 in 2018, and have unfinished business. They have new talent but the same coaching in Coach Mobley, who will have his team playing tough and playing together in 2019.
Key Player:
Joey Witt-Small Forward-8th grade
Fred Thomas Point Guard- 8th Grade
Kendric Bryant- Shooting Guard- 7th Grade
4. Ribault
Ribault comes in at number four after an impressive showing in pre-season. If this team plays together they have the ability to make waves in a very tough North division.
Key Players:
Tyreese Smith- Shooting Guard- 8th Grade
Jaylen Armstead- Power Forward- 8th Grade
Tadarius Devoe- Point Guard- 8th Grade
5. Kirby Smith
Kirby Smith went to the wire last year against Fletcher in the 2018 county championships. It was a great season for them as the Comets dethroned Gilbert as Northern division champions. Coach Antan Lewey looks to repeat as division champs and add a county championship which eluded them last year.
Key Players
Najai Moody-Forward-8th
Zaire Moody Forward- 8th
Damien Jones-Guard-7th Grade
Caleb Williams Guard 7th Grade
6. Jeff Davis
It was a successful year for Jeff Davis, who won the the Western division and advanced to the final four in 2018. Although they lost many talented 8th graders, they have the coaching and the talent pool to return to the big dance, this time hoping to win it all.
7. Arlington
Arlington ended their regular season in a shootout versus eventual champion Fletcher. A tied record set up a tie breaker to which Arlington fell. Look for them to return with the maturation of young players to make a run.
8. Highlands
9. Kernan
10. J.E.B Stuart
