We continue our regional coverage with a look at North Florida, which we consider from Tallahassee east to Jacksonville and south to Ocala.
TOP FIVE “BIG” SCHOOLS (CLASS 6A thru 4A)
Fleming Island (Class 4A, Region 1, District 4): Fleming Island reached the Class 5A title game last season. This year, they are definitely the favorites in Class 4A after the FHSAA’s bi-annual re-classification and are a leading candidate to earn a spot in the first ever Open Division playoff. To do that they will have to prevail through a very challenging schedule. Carson Crawford, a 6’7 senior and Arizona State commit, brings a great deal of versatility and production to the court. A trio of sophomores will take on much of the load that will be needed to get Fleming Island where it wants to go. Jalil Hill, at 6’9, protects the rim, runs the floor, and can stretch the floor or score inside to take some pressure off Crawford. Austin Triggs, 6’2, and Gavin Youmans, 6’4, combine to form an athletic and dynamic backcourt.
Tocoi Creek (Class 6A, Region 1, District 2): Tocoi Creek reached the regional semi-finals last year in Class 6A. The team actually moves up a class after reassignment but now they are put in a more balanced and challenging region. What makes TC stand out is its three-headed monster in the backcourt. Ty Duncan, a 6’2 senior, is a tremendous shooter from deep. He will put it on the floor when necessary, but he is near automatic when able to catch and shoot. King McFadden, a 6’3 junior, has proven over the past two seasons that he can do a little bit of everything on the court and do it well. He is effective at either guard spot and is a solid defender. Enzo Lee, a 5’10 sophomore, brings speed, quickness, and the ability to slash and score against set defenses. There isn’t much size in the lineup, so look for Tocoi Creek to play uptempo and wear bigger teams down.
Daytona Beach Mainland (Class 6A, Region 1, District 3): Mainland was the top seed in their region last year but lost a shocker in the first round at home. Like Tocoi Creek, they move up in class to the largest classification. That team lost several quality players but returns one of the areas best in 6’1 senior Kade Manley. A tough-minded scorer and distributor, he doesn’t back down from a challenge at either end of the floor. Reece Castro, a 6’7 senior, is expected to provide an inside presence on offense and defense. If players such as 6’0 junior Rico Poole and 6’3 freshman Cameron Giddens can make an impact, it will do wonders for Mainland’s post-season chances.
Gainesville Buchholz (Class 6A, Region 1, District 3): Buchholz reached the regional final last year. Another team that moves up into the largest classification, it will take some work to get to the regional final (and beyond) in 2027. Leading the way will be 6’4 senior Jacob Bromirski, an all-area first teamer last season. He plays with a high level of skill, maturity and basketball IQ. Charles Klodell, a 6’7 senior and Gabriel Williams, a 6’5 senior, will help on the interior. Daniel Muchnik, a 6’4 senior, provides perimeter firepower.
Jacksonville Ribault (Class 4A, Region 1, District 3): Ribault has seen a resurgence in the past few seasons and that run should continue. Damarri Young-Grant, a 6’2 senior, is an athletic defender and is quick to the basket when attacking in transition or off the dribble. Javaughn Smith, a 6’3 senior, has shot-making ability on both sides of the arc and rebounds well for his size. The Trojans always have a stable of athletes that come in, play hard, and play their respective role to the nth degree.
TOP FIVE “SMALL” SCHOOLS (CLASS 3A thru Rural)
The Villages Charter (Class 3A, Region 2, District 5): The Buffalo have been to the Class 3A state title game each of the past two seasons. The team is a heavy favorite to get back there again but also has a very realistic chance of being placed in the Open Division. Aaron Britt a 6’1 senior and Texas Tech commit will run the show from the point guard spot. He scores and assists at a high rate, is athletic and difficult to keep out of the lane. Fellow senior Jomar Bernard, 6’6, is another D-I recruit, committed to Florida Atlantic. He has great range on his shot, plays physically despite a thin frame, and is a difficult matchup for opponents due to his size and skill level. Miles Simpson, a 6’5 junior, is a dynamic slasher that finishes above the rim, makes hustle plays, and digs in on defense. A pair of sophomores, 6’0 Cameron Lee and 6’5 Zayden Garcia, combine for a solid backcourt that can score in bunches at a moment’s notice. Emmanuel Martin, a 6’7 senior, provides an interior presence.
Jacksonville Providence (Class 2A, Region 1, District 3): Last season’s Class 2A state champ, the Stallions may not get the opportunity to defend that title if they are placed in the Open Division despite what looks to be a very challenging schedule. It starts with 6’9 senior and Furman commit Nolan Nelson. His strength and aggression around the basket bely a soft touch from the rim out to the arc. Nelson plays hard, runs well, and is a tough cover. William Stewart, a 6’3 junior, does a great job of complimenting Nelson at the offensive end with his ability to slash and score or rise up and knock down jumpers off the catch or the dribble. Ryan Gornto is proficient as a three-point shooter but also a savvy player that contributes positive plays that don’t always reach the box score. Boston Sheppard, a 6’0 sophomore, brings speed and quickness to the backcourt. Colton Nuualiattia, a 6’8 junior, is in great physical condition and provides little dropoff when subbing in for Nelson.
Jacksonville San Jose Prep (Class 1A, Region 1, District 2): We were very impressed by this group at the Florida Association of Basketball Coaches Boys Showcase in June. The team seemed well-connected on both offense and defense. Camden Cooper, a 6’7 senior, does a little bit of everything for the team. He can run the offense, play off the ball, and get teammates involved. Ja’sim Rice, a 6’1 sophomore, is quick, athletic, and fearless when attacking the basket. Sam Koko, a 6’3 senior, and Marcello Fludd, a 6’2 senior, are both capable of scoring double-figures every time they take the court.
Gainesville Oak Hall (Class 2A, Region 1, District 3): Oak Hall has plenty of new faces this season and that talent infusion will make this a formidable program. Leading the newcomers is 6’6 sophomore Avery Jones. His ability to run the offense and get teammates involved is rare for his size and age. Marco Johnson, a 6’6 sophomore, is athletic, a versatile defender, and makes a lot of hustle plays. Willie Powers, a 6’3 senior, is a scorer that can put up points in a hurry either when attacking the rim or rising and firing from the perimeter. Max Whitmer, a 6’2 junior, is a shooting specialist that will spread the floor and knock down shots.
Hilliard (Rural Class, Region 3, District 6): Hilliard will be a favorite in Region Three of the Rural Classification. It starts with 6’3 junior Jolani “King” McMillian, a wing that had great success playing for SE Elite on the 16U level. He has a solid all-around offensive game and a desire to compete on the defensive end. Jeremiah Reeder, a 5’10 junior, is steady at the point guard spot. He is a solid ball-handler, makes good decisions on the move, and uses his speed and quickness well at both ends of the court. Jaidyn Davis, a 6’6 sophomore, is a sturdy post presence that plays hard, is a good athlete, and performs his assigned role well.
TOP FIVE PLAYERS
Carson Crawford, Fleming Island: The 6’7 senior averaged double figures last season and will no doubt need to equal, if not exceed, that production from a year ago. He has the tools to do that with a smooth inside/outside game that makes him a nightmare matchup for the opposition. He was a key piece to the FL Rebels run to the Peach Jam title in July in Nike’s EYBL 17U division and averaged close to a double-double. He is committed to Arizona State.
Aaron Britt, The Villages Charter: The 6’1 senior is a blur with the ball, finishes well in traffic at the rim, and is a respectable perimeter shooter. Considered one of the better point guards nationally in the 2027 Class, Britt scores as well as distributes with a high level of efficiency. He has committed to Texas Tech.
Jomar Bernard, The Villages Charter: The 6’6 senior is another nationally-ranked player at The Villages. He has a smooth game with three-level scoring ability. Bernard makes an impact on the glass and on defense when he sets his mind to it. He will play for Florida Atlantic next season.
Nolan Nelson, Jacksonville Providence: The 6’9 senior returned to Providence over the Christmas break last year and led them to a state title. A good athlete that is broad and strong, Nelson runs, rebounds, and can score inside or out with great effectiveness. He has committed to Furman.
Camden Cooper, Jacksonville San Jose Prep: The 6’7 senior reclassed up over the summer but he has been playing high school ball since the seventh grade at St. John’s County Day, so he is more than ready to “move on”. Cooper is a versatile player that can defend and operate offensively at multiple positions. He aggressively attacks the basket off the bounce and has a respectable perimeter shot.
#1 Senior: Carson Crawford (see above)
#1 Junior: Will Stewart, Jacksonville Providence – The 6’3 wing is smooth and skilled. Stewart scores multiple ways: drives, jumpers, threes and in transition. Quick and athletic, he can lull defenders to sleep then blow past them. Stewart anticipates well on the defensive end and is quick to help and recover.
#1 Sophomore: Avery Jones, Gainesville Oak Hall – The 6’6 sophomore was at The Rock School in Gainesville last season. Jones was quite impressive for Southeast Elite on the Adidas Circuit’s 15U level. He has very good court vision and passing skills. Jones’ size and length make him a tough matchup at both ends of the floor.
#1 Freshman: Elijah Booth, Orange Park Oak Leaf – The 6’2 guard is athletic and quick to the cup. He should see plenty of court time for a young yet promising Oak Leaf squad.
Senior Sleeper: Tyler Bullis, Trenton – The 6’3 guard averaged 12 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists per game last year in guiding Trenton to the Rural state title game. He shoots the ball well from the perimeter and plays a tough, physical style at both ends of the court.