The News-Press/Naples Daily News early season boys hoops rankings: Who made the Top 10?

Boys basketball is back, and there’s a lot to be excited about in Southwest Florida.

Last season produced electric games, fun rivalries and some shakeups at the top. With some major transfers and budding programs, this year has plenty of promise.

Here is The News-Press/Naples Daily News first power rankings of the season:

1. Gateway Charter

Gateway Charter's Patrick Johnson dunks during the Class 3A-District 12 boys basketball final on Friday, Feb. 10.

Last season: 23-6, lost to Tampa Catholic in Class 2A regional semifinals

Outlook: The Griffins had a breakthrough season in 2022, setting a program record with 23 wins and advancing to the regional semifinals. The team is in a good position with the return of big man Pat Johnson, who averaged 13 points and 11 rebounds as a sophomore, plus Gabriel Timmons and Trey Fogle. However, the team will need to replace the production of the 2022 News-Press/Naples Daily News Player of the Year Jahmari Johnson. Look for junior transfer Myles Jones to take on some of the load.

2. Mariner

Last season: 19-10, lost to Barron Collier in Class 5A regional semifinals

Outlook: The Tritons bring back one of the most stable units with head coach Ryan Hercek at the helm. The senior trio of Justin Lewis, Kelvin Jimenez, and Marcus Kelley Jr. are starting for the third consecutive year with each of them averaging double digits in scoring the last two years. Add in the promise of 6-foot-6 shooting guard Asher Hercek, and you get one of the most dangerous and cohesive groups in Southwest Florida.

3. Palmetto Ridge

Palmetto Ridge Bears guard Calven Charles (1) goes for a lay up during the first quarter of the Class 6A regional quarterfinal against the Countryside Cougars at Palmetto Ridge High School in Naples on Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023.

Last season: 22-4, lost to Wharton in Class 6A regional semifinals

Outlook: John Solak’s squad is building off a successful 2022-23 campaign where they got off to a 10-0 start. Their leading scorer from that team, Iago Stanback, has graduated, but senior Calven Charles (15.6 points, 9.4 rebounds in 2022-23) is one of the area’s best athletes. At point guard, the team returns Sean Gomez, who should provide crucial stability for the Bears. Don’t expect this team, nicknamed “Dunk City” last year, to take its foot off the gas.

4. Barron Collier

Barron Collier's head coach David Watts reacts during the first half of the varsity boys basketball Class 5A-District 12 championship between Naples and Barron Collier, Friday, Feb. 11, 2022, at Barron Collier High School in Naples, Fla.

Barron Collier defeated Naples 78-66 to win the Class 5A-District 12 championship.

Last season: 23-6, lost to St. Petersburg in Class 5A regional final

Outlook: The Cougars have improved every year under head coach David Watts and clinched the last two Class 5A-District 12 titles. This season, the team will have to replace the production of key starters Noah French and Bryce Clayton. Junior Spencer Clayton will be the most experienced player coming back for Barron Collier – the 6-foot-2 point guard averaged 7 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds a game for the team last season. Nick Degnan, a 6-foot-2 transfer from Tennessee, and 6-foot-7 Gabe Markhart will be players to watch.

5. Bishop Verot

Leroy Roker of Bishop Verot takes a shot in their game against Gulf Coast on Tuesday, June 27, 2023, in the 2023 Varsity Summer Shootout at Evangelical Christian School in Fort Myers.

Last season: 2-23

Outlook: The Vikings appear to be on the verge of a turnaround. The addition of three starters in Gavin Williams, Leroy Roker, and Jerry Ashley (Canterbury) instantly puts Bishop Verot in the conversation among the top teams. Roker, an Ohio State commit for football, is a gifted athlete who averaged 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists for Canterbury last season. Ashley, also a Canterbury transfer, is skilled in the interior at 6-foot-7. Williams was the leading scorer at ECS a year ago, averaging 23 points a game. Verot could prove a challenge to Class 3A-District 12’s top teams in Gateway Charter and First Baptist.

6. Lehigh

Last season: 16-11, lost to Sarasota in Class 7A district semifinals

Outlook: The Lightning are poised to take the next step in the team’s second season under head coach BJ Edwards. The team showed improvement, rebounding from a losing season the year prior with a 16-11 record. The Lightning return their leading scorer, point guard Kionus Walters, who put up 15 points a game last year. Angel Pagan Jr., a 6-foot-1 shooting guard, and 6-foot-7 forward Fritz Odige are primed for breakout seasons.

7. First Baptist

Last season: 18-8, lost to Gateway Charter in Class 3A regional quarterfinals

Outlook: The Lions may have graduated their top two scorers in Latrell Davis and Yohandry Ortiz, but this team won’t be hurting for height or athleticism. Adrian Rodriguez is a returning starter, scoring 143 points for the Lions last season. Jayden Petit, a 6-foot-5 sophomore, is getting Division I offers for his play on the gridiron but is a playmaker on the hardwood too. Andrew Azunque, a 6-foot-4 returning starter, is a state-champion high jumper. That’s a recipe for success for head coach Scott Stewart.

8. Gateway

Gateway hosts Lemon Bay in the Region 4A-3 boys basketball quarterfinals on Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023, at Gateway High School.

Last season: 19-7, lost to Gibbs in Class 4A regional final

Outlook: The Eagles have won district championships in their first two seasons as a program. Senior Tavian Cook, a 6-foot-3 guard, has been essential to the team’s success. Explosive in getting to the rim, Cook averaged 18 points and 8 rebounds a game last season. The question for Gateway will be about the talent around him. Look for 6-foot point guard Tyler Diaz to build on a successful postseason stretch.

9. Community School

Last season: 19-7, lost to First Baptist in Class 3A district semifinals

Outlook: The Seahawks are coming off a successful season, going 19-7 before falling in the playoffs to First Baptist. The competition will be tough in Class 3A-District 12 with Gateway Charter, First Baptist, and an improved Bishop Verot team, but head coach Greg Donahue brings plenty of experience. The team also returns senior point guard Dom Hoge and junior guard Brennan Ringhofer. Community School will have to replace the production of Jackson McAdams, who scored more than 400 points for the team last year.

10. Naples

Last season: 13-13, lost to St. Petersburg in Class 5A regional quarterfinals

Outlook: The Golden Eagles went 13-13 last year but return some talented players. That includes Jaden Wolner, who broke out in his junior season (14.5 points, 9 rebounds). The team also brings back key contributors Charlie Ricketts and Adrian Llamo. In the district, Barron Collier has been a thorn in Naples’ side in recent matchups. Getting a win in that matchup would go a long way for this squad.

Next Five: Cape Coral, Cypress Lake, Fort Myers, Golden Gate, Gulf Coast