Districts On Deck: High School Boys Basketball Top 10

If you’ve followed us on twitter, you’ve seen some great boys basketball teams and players competing this year across Northeast Florida. Now we’re headed into the home stretch as the top teams go into their district tournaments to position themselves for the playoffs. Check out the Top 10 boys basketball teams going into district play this week.

#1. Jackson (23-2) (Class 4A) (District 3)

Ranked #4 FHSAA State Rankings

Jackson once again is the premier program in Northeast Florida this year thanks in part to their coach James Collins. The Tigers are on a 17-game winning streak including a 53-40 Thursday night win against No. 2 Fleming Island. Jackson won their fourth Gateway Conference championship in five years as well. Last week they bested Paxon 53-28 to win the title. They are once again a big, long, and aggressive team, led by it’s suffocating defense. Senior 6’7 forward James Morrow leads them on both ends especially in the paint. He recently committed to State College of Florida. Seniors Stephon Payne, Kevin Odom, and Andre Myers are seasoned and savvy. Junior Fred Gaines brings athleticism and toughness that has this Tigers team thinking about a return to Lakeland for the Final 4.

Schedule:

#2. Fleming Island (12-12), (Class 6A), (District 3)

Ranked #5 FHSAA State Rankings

Fleming Island is one of the best teams in the state as indicated by their overall FHSAA rankings. They’re a big team led by 6’5 Colton Zapp (12.7 ppg, 6.2 rpg), 6’5 Ahman Greenidge (12.1 ppg, 8.9 rpg) and 6’4 Antoine Sandy (11.2 ppg). However, a glance at their overall record would suggest that they were an average team. Not the case. In actuality, the Golden Eagles were fined 4,000 and had to forfeit nine regular season games due to an illegal player on junior varsity and varsity. Similar to the Ed White Football team this past season, who was forced to forfeit a game due to an illegal JV player, Fleming Island hasn’t missed a beat. They are winners of 12 of their last 15 games. Two of their losses have come to state ranked #4 Jackson and last Friday against #23 Providence. 

#3. Riverside (20-4, Class 5A) (District 2)

Ranked #21 FHSAA State Rankings

The Generals are one of the only teams in the area that can boast wins over teams like Fletcher, Impact Christian, Bishop Snyder, Ponte Vedra, Sandalwood, West Nassau, #5 Fleming Island, and #4 Jackson. They’re loss against top ranked Fleming Island was awarded as a win due to a forfeit. Riverside is led by Dominick Scott (13.2 ppg), Tahj McClain (7.9 RPG, 2.5 BPG), Montez Dunson (10.9 ppg). Although they fell short in the Gateway Conference tournament, the Generals can be confident entering district play knowing they are probably the best team in their district. Not only that, but they are playing with motivation and extra heart for their fallen teammate Michael Walton, who fatally passed away from a hit and run car accident in September. Personally, I’m pulling for them.

#4. Ponte Vedra (21-3, Class 6A) (District 4)

Ranked #29 in FHSAA State Rankings

The Sharks are lurking near the top of all boys basketball rankings in the state as their talented team has put together an extremely impressive record in the regular season. Led by Ross Candelino (13.8 ppg), Nathan Bunkosky (10.9 ppg), JT Kelly (10.7 ppg), and Luke Pirris (10.4 ppg), Ponte Vedra has been physically imposing and extremely athletic. Maybe it’s because Pirris and Bunkowsky are stand out football players as well. With 21 wins against top opponents like #23 Providence and Impact Christian Academy. One of their losses came in overtime to #21 Riverside.

#5. Providence (21-4), (Class 3A) (District 2)

Ranked #23 FHSAA Rankings

Providence once again has shown why they are a preeminent power house in Northeast Florida. Wins over Bishop Snyder, Bolles, Impact Christian, NFEI, St. Joseph. With five straight wins to end the regular season including a 52-47 win over Fleming Island, the Stallions are one of the hottest teams in the area. Chris Arias (6’5) has been instrumental in driving the lane and scoring. 6 foot 6 Jaylen Robinson has been a force in the paint and can finish strong at the basket. Then there’s another tree in 6’6 Mason Lee, who has shown he can knock down the three pointer and big shots. Bishop Snyder remains their toughest competition upcoming in the District.

#6. NFEI (18-7) (Class 2A) (District 3)

Ranked # 49 in FHSAA State Rankings

Led by junior Issac Tevarus 18.1 points per game, North Florida Educational Institute has an awesome athlete at the helm of another impressive basketball team. Senior Javon Prindle averages 9.8 points per game, while junior Tommie Hall chips in with 9.0 points per game. 6’2 Guard Marko Mojsilovic has been a great floor general and scorer as well (8.5ppg). This talent has been evident in wins over #21 Riverside, IMG Academy, Potter’s House, Impact Christian Academy and Bishop Snyder. They begin their district championship quest against The Beaches Chapel Tuesday.

#7. Paxon (21-3),( Class 4A) (District 2)

Paxon has been a team on the rise late in the season. A defeat of Riverside (55-43) in the Gateway Conference Tournament landed them with 21 wins on the season. Their only losses came to Bishop Snyder, Sagemont and Jackson in the Gateway Conference Championship game (53-28). The Golden Eagles are the top seed in the District 2-4A thanks to 5’9 Guard Brian Williams. The senior has always been one of the most talented athletes in the city, as he was a top football player in middle school. Now, Williams along with fellow seniors Camden Tyner, and Abraham Garjah, plus junior Kyle Jones, and sophomore Dameon Jones are soaring high under new head coach Kenny Elliott.

#8. Orange Park (20-4), (Class 5A) (District 3)

Ranked #38 in FHSAA rankings

The Raiders might be defined best actually by two of their losses this season instead of their 20 wins. A very close loss to top ranked Fleming Island (53-52) and Jackson 54-50 showed their heart and ability to be a very good team. It’s showed in a mighty way with a three game winning streak to end the season. Coach Derek Kurnitsky has navigated the Raiders to an impressive 20-4 record. Sophomore Archieve Triggs III has been a hard nosed playmaker for his team, while junior Thomas Faucett has been a sharp shooter from the outside. 6’4 Zalon Sanders, and forward Avorie Grayson make up a scrappy bunch of players that never quit which should take them far in the district tournament.

#9. Impact (13-12), (Class 2A) (District 3)

Coach Benjamin Jones has made a habit of getting the best out of his teams no matter where he is or what he’s up against. Impact Christian has been a consistent presence in the playoffs and even the Final 4. This year may be his toughest test though, as many of his top players from previous team’s have moved on to college, but the Lions are still roaring and have a great shot at the playoffs if they can get to the district championship. Senior Devean Knowles has lots of championship game experience. 6’7 Jordan Mikell, and guard Taylor Thompson can both score at will. Their record doesn’t reflect how dangerous this team can be when it counts.

#10. Fletcher (16-9) (Class 6A)(District 4)

Ranked #61 in the FHSAA rankings

Lajae Jones has Fletcher thinking district title this year. The 6’6 senior is averaging 21.0ppg and 7.5 rpg to lead his team. They’ve had several impressive victories on the season including Episcopal, Impact, and over Riverside. A tough one point loss to top ranked Fleming Island almost embodies Fletcher’s season as many of their tough losses have been by small point margins. Marquis Ghee makes a big impact in games. While senior Seth Allen (11.6ppg) was the best middle school basketball player in his class, and has shown several flashes of brilliance in high school. He has the talent to take over a game, which makes Fletcher a dangerous team.

Honorable Mention:

Bishop Snyder (13-11,  Nease (18-6, Class 6A), Class 3A), Sandalwood (16-7, Class 7A), Creekside (15-5, Class 7A); Episcopal (14-11, Class 3A),St. Joseph (16-7, Class 2A),Hope Christian (18-10, independent),San Jose Prep (17-6, independent, Ribault (15-8, Class 5A), Seacoast Christian (16-7, Class 2A)