Story
Boys basketball preview
Saturday, November 17, 2012
by
Jeff Greer
Lake Worth's tiny basketball gymnasium felt even tinier two winters ago, when nationally ranked Dwyer brought Jacoby Brissett, Joel James, Greg Louis and company for a district game.
North Carolina hoops coach Roy Williams, who eventually signed James, stood in one corner of the gym. Miami football coach Al Golden wasn't far away. Fans from all over the county spent more time gawking at Golden and Williams than the 41-point Dwyer destruction of Lake Worth on the court.
Expect a lot more eyes to be trained on Lake Worth's floor this winter. A lot's changed.
Murray Smith, a three-time state champion and one of the state's most revered coaches, will be pacing the Trojans' sidelines, armed with three 6-foot-5 starters and one of the area's best scorers in Aaron Horne, a transfer from John I. Leonard.
Suddenly the team that always shared the court for other teams' big moments -- the Dwyer game, a headline-making 99-95 loss to John I. Leonard, Palm Beach Lakes' return to playoff prominence last season -- has a chance to make some of its own special scenes.
"I'll be honest," Smith started, "we'll be a lot better in a year than we are now. That's natural with a new coach coming in and making changes. These kids lost three games at the buzzer (last season). They lost to Lakes by five in that playoff game and missed 19 free throws. They're not far away. There are some pieces here."
And that's part of what drew Smith to a public-school coaching job after 15 seasons on the private circuit at Cardinal Newman and seven more at Summit Christian. It helped that Lake Worth hired George Lockhart, Smith's good friend, to be its principal before last school year, and that Smith wanted to teach high school math again.
"I struggled with it so bad," Smith said, particularly of leaving his coaching post at Summit Christian, where he tutored Chattanooga guard Farad Cobb and won a state championship in 2011. "I get somewhere and I stay. I don't hop around. But it all worked together. That's the hard, bottom truth."
Horne and Smith's arrival at Lake Worth make the District 14-7A race with the area's best large school, Atlantic, a must-follow story this season. There are several others, too.
Big-name area coach Rob Long took over at Royal Palm Beach, another 7A school, which will take its rivalry with a loaded Palm Beach Lakes team to a new level. Former Royal Palm Beach coach Drew Quinn is at Park Vista, which will be more competitive with a new coach at the helm. Long left Boca, but not without talent, as former player Max Spinner returns home to lead the Bobcats' talented returning core.
Jupiter, with FAU-bound 6-foot-10 center Grant Pelchen and high-flying wing Mike Edgely, should be the team to beat in 8A, though District 9-8A should be as tough as it always is, with Dwyer, Palm Beach Central, Palm Beach Gardens and Wellington each possessing quality players.
Not all's lost at Summit Christian, either, even without Smith leading practices and games. Senior Josue Levy, a 6-foot-3 wing, has the best hops in the county, and could put on a highlight show almost every game.
Meanwhile Grandview Prep, with Division I prospects Ivan Canete and Eric Mance manning the backcourt, will try to make it seven consecutive state semifinal trips.
And speaking of state-minded programs, Benjamin's returning talent has the Bucs thinking about Lakeland, and it's not far-fetched. All-Area first team guard Isaiah Hobbs is back, along with fellow guard Austin Rosenthal and 6-5 center Jon Pavlov, making the chances for the school's first trip to states since 2006 look pretty good.
The Special Six
Isaiah Hobbs, Jr., G, Benjamin: Dynamic scorer who doesn't force anything.
Aaron Horne, Jr., G/F, Lake Worth: Transfer with length and inside/out ability.
Josue Levy, Sr., G, Summit Christian: Explosive athlete with big-time potential.
Eric Mance, Sr., G, Grandview Prep: Streaky shooter can score quickly.
Jamal Palmer, Soph., G, Atlantic: Already physical as a sophomore, does everything.
Grant Pelchen, Sr., C, Jupiter: Steady 6-foot-10 shot blocker and rebounder.
Five Games to Watch
Atlantic vs. Grandview Prep, Charger Classic at Suncoast, 4 p.m., Nov. 25
Palm Beach Lakes at Atlantic, 7 p.m., Dec. 13
Palm Beach Gardens at Jupiter, 7 p.m., Dec. 14
Atlantic at Lake Worth, 7 p.m., Jan. 8
Weston-Sagemont at Grandview Prep, 7 p.m., Jan. 23
Post Preseason Top 10
1. Grandview Prep
2. Atlantic
3. Palm Beach Lakes
4. Benjamin
5. Jupiter
6. Lake Worth
7. Dwyer
8. Suncoast
9. Royal Palm Beach
10. Summit Christian
In the running: Boca Raton, Palm Beach Central, Palm Beach Gardens, St. Andrew's, Wellington.
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User Comments:
Wow commented on November 17, 2012 at 6:38 p.m.: report abuse
Smith one of the States most revered coaches? Try reviled, hated, disrespected. Too bad no reporter will ever write the truth that Smith has to recruit (cheat) to win at small school ball.
truth commented on November 17, 2012 at 8:12 p.m.: report abuse
boca beat Atlantic by 20 last year and boca lost 1 starter and this year pre-seaon has beat grandveiw by 6 and summit christian by 10 over summer and there not in the top 10 ?
PBC commented on November 17, 2012 at 8:32 p.m.: report abuse
Yes for sure. Boca high is getting stiffed in this. but they will prove they're more deserving. Cats!
ThanksWow commented on November 17, 2012 at 9:20 p.m.: report abuse
ThanksWow-Glad the record was straightened out with your input. It is win @any cost for some. If YG (PBCSD) or the FHSAA (State) were not non-profit, maybe the cheaters would have lifetime bans. Here's the question, why do the admin. at the schools where "cheaters" coach just hide in the shadows? What are the students being "taught", especially the younger players within the program who will never play ahead of the "recruits" or quit playing altogether. This stuff is revolting! The reason MS stayed @ CN & SC is obvious; their ADs/Admin. had the same "dirty" philosophy...do wrong to win. Sick and sad; oh he got a student from JIL already?!? Why doesn't somebody stop this crooked excuse for an educator?
keep an eye on LW commented on November 17, 2012 at 11:26 p.m.: report abuse
Let's watch how many kids LW has transfer in within the next two years. Smith is in the county gym's recruiting on a daily basis. He is driving kids back and forth everywhere and providing meals to them, amongst other things (all of which is an FHSAA violation). He's making calls trying to get certain kids to transfer in to Lake Worth all the time. He is not revered. He is despised for being a cheater and he has proven he has no class by what took place with his comments after beating Grandview Prep at states. The big question is why...what does he have to gain by doing all of this at the high school level? Go coach in college if you want to act like a college coach. I guess maybe he just can't get a college job and this is the best he'll ever be able to do. He can win 10 more state championships and everyone will know it's just tainted and nothing to be impressed by. Everyone besides the newspaper reporters I suppose.
@Truth commented on November 18, 2012 at 1:24 a.m.: report abuse
Oh Boca beat Atlantic by 20 what happened the first time they played Atlantic beat them by 20 and the second time Palmer had a stomach flu and still managed to play even though it wasn't his best game !!!! Atlantic deserves all the hard work they have been putting in !!!! Don't Hate
No Love!!!! commented on November 18, 2012 at 3:16 a.m.: report abuse
You got one of the areas best coaches Brad Flag and player Jamal Palmer and team at ATL and the only comment u can say is a must follow story,Ok we will take that,the only way fans can follow a story is u got to right one,I think this team will right their own history this year,so ATL kept put in that work yur time is coming,Good Luck this season make yur skool and yur community proud ATL fan!!!!!
No Love!!!! commented on November 18, 2012 at 3:19 a.m.: report abuse
You got one of the areas best coaches Brad Flag and player Jamal Palmer and team at ATL and the only comment u can say is a must follow story,Ok we will take that,the only way fans can follow a story is u got to right one,I think this team will right their own history this year,so ATL kept put in that work yur time is coming,Good Luck this season make yur skool and yur community proud ATL fan!!!!!
Jeff Greer commented on November 18, 2012 at 1:45 p.m.: report abuse
There will be tons of stuff written about Atlantic this year, calm down. As for Boca, do something when it matters. Rankings in preseason are an inexact science.
Revered?? commented on November 18, 2012 at 9:38 p.m.: report abuse
Jeff Greer you have to spend more time talking to coaches in Palm Beach County. Then you will find out how absurd it was when you said Coach Smith was revered. The man is the poster boy for recruiting. Revered...there are some coaches who won't let him in their gyms. In the same sentence that you said he was revered you mention a transfer. Of course kids are going to want to transfer to Lake Worth. It's the Suncoast High of Lake Worth. Oh wait a second didn't the new Lake Worth AD leave Suncoast because the academics interfered with football?
park vista commented on November 18, 2012 at 9:53 p.m.: report abuse
Yoo listen park vista is gna be real this year just watch!! they have a senior named yephnick that should have a good season as well as junior CHristian Brown. we also beat Dwyer in the PBSC tournament about 3 weeks ago and they are 7th so watch out!!
PBC commented on November 18, 2012 at 10:23 p.m.: report abuse
yeah dont worry Jeff boca high will exceed standards bro youll see
@Jeff Greer commented on November 19, 2012 at 6:35 a.m.: report abuse
Ok Mr.Greer I'm going to continue to read all these story u guys write about seem to me it look like if u are doing the right thing but its wrong thing,but when u do the wrong thing its the right thing, IJS I think u mention every team in PBC except Atlantic one of the best story going in the County,IJS!!!!!!!
@@jeff greer commented on November 19, 2012 at 8:16 a.m.: report abuse
How can you say this "with Division I prospects Ivan Canete and Eric Mance" then you leave him off of the top 6? Hobbs over Cante? Are u serious? Cante is the best player in the county hands down. You guys have no clue about basketball and its obvious you never played the game. The whole story is about Smith and what have LW won? Benjamin a better team than Jupiter? I think you and Matt need consultants to assist you in evaluations of talent and teams. Last year, you had a football players as the top basketball player in the county! How crazy is that? He was a good athlete but best basketball player? All you guys look at is points. How many points a kid is scoring. If that is your measuring stick, look at the kids that play at these small private schools. Broward has some really good private schools, like American Heritage, Pembroke Pines Charter, etc. Benjamin? Come on man. Hobbs averaged 13 a game at "BENJAMIN" and he's a top player and Cante is not? Palmer at Atlantic...very good player but he takes all the shots! He has the green light. Of course he gonna score some points but what about defense, making plays for other people, etc. HINT...college coaches doesn't care about who scores the most points! They know if you shoot it 25 times a game, your gonna score. Jeff and Matt, please get someone to help you evaluate this season because yall have no clue!
Clueless commented on November 19, 2012 at 8:26 a.m.: report abuse
No mention of the Palm Beach Lakes guys. Max,Quincy,Kamil or Quinn you got to be kidding!
Jeff Greer commented on November 19, 2012 at 8:58 a.m.: report abuse
First of all, I played travel and competitive ball from age 6, and played AAU all through high school, so please don't talk to me about "never playing the game." I've played and watched more games than you know how to count. That's the dumbest argument in the book.
As for Ivan, he's a great player, but he needs to be on the court. He didn't play a full season last year because of grades. Get on the court, play, do well, and we'll recognize him in the postseason like we do every year.
Murray Smith going to Lake Worth is a huge story whether you guys like it or not. I openly called Atlantic the best large school team in the county -- that's an Atlantic mention.
If you want to talk about last year, who is the Player of the Year? The best and most complete player on the best team in the area usually wins. That was Reggie Love. He was a basketball player first. He played one season of football. The guy played inside and out, handled the ball, scored from everywhere, rebounded and passed well.
Jeff Greer commented on November 19, 2012 at 9:02 a.m.: report abuse
Also, yes, I do think Benjamin starts the year better off than Jupiter, by one spot. Why? Where will the points come for Jupiter? Grant is a very good defender and rebounder. JD is a distributor, and Edgely is a transition scorer. Who is going to score in the halfcourt like Hain and Case did last year? Because I don't have that answered for me in the PRESEASON, I go with the team that has similar size and guard play to Jupiter, but a better scoring option in Hobbs. It's not that hard.
@Jeff Greer commented on November 19, 2012 at 9:34 a.m.: report abuse
No doubt Smith is a story. No one is disputing that. We are disputing "revered".
@Jeff Greer commented on November 19, 2012 at 9:43 a.m.: report abuse
You guys did a great story last year on recruiting which centered on Dwyer. In the interest of Fair and Unbiased coverage why can't, won't you mention that Mr. Smith comes with a ton of baggage (dirty laundry). He has never competed fairly according to the FHSAA rules and bylaws. I am quite sure that many coaches , AD's , ex players etc. would discuss some of these issues with you. Nobody said they didn't like the fact that Mr. Smith took a job at LW, . People are just outraged that he has already shown signs that his methods will stay the same.The Aaron Horne courtment and subsequent transfer to Lake Worth is egregious. Ask the JIL people for some details. Seriously though "revered" ?
@@jeff greer commented on November 19, 2012 at 9:52 a.m.: report abuse
"First of all, I played travel and competitive ball from age 6, and played AAU all through high school"....that's not enough! Also, the best players usually don't play on the best teams, if you really know basketball. All you are looking at is scoring points. Let's look at your top 6: Josue, seriously. He has not improved since 8th grade. ALL HE CAN DO IS DUNK! He's a point guard at the next level. What has he done? Palmer is good without a doubt but he shoots everytime he gets the ball. Only worried about buckets. What position will he play in college? I understand what you said about Ivan but he is the best player in the county. Josue, Hobbs better than Ivan, seriously? POY Love....Remember Bobby Hain? Just because you played on a team that went to state doesn't make you a great player. He was an athlete, hence he chose football. What postition would be play in college? You have to take a look at the entire package. Most of these kids only care about points and they don't know how to play the game. But, that's what sell newpapers and kids want their name in the paper. That's why they play selfish. You will never really appreciate the kids like both JD's (Jupiter and Lakes), who run their team, don't get many shots, while others get the glory. But, college coaches know what to look at.
Jeff Greer commented on November 19, 2012 at 9:59 a.m.: report abuse
I think you and Matt do a good job overall. You will have haters. But, if you have been around, you have heard all of the stories about him. If Murry is not at LW do you think Aaron would have transfered there? I guess is aint cheating unless you get caught. Coaches are going to get fed up with his tactics. In the next year or so, he will be caught and fired for cheating. Just a matter of time. The entire article shouldn't have been about Murry. You are right, as it stands right now, Atlantic is the best team. Grandview is the best for the private schools. Your top 6 is shaky, Josue, no Cante, and Hobbs.....IJS
B Ball Fan commented on November 19, 2012 at 1:12 p.m.: report abuse
Congrads to all the teams who made preseason top 10 should make it a good basketball season. Who else is returning to Atlantic? I know they have more than a Soph.J. Palmer to be ranked 2nd... Who does Dwyer returning to hold the 7th spot.
and its nice for Benjamin to be at 4th, how long can they hold it? What happen to they're #25 was he a senior? where did he go to college? he looked a little better than Average, I think he Coach didnt know how to get the best out of him.
I really wonder if P.B lakes is going to hold they're spot also..... they have a lot of SHOOTERS! Suncoast should move up rather quick ! has a few players returning still young but play pretty good i think.
I'm going to have to watch the others, have been to any of their games..
@Jeff Greer commented on November 19, 2012 at 4:26 p.m.: report abuse
"I've played and watched more games than you know how to count. That's the dumbest argument in the book." First of all you are wrong because I played four years D1 basketball and graduated. Just because you played some AAU, doesn't mean you know what it takes to get to the next level because you never played at that level and you have no idea how to get there because you DIDN'T. I call it pipe dreams. Talk to some college coaches and ask what they think. Secondly, you like Murray Smith, period. Lake Worth has not done anything worth mentioning but you list them #6, over Royal Palm Beach and Summit? That's crazy! What have they won? You have not seen them play yet because the season just started. Time will tell.....
Noah P commented on November 19, 2012 at 7:51 p.m.: report abuse
Lol damn Lake Worth gets a little love from the paper and everyone is up in arms? SMH HOOPTIME BACK BABY lmao
respect commented on November 19, 2012 at 8:02 p.m.: report abuse
I am not a Grandview fan, but anyone who knows basketball knows that Canete is the best player (or Top 3) in South Florida. I'll also bet that he goes Juco because of his academic issues. Regardless, recognize his greatness on the court.
@B Ball Fan commented on November 19, 2012 at 9:46 p.m.: report abuse
B Ball Fan I read a lots of yur posts,I gave u a lot more credit than that, com on man their are a lot of aspects of the game of basketball that most people don't understand, from my understanding the object of the game is to get the ball in the hoop,some players jst can do it better than others that how u win games is to out score yur opponent,yes defense is a plus as some other part of the game,u don't score u don't have a chance to WIN...how did MJ make is name???
ATL ALUMNI commented on November 19, 2012 at 10:46 p.m.: report abuse
I LIKE ATL TO GO TO SATES THIS NOT.ONLY.THE HAVE PALMER, , THEY ALSO HAVE GREAT THREE POINT SHOOTER COMING OFF THE BENCH IN JOSHUA STRAINGE DONT SLEEP ON HIM OR ATL THIS YEAR!!!
Jeff Greer commented on November 19, 2012 at 11:52 p.m.: report abuse
Jeez, do I have to be freaking LeBron to pick a preseason top 10 and Special Six? Do you realize how stupid this argument is? A kid who played a third of the season last year missed out. I'm sorry. Is he a good player? Absolutely. But he has not accomplished enough on the HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL COURT IN PALM BEACH COUNTY in the past year to deserve to be in the Special Six to start the season. Heck, he could end up being our Player of the Year. I guess then I wouldn't need an analyst to teach me jack. I don't need to log my playing, watching and coaching hours to tell you that. I followed Pitt basketball around the country, in the locker room and in Jamie Dixon's office, for three years. I've talked shop with Rick Majerus, John Calipari, Dick Vitale, but I guess because I didn't play college basketball I can't pick a preseason top 10.
My point about my experience is that I've been around basketball since I was in diapers. I know this game. Period. Above that, I also consider coaches' nominations in their preseason surveys for the area's best players. Those help, too. So, when I sat down to pick this group, I based a lot of it on actual logged time last season.
As for Murray, I apologize for using "revered." Wrong word. Successful? Yes. I know the stories. I've investigated a lot of tips and gotten nowhere. It's incredibly tough to report that kind of those stories. If somebody wants to send me credible information about anything, feel free. I'm all ears. But look, Lake Worth was listed by almost every single coach in Palm Beach County as a top 5 or top 10 team.
Again, I'm using facts and reporting to make my decisions. So, spend as much time freaking out over a preseason top 10 or the preseason Special Six. In three months it won't matter. Relax.
@JeffGreer commented on November 20, 2012 at 8:38 a.m.: report abuse
So you are saying he's not revered???
PBMAN commented on November 20, 2012 at 8:39 a.m.: report abuse
Jeff, Its a pre season top 6, not a past season top 6, Canate should have been on the team as you are predicting this years top players.
@PB Man commented on November 20, 2012 at 1:04 p.m.: report abuse
I agree. He's eligible now and he's playing now. I think he's a top 40 player in the state in the class of 2013 and no one in the top 40 of their class on the list but Palmer in 2015. Also. @Jeff, you are not Rick or Dick or John. Just because you named dropped don't mean you are correct. Grant Pelchen is only on the list because he's 6'10. He's not very good because he wouldn't be going to FAU, unlike Joel who's playing at UNC. I think someone was trying to argue about who was better....anyway, Mance I agree...Hobbs, if he was at a bigger school, not....Palmer, he does everything like what, SCORE!, Josue, I won't even waste my time, that's a joke, Horn, I agree. he's a stud.
Fan commented on November 20, 2012 at 1:45 p.m.: report abuse
Don't leave out Kamil!
Delray commented on November 20, 2012 at 2:55 p.m.: report abuse
Smith spent plenty of time last year at Carver MIddle school games... Bc we all know they are zoned for LW!
Bball coverage commented on November 21, 2012 at 10 p.m.: report abuse
I think the problem most bball fans have is with the amount of coverage and reporting for the preseason. It seems Matt and Jeff go around to each school and they get quotes and interviews from players and coaches to come out with a comprehensive preview of the football season. Then when it comes to bball they go by the questionnaires they send to coaches to put out a one page preview. Jeff, maybe you should go to a few preseason bball practices before putting this out next year or if you did that this year say you did.
Also, I agree that Reggie Love should not have been the player of the year even tho Jeff is right he was a bball player first. Player of the year should go to the player of the year not to the most complete player on the best and most complete team.
Jeff is also correct when he says the players have a chance to change their preseason ratings by the time the all-area team comes out in march and he will make changes.
@@pbman: Youre wrong about Pelchen. The kid can play. His upside is not as big as Joel athletically and thats why he is going to FAU and Joel is at UNC. Pelchen more than held Joel in check in their head to head matchups last season.
@jeff Greer commented on November 25, 2012 at 8:48 a.m.: report abuse
Cante is averaging 30 points so far this season....POY.
Natali commented on February 27, 2013 at 6:07 p.m.: report abuse
hm sorry to be somewhat dull but i think your blog would look sgilhtly better plus a bit more easy to the eyes if it had a little more of a white feel to it, however that's only me. excellent post anyway! Best regards, koh samui stre4nder
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