Preseason picks are running the floor

Before the 2007-08 high school basketball season, I identified seven players primed for huge seasons.

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Some were no-brainer picks, while others earned me a few e-mails questioning my choices.

So far, the Super Seven has more than lived up to the hype.

Preseason Super Seven

Jim Hull (Augusta Prep): This high-scoring junior has picked up where he left off last season, when he poured in 26 points per game. He has increased his scoring average to 28 points per game, including a career-high 43 earlier this season against arch-rival Augusta Christian.

Rosbie Mutcherson (Lakeside): A few people questioned my inclusion of Mutcherson in the top seven. I simply asked them to "wait and see."

After a slow start, he is averaging 11.2 points per game and has shot a blistering 53.8 percent from 3-point range and 83 percent from the free-throw line.

Bryan Andrews (Greenbrier): This speedy junior has been a little inconsistent, but he is capable of taking over games. He is averaging nearly 14 points per game and recently scored 31 against Harlem.

Jonathan Nicely (Evans): The 6-foot-5 standout missed a lot of time early because of the success of Evans' football team. However, since his return, the Knights have been on a tear.

Heading into last week's Firehouse Subs Christmas Tournament, Evans was unbeaten since returning to full strength, and Nicely was averaging 15 points per game.

Cedric Boatner (Harlem): No player has made a bigger step forward. He has emerged as one of the area's most consistent scorers and has made the Bulldogs a real threat. Boatner leads the county's public school players with 20 points per game, including four 20-point performances in a row.

Tyler Bourdo (ACS): Bourdo needed little time to shake off the rust after a long football season, but he is pouring in a team-high 18.6 points per game. The Lions' go-to man has scored 26 and 21 in his past two outings.

Fred Auston (ACS): Auston has been solid -- as expected -- averaging 13.4 points per game.