Starting in 2017, Issa Bucket Productions LLC and Bay Area Hoops LLC have teamed together to provide an in-depth analysis of Hillsborough County's top high school basketball performers. Over a two year span we have had over 20 college athletes, 1 professional athlete, and a NBA draftee grace the list of our top county players. With our vast team of videographers we are able to cover up to 12 games a week, which allows us to get multiple looks at most teams and players throughout the year. With this database of games we then breakdown our footage with national scout, Reggie Burke of Bay Area Hoops LLC, to provide you with a detailed breakdown of the players in the area. Each team is broken down to have a traditional format of two guards, two forwards, and a center. Key factors in making our team are not only stats but how well they lead their team throughout the season and into the playoffs. With each selection we will also provide a short video to showcase how each prospect played throughout the season.
Here is our 2nd Team Selection:
2020 G: Carr Thiam
Stats: 20 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 4.8 APG
School: Wharton
Breakdown: Wharton Wildcats consistently always have a productive basketball program and this year it started with Carr Thiam. Winning his third straight district title, Carr showed that he was one of Tampa’s most efficient players. Carr does not always wow you with flash and athleticism but as proven throughout the years, he finds a way to win. With the loss of the former player of the year, Darin Green, Carr stepped up on the stat sheet, leading the wildcats in scoring. Standing at 6’3, Carr was able to use his height versus smaller guards to his advantage and also showed his ability to knock down the open three, finish at the rim, and find the open man.
2020 G/F: Jaden Ramos
Stats: 22 PPG, 8 RPG
School: Riverview
Breakdown: Jaden Ramos has been the focal point of Riverview basketball for the past 2 years and this year was no different. Going into his freshman year Riverview finished the season with a 0-18 record and as a senior he was able to lead the Sharks to a 19-6 record. As Jaden Ramos game improved, so did the Sharks record. Even though they did not win their district, the Sharks held one of the best records this year in the county and had notable wins against Wharton and Riverview Sarasota. Jaden played a versatile roll for Riverview as he showcased his athleticism on both sides of the court and proved to be one of the best finishers in the area. Jaden is always a kid who brings his energy night in and night out and usually the hardest worker on the court.
2022 F: Dillion Mitchell
Stats: 12.4 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 4.4 APG, 2.1 SPG, 1.6 BPG
School: Sickles
Breakdown: Dillion Mitchell has arguably the most potential this county has seen in a while. Standing at 6’7, Mitchell showed his versatility this year by being able play and guard multiple positions on the court. Dillion nearly averaged a double-double this year, notching and total of 10 double-doubles on the season. Dillion’s impact on the court goes far beyond just scoring. His ability to rebound and defend makes him a very attractive player at the next level. Mitchell currently holds 5 college offers from Florida, SMU, USF, Texas A&M, and Virginia Tech.
2020 F: Raegan Weiss
Stats: 16.9 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 1.3 SPG
School: Plant
Breakdown: Raegan Weiss played the perfect role of a stretch forward for Plant. Listed at 6’6, Raegan was hands down the best shooting forward in the area. Weiss lead his team in scoring and threes made while shooting nearly 40 perfect from behind the arc. Playing for Coach Willis, Raegan also showed he could play within a system and find a role to score at a high rate.
2020 C: Gary Jones III
Stats:
Stats: 12.7 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 5.2 BPG
School: Sickles
Breakdown: Easily the tallest player in the county, 6’10 senior Gary Jones III was too tall for much of the competition. With the combination of Jones and Mitchell, Sickles was a nightmare matchup for most bigs in the county. Tallying a total of 16 double-doubles for the year, Jones was able to use his size to his advantage all season. Although Gary did not shoot much three‘s throughout the year, he showed that he was capable to knock down shots on the perimeter with a 35% three point percentage. Gary also proved to be effective on the defensive end as he led the county in blocked shots and finished 3rd the state in blocks per game with 5.2.