Vote now: Who should be the South Florida boys’ Basketball Player of the Week (2/19/2024)?
The regional playoffs are weeding out the best of the best.
Not surprisingly, powerhouse Columbus has thus far been dominant, and next up for the Explorers is a match with Western.
That Class 7A showdown is just part of a full slate of win-or-go-home games for boys’ basketball teams in South Florida.
Before the games begin this week, SBLive Sports Florida looks back at last week.
With so many stellar performances, it’s time to vote for who was the best in our South Florida basketball Player of the Week poll.
Reminder, our polls are intended to be fun, while providing recognition to players and schools.
Tahir Bond of Coral Glades.
Congratulations to last week's winner: Tahir Bond of Coral Glades.
Vote as often as you’d like, and spread the word! Voting will end on February 25th at 11:59 p.m.
Here are the nominees:
Shon Abaev, G, Calvary Christian Academy: A junior, Abaev is the Eagles’ leading scorer, averaging 18.3 points per game. Abaev racked up 24 points in a 79-32 win against American Heritage Delray Beach.
Dante Allen, G, Riviera Prep: The 6-foot-4 junior is pacing Riviera Prep with 20.5 points a game. The Bulldogs defeated Florida Christian, 76-64, and next will face Hialeah Educational Academy in Class 3A regional action.
Marcus Allen, F, Miami Norland: The Vikings got by Somerset Academy, 74-67, with Allen leading the way with 15 points and 15 rebounds. Norland has won 15 consecutive Class 5A-District 15 titles, and is looking to get to state.
Matt Andreopoulos, G, St. Thomas Aquinas: A 6-foot-1 senior guard, Andreopoulos had 23 points in the Raiders’ 69-52 win against Plantation.
Cameron Boozer, F, Columbus: Yes, we know Columbus is dominant, and Boozer is one of the top players in the country. The Explorers rolled over Boca Raton, 92-28. Consider in the first quarter alone, Columbus scored 32 points. For the game, Boozer had 24 points on 10-for-10 shooting. The junior sensation added 11 rebounds.
Alex Constanza, F, Westminster Academy: The 6-foot-9 sophomore tops the Lions in scoring with 21.2 points and 9.5 rebounds per game. Westminster Academy toppled Westminster Christian, 57-37, and will now take on Saint Andrews in Class 3A.
Easton Gelin, W, Monsignor Pace: In a loss to Mater Lakes Academy in the Class 4A Regional Quarterfinals, Gelin finished with 16 points.
Harry Gelin, W, South Plantation: The 6-foot-3 senior finished with 19 points in the Paladins’ 60-42 victory over Blanche Ely in Class 6A.
Sebastian Gonzalez, F, Miami Christian: The Victors were tripped up by True North Classical Academy in Class 2A. But in the setback, Gonzalez impressed with 15 points and six rebounds.
Josh Harris, F, Pembroke Pines Charter: In a 65-53 win over Boyd Anderson, Harris lead the Jaguars with 23 points and nine rebounds. Next up in Class 6A for Pines Charter is South Plantation.
Patrick Liburd, F, Sagemont: Standing 6-foot-6, Liburd has been a consistent performer for the Lions, averaging 16.5 points per game. Sagemont rolled against Morningside Academy Port St. Lucie, 84-40, and next plays Atlantic Christian West Palm Beach in the Class 2A regional semifinals.
Jasen Lopez, G, True North Classical Academy: The Titans improved to 24-5 with a convincing win over Miami Christian. Lopez dropped 22 points, while chipping in with six assists.
William Nadaskay, F, Westwood Christian: Nadaskay paced Westwood Christian with 16 points in their Class 2A-Region 4 victory against Hebrew Academy.
Ethan Panton-Hazell, G, Western: The 6-foot-3 junior had 10 points and six rebounds for the Wildcats in an 81-44 win over Hialeah Gardens. The Wildcats certainly like to spread the wealth when it comes to scoring, with 13 different players getting into the scoring column.
Raul Perez Ruiz, G, North Broward Prep: North Broward Prep carries a 22-7 record into Class 4A action against Calvary Christian Academy. Perez Ruiz is the Eagles’ top scorer, averaging just under 20 points per game (19.8).
Khalil Vole, G, Hialeah Gardens: The Gladiators’ season ended with a lopsided loss to Western. But it’s still worth giving them attention. Vole scored 20 points and added eight rebounds and three assists.
Herbert Wilson, G, Miami Country Day: In a 75-64 loss to Hialeah Educational Academy, Wilson had 26 points and 12 rebounds.
