The eight individual class finalists for the 2026 Florida Dairy Farmers Mr. Basketball have been announced following balloting by a statewide panel of high school boys’ basketball coaches and prep media members.
Every finalist was the leading vote-getter in their classification, making each one the Player of the Year in his class. The two winners will be announced following a final round of balloting by coaches and media.
The eight finalists for the 2026 Mr. Basketball Award:
Caleb Gaskins, Miami Columbus, Senior, Forward, Class 7A Player of the Year
The McDonald’s All-America led his team to a 26-6 record and a fifth straight Class 7A state championship by averaging 23.2 points, 9.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.1 steals per game. Signed with the University of Miami.
Second Place: Johnny Lackaff, Sarasota
Third Place: Donovan Williams, Orlando Oak Ridge
Drake (DJ) Sandi, St. Thomas Aquinas, Senior, Guard, Class 6A Player of the Year
Led his team to a 28-4 record and the Class 6A state championship by averaging 11.8 points, 4.7 rebounds,
8.0 assists and 3.6 steals per game. Committed to American University.
Second Place: A.J. Jenkins, Wiregrass Ranch
Third Place: Evan Roberts, Parris Community
Carson Crawford, Fleming Island, Junior, Forward, Class 5A Player of the Year
Led his team to a 23-9 record and a Class 5A state runnerup finish by averaging 17.2 points, 9.8 rebounds,
2.0 assists, 2.5 steals and 1.3 blocks per game.
Second Place (tie): Braylen Moore, Lecanto; Robert Guishard, Pembroke Pines Charter
Tai Bell, Mater Lakes Academy, Sophomore, Guard, Class 4A Player of the Year
Led his team to an 18-10 record by averaging 33.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 4.0 steals per game.
Second Place: Jaden Staten, Godby
Third Place: Drew Jackson, Bishop Kenny
Cayden Daughtry, Ft. Lauderdale Calvary Christian, Junior, Guard, Class 3A Player-of-the-Year
Led his team to a 25-1 record and the Class 3A state title by averaging 26.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.2 assists
and 2.7 steals per game.
Second Place: Brandon Bass, Jr., Windermere Prep
Third Place: Herley Brutus, The Villages
D.J. Gaines, Westminster Academy, Junior, Guard, Class 2A Player of the Year
Averaged 30.7 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 2.0 steals per game.
Second Place: Marvin Christie, Providence
Third Place: Toby Lane, Santa Fe Catholic
Kevin Thomas, Sagemont Prep, Senior, Guard, Class 1A Player of the Year
Led his team to a 24-6 record and the Class 1A state title by averaging 15.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.0 steals per game. Signed with Louisiana State University.
Second Place: Tucker Fox, Victory Christian
Third Place: Grant Cook, Keswick Christian
Anthony Washington, Branford, Senior, Guard, Rural Class Player of the Year
Averaged 24.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 3.5 steals per game.
Second Place: Jabari Boahen, Crossroad Academy
Third Place: Tanner Mandell, Jay
Congratulations to all winners and nominees!