PREP BASKETBALL: Imagine duo headed to the next level

NORTH PORT — The Imagine School does not have the athletic tradition of the other high schools in the area.

They sure are trying, though, as the success the Sharks had this school year has indicated. And on the rare occasion an athlete signs a letter of intent to play at the collegiate level, it’s a cause for celebration at the school.

That’s why when Angelo Blas and Jeremiah Hall put their signatures to paper to play basketball in college, the school made sure all their high school classmates and teammates were there to see it in the cafeteria ... and eat cake.

Blas will play for Division III college Lesley University in Cambridge, Mass., near Boston, while Hall will play for Division II Arizona Christian University in Glendale, near Phoenix.

Blas, one of the most decorated athletes in the school’s history who led the team in just about every category this past season, has not decided on a major yet, but is leaning toward science. He said the chance to continue playing made the school a fit for him.

“Me and the coach connected very well and I knew if I went there, I would be able to flourish,” Blas said. “I would love to be able to stay in sports as a trainer or coach. It was great to play under (Sharks coach) Lee Taft. He taught me a lot and I’m glad I was able to help take Imagine in the right direction.”

Hall, who averaged 11 points per game in 2023-24, said he spoke with the coach at Arizona Christian and ended up impressed enough to go there.

“I really like the program and how he runs his team. It was the most comfortable environment for me to go to and it being a Christian-based school,” Hall said, who will major in business and become an accountant. “I have the ability to be a team player and spread the court and pass the ball. I also grew a lot.”

The school had great success in athletics this school year, reaching the district championship game in girls soccer while winning their district for the first time ever in baseball.

Boys basketball finished 10-13, but played its best basketball toward the end of the season. Taft said losing Blas and Hall will be tough, but he‘s glad they’re moving on with their lives and that it will involve basketball.

“I’m thrilled they’ll be able to move on and continue their careers. I’m sad because they were great players for us. J.J. brought a lot of scoring ability and Angelo was one of the most dynamic players in the area,” Taft said. “We’ve established a mindset of competing and playing fast and hard.”