Season Preview: Class 7A 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 7A for this season:
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.
Columbus (Miami): 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 Jase Richardson Jase Richardson 6'2" | PG Columbus | 2024 State #49 Nation FL and his younger brother 6-6 sophomore wing Jaxon Richardson Jaxon Richardson 6'5" | SF Columbus | 2026 State FL . The Explorers also retain generational talent in the frontcourt led by 6-10 junior power forward Cameron Boozer Cameron Boozer 6'9" | PF Columbus | 2025 State #2 Nation FL . Another name to watch for will be elite playmaker 6-5 junior guard Cayden Boozer Cayden Boozer 6'5" | PG Columbus | 2025 State #28 Nation FL as well as 6-8 senior forward Malik Abdullahi.
Olympia: The Titans could be a dark-horse favorite to make a deep playoff run as they are led by 6-6 senior wing Kameren Wright Kameren Wright 6'6" | SF Orlando Olympia (FL) | 2024 State #247 Nation FL and 6-4 senior combo guard Kaiden White Kaiden White 6'3" | CG Olympia | 2024 State FL . Another name to keep an eye on this season will be 6-2 junior combo guard Sean Owens Sean Owens 6'2" | CG Olympia | 2025 State FL 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.
Oak Ridge: 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 Jalen Reece Jalen Reece 5'11" | PG Oak Ridge | 2025 State #92 Nation FL 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 Jamier Jones Jamier Jones 6'5" | SF Sarasota Riverview | 2025 State #16 Nation FL , 6-5 senior wing Tyler Johnson Tyler Johnson 6'6" | SF Oak Ridge | 2024 State #175 Nation FL , 6-6 senior wing Cameron Simpson Cameron Simpson 6'6" | SF Oakridge | 2024 State FL 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.
Winter Haven: You can never rule out the Blue Devils as they are led by a two-headed monster duo between 6-5 senior combo guard Jamie Phillips Jamie Phillips 6'5" | CG Winter Haven | 2024 State FL Jr. and 6-6 senior wing Isaac Celiscar Isaac Celiscar 6'6" | SG Winter Haven | 2024 State #263 Nation FL . 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.
Windermere: 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 Chalier Torres Chalier Torres 6'5" | SG Windermere | 2024 State FL , 6-2 sophomore point guard Nathan Earl Nathan Earl 6'0" | PG Wheeler | 2026 State FL , 6-8 junior power forward TJ Drain TJ Drain 6'8" | PF Windermere | 2025 State #295 Nation FL and 5-11 freshman point guard Caden Earl Caden Earl 6'1" | CG Windermere | 2027 FL . 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.