15 Sophomore Florida Heartlands Boys Basketball Players to Watch in 2024-25

Check out our list of sophomores from the DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands and Polk counties

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The 2024-2025 High School Basketball season is approaching in the Sunshine State. High School On Si will be breaking down the top 15 players to watch for in specific regions across the state. We will start with our freshman class and finish with the senior class. Check out our list of sophomores from the DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands and Polk counties. Any and all nominations can be sent to rossvdg14@gmail.com.

Marcus Bankston, Kathleen

Height: 5’7

Position: Shooting Guard

Jaiziah Battle, Bartow

Height: 6’1

Position: Shooting Guard

Battle is a bonafide scorer who can score in bunches whether it’s off the catch or bounce. He’s one of the top underrated guards to watch in all of Polk County heading into his sophomore season.

Turrel Berry, Frostproof

Height: 5’10

Position: Shooting Guard

Messiah Borders, Bartow

Height: 5’10

Position: Point Guard

Borders is the true definition of a score-first guard where his impact on the floor continues to improve, and he makes his teammates involved as well. Plays with a ton of energy on the defensive end where he gets into the passing lanes turning steals into scores on the other end.

Carson Dicks, Lake Wales

Height: 6’3

Position: Combo Guard

Marquis Foster, Ridge Community

Height: 6’0

Position: Small Forward

Edward Guido, Lake Wales

Height: 6’0

Position: Small Forward

Rashard Kelly, Kathleen

Height: 5’9

Position: Point Guard

Miles Morrell, Victory Christian Academy

Height: 5’7

Position: Point Guard

Morrell continues to improve his game where he has gained more confidence on the offensive end, where he can score on all three levels. He is also a great on-the-ball defender where he uses elite hands and quick movement in his feet.

Exauce Maumba, Jordan Christian Prep

Height: 6’9

Position: Power Forward

Muamba is a lethal threat when playing at the front of the rim utilizing his length to his advantage. He does a great job when it comes to staying vertical challenging shots without fouling. On the offensive end, he can score in the mid-range as well as finishing on the attack where his perimeter shooting remains a work in progress.

Urijah Newkirk, Santa Fe Catholic

Height: 6’2

Position: Combo Guard

Newkirk plays with a versatile skill set where his confidence drastically improved over the summer on the offensive end. On the defensive end, he hunts for tips and deflections which can lead to scores on the other end. His ability to also create space and separation from defenders has taken a massive leap and should have a breakout sophomore season.

Mikiem Shackleford, Lake Wales

Height: 6’2

Position: Shooting Guard

JaKobie Terry, Bartow

Height: 5’8

Position: Combo Guard

Trey Wall, Lakeland Christian

Height: 5’11

Position: Point Guard

Wall is coming off a freshman season where he averaged 9.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 3.2 steals per game. Wall continues to improve his game each time he steps out onto the floor.

Adarrion Willis, Kathleen

Height: 6’5

Position: Small Forward

The 6’5 small forward is long and lanky where he can guard positions 1 through 4 on the defensive end. His jump shot continues to remain a work in progress on the offensive end but is fearless when it comes to attacking the basket.

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