After a loaded field made the trip to Hernando County in 2015, the 2016 edition of the Nature Coast Christmas tournament seems ready to top itself.
Last season, Lakeland defeated Shaker Heights (OH) in overtime to claim the crown, and in the 5th annual tournament, the runner-up will be back with teams from Florida, Georgia, Ohio and Washington D.C.
Kicking off Wednesday, the college-loaded teams that make the day one bracket are as follows:
9:30 a.m. - Alonso vs Hernando
The #14 ranked team in the Tampa Bay area, the Ravens are led by Senior Alex Jacovides and Sophomore Christian De Leon. Alonso tips off the tournament against the Hernando Leopards who feature three players averaging 10+ points-per-game. Ygenio Booker, Noah Batten and Muhammad Abdladean will make this game tough for one of Tampa Bay’s best.
11 a.m. - Archer (GA) vs Eastbay
As good as Eastbay might be, Archer is set to make noise this tournament led outstanding freshman Justin Edmonson who is averaging over 12 points per game. Brendan Tucker is a top 200 guard in the class of 2019 and Malik Sproles make Archer a threat from anywhere on the court.
12:30 p.m. - George Jenkins vs Lowndes (GA)
Averaging 16 points and 12 rebounds, Jordan Domineck has SEC offers on the football field, but his intensity on the basketball court is helping elevate George Jenkins this season. Mix in Addison Brehmer, Kyrillos Gar-Youseff and Eli Gibson who are just under 10 points per game and you have a powerful offense when clicking. John Slater leads a Lowndes team to Florida behind his 16 points per game, while a handful a teammates are averaging over 10. Lowndes might be the new kids at the NCT Christmas tournament, but sleeping on them would be a mistake.
2 p.m. - Roswell (GA) vs Countryside
Roswell’s football team lost in overtime in the state title game, and the confidence at the school is translating on to the hardwood. Starting the season 7-2, the Hornets are led by Miles Herron who, as a sophomore, is garnering scholarship offers. Maryland football commit Jayden Comma is a key cog on the court as is James Anderson who is averaging 13 points and eight rebounds while shooting 46 percent from behind the arc.
Meeting the Hornets opening day are the Countryside Cougars who already have a win over St. Pete High, the number one ranked team in the Tampa Bay Area. With size, speed and strong guard play the Cougars might be the most balanced team in the field, led by Tyler Witz and his 13 points and eight rebounds per game.
3:30 p.m. - Shaker Heights (OH) vs Zephyrhills
Zephyrhills went to the final four last year behind Jeremy Oppenheimer, but he graduated and coach Allan Reed retired. The new look Bulldogs still pace their district and will look to see how this year’s squad matches up against a loaded field.
The Red Raiders of Shaker Heights are returning this year with their eyes set on the trophy they failed to capture. Christian Guess has offers from multiple division one schools while teammates George Evans, Dale Bonner and Isaiah Wright are climbing up prospect boards. The mission for Shaker Heights is to win the trophy they just fell short of last year.
5 p.m. - Land O’ Lakes vs Nature Coast
Nature Coast is rarely an underdog in games they play, but this tournament is loaded to where the Sharks making a run would be surprising. Kane McColley and Jordan Baxter lead the way for Nature Coast, who will need a strong defensive effort to lock down opposing teams.
The Gators will be a strong opening test for the Sharks as the defending 7A-8 champions are paced by stat-stuffer Trivone Hill who averages 22 points, seven rebounds and five assists per game. Mekhi Perry is averaging over 13 points per game and gives Land O’ Lakes two scorers who can keep opposing defensives honest.
6:30 p.m. - Gaither vs Fletcher
Fletcher is a division one football team wearing basketball jerseys. The Jacksonville squad is made up of players who all hold division one scholarships in football. The question remains will they be able to convert raw athleticism and talent into points, or will the systems of basketball overcome the talent.
8 p.m. - Friendship Collegiate Academy (DC) vs Armwood
Those staying for the nightcap are in for a real treat. FCA out of Washington D.C. is known for turning out college talent as their backcourt of Cameron Norman (Georgia, USF) and Quavon Blackwood (Stanford) are highly sought prospects. Throw in Luther Anderson who has offers from VCU and West Virginia and you have a fun team to watch.
Armwood, while known for running the gridiron, has quietly been transformed into a basketball hotbed under coach Patrick Kelley. Led by Shomari King (13 points per game) and Chris Jones, who averages a double-double, this Armwood team is not afraid to match up with anyone.
Doors to the NCT Gym open at 9am each day. For full coverage follow @DannyAielloJr on Twitter