We finalize our regional previews with a look into South Florida.
TOP FIVE “BIG” SCHOOLS (CLASS 7A thru 4A)
Davie Western (Class 7A, Region 4, District 14): This group has a lot of depth and will need it to make a playoff run. It starts inside with Maddox Fowles, a 6’8 senior. Long and lean, he is quick off the floor for board and blocks. He is an opportunistic scorer inside and will occasionally step away from the basket and make mid-range shots. Stefan Frisby, a 6’2 junior, is a dynamic ball-handler and distributor. He can sometimes be high-risk, high-reward, but more often than not it comes out on the positive side of the ledger. Seniors Ethan Hazell, 6’3, and Javian Lewis, 6’0, provide experience and scoring options on the perimeter. Jamari Bolden, a 6’0 junior, Calvin Thompson, a 6’3 junior, and 6’0 sophomore Alex Vardakis will step up their contributions this season. Expect Legend Frisby, a 5’10 freshman guard, to have a hand in the team’s success.
Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (Class 6A, Region 4, District 14): STA continues to surprise as a young team that is highly successful. While it is still a very young team, they made a lot of people sit up and take notice with some dominating wins against top caliber competition at the FABC Team Camp. Dwayne Wimbley, a 6’6 senior and Florida State recruit, elevates the play of those around him and plays with a ton of energy. A grab-and-go rebounder, he pushes the pace until the defense stops him. He then finds open teammates for easy scores. Wimbley continues to improve as a perimeter shooter. We’ve been impressed with his vision and passing ability this off-season. D.J. Sandi, a 6’1 junior, runs the team well from the point, can score or distribute at a high rate of success, and knows how to take advantage of what the defense gives him. Another junior, 6’6 Zane Elliott, has a variety of inside/outside skills, is a mismatch on offense and a versatile defender. A trio of sophomores will get plenty of run. Clarence Westbrook, 6’1, was a starter last season and contributed double-figure scoring per game. K.J. Sandi, also 6’1, is a tremendous perimeter shooter with a quick release. Nate Acciuss, a 6’4 wing, brings energy and an aggressive approach to the game on both offense and defense.
Fort Pierce Central (Class 7A, Region 2, District 7): The core of this group has been together since their freshmen year and are looking to go out with a flourish this time around. Josephy Gayle, a 6’4 senior, was the Treasure Coast’s Player of the Year last season. A dynamic athlete that can score in bunches, he is tough to contain should he get rolling. Twins Christian and Christopher Maxon, both 6’2 senior, are competitors of the highest order. Both can play either guard spot, shoot the ball well on either side of the arc, and relish attacking defenses with the dribble and challenging bigger players inside at the rim. Robert Spriggs, a 6’6 junior, can score facing the basket or posting up inside, whatever proves best against his matchup.
Miami Christopher Columbus (Class 7A, Region 4, District 15): Three down, two to go. The Explorers have won the last three 7A titles in squeakers and are looking for their final one of the Boozer era. The Explorers will start this season with the target squarely on their collective backs as both Ball is Life Fab 50 and Max Preps National Top 25 have anointed the team as the pre-season #1. Cameron Boozer, a 6’9 senior has a resume like no other in recent memory or longer. A typical Cameron Boozer performance: dominate the glass, score from all levels, defend multiple positions without fouling, and make it look easy. Twin brother Cayden Boozer, a 6’4 senior, runs the team, being the point of attack on defense, and making shots out to the arc, all at a high level. Jaxon Richardson, a 6’6 junior, is a lengthy athlete that excels in transition, is quick off the floor for putbacks and lobs, is a tenacious defender both inside and out, and has rapidly developing scoring tools. Caleb Gaskins, a 6’7 junior, is a recent addition. He was quite the handful on the EYBL 16U circuit this past season and will provide production at both ends of the floor. Cello Jackson, a 6’4 junior, has a strong drive game with good touch around the basket as well as floaters in the lane. Another junior, 6’6 Keeper Jackson (unrelated), adds more versatility and depth at both ends of the floor.
Miami Senior (Class 7A, Region 4, District 15): If it weren’t for Columbus, Miami High might be the favorite to reach Lakeland from this region. Romari Robinson, a 6’6 senior, is a versatile performer that can score from all three levels, distribute the basketball, and force opposing defenses into tough decisions when the ball is in his hands. Aaron Richard, a 6’7 senior, is a force on the interior. Wide shoulders and a strong base allow him to establish position and score on either block. He works the glass hard at both ends as well. Absalon Cortez, a 6’1 senior, provides ball security and distribution in the backcourt. He can score with both the drive and perimeter shot. Ronald Hodelin, a 6’7 senior, provides additional size. Marcos Alberich, a 6’3 sophomore, has a solid freshman campaign and looks to take a leap forward.
TOP FIVE “SMALL” SCHOOLS (CLASS 3A thru Rural)
Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian (Class 3A, Region 3, District 12): After being upset in the regional round last season, Calvary is looking to make amends and brings enough firepower with them to be considered one of the better teams regardless of class in the state. Sean Abaev, a 6’7 senior, was one of the best players on the Adidas circuit this past spring and summer. He can light up the scoreboard with his outside jumper or on drives to the bucket. Collin Paul, a 6’6 junior, is a multi-skilled perimeter player. He can facilitate, is a grab-and-go rebounder, and is quick to the ball. Cayden Daughtry, a 5’10 sophomore, already holds an offer from Florida State. He excelled on the EYBL 15U circuit, showing the skill and savvy can easily overcome any supposed size disparity. Samuel Hallas, a 6’7 junior, is an athletic forward that helps on the glass, runs the floor, and disrupts the passing lanes as well as challenges shots in the paint. K. J. Francis, a 6’4 junior, gets to the rim and finishes, rebounds with vigor, and attacks the ball on defense. Look for Brandon Sharpe, a 6’5 freshman, to get playing time and be productive.
Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy (Class 2A, Region 4, District 13): Alex Lloyd, a 6’4 senior, often finds himself running the team from the point guard spot. He handles the chore well but seems better suited off the ball. A skilled and athletic wing, Lloyd makes a lot of tough finishes in traffic. He is a reliable three point shooter and covers a lot of ground quickly on defense. Alex Constanza, a 6’8 junior, proved to be much more versatile this spring and summer. He is a quality perimeter shooter but showed improvement as a rebounder and defender. Dwight Gaines, a 5’9 sophomore, will get every chance to run the club and allow Lloyd to play his natural two-guard position. Gaines has deep, deep range on his shot and is very quick with the ball.
Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (Class 2A, Region 4, District 13): The two-headed monster that is Isaac Mothersill and Jason Lopez will make the Lions a tough out every game this coming season. Mothersill, a 6’0 senior, is physically and mentally tough, has a take-no-prisoners mentality, and makes big plays in big moments. Lopez, a 6’2 junior, is a potent scorer from all over, a savvy player with plenty of athleticism, and is a much better athlete than one would expect. They will get some help inside from 6’5 senior Matt Pointer and 6’5 sophomore Tristan Sylvera. If those two can keep the team even with its opponent on the glass, Mothersill and Lopez will probably outscore them at the other end.
Miami Riviera Prep (Class 2A, Region 4, District 15): The reigning Class 3A champs, Riviera Prep took a bit of hit with the loss of Villanova recruit Dante Allen to Montverde. Still, the cupboard is far from bare. Gustavo Gumaris, a 6’11 senior, seems to play best against other guys his size. Gumaris controls his rebounding area, is a shot changer in the lane, and scores effectively around the basket. He isn’t very bouncy in terms of athleticism but he is good enough. Mason Fuentes, a 6’0 junior, and Myles Fuentes, a 6’0 sophomore, are a tough tandem in the backcourt. Mason is a hyper-aggressive scorer with both his drive and his jumper while Myles is a bit more of a traditional point guard but can also score when given the opportunity. Jeremy Jenkins, a 6’8 sophomore is getting mentioned as one of the better members of the national 2027 Class. He moves well, has a solid frame, scores okay around the basket and plays with great effort. Michael Vilmenay, a 5’10 sophomore, and Laron Mack, a 6’7 freshman, will get plenty of opportunities to put up stats.
Weston Sagemont (Class 1A, Region 4, District 14): A boatload of talented transfers as well as returning pieces from last year’s 2A champs place Sagemont early in the discussion for most talented FHSAA team. Matthew Able, a 6’5 wing and UM recruit, transfers in and will bring an aggressive scorer’s mentality to the floor. Anthony Knowles, a 6’1 senior, has proven to be a solid point guard these past three seasons and should fit in well with this talented group. Returnees Ricky Liburd, a 6’6 senior and Kevin Thomas, a 6’7 junior, are bookend wings that play a similar style. Both are long, athletic, and very good at going strong to the basket and finishing through contact. Each has versatility on defense with the ability to switch out on smaller defenders and get them from the basket. Charlie Cohen, a 7’0 sophomore, will man the middle and force teams to score from afar. Youngsters Jayson Negrin, a 6’1 sophomore, Noah Francis, a 5’10 sophomore, Harry Gelin, a 6’2 freshman and J. Wade-Gibbs, a 5’8 freshman, provide a solid foundation for the future as well as immediate production.
Top Five Players
Shon Abaev: The 6’8 senior was dominant on the Under Armor Association circuit this past spring and summer. He is one of the better players in his class nationally when it comes to creating and making perimeter shots. Abaev is an under-rated rebounder and passer.
Matt Able, Weston Sagemont: The 6’4 senior catapulted into the national top fifty with his play at the Adidas Championships in July for Southeast Elite. Not only does he have a reliable shot from behind the arc, he is an athletic finisher through contact at the basket.
Cameron Boozer, Miami Christopher Columbus: The 6’9 senior and Duke recruit is on track to have one of the most remarkable high school careers in the history of the Sunshine State. He has an abundance of skills, smarts and athleticism. It won’t surprise if he is a three-time Mr. Basketball as well as an NBA draft pick after one year in Durham.
Cayden Boozer, Miami Christopher Columbus: The 6’4 senior and Duke recruit was impressive on the EYBL this summer and at various team events in June and this fall. A high basketball IQ to go along with a solid skill set make him one of the better guards in the 2025 national class. Boozer has great size for the position, makes excellent pass vs shot decisions, and is a solid defender both on and off the ball.
Alex Lloyd, Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy: The 6’4 senior and Florida commit is a high-level athlete as well as skilled baller. He has a smooth stroke from deep, a quick first step to attack the rim, and can step in a run the team from the point if necessary. It seems like once a game, Lloyd will make a steal in the open court and finish with a breakaway dunk the wows the fans and changes the momentum of the game.
#1 SR: Cameron Boozer (see above)
#1 JR: Alex Constanza (Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy: The 6’8 wing casually drains three point shots, elevates quickly for rebounds at both ends of the court, and covers a lot of ground quickly on the defensive end. He will score on one and two-dribble straight line drives, finishing over the rim if given the opportunity.
#1 SO: Jeremy Jenkins, Miami Riviera Prep: The 6’8 sophomore made great strides over the spring and summer. He still has a solid post-up game but now is difficult to stop off the dribble inside the arc. He has the tools to be a grab-and-go rebounder, and doesn’t mind playing physically on defense.
#1 FR: Tai Bell, Hialeah Mater Lakes: The 6’2 Bell got a lot of run as an eighth grader at Mater Lakes last season. Over the summer, he played like a seasoned veteran, playing up a year and competing evenly with players two and three years older.
Senior Sleeper: O’cien Valdez, Miami Southridge: The 6’0 senior electrifies crowds with his ability to make long-range shots. However, Valdez isn’t a one-trick pony. He will scoot by defenders for scores, find open teammates for baskets and disrupt the passing lanes, quickly turning steals into scores.