SWFL 2009-10 FINAL POWER RANKINGS
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(updated 4/8/2010)

After a long wait, the 2009-2010 Final Team Rankings are here.  The top 2 were almost obvious picks, but after that it nearly came down to a coin flip in terms of deciding between a few teams for specific spots.  We rank 12 teams, but there were literally 14-15 teams who have a legitimate argument to be included from spots 3-12.  In the end, we tried to sort it all out as best possible, looking at records in some cases but also took the late season success of some teams in into account.  Fort Myers (28-5) made it easy to decide the top spot this year, winning the Class 4A State Championship, going undefeated against local teams, and picking up multiple wins over national competition along the way. Charlotte (25-4) was the second most consistent squad locally all season, with their only two losses locally coming on the road to Venice early on, and then to #1 Fort Myers. The rest of the rankings and honorable mentions all had successful seasons, and it only proved further that some sort of SWFL team's only tourney would have been needed to find out where everyone would have fallen on the court.  As always, feel free to agree or disagree by discussing the new rankings on the SWFL Hoops Message board.  And good luck to all the schools, coaches, and players this season!

1) Fort Myers Green Wave
  • Record: 28-5 (Class 4A State Champions, District 4A-11 Champion)
  • Previous Ranking: #1
  • Head Coach: Scott Guttery
  • Key Players: G Evin Graham (6-foot-3, 170, Jr.); G Terran McClendon (6-foot-1, 165, Sr.); F Colin Henry (6-foot-4, 195, Sr.); G/F Matt Yance (6-foot-4, 185, Jr.); F/G Tyler Manning (6-foot-4, 170, Sr.); F Josue Celestin (6-foot-7, 180, Sr.); F James Joseph (6-foot-1, 175, Sr.)
  • Notes: The Green Wave won the first state title in Lee County history and were able to do so behind the balanced play they had relied upon all season long.  Each game it was a different guy stepping into the limelight to make the big plays or lead the team in different categories.  Seniors McClendon, Henry, Manning, Celestin, and Joseph all played a HUGE role.  Celestin's play in the state title game while matched up against Georgia signee Cady Lalanne was impressive.  Joseph's key free throw to seal the title against Oak Ridge, and then getting back to the defensive end in time to challenge a shot at the buzzer was characteristic of his hustle.  McClendon going off for 20 points and handling the ball against tight pressure late against Oak Ridge was just one example of his strong play all season long.  Henry's 15 points and 12 rebounds in the 4A semifinal blowout win was thanks to his relentless effort on both ends of the floor.  Manning took his turn having big games in districts and the Regionals as well.  All of this and we haven't even mentioned standout juniors Evin Graham and Matt Yance who both did more of their share throughout it all.  Graham was the Wave's leading scorer this season, and Yance's 6 for 12 shooting from deep in the Final Four were huge, and often came in key moments or runs.  To bring it all together, head coach Scott Guttery was the guy that was able to get a group of teenagers to buy into a team attitude and toss aside all personal glory, and that along with his X's and O's proved to be probably the biggest key.
2) Charlotte Tarpons (Punta Gorda)
  • Record: 25-4 (District 5A-10 Champion)
  • Previous Ranking: #2
  • Head Coach: Tom Massolio
  • Key Players: F Nick Goshay (6-foot-3, 190, Sr.); F Jonathan Ocasio (6-foot-6, 200, Sr.); G Darion Shine (5-foot-11, 170, Sr.); G Joey Degaeta (6-foot-1, 180, Sr.); F Alex Mut (6-foot-3, 180, Jr.); PG D’Monte “DJ” Scott (5-foot-10, 170, Jr.)
  • Notes: The Tarpons leaned on senior Nick Goshay a lot this season, and he typically stepped up when called upon.  However, he also had some big help along the way in leading Charlotte to one of the best seasons in school history.  Goshay came up huge again in his final game, scoring 20 points and grabbing 11 rebounds, in the Regional Semifinal loss to eventual 5A state runner-up Sickles.  The problem was that the supporting cast just was not able to get it going like they had been able to in other big games.  Seniors Jonny Ocasio, Joey Degaeta, and Dee Shine all had their moments this season scoring the ball.  Ocasio averaged around 15 points and 8 rebounds a game, while Degaeta scored in double figures numerous times late in the season.  Shine was a big key early in the season, but was not able to continue his strong offensive ways late to help the Tarpons season stay alive.  Charlotte hopes to continue their winning ways next season as they will have a talented crop of underclassmen to call upon.
3) Bradenton Christian Panthers
  • Record: 25-4 (District 1A-8 Champion)
  • Previous Ranking: #3
  • Head Coach: David Magley Sr.
  • Key Players: G Jordan Negrin (5-foot-8, 155, Sr.); F Michael Frey  (6-foot-4, 185, Sr.); G Jonothan Negrin (5-foot-6, 145, Sr.); G Daniel Magley (6-foot-2, 170, Jr.); F Brian Cobb (6-foot-5, 180, Soph.); G Austin Walker (6-foot-1, 165, 8th)
  • Notes: The Panthers were hoping to get this talented group back to the state tournament once again, but the district realignment ended up putting a huge road block in their way, by the name of Orlando Christian Prep, who was the eventual 1A state champions.  BCS ended the season with 5 guys averaging more than 14 points per game, a testament to their balance, and although senior Jordan Negrin went out with a bang, scoring 30 points in his final game, the balance was not there as no one else was able to really get going.  Fellow seniors Jon Negrin (Jordan's twin brother) and Michael Frey have all been part of 3 Final Four teams in their career, but were never able to grab that elusive state crown.  Underclassmen Daniel Magley (2011), Brian Cobb (2012), and Austin Walker (2014) were a big part of the success this season, and will be looked upon to carry the torch going forward.  Cobb, a 6'5 forward, averaged around 14 points and 13 rebounds per game this year.  Magley averaged over 15 points a game, while being the team's best perimeter defender.  Walker, a 6'2 wing guard, was called up to the varsity squad around Christmas and handled himself well, averaging just under 10 points a game throughout the second half of the season.  Those 3, along with a couple other young guys will need to elevate their games even more to keep up the winning tradition and potentially take another shot at getting by the OCP road block next season.
4) Community School Seahawks (Naples)
  • Record: 24-6 (District 2A-12 Champion)
  • Previous Ranking: #6
  • Head Coach: Greg Donahue
  • Key Players: G Mitch Woods (6-foot-4, 190, Sr.); G Kent Coyne (6-foot-4, 180, Jr.); F Danny Fleming (6-foot-5, 200, Sr.)
  • Notes: The Mitch Woods days at CSN came to an end in a bad way, losing a lead in the final seconds to Tampa Prep due to a technical foul call on a teammate and a few costly turnovers late.  Woods, an Appalachian State signee, had hoped to lead the Seahawks back to Lakeland for the first time since his sophomore year but they came up just short.  Woods averaged 18.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game.  A big key to their success though was that Woods got help from teammates, and none more than senior forward Danny Fleming.  Fleming had a great season averaging 11.7 points and a team-leading 9.1 rebounds per game.  Junior forward Kent Coyne also came up big, averaging 11.2 points and 5.5 rebounds per contest, and he'll be the Seahawks best returnee next season.  Another junior that came up big at times, and that will be counted upon in a large way next season is 6'5 forward Liam Bressler.  Bressler and Coyne are both very good shooters from outside but CSN will need someone to step up to create open shots for those guys.
5) Seacrest Stingrays (Naples)
  • Record: 24-5 (District 1A-9 Champion)
  • Previous Ranking: #9
  • Head Coach: Bob Madden
  • Key Players: G Brunes Charles (6-foot-2, 185, Sr.); G Bond Roth (6-foot-3, 190, Sr.); F Jeffery Merton (6-foot-4, 180, Frosh.); F Bennie DeSalvo (6-foot-4, 190, Sr.)
  • Notes: Seacrest's dream run looked like it was going to continue holding the lead heading into the fourth quarter of their Regional Final game against Summit Christian, even though going in most might not have given the Stingrays much of a chance.  However, in the fourth quarter everything that could go wrong did.  That does not take away from them finishing the best season in school history, winning the first boy's basketball district championship, all while sending off the best player in school history and welcoming in possibly the guy who will try and take that title from him.  Senior Brunes Charles was the heart and soul for Seacrest for the last 4 years and he was finally able to get them to the postseason.  However, it was the help he got from 8th grader, 6'5 forward Jeff Merton, that may have been the key factor in pushing them over the edge.  Charles led the team in scoring this season but Merton held his own averaging 14 points per to go along with a team leading 7.9 rebounds a contest.  Senior wings Bond Roth and Bennie Desalvo also were big in spots, with Roth being the team's sharp shooter from deep and Desalvo a versatile guy asked to do a little bit of everything.  Merton will have his hands full in leading the Stingrays next season without Charles, and so it will be interesting to see if he can still have such a successful season as a freshman.
6) North Port Bobcats
  • Record: 21-4
  • Previous Ranking: #4
  • Head Coach: Curt Allen
  • Key Players: F Kasey Wilson (6-foot-6, 200, Soph.); PG Larry Taylor (6-foot, 155, Soph.); F Dauntae Johnson (6-foot-4, 190, Jr.); PG Eric Litvin (5-foot-9, 155, Jr.); G Max Wilbur (6-foot-2, 190, Sr.)
  • Notes: North Port was one of the team's expected to make the most noise this season, with such a talented group of underclassmen, but came up short of the postseason losing in the district semifinals to St Petersburg.  To their credit, they were without second leading scorer Larry Taylor (2012) but one would of thought they had ample weapons to still get into Regionals.  Junior forward 6'6 Kasey Wilson was a dominant force all season long for the Bobcats, averaging 20.5 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 3 blocks per game.  Wilson, a Virginia Commonwealth University commit, and his teammates still had a very successful season but showed their youth late with a lopsided loss to Port Charlotte and then getting upset in districts.  They will no doubt come into next season with more lofty expectations as all of their key guys return for the most part, outside of Wilbur, and a couple other depth guys like Bensly Melidor.  Dauntae Johnson, Taylor, and Eric Litvin all acclimated themselves nicely into key roles this season, with Johnson primed to have a big season if he can continue to play with high energy.
7) Bishop Verot Vikings (Fort Myers)
  • Record: 19-11 (District 3A-12 Champion)
  • Previous Ranking: #12
  • Head Coach: Matt Herting
  • Key Players: G Jacquard Hagan (6-foot-1, 165, Sr.); PG Bobby Thomas (5-foot-10, 160, Sr.); G/F Abner Sandoval (6-foot-3, 175, Sr.); G Nate Howard (6-foot-4, 175, Jr.); G Quinten Payne (6-foot-3, 175, Frosh)
  • Notes: The Vikings were definitely not the 7th best team in the area as of January 15th and a loss to Island Coast.  However, that loss seemed to be just the wake up call needed, as they proceeded to go 12-3 the rest of the season with their only losses coming to 08-09 6A state champ Coral Reef, #1 Fort Myers, and then Avon Park in the Regional Final.  The main reason for the turnaround was the amazing play over that span of senior guard Jacquard Hagan.  One could argue that during the last couple months of the season there may not have been a local guy playing better than Hagan.  He averaged over 19 points, 7 rebounds and nearly 3 steals per game over the last 15 games of the season, including 22.6 points and 9.4 rebounds per game once the district tournament started.  Freshman Quinten Payne was the second most consistent guy statistically this season, however it was the increased outputs of senior guard Bobby Thomas and junior Nate Howard that helped a ton as well.  Undersized all year inside, the Vikings found a way against a bigger Avon Park team to make a huge comeback in the Regional Final but fell just short of reaching the Final Four in back-to-back seasons.  Verot will return Payne, Howard, and a pair of solid sophomore guards in Brian Reeves and Mark Wagner, but will need a couple of guys from their junior varsity to step in and help out right away if they are going to improve going forward.
8) St John Neumann Celtics (Naples)
  • Record: 21-4 (District 2A-12 Runner-Up)
  • Previous Ranking: #8
  • Head Coach: John Wholihan
  • Key Players: G Frank Bennett (6-foot, 155, Jr.); G Matt Stephens (5-foot-11, 160, Sr.); F Garrett Braun (6-foot-5, Sr.); F Josh Hardy (6-foot-6, 240, Sr.)
  • Notes: The Celtics started the season in a tough spot, without their head coach Tony Grasso due to health reasons, but interim coach John Wholihan stepped in and his team stepped up.  The Celtics proceeded to have of the best season's in school history and reached the Regional Playoffs finishing as the runner-up in district 2A-12 to Community School of Naples..  And although they were unable to get past the Regional Quarterfinals, their season was maybe as successful as any local team considering the circumstances.  They were led by junior guard Frank Bennett in scoring at 17.4 points per game, while senior forward Garrett Braun led the team on the boards at 12.4 per contest.  It was the return and emergence of Braun as an inside presence on both ends of the court that was most likely the biggest key to success.  Braun also averaged more than 15 points per game, as did senior guard Matt Stevens.  The Celtics will only have Bennett and 6'6 junior forward Josh Hardy as their key returnees next season so it may be tough to duplicate the success they had, but we're sure Grasso will be back in the saddle with Wholihan at his side, and will have them ready to go.
9) Naples Golden Eagles
  • Record: 18-12 (District 4A-12 Champion)
  • Previous Ranking: #11
  • Head Coach: Pierre Eaton
  • Key Players: G Jordan Leach (6-foot, 170, Sr.); G Troy Thomas (6-foot, 160, Frosh); G Arie Myrmo (6-foot-1, 160, Sr.); G Felipe Vasquez (5-foot-10, 155, Sr.); F Tyler Alderuccio (6-foot-2, 165, Jr.); F Willem Hernandez
  • Notes: Naples' senior guard Jordan Leach is a very impressive guard, for what he gets done on the court without imposing stature at only about 6'0 tall and without the out of this world athleticism.  Leach is constantly double teamed or keyed on by opposing defenses, but he still seems to find a way to get where he wants to go and make his teammates better in the process.  Well, his goal of making his team good enough to get to the playoffs and win a district title before he graduated came true this season, capturing the 4A-12 district crown and then reaching the second round of the regional playoffs with a win over Mariner.  However, they ran into the machine that was Fort Myers in the Regional Semifinals and Leach was finally slowed down effectively and in turn the Golden Eagles season came to a halt.  Leach did not do it by himself though, as senior guards Felipe Vasquez and Arie Myrmo both stepped up on numerous occasions, as did junior Tyler Alderuccio and freshman Troy Thomas.  It was actually a pair of free throws by Thomas with .2 seconds left that won the district title over Golden Gate.  Leach can leave Naples knowing he was able to do something in his time that not too many other Golden Eagle teams have been able to accomplish.
10) Dunbar Tigers (Fort Myers)
  • Record: 17-10 (District 3A-12 Runner-Up)
  • Previous Ranking: NR
  • Head Coach: Andre McGill
  • Key Players: F David Paulk (6-foot-5, 200, Sr.); PG Troy Simmons (6-foot, 170, Sr.); SG Joel German (6-foot-1, 175, Sr.); F James Strowbridge (6-foot-6, 200, Jr.)
  • Notes: Dunbar was able to get senior David Paulk back in the mix late in the season, after he was hampered by injuries for most of it, and it led them to the district 3A-12 runner-up spot and a berth in the Regional playoffs.  They then knocked off Southeast, who had won 11 straight games, but fell just short against Bishop Verot in the Regional Semis.  Senior guard Troy Simmons kept the ship as steady as possible while Paulk was injured, playing great from his point guard spot and in an increased scoring role.  Fellow senior guard Joel German also played well this season, scoring the ball well from the wing.  However, it was the improved play of junior forward James Strowbridge over the second half of the season that really helped keep Dunbar afloat.  The Tigers do not return much in terms of experience for next season, so McGill will have to count on some of his young guys from the junior varsity, as well as Strowbridge to step up big.
11) Southeast Seminoles (Bradenton)
  • Record: 21-8 (District 3A-11 Champion)
  • Previous Ranking: #5
  • Head Coach: Elliot Washington
  • Key Players: G Adrian Richards (6-foot, 175, Sr.); PG Reggie Smalls (6-foot-1, 170, Jr.); G Antonio Ray (6-foot, Frosh); G Devon Bacon (5-foot-9, 170, Sr.); F Jonathon Dowling (6-foot-4, 185, Jr.)
  • Notes: Southeast made one of the biggest turn around's in SWFL from last year to this year.  They went from a team that won less than a handful of games, to a team that had won 11 straight entering the Regional playoffs.  They captured the 3A-11 district crown, but fell to Dunbar in the first round of the playoffs.  It was the consistent play of their guards that led the Seminoles all season long.  Most notably, Reggie Smalls, who transferred in over the summer from North Carolina, led the team in scoring and handled the majority of the point guard duties.  Junior Adrian Richards, senior Devon Bacon, and freshman Antonio Ray also played a huge role in the turn around.  The Seminoles looked to press and turn up the pace more this season with their guard heavy lineup, and then counted on senior Jonathon Dowling to be their pseudo "inside presence", although he was more of a face up forward. Dowling is signed to University of Florida for football.  As for next season, the Seminoles return Smalls, Richards, and Ray, and although they will lack size again, their uptempo style should cause problems for teams all season long once again.
12) Mariner Tritons (Cape Coral)
  • Record: 20-9 (District 4A-11 Runner-Up)
  • Previous Ranking: NR
  • Head Coach: James Harris
  • Key Players: G Kameron Beach (6-foot-2, 185, Sr.); G Ricardo Barsesa (5-foot-11, 145, Sr.); F Andre Emmons (6-foot-3, 200, Jr.); C Clinton Johnson (6-foot-6, 215, Sr.); F Sam Guerrier (6-foot-3, 180, Jr.)
  • Notes: Mariner fell just short of their goal entering the season of winning a district title, but they still should be proud of putting together one of the best season's since 2002.  That was the last time the Tritons has reached the regional playoffs, and it was due in large part to the play of their senior guard duo of Kameron Beach and Ricardo Barsesa.  Barsesa led the team in scoring, and Beach scored as well as led the team, all while they had to play a lot of the season without senior big man Clinton Johnson.  Johnson was in and out with different injuries, but the Tritons still got it done using a pair of junior forwards in Andre Emmons and Sam Guerrier.  The junior duo will look to be the catalysts for Mariner next year, but they will need a couple guards to step up to be able to continue on their winning ways.

Honorable Mention: Port Charlotte (16-10); Palmetto (16-8); Manatee (16-11); Golden Gate (17-9); Braden River (16-9); Palmetto Ridge (17-9); Riverview (15-12); SWFL Christian (17-9); East Lee (15-10)

Enjoy and feel free to give us your options and/or version of the rankings on our Message board.  And good luck to all the schools, coaches, and players this season!
More SWFL Team Rankings
SWFL District Standings
All-SWFL Teams
Class by Class Player Rankings
2010 Final Power Rankings
(updated 4/8/10)
1) Ft Myers (28-5)
2) Charlotte (25-4)
3) Bradenton Christian (25-4)
4) Community School (24-6)
5) Seacrest (24-5)
6) North Port (21-4)
7) Bishop Verot (19-11)
8) St John Neumann (22-6)
9) Naples (18-12)
10) Dunbar (17-10)
11) Southeast (21-8)
12) Mariner (20-9)

Class of 2010 Top 10

1. Mitch Woods, 6'4, PG, Comm. School
2. Brunes Charles, 6'2, WG, Seacrest
3. Nick Goshay, 6'4, F, Charlotte
4. Colin Henry, 6'3, WF/WG, Ft Myers
5. Joel Hill, 6'3, WG, Cape Coral
6. Jonny Ocasio, 6'5, F, Charlotte
7. Michael Frey, 6'4, WF, Bradenton Chr.
8. David Paulk, 6'5, F, Ft Myers Dunbar
9. Jordan Negrin, 5'8, PG, Bradenton Chr.
10. Terran McClendon, 6'1, G, Ft Myers

View Top 30
Class of 2011 Top 10

1. Kasey Wilson, 6'6", F, North Port
2. Evin Graham, 6'4", PG, Fort Myers
3. Jernell Hughes, 6'2", G, Immokalee
4. Daniel Magley, 6'1", G, Bradenton Chr.
5. Dauntae Johnson, 6'4", WF, North Port
6. Kent Coyne, 6'5", WF, Comm. School
7. Nate Howard, 6'3", WG, Bishop Verot
8. Jarvis Davis, 6’4”, WF, Golden Gate
9. Quenton Bundrage, 6'2", G, Manatee
10. Stone Holloway, 5’9”, PG, Booker

View Top 25
Class of 2012 Top 10

1. Deion Clark, 6'3, G, Barron Collier
2. Larry Taylor, 5'10, PG, North Port
3. Jeremy Jones, 6'1, G, Sarasota Riverview
4. Brian Cobb, 6’5, F, Bradenton Christian
5. D'Vonte Williams, 6'6, WF, Charlotte
6. Eric Traver, 6'1, PG, Sarasota Riverview
7. Jordan Smith, 6’1, G, Palmetto
8. Brian Reeves, 5'11, PG, Bishop Verot
9. Kaden Williams, 5'10, G, Port Charlotte
10. Mark Wagner, 5'10, G, Bishop Verot

View Top 25
Class of 2013 Top 10

1. Quinten Payne, 6'3, G, Bishop Verot
2. Nate Wilson, 6'5, F, Sarasota Riverview
3. Austin Williamson, 6'6, C, First Baptist
4. Mason Taylor, 6'2, G, Bishop Verot
5. Jordan Washington, 5'8, G, Charlotte
6. Keovis Brice, 6’3, F, Dunbar
7. Trevon Young, 6'4, F, Braden River
8. Adnan Dedic, 6’2, G, Sarasota Riverview
9. Antonio Ray, 5’11, G, Southeast
10. Tyliek Sylver, 5'10, G, Charlotte

View Top 15