Season Preview: Class 1A State Title Favorites
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Florida High School Basketball practices officially got underway this week. Two months ago, Prep Hoops Florida took a deep dive into the way-too-early preseason rankings. Now we can provide more accurate in-depth analysis for teams to watch for this upcoming…
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Continue ReadingFlorida High School Basketball practices officially got underway this week. Two months ago, Prep Hoops Florida took a deep dive into the way-too-early preseason rankings. Now we can provide more accurate in-depth analysis for teams to watch for this upcoming season. Here are some of the state title favorites in Class 1A for this season:
The Class 1A Reigning Champions are the Williston Red Devils who won their first state title in school history, defeating Chipley 58-49 at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland.
Hawthorne: The Hornets reached the Final Four for the second consecutive season last year where they were led by 6’5 junior point guard CJ Ingram CJ Ingram 6'4" | CG Hawthorne | 2025 State FL who averaged 21.6 points and 8.3 rebounds per game as a sophomore. The Hornets could make a destined run back to the state championships again this season.
Williston: The Red Devils are the clear-cut favorites in Class 1A to repeat as state champions this season. The Red Devils will once again be led by 6’6 senior wing Kyler Lamb Kyler Lamb 6'6" | PF Williston | 2024 State FL , 6’2 senior guard Reggie White and 6’3 sophomore combo guard Deandre Harvey. The Red Devils have a veteran-led backcourt that has experience winning big-time games. Another name to keep an eye on this season will be 6’5 senior wing Javon Brown who brings a big presence with his length and shot blocking abilities.
Chipley: The Tigers finished the 2022-2023 season with a 21-7 record and reached the State Championship game, before coming up short losing 58-49 to Williston. The Tigers will look to be led by 6-2 senior combo guard Kyler Bryant Kyler Bryant 6'2" | CG Chipley | 2024 State FL and 6-1 senior point guard Izayah Eldridge Izayah Eldridge 6'0" | CG Chipley | 2024 FL this season. Also keep an eye on 6-9 senior forward Albert “Ace” McKinnie who transferred from Bay High School over the summer where he can apply solid rim protection.
Hilliard: The Red Flashes finished the 2022-2023 season with a 20-5 record and reached the Regional Semifinals before losing to Hawthorne. They can make a ton of noise this season as they will be led by 6-2 junior guard CJ Hall CJ Hall 6'3" | CG Hillard | 2025 State FL and 5-6 freshman guard Dennis “DJ” Alderman in the backcourt. Also keep an eye on 6-6 senior forward Kevin Thomas Kevin Thomas 6'7" | SF Sagemo0nt | 2026 State FL Jr. who averaged 11.4 points and 7.3 rebounds per game last season as a junior.
Other Notable Contenders in Class 1A: Jay, Madison County, Newberry, Paxton, Wildwood