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2017 Central Florida 85 Nos. 35-50: Behind the scenes

By Philip Rossman-Reich

ORLANDO, FL - MAY 24: Orlando Magic CEO Alex Martins introduces Jeff Weltman as President of Basketball Operations during a press conference on May 24, 2017 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - MAY 24: Orlando Magic CEO Alex Martins introduces Jeff Weltman as President of Basketball Operations during a press conference on May 24, 2017 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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50. Jason Atherton, Edgewater High School

It had been a long time since Edgewater had been a player in the state championship. Ever since Darius Washington was in school in 2004, the Eagles have struggled even to compete for a regional title, although there were interspersed district titles in the interim.

It was a sign of Orlando public schools struggling to keep up. Sure, there were plenty of elite prospects at Montverde Academy, Orlando Christian Prep and other private schools in the area. But those have become basketball factories.

There is still something about a local public school making it to state and winning there.

Edgewater did not win the state title last year, falling to South Florida power Dillard in the state championship game. But it was a good sign of things to come for Edgewater.

Atherton has been the head coach at Edgewater for the last nine years. It has been a long road to get Edgewater to this place. And it seems like the team is poised for another strong season this year, graduating three key players form last year.

49. Dennis Briggs, Gateway High School (Kissimmee)

Dennis Briggs is one of the top defensive lineman in the entire country, ranked 30th overall at defensive tackle by 247Sports. Briggs is expected to curry interest from all the big Florida schools — the Florida State Seminoles and Miami Hurricanes especially. Briggs had nine tackles, including three for a loss in last week’s loss to Boone. Gateway is a small school and so they do not have the resources to compete with big schools like Boone. But Briggs is a big-time player to watch in the area.