The High School season is over, and the Travel Team Circuit will be heating up very, very soon.  Now is a good time for Source Hoops to dole out our annual End of Season Awards.  First up: Most Valuable Player.  Remember, we define the MVP as the person who was most prominent in leading his team to playoff success.

RURAL

Zay Jenkins, Port St. Joe: The Tiger Sharks lost only two games all season; both on the road to state champion Crossroad Academy.  A 6’1 junior, Jenkins was the key to the team’s highly successful season.  He averaged nearly 23 points a game for the year and led the team in the major categories such as rebounds, assists and steals.  Jenkins is also a standout wide receiver & cornerback in football, so he will have a tough decision as to which sport to play at the collegiate level.

CLASS 1A

Tucker Fox, Lakeland Victory Christian: The Storm reached the Class 1A state title game for the second year in a row and the 6’0 senior was the main reason why.  In the state semis, Fox put his team up for good with a three-pointer then later sealed the deal with a steal and score.  In the title game with Victory down fifteen points entering the final period, Fox went off for eighteen points in the fourth quarter, going 5-6 from deep and gathering four steals, getting the team to within three points before eventually losing by four.  As tough and gritty as they come, Fox has a knack for coming through in big moments.

CLASS 2A

Toby Lane, Lakeland Santa Fe Catholic: The Hawks reached the final four for the second season in a row.  Lane, a 5’10 senior, set the tone for the team the entire season.  Leading the team in both scoring and assists, he proved to be capable as both a scorer and distributor.  Sporting a 2:1 assist/turnover ratio, Lane took care of the ball and made the game easier for his teammates.  He also averaged more steals than turnovers per game, giving his team vital extra possessions.  Lane is the kind of player coaches love to coach and players love to play with.

CLASS 3A

Brandon Bass, Jr., Windermere Prep: The Lakers’ 6’5 senior and Florida State signee carried an inexperienced team on his back into the semi-finals of the regional round before falling to eventual state runner-up The Villages.  According to MaxPreps, Bass was one of only three players in the entire state to average over twenty points per game (26.6), shoot 50% or more overall from the floor (50.0%), shoot 40% or more from behind the arc (41%) and 80% or more from the foul line (86%).  He has always been one of the better scorers in the 2026 Class, but he elevated his game this season as both a leader and playmaker.

CLASS 4A

Anthony Brown, Boca Ciega: The Pirates reached the final four this season for the first time in recent memory and the 6’6 junior’s play was the main reason why.  Averaging just over 21 ppg, Brown used his strong frame to overpower opponents when heading to the hoop.  His perimeter shooting greatly improved this year, making him very difficult to defend.  Brown was also the team leader in rebounds and assists.  His energetic play spread to his teammates, pushing the team to a level of success that had not been seen in a while.

CLASS 5A

Carson Crawford, Fleming Island: The Golden Eagles reached the program’s first state championship game this past season.  Crawford, a 6’8 junior, proved to be a difficult matchup night in and night out.  He excelled at using his length and athletic ability to grab rebound and go end to end for scores, get plenty of putback points, and attack the basket off the dribble, getting plenty of “and one” opportunities over the course of the season.  His versatility extended to the defensive end as he guarded a variety of positions, protected the basket, and created turnovers with active hands and feet.  For the season, Crawford nearly averaged a double-double, finishing with 17.2 points and 9.8 rebounds per outing.

CLASS 6A

Clarence Westbrook, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas: The Raiders repeated as the Class 6A state champs and the 6’1 junior was the offensive catalyst all season long.  Averaging 23.6 points a contest, Westbrook proved to not only be a cerebral driver and finisher at the basket but a master of the midrange game as well.  While slight of frame, he is fearless in taking the ball right at rim protectors.  Westbrook’s ability to create space and angles to get off shots is at times remarkable.  It will be interesting to see how his recruitment expands over the course of the spring and summer.

CLASS 7A

Johnny Lackaff, Sarasota HS: The 6’2 junior led Sarasota HS to the state title game where they gave nationally ranked Columbus all they wanted and more before falling by three points.  Of the Sailors fifty points in the game, Lackaff had 27, many of those off the dribble from deep with heavy contest by defenders.  Not only was he relied upon to put the ball in the basket, Lackaff was the team’s point guard and offensive instigator.  He got teammates involved and constantly communicated at both ends of the floor.

INDEPENDENT

Dhani Miller, Montverde Academy: The 6’2 senior and Kent State signee was one of two holdovers from the Kevin Boyle era for the Eagles.  His ability to lead and integrate a new cast of teammates was significant in Montverde’s run to finals of the Chipotle Nationals, coming up just short in collecting another “nati”.  Whenever a big play was needed, it was seemingly Miller that had a hand in it, whether it be a big shot, timely assist, or a needed steal converted into points.  His impact could be felt at both ends of the floor.  The Eagles defeated top ranked Prolific Prep twice this season, each time with Miller having big games.