3A Contenders and Standout Stars Poised For Postseason Success

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Calvary Christian Academy (Record: 14-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Calvary Christian is on a mission this season, entering the final stretch of the regular season undefeated. After last year's playoff heartbreak, they've rebounded dominantly, led by 2025 national standout [player_tooltip player_id='1301718' first='Shon' last='Abaev']. Abaev's consistent offensive firepower, paired with the support of emerging stars like Cayden Daughtery and [player_tooltip player_id='1891145' first='Collin' last='Paul'], has made the Eagles the team to beat in Class 3A. Their chemistry and ability to handle high-pressure moments suggest this could be their year to bring home a title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Andrew Jackson (Record: 20-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Andrew Jackson continues to set the standard, building on back-to-back 20+ win seasons. With a core led by senior guards Jahari Simmons and David Wilson, this experienced team is poised to make another playoff run. Their disciplined style and veteran leadership give them an edge against less-experienced opponents, positioning them as a formidable contender.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Newberry (Record: 16-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Newberry remains one of the state's few undefeated teams, blending physicality and finesse with a group of multi-sport athletes. Their balanced approach and ability to adapt to different styles of play have been key to their success. As the regular season winds down, the Panthers look primed for a deep postseason run, bolstered by their undefeated record and cohesive team play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The Villages Charter (Record: 16-4)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Villages Charter has hit their stride behind the leadership of sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2294511' first='Aaron' last='Britt Jr.'] and senior Adyn Corbin. Corbin's ability to control the pace and contribute on both ends has been instrumental in their success. Thompson adds depth and critical support, making this a well-rounded squad. With their strong social media presence and on-court results, The Villages have turned heads statewide and are positioned as a team to watch in the playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Calvary Christian (Record: 19-2)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This Calvary Christian squad has been one of the most exciting teams to follow, boasting a young core with endless potential. Junior leaders [player_tooltip player_id='2299640' first='Ethan' last='Sabec'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1539246' first='Ethan' last='Bergantino'] have been instrumental offensively, while sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2294415' first='Madden' last='Geiger']'s versatility makes him a crucial piece. With just two losses heading into the postseason, this team has the firepower and depth to surprise opponents and make a deep run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Gateway Charter (Record: 15-5)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gateway Charter is one of the deepest teams in the state, with a roster that features size, scoring, and experience. [player_tooltip player_id='1620356' first='Patrick' last='Johnson'], a 6-7 senior, anchors the paint, while guards [player_tooltip player_id='1753406' first='Myles' last='Jones'], [player_tooltip player_id='1579909' first='Obang' last='Ochan'], [player_tooltip player_id='1567305' first='Trey' last='Fogle'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1532911' first='Giordan' last='Easley'] provide scoring and playmaking across the board. This well-rounded lineup makes Gateway a dangerous opponent capable of competing with any team in the bracket.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Teams to Watch:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cardinal Gibbons (19-3), Lake Highland Prep (16-4), Saint Andrew's (19-2), FSUHS (13-5)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Players to Watch</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1301718' first='Shon' last='Abaev'] | F | 2025 | Calvary Christian Academy | @shon_abaev</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Abaev has established himself as one of Florida's premier players with a polished game that's already catching the attention of Division I programs. His ability to score efficiently from all three levels and facilitate for teammates makes him a constant threat. Whether he's setting the tone with hustle plays or leading with sharp decision-making, Abaev's two-way impact is the engine behind Calvary's success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jahari Simmons | G | 2025 | Andrew Jackson | @JahariSimmmons</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Simmons has been the heartbeat of Andrew Jackson's success this season, averaging 16.2 points and 5.0 assists per game. His ability to play both guard spots, combined with his knack for hitting tough shots and controlling the tempo, has made him a reliable leader in high-stakes games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Adyn Corbin | G | 2025 | The Villages Charter | @Adyncorbin_1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Corbin continues to be a steadying force for The Villages, averaging 17.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.0 steals per game. Known for his quick decision-making and elite defense, Corbin is a leader who can take over when his team needs him most. His ability to convert turnovers into points makes him an invaluable asset.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1301748' first='Trey' last='Card'] | CG | 2025 | FSUHS | @TreyCard1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At 6-6, Card's physicality and athleticism create mismatches in transition and make him a reliable scoring option in the paint. Recent offers from Central Arkansas and Jacksonville University highlight his upside, as his combination of size and skill is rare at the high school level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2800858' first='Juwan' last='Scippio'] | G | 2026 | Newberry | @juwan_scipp</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Scippio has emerged as a breakout star this season, using his 6-4 frame to dominate both offensively and defensively. Averaging nearly 11 points per game, the rising junior has the strength and athleticism to thrive against tough competition, and his ceiling only continues to rise.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2299640' first='Ethan' last='Sabec'] | G | 2026 | Gateway Charter | @EthanSabec2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sabec's blend of size (6-7), shooting touch, and versatility make him one of the most intriguing young players in the state. Though still working on consistency, his potential is clear, and he's shown flashes of dominance on both ends. As he continues to refine his game, Sabec is a player to keep an eye on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->