Season Preview: Class 5A State Title Favorites
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Florida High School Basketball practices officially got underway last 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 last 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 5A for this season:
The reigning Class 5A Champions are the Belen Jesuit Wolverines who captured their first state title in school history, defeating Mainland 49-30 at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland.
Suncoast: The Suncoast Chargers are coming off a 22-6 record last season and reached the regional semifinals before losing to Miami Norland. Expect the Chargers to contend again this season as they are led by 6’9 senior forward Ian Smikle Ian Smikle 6'9" | C Suncoast | 2024 State FL (Tulsa commit) along with 6’2 senior guard Joseph Renna who averaged 8.7 points and 3.5 rebounds per game last season. A huge departure in their offense comes in as 6’0 senior point guard transferred to Calvary Christian Academy over the summer, but expect 6’3 senior combo guard Marshall Cuffee to play a comfortable role this season.
Miami Norland: The Miami Norland Vikings are the heavy favorites to take home the crown in Class 5A this season, as they are led by 6’6 senior wing Triston Wilson Triston Wilson 6'6" | SG Norland | 2024 State FL (Presbyterian commit) and 6’7 senior forward Marcus Allen Marcus Allen 6'6" | SF Norland (FL) | 2024 State #56 Nation FL (Missouri commit). Also keep an eye on 6’4 senior combo guard Jamal Ware Jamal Ware 6'3" | CG Norland | 2024 State FL who plays with a ton of energy on the defensive end of the floor where he is very active in the passing lanes.
Mainland: The Mainland Buccaneers are hungry for a state title and came up just short last season, losing 49-30 to Belen Jesuit in the title game. The Buccaneers are led by 6-1 sophomore point guard Nathan Kirk Nathan Kirk 5'11" | PG Mainland | 2026 State FL who can spread the floor and score across all three levels. Also keep an eye on 6-6 senior wing Narayan Thomas who plays with great length on both ends of the floor whether it’s challenging shots at the rim or scoring comfortable off of dribble-drives.
Barron Collier: The Barron Collier Cougars came up just short of reaching the state semifinals last season and they re-loaded with talent during the offseason. Keep an eye on 6-1 junior guard Spencer Clayton Spencer Clayton 6'3" | PG Barron Collier | 2025 FL and 6-2 junior point guard Nick Degnan on the offensive side of the floor this season.
Rockledge: The Rockledge Raiders are coming off a 24-5 record last season before it ended in the regional semifinals to eventual state champ Belen Jesuit. The Raiders have a loaded offense where they are led by 6-8 senior wing Colin “CJ” Kearns and 6-6 senior combo guard Ryan Blount Ryan Blount 6'6" | CG Rockledge | 2024 State FL . Another name to keep an eye on this season will be 6-0 junior guard Terrence Shannon Terrence Shannon 6'0" | PG Rockledge | 2025 FL who plays with a ton of energy and confidence at both ends of the floor.
Other Notable Contenders: Blake (Tampa), Belen Jesuit, Columbia (Lake City), Jesuit (Tampa), Jones (Orlando)