Independent Hoops Notebook: Florida
By Robert Alfonso Jr.
Panama City, FL – The panhandle of Florida is known for its beaches and weekend getaway destinations. It is also home to some of the best college basketball programs in the country.
However, what few people may know is the number of talent tucked away in the furthest possible western point of the Sunshine State.
This past weekend, we had a chance to check out some of the up-and-coming talent college coaches will want to come to see soon enough.
Here are some names to track.
Korey Catchings | 2023 | West Florida | is a lefty with the ability to score the basketball. This guard handles the ball like a surfer riding a wave. There is no pumping or pushing that will keep him from being in control of the ball. He drives into the lane looking to attack any crease of the defense. His swag and moves to the rim are hard to defend. These moves keep defenders off balance which allows for him to get his jumper off with ease. It is a consistent release. Catchings is ready to make a major impact this season. Certainly, player college coaches need to visit and recruit.
Albert McKinnie | 2024 | Bay High | has continued to get better since the beginning of the summer. The 6-foot-7 wing has good length and athleticism to make an impact on both ends of the floor. He is bouncy on many second jump opportunities for rebounds and shot-blocking opportunities. His offensive game can spread to about the foul line where he shows off a nice touch. Look for him to continue building his game this season.
Nikko Bavarro | 2024 | HB Plant | made the trip to the Panhandle from Tampa and didn’t disappoint one bit. This shooting guard did more than shoot the material off the ball. He showed off a complete game throughout the sessions. The versatility in his game let him get shots off while also showing plenty of call control getting to the rim. He was a solid rebounder too in traffic. His effort on both ends showed his willingness to compete.
Tramello Carter | 2025 | Bay High | is one explosive guard. His ability to handle the ball mixed with strength and speed makes him difficult to guard. There was not a guard much better than him on the floor at any given time. His leadership and unselfish play helped him create plays for others. Whenever he wasn’t serving teammates, Carter was scoring the ball in a variety of ways. He has a bright future ahead.
Oliver Pratt | 2025 | Bay High | played with plenty of heart and moxie. He is not an imposing figure on the hardwood but you cannot measure his heart. His ability to play bigger than 5-foot-6 was impressive. The floor general was always pushing the tempo up the floor. He dashed through the defense blowing by double teams and then finding teammates. Pratt makes the best of what he does with his quickness. He knocks down open shots.
Dejah Coleman | 2026 | Mairanna | showed excellent court awareness and leadership while handling the ball on a string. He got to the rim with some ease too but was impressive in posting up smaller players whenever possible. His strength allowed him to take advantage of the mismatch adding his speed and quickness on the perimeter Coleman is difficult to guard.
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About the Author
Alfonso
Robert Alfonso Jr. is a graduate of Mount Sait Mary College. He has more than 20 years of journalism experience. Alfonso has helped build a basketball web brand in Georgia and has covered high school through college sports for publications in New York, North Carolina, and Georgia. His mission has always been to uplift the athletes who play sports providing them the exposure needed in this new media platform.