Preseason Teams to Watch: Pine Crest

Pine Crest School (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)
Coach: David Beckerman (record unavailable, fifth season at Pine Crest)
2007-08 record: 28-4, Class 3A state champion
Top players: G Brandon Knight (6-3), Jr.; F Ed Waite (6-5), Sr.; G Jeremiah Bell (6-1), Jr.; G Trey Henry (5-10), Fr.; C Ismala Dauda (6-9), Fr.
Team strength: Guard play
Question mark: Depth, inexperience
Toughest games: Nov. 21 at South Miami; Dec. 12 vs. American Heritage; Dec. 19-23 Kreul Classic; Jan. 10 vs. Dillard; Jan. 17-19 Big Apple Classic; Jan. 31 at American Heritage
Outlook: ESPN's No. 1-rated junior point guard Knight will lead the Panthers in defense of their Class 3A state championship. The ultra quick lead guard averaged 20 points and eight rebounds per game as a sophomore. Also returning to the lineup is fellow all-state performer Waite, a two-sport Division I recruit (football) who averaged 16 points and 12 rebounds. Henry and developing big man Dauda are a pair of freshmen who might also emerge as key contributors.