The more things change, the more they stay the same.  Last season’s powers will be this season’s powers despite the FHSAA bi-annual reclassification.  None of the schools that moved up in class look to have much of an impact, except for maybe St. Cloud.  The move of Orlando Evans to Class 6A takes out the heavy favorite for Region One.  District Five is still top heavy with Orlando Oak Ridge, Orlando Olympia, and Windermere being teams that would be a LOCK to reach Lakeland if any one of them were in Region One.

Favorite: Miami Christopher Columbus

In this final season of the “Booze Cruise”, the Explorers are seeking more than just a fourth consecutive state title.  They are seeking national honors and have taken on a beyond-daunting schedule.  Both Ball is Life Fab 50 and Max Preps National Top 25 have the team as the Pre-Season #1 high school team in the country.  This will certainly be the most talented team that the Explorers have put on the court in the past three seasons.  It all starts with 6’9 senior Cameron Boozer, arguably on track to be the most accomplished player in Florida high school history.  He makes the game look easy and is a high school version of Tim Duncan.  Cayden Boozer, a 6’4 senior, is arguably the top point guard in the country.  He has great chemistry with his twin brother, is a vastly underrated scorer, and a top shelf defender on the ball.  Both Boozer’s have committed to Duke.  Jaxon Richardson, a 6’6 junior, was an impact player off the bench last season and will get plenty more minutes this season.  His productivity should skyrocket.  Caleb Gaskins, a 6’7 junior, transfers in and will provide a potent inside/outside threat.  He is considered a top ten player in the national class of 2026.  Two unrelated transfers from Memphis will have an impact.  Cello Jackson, 6’4, can play either guard spot and help take the ball-handling and perimeter scoring pressure off Cayden Boozer.  Keeper Jackson, 6’6, adds versatility and depth at both ends of the floor.

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

We expect Sanford Seminole to resume its favorite role in Region One.  The team has plenty of size, depth, and athleticism to be competitive every night.  Oak Ridge wants nothing more than another shot at Columbus, hopefully in the state title game next March.  The Pioneers led by two with precious seconds to go when Columbus tied the game and went on to win in overtime.  Jamier Jones, a 6’6 senior and Providence recruit, and Jalen Reece, a 6’1 senior and LSU commit, lead a talented team.  Winter Haven lost a lot from last year’s semifinalist, but still has the firepower to come out of Region 3.  Tre Jackson, a 6’5 senior and Eric Dailey, a 6’1 senior are experienced, play hard, and know how to get buckets come crunch time.  A historical note: Columbus won three titles by one point in 2022, two points in 2023, and five points in OT in 2024.  A fourth consecutive Columbus title is NOT a given.

Best Player: Cameron Boozer, Miami Christopher Columbus

Barring an injury that keeps him out long term, Boozer will earn his third Mr. Basketball award in March, making him only the second player to do so.  He was the Gatorade National Player of the Year as a sophomore, a first.  He was named MVP at the FIBA World Championships the last two years.  He was the key cog in the three successive EYBL championships, one in each age group (15U-17U) with the Nightrydas.  The list of accolades and accomplishments for the 6’9 senior are far too long to list here.  Suffice it to say that his high school career has been unlike any other.

Pre-Season All-State: Boozer; Cayden Boozer (Miami Columbus); Jamier Jones (Orlando Oak Ridge); Jalen Reece (Orlando Oak Ridge); Romaire Robinson (Miami Senior)

Don’t think for a second that Cayden Boozer takes a back seat to his brother.  The 6’4 senior is highly skilled, cerebral, and physically advanced.  He has proven he can take over games when his twin has been injured or plagued with foul trouble.  Jones, a 6’6 senior, is one of the more dynamic and entertaining players in the state this season.  An exciting finisher as well as passer, Jones rebounds well at both ends and continues to enhance his perimeter shot.  Reece, a 6’1 senior, is an explosive scorer from deep but also an entertaining magician with the ball that gets his teammates involved.  Robinson, a 6’5 senior, can play nearly any position on the floor.  He is a good athlete, solid ball-handler and finisher, and works the glass at both ends of the floor.

Better Than Advertised: Wellington

This group is well-coached, has great chemistry, and always in the mix come playoff time.  It has a potent trio of 6’2 senior Dakota Izard, 6’3 senior Tor-El Robinson, and 6’1 senior Jeremy Tovar that can score in bunches.  Teams will have to pick their poison on the defensive end of the floor.

Don’t Sleep On: Alex Springs, St. Cloud

The 6’2 senior lives up to his name, as he seemingly has them in his legs.  Besides being a top-level athlete, Springs is very competitive, plays hard every possession and finds ways to score regardless of the defense.  He is also an active and disruptive defender on the perimeter.

PRE-SEASON TOP TEN

1.Miami Christopher Columbus

2.Orlando Oak Ridge

3.Miami Senior

4.Davie Western

5.Windermere

6.Fort Pierce Central

7.Winter Haven

8.Miami Palmetto

9.Sarasota

10.St. Cloud