BASKETBALL TEAM

’Canes Take Top Keys Honors in ‘23

Prep basketball in Monroe County officially ended on Feb. 8 when Coral Shores, the last team standing in the Keys, was defeated by eventual state champion Riviera Prep. The 18-6 Hurricanes challenged themselves with high-caliber opponents and a trip up the east coast to face strong competition in the hope it would make them better down the line. The tough early-season scheduling worked, as the Hurricanes picked up wind midseason for a winning streak that left 12 teams in shambles. Coral Shores will lose their top player in rebounds and steals but will have their top scorer, blocker and assist leader back next season.

Marathon and Key West were busy giving their young athletes time on the court, building their skills for the future. Marathon finished out the season 7-14, narrowly missing a second round of district playoff action. The Fins return three of their starters next season. Key West finished their season 4-9, with their top three scorers in points per game, top two assist leaders, and top blocker all set to return.

The Hurricanes took top honors in the island chain this season, beating both of their Keys rivals while the Conchs will have to settle for second place after beating the Fins. With this season in the books, though, we proudly present the 2023 Keys Weekly All-Keys Boys Basketball Team.

MATTHEW ST. AUBIN

Senior Hurricane Matt St. Aubin posed a threat all over the court this season, averaging 12.3 points per game and shooting 44% from three-point range. “He led by example, so when he spoke up, guys listened,” said Coral Shores head coach Jarrod Mandozzi. “Defenses always had to be aware of where Matt was or he would make them pay.”

St. Aubin wreaked havoc anytime the game was on the line. Mandozzi praised his dependability and ability to elevate his game to the level of the competition. “He often played his best in the biggest games.”

ISAAC HOLMES Junior, Coral Shores

Junior Isaac Holmes was the top scorer for the Hurricanes, averaging 13.2 points per game. His explosive play style was often the catalyst the ’Canes needed to spark a drive, and other teams took notice, often double-covering him. “Teams focused a lot of attention on stopping him or trying to slow him down, and rightfully so because he’s such a good player,” said Mandozzi. “It didn’t matter –he’s unselfish and found the open guys when it made sense, but he would still be able to get his when we needed him to.”

EDDY ESPINOSA Senior, Coral Shores

Espinosa led the ’Canes in steals (2) and assists (3.5) per game. His 8.7 points and 3.9 rebounds per game made him a threat on both offense and defense. “From the moment the season ended last year, Eddy started working to have a great senior year,” said Mandozzi. “He’s a warrior out there to play the number of minutes he played over 26 games against the competition we played. He had a lot of bumps and bruises along the way, but his answer was always the same whenever I asked if he was OK. - ‘I’m good, Coach’regardless of how many bags of ice he went home with.”

KAMERON ROBERTS Sophomore, Key West

Conch sophomore Kameron Roberts led the team with 9.6 points and two assists per game. In his second year on Key West’s varsity roster, Roberts took on the primary ball-handling role for the Conchs and never looked back.

“Kameron learned and developed tremendously throughout the course of the season,” said Key West coach Dexter Butler. “We are looking forward to a big junior year.”

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

WATSON CHERY Senior, Key West

Senior captain Watson Chery led the Conchs in rebounds with 6.6 per game and was second in shooting percentage. Chery’s leadership helped shape the young team, and his on-court energy was infectious. “Watson was a constant offensive force in the paint for this year’s team,” said Butler.

JAMES OSBORN Freshman, Key West

James Osborne may have only been a freshman this season, but he stepped onto the court and played a major role for the Conchs from day one on both offense and defense. He led the team with 1.4 steals per game and was second in scoring with 9.5 points per game. Butler described Osborn as a “generational Conch basketball prodigy, striving to become one of the next great Conch basketball players.”