#PSBFamily 2015 Program Review: Central Florida Elite

Class of 2016 guard Jordan Lewis of Windermere, Fla., guided Central Florida Elite all year long. She capped a stellar year with a commitment to the University of Alabama. Photo cred – Ty Freeman/PSB

Central Florida Elite provides an avenue for players to compete and earn college basketball scholarships yearly. Al Honor and the coaches within the organization make the kids the focus of their program and help open doors for future opportunities. Here is a recap of where the program stands in 2015.

By: @JLHemingwayPSB

Program Director

Al Honor

Program Headquarters

Orlando, Fla.

PeachStateBasketball.com Tournaments Attended:

#PSBSpringShowdown
#PSBSummerInvite
#PSBEndoftheRoad

Notable Alumnae

FGCU guard Sydnei McCaskill

Camille Anderson (2015) – North Carolina State University
Natalie Bell (2012) – Brown
Haley Clark (2014) – University of Georgia
Te’a Cooper (2015) – University of Tennessee
Taryn Griffey (2014) – University of Arizona
Rolanda Hayes (2014) – Florida Atlantic University
Sydnei McCaskill (2013) – Florida Gulf Coast
January Miller (2012) – University of Florida
Karrah Johnson (2013) – University of North Florida
Zykira Lewis (2013) – University of Central Florida
Caliya Robinson (2015) – University of Georgia
Morgan Robinson (2012) – Florida Atlantic University
Hannah Schaible (2013) – George Washington
Nyala Shuler (2014) – University of Central Florida
Destinee Walker (2015) – University of North Carolina
Ronnie Williams (2013) – University of Florida

The number of notable players that have come through the Central Florida Elite organization is impressive. Coach Honor mentions two players specifically, January Miller and Morgan Robinson, who helped carry the program to a national spotlight. When speaking on the accomplishments of the young ladies, coach Honor seems most proud to talk about the academic achievements of Miller, Robinson and Florida Junior Ronni Williams who have all earned All-Academic awards recent years.

Committed Players

Daniella Hatcher – Richmond
Jordan Lewis – Alabama
Ciarra Thompson – Central Florida
Caroline Tomey – Belmont Abbey

Notable Uncommitted Players

Class of 2016 Nari Garner

Kyla Allison
Denise Daniels
Nari Garner
Lindsey Pierre
Alexis Pitchford

Season Highlights from Al Honor

One thing remained consistent in 2015 and that was Central Florida Elite’s 16U qualifying for Nike Nationals. As coach Honor said, “We have qualified to play at Nike Nationals every year that we have had a chance to do so.”

However, it is apparent what gives the veteran coach the most satisfaction which is watching his players grow. This year was particularly challenging according to Honor. He says, “We only had one player (Lewis) who had played on the big stage. The other eight had to grow up and mature. Watching who responds and steps up to the competition is what I like to see.”

Regardless of the relative lack of experience, CFE finished playing on the nation’s largest stage with their players all gaining valuable exposure. As the class of 2016 moves to college campuses next year, CFE appears to have more talent ready to take over in the class of 2017.

Individual Standouts

Alabama commit Jordan Lewis

The player that made the biggest splash on the EYBL circuit and at the Elite Basketball Academy in the past year was point guard Jordan Lewis of Winderemere, Fla. Lewis went from a player of potential to be a ranked prospect nationally. The 5-8 athlete broke into the ProspectsNation.com Elite 100 at No. 77 and then gave her verbal commitment to play for coach Kristy Curry at the University of Alabama next year. Her playmaking architecture essays architecture essay writers ability and athleticism drew praise from evaluators and offers from a number Power Conference schools.

UCF commit Ciara Thompson

CFE 16U received balanced contributions from a number of players including 5-11 wing Ciara Thompson of Winter Garden, Fla. The University of Central Florida commit provided versatility for coach Cornell Rivers. Kyla Allison of Orlando, Fla., also made big plays for CFE during the season. The 6-foot wing remains one of the program’s most pursued uncommitted prospects at this moment. Guards Alexis Pitchford of Orlando, Fla., and Nari Garner of Tampa, Fla., are two prospects that have several college options in front of them. Pitchford gave valuable minutes as a lead ball handler while Garner ability to hit the open jumper helped CFE have a balanced backcourt attack.

Next Up

#EBASuper64 Camper Morgan Davis

Even as the class of 2016 prospects come off the board to commit to play college basketball next year, CFE has 2017 prospects that are ready to take center-stage. Forward Tatiana Thompson of Lakeland, Fla., played on the 16U team this year and produced important numbers for the team. Add in 6-4 post Morgan Davis of Longwood, Fla., to the list of prospects that college coaches will track heavily this upcoming high school year. She too played with the EYBL team and showed flashes of high level promise.

Class of 2017 Adriana Ellis

The 15U team had a number of players that are ready to step up and play on the big stage next season. Expect class of 2017 guards Adriana Ellis of Winter Springs, Fla., and Ariel Colon of Orlando, Fla., to be two of the hotter names to come out of Florida next year. Both have already been on an argumentative essay about plastic surgery college campuses this year for unofficial visits. Wing Dynasty Carter of Windermere, Fla., is a player full of potential. Her ability to defend her position and create with the bounce offensively makes her an effective two-way player.

Future

Class of 2018 Brishonne Tollie

The talent is already lined up through the class of 2019 for coach Honor and Central Florida Elite. Honor mentions Kari Niblack of Ocala, Fla., as one of the top prospects in the class of 2018 in the program. She caught the attention of our staff at the #PSBSpringShowdown with her ability to score through contact. Alongside of Niblack is 6-2 post Brishonne Tollie of Bartow, Fla., as an impact interior post. She showed her ability to defend and rebound at the #EBASuper64 Camp in June, which drew the praise of ProspectsNation.com evaluators.

Class of 2019 Koi Love

Honor also gave us a tip to the next possible star of the program which is class of 2019 wing Koi Love of Orlando, Fla. Her athleticism and skill as an eighth grader helped Lake Highland Prep to state title. She showed that talent in March at the #PSBSpringShowdown and went into the JumpOffPlus.com as a prospect to track.

ProspectsNationTV: EOTO Black vs. Central Florida Elite EYBL from the #PSBSummerInvite

Media Exposure / Showcase Opportunities 

Jonathan Hemingway is the Assistant Director of Scouting for the JumpOffPlus.com International Scouting Report, is on the Naismith Trophy Board of Selectors and owns CoachHemi.com, the go-to source for coaches for X’s and O’s.  He is the floor director of #TeamEBA camps, a site director for #TeamPSB tournaments and can be reached at [email protected].