Season Preview: Class 6A 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 6A for this season:
The reigning Class 6A Champions are the Dwyer Panthers who won their fourth state title in school history, defeating Ponte Vedra 51-40 at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland.
Edgewater: The Eagles are coming off a 17-11 record last season where they were led by Sam Houston State commit Erik Taylor Erik Taylor 6'1" | CG Edgewater | 2024 State FL who is now at The Rock, as well as 6-7 junior wing Myles Mayfield Myles Mayfield 6'7" | SF Edgewater | 2025 State #208 Nation FL . This year’s squad is a little different as they added 6-1 senior combo guard Zion Mitchell Zion Mitchell 6'1" | CG Edgewater | 2024 State FL (Transfer from The Master’s Academy) and 6-3 junior wing Malachi Washington has continued to evolve his game.
Ponte Vedra: The Sharks are coming off a 23-7 record last season reaching the state championship game, before coming up just short against Dwyer. The Sharks will be led this season by 6-1 senior sharpshooter Sam Ritchie Sam Ritchie 6'2" | SG Ponte Vedra | 2024 State FL , 6-6 senior power forward Tyler Cowan, 6-9 sophomore wing Trace Westercamp Trace Westercamp 6'9" | PF Ponte Vedra | 2026 State FL and 6-5 sophomore combo guard Maddox Palmer Maddox Palmer 6'4" | SG Beachside | 2026 State FL . The Sharks are destined and have the talent to make a deep playoff run this season.
Lakeland: The Dreadnaughts reached the Regional Final last season before coming up just short against Wekiva. The Dreadnaughts have an interesting backcourt that features 6-4 junior guard Tre Jackson and 6-2 senior guard Anthony Wilcox. Another name to watch for this season will be 6-0 senior guard Derajah Hardy Derajah Hardy 6'0" | PG Lakeland | 2024 State FL who plays a strong and physical game in the backcourt.
St. Thomas Aquinas: The Raiders are young and hungry looking for the program’s first basketball state title since 2001 where they will be led by 6-2 sophomore guard Drake Sandi Drake Sandi 6'2" | PG St. Thomas Aquinas | 2026 State FL and 6-0 senior combo guard Matthaios Andreopoulos Matthaios Andreopoulos 6'0" | CG St. Thomas Aquinas | 2024 State FL . Another name to watch for this season will be 6-6 sophomore wing Zane Elliott Zane Elliott 6'6" | SF St. Thomas Aquinas | 2026 State FL who makes a havoc in the paint as well as continuing to gain consistency when shooting from beyond the arc. The sleeper prospect on this year’s roster is 5-11 sophomore combo guard Ayden “AJ” Ambrose who does a great job at scoring around the rim through traffic, and has displayed great court vision.
Pembroke Pines Charter: The Jaguars are looking to get back into the state championship where they haven’t been in four years. This year’s team has a ton of talent in the backcourt led by 6-7 senior wing Jeremy Elyzee Jeremy Elyzee 6'6" | SF Flanagan | 2024 State FL and 6-8 senior forward Josh Harris Josh Harris 6'8" | SF Pembroke Pines Charter | 2024 State FL (North Florida commit). A new name you are going to want to keep your eyes on this season is 6-1 freshman guard Derek Rocha Derek Rocha 6'3" | SG Pembroke Pines Charter | 2027 FL who has played an advanced game displaying a great feel and is continuing to get better.
Other Notable Contenders: Dwyer, Martin County, Oakleaf, Southridge (Miami), Wekiva