Championship Saturday Standouts

5 championship games back to back, that’s what was on the menu for Saturday. We saw freshmen rise to the occasion, several back-to-back champions, and the most emotional ring ceremony in FHSAA history. 10 teams went in hoping to hold a trophy, and their prospects certainly played their hearts out. Here is each team’s top player from their games. Sagemont [player_tooltip player_id="1065488" first="Nedas" last="Zukauskas"] The 6’9 stretch four was a big factor in keeping Sagemont in the game early. He’s a great shooter from 15 feet and beyond. Zukauskas was a perfect 5 for 5 to start the game, hitting two threes behind the NBA line and hitting a Dirk like fadeaways. He’d block a shot and throw down a putback dunk on his 14 point day. The unsigned senior held his own against high major bigs. Orlando Christian Prep [player_tooltip player_id="712105" first="Ven-Allen" last="Lubin"] The Notre Dame signee had a huge double-double. He ran the floor, scored above the rim, and turned offensive rebounds into second chance points. Lubin was a monster on the defensive boards, nearly completing his double-double without his 5 offensive rebounds. Calvary Christian Academy [player_tooltip player_id="814895" first="Gregg" last="Glenn"] Glenn bullied his way to 19 points and 7 rebounds. The size, strength, and skill at the power forward position were too much for Andrew Jackson to handle. He blocked shots and collected four steals. Glenn turned those turnovers into fast break opportunities, where showcased a tight handle and passing instincts. The Michigan signee had a great day finishing around and above the rim. Andrew Jackson [player_tooltip player_id="1065410" first="Stephon" last="Payne"] Payne looked amazing competing against high major bigs. In this matchup, his size and length made a significant impact on both sides. He blocked with great timing. He’s developing a solid post game and has touch to make hook shots. Payne gets above the rim in a flash. The Incarnate Wood signee dominated offensive and defensive boards against a trio of high-level rebounders. Payne flashed solid passing from the high post. St. Petersburg Dylan Kramer Kramer competed his tail off against one of the most physical teams of the 28 team field. He finished against a bruising high level football prospect and physical guard [player_tooltip player_id="829402" first="Houston" last="Culpepper"]. The 2023 prospect was a presence on the boards, getting several putbacks on offense and carving out space for defensive rebounds. Stranahan [player_tooltip player_id="963313" first="Hykeem" last="Williams"] Williams was a terror all over the court. He finished with a 20 point double-double. The 2023 prospect is a high end athlete with wide muscular shoulders. He plays physically and is hard to keep off the boards. Martin County Cameren Insalaco & [player_tooltip player_id="1065497" first="Braydin" last="Samuels"] These two were the only double-digit scorers for a state title winner. Insalaco was a mismatch for every defender on Ponte Vedra. He’s a strong driver with a quick first step. What makes his ability to get downhill really special is his finishing at the rim. The 2023 prospect finishes with both hands and has the body control to protect the ball against defenders. He got to the line 12 times. Samuels is an athletic 6’3 guard who uses his bursts to get to spots. He can hit shots off the catch and the bounce from midrange and beyond. The 2022 prospect uses his athleticism to make plays on the defensive, racking up 5 steals and a block in the championship game. Ponte Vedra [player_tooltip player_id="956774" first="Ross" last="Candelino"] Despite poor shooting from the field, Candelino led all scorers with 16 points. He made plays as a passer throwing dimes to cutters and the plethora of shooters around him. When his shot wasn’t falling, he went to the block where his size and footwork helped him score. He uses his timing to get in passing lanes, leaving the game with four steals. Dr. Phillips [player_tooltip player_id="829411" first="Riley" last="Kugel"] & [player_tooltip player_id="546239" first="Denzel" last="Aberdeen"] Kugel was quiet in the first half but caught fire in the second. Between the physical tools and athleticism, he has everything you need to make an impact at the next level. He shot 3 of 8 beyond the line showing range and an ability to shoot off the dribble from distance. The Mississippi State signee turned his motor on to cause problems on the defensive end. Aberdeen was the scoring punch Dr. Phillips needed. He shot 3 of 6 form deep and turned steals into fast break points. The Florida Signee was agressive when getting to the whole. His 6’4 frame has a lot of length that helps him on both sides of the floor. Columbus [player_tooltip player_id="1301714" first="Cameron" last="Boozer"] It’s hard to not place [player_tooltip player_id="1301714" first="Cameron" last="Boozer"] at the top of the 2025 class. Boozer had an impressive game against a group of high major prospects. He protected the rim against Udeh Jr. showing off the strength to guard high level older bigs. He made moves against Kugel using his handle and burst to get to the rim. Boozer was a fantastic distributor, having 5 assists to 1 turnover. The things he can do at his size point to a more perimeter based game in the future, but his ability to score and play make out of the post gives him the total package. Both Boozer twins are incredibly mature to be 14 years old. [player_tooltip player_id="1301715" first="Cayden" last="Boozer"] was patient all night, waiting for plays to develop and refusing to rush anything on offense. He’s a great finisher, has elite size for the point guard position, and plays with pace.