VIDEO: Bishop Verot coach Matt Herting celebrates win No. 500 in career
The Verot coach of 26 years notched win No. 500 Saturday afternoon against Monsignor Pace, in a 59-45 win at the John J. Nevins Gymnasium.
The high school hoops season is well underway, and the cream is rising to the top.
Some familiar teams are performing to expectations while there are quite a few surprises thus far in the season.
Here is how The News-Press and Naples Daily News have ranked the top teams and where each the team falls in the FHSAA standings. The rankings take into account results through Jan. 13.
FHSAA ranking: 37
Analysis: The Griffins took two of their losses at the City of Palms Classic, where they became the first local team to win in the Traditional bracket since 2019 with a 80-76 win against Archbishop Carroll. The team’s experienced core of Patrick Johnson, Trey Fogle, and Myles Jones contribute consistently, and transfers Giordan Easeley and Obang Ochan have provided a lift to a group that has asserted itself at the top of the pack the past few seasons in Southwest Florida.
FHSAA ranking: 81
Analysis: The Lions are a matchup nightmare with most of the roster standing about 6 feet, and the upcoming Private 8 tournament will reveal a lot about them. The Lions have dropped just one game against a top-ranked Cardinal Gibbons team but have otherwise handled business with their best win coming against a visiting Harvest Prep team that made the state championship game in Ohio last season.
FHSAA ranking: 105
Analysis: The Vikings posted a signature win with a 59-43 beatdown of Charlotte at the City of Palms’ Hugh Thimlar Tribute game. Senior big man Jerry Ashley has posted 10 double-doubles while senior guards Gavin Williams and Austin Leslie combine for an average of 30 points a game.
FHSAA ranking: 103
Analysis: The Lightning are off to their best start in a decade in head coach BJ Edwards’ third season at the helm. Lehigh is getting it done with balance, from the guard play of Kionus Walters and Justin Gallopp to the 6-foot-8 Fritz Odige in the paint and a defense allowing 45 points a game.
FHSAA ranking: 136
Analysis: The Cougars have consistently kept themselves in the conversation under head coach David Watts, and this season has been no different. Guard Spencer Clayton is shining in his senior campaign, averaging 20 points, 7 assists, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals.
FHSAA ranking: 256
Analysis: John Solak’s squad has reloaded after the graduation of frontcourt centerpiece Calven Charles. Senior Juju Castillo has been one of the breakout players of the season, averaging 14 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 steals while starters Jeriah Muldrow and Jaydon Soto have also taken a step forward.
FHSAA ranking: 288
Analysis: You have to like the Sharks’ upside — the team’s reliance on the 3-ball (with senior Brendan Overbaugh and juniors Zack and Austin Louzao each taking more than 80 attempts so far this season) make them a threat on any given night. The team has posted wins against Gateway, Cape Coral, and Gulf Coast, but a pair of overtime losses from early in the season dents the team’s record.
FHSAA ranking: 199
Analysis: The Seahawks have handled their business to start the season with a defense holding opponents to 46 points a game. This team will be tested with upcoming games against Gateway, the LCAC tournament, and a rematch against an Oasis team that previously beat them.
FHSAA ranking: 222
Analysis: The Eagles had a bumpy start to the season, losing three of their first five games, but things are looking up in the new year. Senior Christopher Davis has scored in double figures in every game this season, including a 28-point effort in the team’s close loss to Lehigh.
FHSAA ranking: 291
Analysis: There is no doubt the Seahawks can hang with a lot of teams, and they’ve played plenty of tough ones, including Sarasota, Miramar, Gateway Charter, and Bishop Verot. Greg Donahue’s group got a 65-62 win against Oasis in December.
First Five Out: Gulf Coast, Immokalee, LaBelle, Lely, Naples
