Every year there are players that raise their reputation with their play.  This year was certainly no different.  These are just some of the performers that had us sit up and take notice.

RURAL

John Miller, Wildwood: We had other Wildcat players on our radar at the start of the season, but the 6’3 senior really impressed in a mid-season game, draining multiple shots from deep in succession.  For the season, Miller averaged 16 points a contest with shooting splits of 50% overall from the floor, 45% from behind the arc, and 80% from the foul line.  A good athlete that plays with energy, Miller can get attack defenders with the dribble to score at the rim and make his opponent work hard at the defensive end of the court.

CLASS 1A

Mason Pandov, Orlando Christian Prep: The 6’5 senior averaged double-figures for the Class 1A regional finalist.  His ability to knock down shots stretched defenses, allowing post players to have room to work inside and opened driving lanes for teammates.  If defenders didn’t close out under control, Pandov was quick to take advantage and attack the rack.  He averaged over 11 points a game while shooting 38% from three-point range.  Pandov was also second on the team in rebounding at just over five per game.

CLASS 2A

Kaii Levy, Tampa Prep: The 6’7 senior averaged a double-double this season with nearly 14 points and a stunning 17 rebounds per contest.  While a good leaper with decent length, Levy simply had a knack for knowing where the ball was going to come off the rim, getting there before the opposition, and controlling it with strong hands.  He scored well around the basket, quickly sticking back teammates missed shots, getting ahead of the defense in transition, and generally making the most of his opportunities.  Levy also averaged over three blocks per game.

CLASS 3A

Donald Hackworth, Jacksonville Andrew Jackson: The 6’6 senior and Presbyterian signee gave the state semifinalist Tigers a legit presence inside.  Hackworth at times showed some versatility with timely perimeter shooting and an ability to score with one or two dribbles from the high post and short corner areas.  He was the team leader in both scoring (14.7 ppg) and rebounding (6.2 rpg).

CLASS 4A

Emmanuel Martin, Port Orange Atlantic: The Sharks made a surprise run to the Class 4A finals and the 6’7 junior was a key reason for that accomplishment.  He averaged 12 points and 10 rebounds a game this past season but proved his value in the Final Four.  In the semis, Martin had 15 points and 15 rebounds.  In the finals, he led the team with 17 points.  Now that he is “on the radar” it will be interesting to see what type of progress Martin makes by the time next season rolls around.

CLASS 5A

Wilmer De La Rosa, Deltona Pine Ridge: The 6’5 senior captured our attention early in the season with his versatility and hoops IQ.  De La Rosa was vital in leading Pine Ridge to a surprising Regional Final finish.  While 6’7 junior teammate Henry Robinson was the primary source of defenses attention, Wilmer took advantage and averaged over 16 points and nearly 10 rebounds per game.  He also contributed over three assists per contest.  While not a dynamic athlete, Wilmer is good enough, knows how to use his strong frame to carve out space for shot attempts and rebounds, and can defend multiple positions.

CLASS 6A

Abimael Belleus, Orlando Evans: The Trojans lost a lot of offensive firepower after their run to the 2025 6A title game and there was a big question as to who could step up and provide points.  Belleus, a 6’4 junior, answered the bell, providing fifteen points a contest.  His shot is a bit unorthodox with a bit of a wide leg kick at the end of his shooting motion, but the shot goes in so it is difficult to argue with success.

CLASS 7A

Ben Bunnell, Windermere: The 6’4 senior had strong season for the Wolverines thanks his deep shooting ability and overall toughness of play.  Bunnell was always shot-ready when he received the ball, was quick to recognize when the defensive close-out was under control or not and then take advantage by either driving to the basket or using a side-step dribble to create space for the shot.  He proved to be a physically tough defender, did well battling bigger players for rebounds at both ends, and doing all the little things it takes to win games that don’t always appear on the stat sheet.

INDEPENDENT

Katanjay Jenkins, Daytona Beach DME Academy: The 6’7 sophomore (likely to reclass up) got to DME just after the start of the season and immediately made an impact.  A high-level athlete with a strong frame, Jenkins proved to be a strong rebounder at both ends, a shot blocking threat on defense and a rugged scorer around the basket.  He plays with great energy, is a vigorous defender, and continues to expand his ability to play away from the basket.