Class 2A Season Preview

Preseason classics are underway and the regular season officially begins on November 26.

We will bring you previews on all nine classes in the state of Florida and the independent conferences.

ICYMI:

Here is a look at Class 2A and a preview of all eight of its districts.

2017-18 state champion: Miami Christian

2017-18 runner-up: Impact Christian

Class 2A-District 1

2017-18 winner: First-year FHSAA eligible Tallahassee Crossroad emerged a season ago, finishing 21-7 overall and 8-0 in district play. The Scorpions beat Aucilla Christian 54-27 to take the district crown. Crossroad lost in the region final to Impact Christian.

Teams to watch: Crossroad Academy, Aucilla Christian

Other teams in the district: Munroe, Tallavana Christian

Predicted district champion: Crossroad

-It is hard to see Crossroad slowing down this season even with 2022 guard Jaylen Martin headed to FSU. 2019 guard Dedric Streeter (13.9 PPG & 8.4 RPG), 2019 forward Jamaal Dixon (8.6 PPG, 7.0 RPG) and 2019 guard Deion Bedford (8.3 PPG) are all back to earn a district title repeat.

Written by Jake Perper

Class 2A-District 2

2017-18 winner: Impact Christian won the district title in just its first season of FHSAA eligibility. The Lions went 15-15 overall and 5-0 in district play making a run all the way to the state championship before losing to Miami Christian. **Beaches Chapel replaces Cedar Creek Christian in the district.

Teams to watch: Impact Christian, Eagle's View

Other teams in the district: First Coast Christian, Temple Christian, Beaches Chapel

Predicted district champion: Impact Christian

-This is the Lions district to lose after they made noise a season ago. Impact Christian lose 2018 leader Mike Cole, but have 2020 starters Jordin Jackson and Tim Grant alongside brothers 2021 Calvin Johnson and 2022 Kelvin Johnson out to compete. Eagle's View should give the Lions a challenge with 2019 guards De'Angelo Reddish and Jah'Mari Dixon leading the way.

Written by Jake Perper

Class 2A-District 3

2017-18 winner: North Florida Educational (20-8, 6-1) made a trip to the state semifinals for the second consecutive year. The Eagles fell to Impact Christian 69-49 in the state semis.

Teams to watch: North Florida Educational, Calvary Christian, Harvest, Halifax

Other teams in the district: Cornerstone, Seacoast Christian, Parsons Christian, Beacon of Hope

Predicted district champion: North Florida Educational

-The Eagles have been a mainstay in the Class 2A state tournament and have three of its top five scorers returning this fall. 2019 guard Kenneth Johnson and 2020 forward De'Angelo Elisee will be at the forefront for North Florida Educational. The team that should wind up making a deep district run is Calvary Christian who features 2019 guards Devin Daversa and Mike Donahue, two double-digit scorers as juniors.

Written by Jake Perper

CLASS 2A-District 4

2017-18 winner: Keystone Prep upset St. John Lutheran 76-45 to win the district title. The Knights went 20-10 overall and 10-3 in district play, losing in the region final to North Florida Educational. **Brandon Academy, Meadowbrook and Classical Prep join the district while Citrus Park Christian left.

Teams to watch: Bayshore Christian, Seven Rivers Christian, St. John Lutheran, Tampa Adventist

Other teams in the district: Foundation Christian, Hernando Christian, Keystone Prep, Lakeside Christian, Tampa Christian, Zephyrhills Christian, Brandon Academy, Classical Prep

Predicted district champion: St. John Lutheran

-The top three teams from a season ago, Keystone Prep, St. John Lutheran and Bayshore Christian lost a plethora of players to graduation. I give St. John Lutheran the slight edge with a deep group of 2019 prospects and a rising talent in 2020 forward Courtlen Greene.

Written by Jake Perper

CLASS 2A – District 5

2017-18 winner: Central Florida Christian won its second straight district title and made it second consecutive appearance in the region final (losing this time to Miami Christian). The Eagles were dominant much of the season, posting a 27-4 record overall and a 6-0 showing in district play. **Kingdom Prep joined the district.

Teams to watch: Central Florida Christian, Victory Christian, Lake Wales Vanguard

Other teams in the district: Agape Christian, International Community, Kingdom Prep

Predicted district champion: Central Florida Christian

-Central Florida Christian handled business for much of last season and with a good group of seniors back, it should once again. 2019 wings Jordan Preaster (Bethune Cookman commit) and Anterrius Washington and 2019 point man Bryce Street and 2022 forward Riley Kugel will carry the brunt of the load. Victory Christian will give the Eagles plenty of competition that is for sure.

Written by Jake Perper

CLASS 2A-District 6

2017-18 winner: Florida Prep went 25-6 a season ago including a 13-0 showing in district play. The Falcons lost to Central Florida Christian in the region semifinal round, 65-53.

Teams to watch: Florida Prep, Vero Beach Master's Academy, Covenant Christian

Other teams in the district: Merritt Island Christian, Morningside, Pine School, St. Andrew's Episcopal

Predicted district champion: Florida Prep

-This is a whole new Florida Prep team basically outside of 2020 guard Marquise Johnson. The Falcons graduated a vast group of seniors and lost 2021 forward Moussa Diabate (The No. 1 ranked sophomore by Prep Hoops Florida) to transfer to DME. Vero Beach Master's will be the next best thing with 2019 guards Andrew Wright (22.8 PPG) and Daniel Paster (13.4 PPG) at the forefront.

Written by Jake Perper

Class 2A-District 7

2017-18 winner: Grandview Prep clipped Atlantic Christian, 40-39, to capture the district title a season ago. The Pride would go on to fall to Schoolhouse Prep, 53-49, in the regional semifinals.

Teams to watch: Grandview Prep, Atlantic Christian

Other teams in the district: Ahfachkee School, Donna Klein, Glades Day, Hollywood Christian, Sheridan Hills

Predicted district champion: Grandview Prep

– Grandview Prep, 22-4 a season ago, has won 16 consecutive district crowns under veteran coach Joe Dawson. Dawson led the Pride to state titles in 2013 and 2016. GP will be led by 6-9 junior transfer Jalin Thomason, who comes over from North Broward Prep. The Pride also get back Cam Miller (5-11) and Pedro Brown (6-6) from ACLs. Atlantic Christian made it to the region semis a year ago before running into Miami Christian. Noah Eagle (6-0) and Chase Springs (6-1) lead J.R. Gamble's squad.

Written by Pat Lammer

Class 2A-District 8

2017-18 winner: Two-time defending state champion Miami Christian got the best of Schoolhouse Prep in both the district final (77-52) and regional final (76-41).

Teams to watch: Miami Christian, Schoolhouse Prep, Westwood Christian

Other teams in the district: Brito, Horeb Christian, Northwest Christian

Predicted district champion: Miami Christian

–The Victors (25-8) defended their Class 2A state crown in March with a 59-46 victory over Impact Christian Academy. Coach Juan Cardona has compiled an impressive 55-10 mark in two seasons at the helm. Last year's starting five, however, including Fairfield University guard Neftali Alvarez, are gone. Cardona will be leaning on senior guards Diego Rivera, Algenis Quintana and Gonzalo Gonzalvo. Schoolhouse Prep is up-and-coming. The Wolfpack's schedule a season ago included defending state champions Miami Christian, University School and Doral Academy.

Written by Pat Lammer

Predicted State Champion

-It is very difficult to pick against Juan Cardona and Miami Christian. The team won its fifth state championship last season and are looking for its third in a row. It is a different group but a lengthier won at that with 2019 6'1" guard Diego Rivera, 2020 6'9" forward Miguel Santos Torres, 2019 6'1" guard Algenis Quintana and 2020 6'7” forward Nick Silva as the top pieces. The Victors are simply too fast, too tough and too dedicated to slow down under Cardona's command. - Jake Perper

-I could see Miami Christian winning a third title in a row. Head coach Juan Cardona is 2-for-2. They run, they are tenacious and they should definitely be a top contender. - Pat Lammer

Miami Christian captures its third straight 2A state title in a win over Impact Christian. @MIACSBasketball @alvarez2neftali
@cristianperez_8

Highlights below.
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— ᴊᴀᴋᴇ ᴘᴇʀᴘᴇʀ (@JakePerper) March 6, 2018