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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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42. Joe Milton, Olympia High School

Olympia quarterback Joe Milton might very well be the top quarterback in the Central Florida area. The pro-style quarterback is the eighth-best pro-style quarterback in the nation, according to 247Sports. The four-star prospect is set to head to Michigan next year.

How good is Milton? He threw for two touchdowns and ran for another in Olympia’s season-opening win over rival West Orange last week.

Milton was also invited to the Elite 11 Finals as one of the best quarterback prospects in the country.

41. Doug Nichols, Osceola High School

When Doug Nichols took over as head coach at Osceola High School in Kissimmee, he was taking on a huge mantle. Osceola has long been one of the best programs in Osceola County — south and west of Orlando on the way to Tampa. And his predecessor left him a program in transition.

Nichols has done well to shape Osceola into his image and build the program into a power in the area. They remain so this year, starting the year ranked No. 3 in the Sentinel Super 16.

Behind a strong running game, Osceola looks to get back to the Playoffs this year and make a name for themselves in the state series.

40. Nassir Little, Orlando Christian Prep

Orlando Christian Prep has established itself as one of the big powerhouses in the area and really in the nation. The small private school has had some elite basketball talent and is a constant contender to win the state championship.

Their star this year is 6-foot-7 forward Nassir Little. The four-star prospect is the fifth best small forward in the nation, according to 247Sports. He is gaining serious interest from the Arizona Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels, two favorites to win the NCAA Tournament this year.

Little is still growing his game, but he proved this summer he belongs among the top prospects in the entire country.

39. Elijah Williams, Jones High School

Jones High School sits just outside the heart of downtown Orlando. The school’s campus sits alongside Orange Blossom Trail near Camping World Stadium. It has long been the high school for the underserved Parramore area. The Tigers’ teams have not always been the strongest. And you can watch any movie about high school sports to know how important a good team can be to a community.

That is what makes what Elijah Williams is doing at Jones High School so impressive and important.

Jones reached the Playoffs last year and are set to have a big year this year. It seems like the first in a run of competitive teams for the Tigers. That is celebrated with the trip last week to Washington, D.C. to play St. John’s College High School. That trip included a tour of Howard University and a tour of Washington, D.C.

Jones has established itself as one of the powers in the area. For now, at least, they are here to stay.

38. Matt Hedrick, Bishop Moore

In the Orlando area, Bishop Moore High School has established itself as one of the most consistent programs in the city. The small Catholic high school has had some five-star recruits and is a consistent title contender, winning the state title in 2015.

Last year, the Hornets reached the regional finals. Another solid performance for the team. But Matt Hedrick’s team expects to compete for the big prize. And there is no reason to think they will not this year. They have a difficult schedule. But their offensive line is full of future college players and provides a good wall for running backs to start behind.