Favorite: Miami Christopher Columbus

Columbus has won the last two Class 7A titles both in tight games that came down to the wire.  This time around, the Explorers enter the season as the #1 ranked “non-academy” school in the country according to the respectable pre-season polls that have been published.  Cameron Boozer, a 6’9 junior, had a dominant spring and summer against some stiff competition.  A near-lock for a lottery pick in the summer of 2026, he will certainly be in the running for the top pick.  In short, there isn’t anything he can not do on the court.  Cayden Boozer, a 6’4 junior, continues his rise in the national ranking of the 2025 Class.  A point guard with good positional size, scoring tools and desire on the defensive end, he is no longer in the shadow of twin brother Cameron.  Benny Fragella, a 6’2 junior, will keep defenses honest with this three-point shooting.  Malik Abdullahi, a 6’7 senior and Princeton commit, does the dirty work on the interior at both ends of the floor.  He is an above-the-rim finisher and versatile defender.  Jase Richardson, a 6’4 senior, Michigan State signee, and top fifty player nationally in the 2024 Class transfers in as does 6’5 sophomore and younger brother Jayden Richardson.  Those two will provide additional scoring and need athletic depth as will 6’3 senior Randy Smith.  Columbus is playing a vigorous national schedule so it is unlikely that they will be unblemished come playoff time.  It is difficult to see them getting tested in the region.

Regional Favorites: Sanford Seminole (Region One); Orlando Oak Ridge (Region Two); Winter Haven (Region Three)

We applaud Orlando Colonial’s run to the final four last season.  This year we think things will get back to form in Region 1.  Seminole looks to have best combination of athleticism, depth, and talent.  Oak Ridge of Orlando has loaded itself up for a run to challenge the explorers.  Juniors Jalen Reese (6’1) and Jamier Jones (6’6) lead a stellar backcourt while seniors Tyler Johnson (6’5), Cam Simpson (6’6), and Jordan Tillery (6’5) have each signed D-I scholarships.  The Pioneers are in a loaded region with the likes of Orlando Olympia, Windermere, Fort Pierce Central, Lake Worth and Wellington.  Winter Haven should once again dominate Region 3.  Seniors Jamie Phillips (6’5, Stetson) and Isaac Celiscar (6’6, Yale) along with 6’7 junior “Zay” Mosley have great chemistry as well as skills.  We don’t really see any team in that region that will be able to keep Winter Haven from Lakeland.

Best Player: Cameron Boozer, Miami Christopher Columbus

The 6’9 junior is the son of NBA vet Carlos Boozer and it is clear that he has been taught well. Boozer plays with a high degree of confidence, scores from all three levels, controls the glass and protects the rim.  He is quick to outlet the ball to ignite the transition game and moves swiftly up, down, and around the court.  Don’t be surprised if he is a three-time Mr. Basketball winner if he spends his entire high school career at Columbus.

Pre-Season All-State: Boozer; Cayden Boozer (Miami Columbus); Tyler Johnson (Orlando Oak Ridge); Isaac Celiscar (Winter Haven); Kameren Wright (Orlando Olympia)

Boozer, a 6’4 junior, is a solid point guard that can score, has great chemistry with his teammates, and plays a very mature game that belies his sophomore status.  Johnson is tough-as-nails at both ends of the floor, scores well when attacking the basket and has become a reliable perimeter shooter.  Celiscar is a jack-of-all-trades with his ability to rebound, pass, defend, and make the most of his scoring opportunities.  Wright is an athletic wing that flourishes in transition, make shot out to the arc, and can be a disruptive defender.

Better Than Advertised: Davie Western

The team’s best players are young, but the combination of 6’2 sophomore Stefan Frysby and 6’8 junior Maddox Fowles should power the team to a solid season.

Don’t Sleep On: Caleb Krivitzkin, Weston Cypress Bay

A 6’0 senior (if that tall), Krivitzkin has a great feel for the game, has a good skill and IQ level, and plays with great energy and effort.  He does all the little and many of the big, things needed to win games.

PRE-SEASON TOP TEN

1.Miami Christopher Columbus

2.Orlando Oak Ridge

3.Winter Haven

4.Orlando Olympia

5.Lake Worth

6.Windermere

7.Wellington

8.Coral Springs

9.Fort Pierce Central

10.Miami Senior