The subject of this week's player spotlight is super sophomore from Mater Academy Malik Reneau. He is possibly the best prospect in all of South Florida and is only getting better. He was phenomenal last week in wins vs Doral and Northeast to give the Lions two statement wins early in the season. Renau had 19 points vs Doral and 27 vs Northeast and talked about those games and the marquee district matchup vs South Miami tonight. 

"It feels great to beat two big time teams from South Florida to start the year," said Reneau. "It is a confidence booster knowing that my team and I can play thirty two mins with hard effort and be able to overcome Doral and Northeast. Going into the game against South Miami my team and I are going to come out hard the whole game. I trust in my team to play hard and come out with energy from start to finish."

The 6 foot 7 forward had a huge summer in travel basketball with Florida Pro and in team camps with Mater Academy. He was able to lead Mater to team camp championships at FIU, HoopMIA, Barry, and Florida National. Reneau made his circuit debut with Florida Pro in the Nike EYBL circuit. He discussed the experience of competing on the nation's elite circuit.

"My travel basketball summer was fun.  It was a great experience playing on the Nike circuit with big time players. I had great teammates like Taylor Hendricks from University School and Geoffrey Sprouse from Pines Charter."

The standout lefty is a pleasure to see play every chance we get. He plays with great energy and is always competing. Reneau continues to develop his skill level and is displaying an improved face up game to start the season. He is a dominant low post scorer with an expanding perimeter game. Oklahoma State has already offered him and he is sure to collect many more offers throughout his high school career. He discussed what he feels helps him excel on the court and what he loves about the sport. 

"The strength of my game is the ability to post up and also to be able to take my man off the dribble. One of my other strengths is to create good open shots for my teammates. I love being able to play the sport I love with other people that love it like I do. That is my favorite part of the game." 

Reneau plays for legendary coach Shakey Rodriguez at Mater Academy. They will face an absolutely loaded 6a region to try and clinch a berth in Lakeland. They will battle premier programs South Miami and Doral Academy in their district. Their region features two Broward powerhouses in Dillard and Pompano Beach Ely (7a 2019 State Champions who defeated Mater in the regional final last season) as well as talented teams like North Miami, Mcarthur, and Fort Lauderdale. Despite the abundance of potential roadblocks, Reneau has big goals for the upcoming season. 

"My personal and team goals are to win a state championship. My other goals are to win Miami Mr.Basketball and to be selected 1st team All-Dade."

Reneau is primed to be the next great basketball player and prospect from the City of Miami. He is so advanced for a prospect his age and it will be captivating to see just how high his ceiling truly is in the upcoming years. Renau and the Mater Academy Lions take on the South Miami Cobras and their talented backcourt duo of Nick Jacques and Arturo Dean tonight in our game of the day at South Miami at 730.