Season Preview: Class 7A State Title Favorites

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>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 season. Here are some of the state title favorites in Class 7A for this season:</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>The reigning Class 7A Champions are the Christopher Columbus Explorers who defeated the Winter Haven Blue Devils, 51-48 at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Columbus (Miami)</strong>: The two-time defending state champions are the heavy favorites at a possible 3-peat... The Explorers continue to re-load with talent as they landed key transfers in 6-3 senior point guard [player_tooltip player_id='2197286' first='Jase' last='Richardson'] and his younger brother 6-6 sophomore wing [player_tooltip player_id='2134647' first='Jaxon' last='Richardson']. The Explorers also retain generational talent in the frontcourt led by 6-10 junior power forward [player_tooltip player_id='1301714' first='Cameron' last='Boozer']. Another name to watch for will be elite playmaker 6-5 junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1301715' first='Cayden' last='Boozer'] as well as 6-8 senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='1578317' first='Malik' last='Abdullahi']. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Olympia</strong>: The Titans could be a dark-horse favorite to make a deep playoff run as they are led by 6-6 senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='1163420' first='Kameren' last='Wright'] and 6-4 senior combo guard [player_tooltip player_id='1859288' first='Kaiden' last='White']. Another name to keep an eye on this season will be 6-2 junior combo guard [player_tooltip player_id='2274529' first='Sean' last='Owens'] who can make plays at both ends of the floor, whether it's getting into the passing lanes or challenging shots at the front of the rim. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Oak Ridge</strong>: The Pioneers are looking to get back into the state championships for the first time since 2018 when they defeated Wellington. The Pioneers are led by 6-0 junior point guard [player_tooltip player_id='1301787' first='Jalen' last='Reece'] who has received heavy interest from multiple Power 5 programs such as Alabama, Cincinnati, Louisville, Kansas State and several others. Also keep an eye on 6-6 junior wing [player_tooltip player_id='1301713' first='Jamier' last='Jones'], 6-5 senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='1055776' first='Tyler' last='Johnson'], 6-6 senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='1163617' first='Cameron' last='Simpson'] and 6-10 sophomore forward Tim Winkler. This year's team could represent in the Class 7A title game as they have talent across all five positions. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Winter Haven</strong>: You can never rule out the Blue Devils as they are led by a two-headed monster duo between 6-5 senior combo guard [player_tooltip player_id='1055762' first='Jamie' last='Phillips'] Jr. and 6-6 senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='1055750' first='Isaac' last='Celiscar']. The Blue Devils also landed a key transfer during the off-season in 6-7 junior wing Zay Mosley who can play multiple positions at both ends of the floor. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Windermere:</strong> The Wolverines are coming off a 21-8 record last season, reaching the Regional Finals before losing to Oak Ridge. The Wolverines have playmakers in their frontcourt as well as their backcourt. Players to Watch: 6-4 senior combo guard [player_tooltip player_id='1306090' first='Chalier' last='Torres'], 6-2 sophomore point guard [player_tooltip player_id='1696238' first='Nathan' last='Earl'], 6-8 junior power forward [player_tooltip player_id='2145510' first='TJ' last='Drain'] and 5-11 freshman point guard [player_tooltip player_id='2125465' first='Caden' last='Earl']. While, the Wolverines may have some youth in the backcourt they have the talent to make a deep playoff run in Class 7A once again. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->