5A Top Programs and Player of the Year Watch List

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5A Top Programs and Players of the Year Watch List</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Pembroke Pines (13-5)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Transitioning to Class 5A this season after their 6A championship run, Pembroke Pines has quickly established itself as a title favorite. Senior guards Maximo Ortega and Zemari Days are the offensive anchors, combining scoring prowess with leadership as the regular season winds down. With the No. 1 spot in the class, this team is poised for another deep playoff run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lecanto (16-2)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Panthers have had a dominant season, dropping only two games, including a tight loss to a strong Blake team. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='1770030' first='JT' last='Tipton'] leads Lecanto with his sharpshooting and scoring versatility, while junior [player_tooltip player_id='2420848' first='Braylen' last='Moore'] provides additional firepower. As the team with the best record in the class, Lecanto looks primed to contend for a championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Teams to Watch:</strong> Norland (12-8), Gainesville (15-6), Fleming Island (15-5), St. Augustine (14-3), Jesuit (15-6).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Player Watch List</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Nijuan Harris | 6-3 | CG | 2028 | St. Petersburg | @NijaunHarris</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Stats:</strong> 28.6 PPG</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Harris is rewriting the script for freshman dominance in Florida. A true three-level scorer, he turned heads nationwide with a jaw-dropping 46-point explosion in an OT win over Gulliver Prep. His veteran-like composure and ability to score under pressure make him a cornerstone for St. Petersburg and a future high-level prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2800137' first='Sam' last='Powell'] | SG | 2026 | Golden Gate | @SamPowell239</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Stats:</strong> 24.8 PPG</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Powell, a dual-sport athlete, continues to dazzle with his scoring consistency. Recently surpassing the 1,000-point milestone, he has cemented himself as one of 5A's premier offensive threats. His back-to-back 35-point performances showcase his blend of strength, basketball IQ, and leadership, making him a dominant two-way presence.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1633099' first='Isaiah' last='Newson'] | 6-1 | PG | 2026 | North Fort Myers | @zay_Boe561</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Stats:</strong> 22.2 PPG</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Newson is a playmaker extraordinaire, combining shifty handles with a knack for scoring. His ability to maintain control in high-tempo situations has resulted in three 30-point games this season. Known for his passing IQ, Newson elevates the play of his teammates, making him an indispensable part of North Fort Myers' success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2397027' first='Carson' last='Crawford'] | 6-4 | G/F | 2027 | Fleming Island | @crsncrwd12</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Stats:</strong> 17.8 PPG</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Crawford's game is defined by athleticism and versatility. His high-flying finishes and defensive highlights are already drawing attention statewide. With a long frame and the ability to score from multiple areas on the floor, Crawford is one of the most exciting young talents to watch as his game develops.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1301766' first='Sian' last='Morris'] | 6-0 | PG | 2025 | Wesley Chapel | @SianMorris2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Stats:</strong> 18.8 PPG</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Morris is a cerebral point guard who excels in reading defenses and creating scoring opportunities. His quick pull-up jumper and range from deep keep defenders guessing, while his strength and quickness allow him to attack the paint effectively.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Isaiah Bundrage | 6-3 | CG | 2025 | Chiles | @Isaiahbundrage</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Stats:</strong> 17.7 PPG</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A two-way guard, Bundrage thrives on his ability to play without the ball. His sharp shooting and defensive prowess allow him to impact games on both ends of the floor. Bundrage's ability to make timely plays makes him a valuable asset for Chiles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Carter Padags | 6-3 | CG | 2025 | Countryside | @Carterpadags</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Stats:</strong> 18.2 PPG</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Padags is a reliable shooter with a knack for finding open looks. His high basketball IQ enables him to adapt to different offensive schemes, making him an effective scorer and playmaker for Countryside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Corey Perlin | 6-1 | G | 2025 | Countryside | @CoreyPerlin2</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Stats:</strong> 19.3 PPG</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Perlin's physicality and consistency make him one of 5A's top guard prospects. Whether it's hitting tough jumpers or finishing through contact, Perlin's scoring ability complements his leadership on the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1770030' first='JT' last='Tipton'] | PG | 2026 | Lecanto | @jttipton10</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Stats:</strong> 20.5 PPG</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tipton is a sharpshooter who can light up the scoreboard from beyond the arc. His ability to set up and execute rhythm jumpers, combined with a sneaky athleticism, allows him to keep defenders on their toes. Tipton's well-rounded offensive game makes him a key piece for Lecanto.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>James Tillman | 6-0 | CG | 2025 | Atlantic | @cxmp_mr</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Stats:</strong> 19.6 PPG</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A lethal long-range shooter, Tillman is a dynamic scorer who can heat up in an instant. His ability to crash the boards and extend possessions adds value beyond his scoring prowess.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2800180' first='Gabe' last='Parks'] | 6-2 | CG | 2026 | Chiles | @GabrielParks26</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Stats:</strong> 18.0 PPG</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Parks has developed into a consistent offensive threat for Chiles. His scoring instincts, combined with a tireless work ethic, make him a standout in the 2026 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>David Allen | 6-3 | CG | 2025 | Sebring | @Dav1drh</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Stats:</strong> 15.6 PPG</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Allen's smooth, composed playing style has made him a reliable scorer for Sebring. His ability to finish through contact and knock down mid-range jumpers highlights his offensive skill set.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2217934' first='Talon' last='Brooks'] | 6-3 | CG | 2025 | Osceola Fundamental | @TalonBrooksATH</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Stats:</strong> 15.0 PPG</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brooks is a versatile guard who excels in transition and mid-range situations. His physicality and finishing ability make him a vital contributor for Osceola Fundamental.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1633136' first='Tyler' last='Caouette'] | SG | 2026 | Jesuit</strong> | <strong>@TylerCaouette1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Stats:</strong> 15.2 PPG, 7.9 RPG</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Caouette's scoring versatility and rebounding ability make him a matchup nightmare. His high basketball IQ and smooth shooting stroke allow him to contribute in multiple facets of the game, solidifying his role as a key player for Jesuit.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->