This classification is now the state’s largest and they FHSAA’s bi-annual reclassification has made it less top-heavy and arguably more competitive across the board.  Five-time state champ Miami Columbus is as close to a lock as there is to be included in the inaugural Open Division.  We also thin Coral Glades has a legit shot to participate in the “Open” as well.  Should either or both not qualify, each becomes the favorite to take the 6A title.

Favorite: Sarasota

The Sailors have been to the final four each of the past two seasons.  Last year, they gave Columbus all they wanted and more before falling in the title game.  While this year’s team won’t have the same size as the last two years, the experience gained with consecutive trips to the final four can’t be dismissed.  Leading the way will be Johnny Lackaff, a 6’2 senior.  He has been one of the best players in the region since his freshman year as he is a knockdown shooter, savvy distributor, and fierce competitor.  Younger but taller brother Liam Lackaff, a 6’5 sophomore, has a steady stroke from deep, is a more-than-willing participant in the rebounding wars, and puts in the effort on the defensive end.  Greg Dauer, a 6’5 junior, had a great spring and summer, showing he can score in a variety of ways and proved to be a much better run/jump athlete than previously realized.

Regional Favorites: St. Augustine Tocoi Creek (Region One); Wellington Palm Beach Central (Region Two); Miami Palmetto (Region Four)

Region One is now much more competitive than in year’s past.  We liked what we saw of Tocoi Creek at the FHSAA team camp in June and feel their three-guard monster of 6’2 senior Ty Duncan, 6’4 junior King McFadden, and 6’0 sophomore Enzo Lee will be productive at both ends of the floor to make a short trip to Jacksonville in March.  They will get pushed by the likes of Gainesville Buchholz, Daytona Beach Mainland, and Sanford Seminole.  Region Two stretches from Orlando down to the middle of Palm Beach County.  Palm Beach Central in Wellington looks to have the horses to break out of the pack.  The one-two punch of 6’6 senior Cameron Wesley-Kam on the interior and 6’1 junior Xavier Police on the perimeter is solid.  Olympia and Windermere out of Orlando and Jupiter will have a say in who makes it out of the region to Jacksonville.  We like Palmetto’s one-two punch of 6’4 senior Samfree Sarante and 6’6 senior Sebastian Madera a lot and their supporting cast is no slouch.  With the likelihood of Columbus and Coral Glades out of the way, Palmetto looks to be the choice to get be the likes of Lake Worth, Wellington, Cypress Bay, South Plantation and Miami High.

Best Player: Johnny Lackaff, Sarasota

Lackaff has been one of the better players on the 2027 Class state-wide since his freshman year.  He is a tremendous shooter, routinely racking up shooting splits of 50+% from the field, 40+% from behind the arc, and 80+% from the foul line, not just in a game but over the course of the season.  His shot always looks on target and he is dangerous off both the catch and the dribble.  More strong than quick with the ball, he makes tough finishes in traffic at the basket.  He sees the floor, makes good reads coming off ball-screens and has active feet, hands, and good instincts on defense.  Lackaff is also baseball prospect.

Pre-Season All-State: Lackaff; Tai Bell (Columbus); Donovan Swain (Coral Glades); Samfree Sarante (Miami Palmetto); Bryce Hoffert (Windermere)

Bell, a 6’3 junior, moved over to Columbus and has immediately taken command of the offense.  He is tremendous in running the pick-and-roll and is quick to get to ball to open cutters and shooters.  Swain, a 6’4 senior, is a scoring dynamo with an accurate perimeter shot from deeps and the strength and athleticism to embarrass defenders at the rim.  The 6’4 senior Sarante is savvy, is highly effective at either guard spot, shots the ball well from all over the floor and makes good pass vs. shot decisions.  Hoffert, a 6’6 senior, is a versatile inside/out player, passes the ball very well, and is a good athlete that rebounds and defends well.

Better Than Advertised: Buchholz

Buchholz made a nice run last season to the region final and return enough to make opponents wary of them.  Leading the way will be 6’3 senior Jacob Bromirski, a savvy and sound all-around player that makes the game easier for his teammates.

Don’t Sleep On: Zak Mellouki, Palm Harbor University

The 6’8 Mellouki makes his way over from St. Petersburg High.  He has a solid frame, controls his rebounding area and has inside/outside scoring capability.

PRE-SEASON TOP TEN

1.Miami Columbus

2.Coral Springs Coral Glades

3.Sarasota

4.Miami Palmetto

5.Orlando Olympia

6.Windermere

7.St. Augustine Tocoi Creek

8.Wellington Palm Beach Central

9.Tampa Sickles

10.Parrish Community