Some random thoughst and observations about the goings on in the preps world by Times' columnist John C. Cotey, while sipping too much coffee and perusing the previous night's newspaper and boxscores. Oh, and if you want to get your name in here, then shoot me an email at johncotey@gmail.com, or better yet, follow me on Twitter RIGHT HERE. Don't stare too long into my avatar, though, or you will go blind.
First of all, read this if you haven't already: Academy at the Lakes 55, Tampa Catholic 27. AATL coach Karim Nohra returned to his old haunts to post a decisive victory. AATL went to the state semifinals last season, and they look like a good bet to return in 2013.
PLAYER OF THE NIGHT
East Bay doesn't get a ton of basketball pub, but that could change with Jonathan Jean running the point. The 2015 Indian standout led East Bay to a 20-5 record and its first district title in 41 years last year, and will take on a bigger role in 2012-13.
Last year, Jean averaged 9.9 points and four assists, but in Wednesday's 71-56 win over Middleton he scored a career-high 27 as the Indians came roaring back. Trailing by two entering the fourth quarter, East Bay outscored Middleton 29-12 to pick up its second win.
For Jean, a 5-10 point guard, it was his first game of his prep career scoring 20+ points. His previous high was 19 in a game against Hillsborough last year.
Here's his highlight video from last year, if you wanna take a look:
TEAM OF THE NIGHT
Each year, someone on the northern side of Pinellas County's girls hoops scene emerges to challenge Clearwater for local supremacy. It's been Largo, then PHU, even Countryside and East Lake have had their moments.
This year, it could be Tarpon Springs' turn. Bolstered by the addition of Gulf transfer Kadejah Saunders, who had 19 points to go with 18 from senior Yasmine Morris, the Spongers beat East Lake 65-47 Wednesday night.
Ranked No. 4 in our Pinellas County preseason poll, Tarpon is now 4-0, and will travel to Clearwater for a big early-season showdown Friday night. The Tornadoes should be 6-0.
*Wiregrass Ranch's dynamic duo of Rico Kerney and Chris Parra (combined 42 ppg last year) each had 17 in an easy Bulls win.
*Brandon Jones netted 16 to lead Pinellas Park's boys to a mild upset over Gibbs 50-49.
*Adonis Rwabigwi led Tampa Prep over Hudson with 17 points.
*Jordan Berenbaum led the St. Pete girls with 16 and got help from Angel Brown (15) and Michael Everhart (11) in a Green Devil win over Northeast, 64-31.
*Jameela Shaw 's 14 was enough to nudge East Bay's ladies by Middleton 47-43.
Remember coaches, players and parents, get those boxscores called in so we can follow you this season at Meanderings and give you the precious Internet ink you deserve at 727-893-8123.