Regions Two and Three are powerhouses while Regions One and Four are much less so.
Favorite: The Villages Charter
After coming within three points of knocking off nationally ranked Calvary Christian and winning last season’s 3A state title, The Villages looks primed to grab that elusive title. LSU recruit Herley Brutus, a 6’6 senior, does a little bit of everything and everything with great energy. The return of Khymani Weathers, a 6’8 senior, for a knee injury that sidelined him last season will make a big impact. There is plenty of firepower on the perimeter. Jared Thompson, a 6’3 senior, can stroke it from deep. Ethan Bevis, a 6’6 senior, is versatility personified at both ends of the court. Jomar Bernard, a 6’7 junior and Aaron Britt, a 6’0 junior, are both nationally ranked in the Class of 2027. A pair of freshmen, 6’0 Cameron Lee and 6’4 Zayden Garcia, are each talented enough to get quality minutes and make an impact.
Regional Favorites: Jacksonville Jackson (Region 1); Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian (Region 3); Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (Region 4)
If it looks like that group is a replica of last season’s final four, you aren’t hallucinating. Jackson has become a consistent program on the first coast. It just seems they can plug and play guys in their system and come out on top. They will get challenged by the likes of Starke Bradford and Newberry. Calvary Christian returns the best player in the class in 6’0 junior Cayden Daughtry but the playing status of 6’6 senior Collin Paul for the season is in doubt. It wouldn’t surprise if Coconut Creek North Broward Prep or Boca Raton St. Andrew’s came out on top in the region. With the likes of 5’11 senior A.J. Ambrose and 6’4 senior Justus Dylan Herbert returning for Cardinal Gibbons, the Chiefs have the personnel to return to the state final four.
Best Player: Cayden Daughtry, Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian
The 6’0 junior was simply sensational on the EYBL 17U circuit this past spring and summer. He’s living proof that skill and smarts, not size, matters most on the court. With locker room range, crafty finishing ability, and smart ball-handling and passing skills, Daughtry is a complete player. His defense has improved as his strength and athleticism has developed.
Pre-Season All-State: Daughtry; Brandon Bass (Windermere Prep); Hurley Brutus (The Villages Charter); Willie Piggott (Tampa Catholic); Ethan Sabec (Clearwater Calvary Christian)
Bass, a 6’5 senior, is a Florida State commit that is athletic, a devastating outside shooter and a rapidly improving distributor. Brutus may not score a ton but the 6’6 senior isn’t worried about that. He just wants to get “W”s. Piggott is one of the better one-on-one scorers in the state. He can create and make his own shot from all three levels. Sabec, a 6’8 senior, is supremely skilled, can score inside and out, and simply has a great feel for the game.
Better Than Advertised: Starke Bradford
We caught Bradford at the FHSAA Team Camp in June. They played well and should be a problem night in and night out for opponents. Malkik Cobarris, a 5’10 junior, runs the show and has a green light. Jordan Cason, a 6’1 junior, can also put points on the board. Jy’Quez Cason, a 5’9 senior, is the third member of this explosive trio.
Don’t Sleep On: A.J. Ambrose, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons
A 5’10 senior, Ambrose is the consummate point guard. An extension of the coach on the floor, he does a great job of running offense, making the game easier for teammates, has a high hoops IQ and is just fun to watch. On top of that his teams win and they win a lot.
PRE-SEASON TOP TEN
1.The Villages Charter
2.Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian
3.Tampa Catholic
4.Coconut Creek North Broward Prep
5.Orlando Lake Highland Prep
6.Jacksonville Andrew Jackson
7.Boca Raton St. Andrew’s
8.Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons
9.Clearwater Calvary Christian
10.Newberry