Class 6A Top Programs and Player of the Year Watch List

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>St. Thomas Aquinas (15-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Raiders are on a mission to claim their first state title since 2001 after narrowly missing out last season. Under Head Coach Julius Sandi, this squad has elevated its play with a perfect blend of size, skill, and veteran leadership. Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1660055' first='Drake' last='Sandi']</strong> senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1301736' first='Dwayne' last='Wimbley'] J</strong>r. lead the offensive charge, while promising sophomore guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2294524' first='Clarence' last='Westbrook'] Jr. </strong>provides scoring and playmaking. The frontcourt is anchored by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2299661' first='Zane' last='Elliott']</strong>, a strong 6-6 forward, and <strong>Mark Matthews</strong>, a 6-7 center dominating the paint. This cohesive and balanced team has all the tools for a deep playoff push.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Martin County (16-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Tigers are making waves as one of the last undefeated teams in the state. After a disappointing season last year, they've come back with a vengeance, fueled by a talented junior trio. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2134671' first='Brandon' last='Brazell']</strong> is the offensive leader, showcasing his ability to finish at the rim and in transition. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1660042' first='Ari' last='Smith'] </strong>facilitates the offense with precision, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2210621' first='Kerry' last='Parks'] </strong>provides energy and defensive intensity. With strong chemistry and an undefeated record, Martin County is a legitimate title contender.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Evans (14-4)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Trojans are finding their stride behind the impressive play of junior standout <strong>Arosco Dubois</strong>, who leads the team in scoring and has emerged as a rising star in the 2025 class. Fellow junior <strong>Antonio Pollard</strong> adds reliable offensive production, while the supporting cast contributes key plays to keep Evans competitive. With a mix of individual talent and team effort, Evans is a team to watch come playoff time.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lake Howell (15-3)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lake Howell is proving they belong among the state's elite with a balanced and talented roster. The <strong>Santos brothers, Janiel and Jadarian</strong>, have provided energy and grit, while junior<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='2522725' first='Isaac' last='Buckley']</strong> leads the team in scoring and rebounding. Buckley's ability to score in transition, hit corner threes, and finish through contact has been a driving force for the team's success. Lake Howell is poised for a strong postseason run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Teams to Watch:</strong> Edgewater (11-8), Tocoi Creek (16-2), Southridge (12-4), Gulf Breeze (15-3), East Lake (15-5), Wiregrass Ranch (12-5).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Player Watch List</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2716550' first='Christopher' last='Murray'] | Sunlake | @Chrismurray_4</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Murray embodies the spirit of a go-to player, averaging 22.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. His offensive repertoire is dynamic, featuring quick transition buckets, improved three-point shooting, and the ability to draw fouls and convert at the free-throw line. Defensively, Murray thrives on turning stops into fast breaks, showcasing a relentless motor that powers Sunlake's attack.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2134671' first='Brandon' last='Brazell'] | Martin County | @Brandon24skunk</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Standing at 6-5, Brazell has been the heartbeat of Martin County's undefeated run. His 17.3 points and 7.5 rebounds per game come from an explosive, fast-paced style that features powerful finishes at the rim and a knack for capitalizing on defensive lapses. Defensively, Brazell uses his length and quickness to guard multiple positions, making him a complete player with room to grow.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2522725' first='Isaac' last='Buckley'] | Lake Howell | @theogieb</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Buckley's 17.2 points and 7.2 rebounds per game have propelled Lake Howell to a stellar season. The sophomore forward is an offensive weapon, blending court vision with a smooth shooting stroke. His mature frame and ability to finish through contact make him a double-double threat every game, while his hustle on the boards energizes his team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1379527' first='KJ' last='Smith'] | Wiregrass Ranch | @thekjsmith</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Averaging 21.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists, Smith is the engine behind Wiregrass Ranch's success. His scoring toolkit is extensive, featuring Euro steps, hang-and-hit finishes, and a confident mid-range jumper. Smith's court awareness and creativity make him a constant threat to opponents, both as a scorer and a playmaker.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2396988' first='Kade' last='Manley'] | Mainland | @KadeManley2027</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Manley has turned heads in the 2027 class with his scoring prowess, averaging 22 points per game. His speed and sneaky athleticism allow him to get to the rim consistently, while his ability to finish in transition adds an extra layer of danger. Manley's poise and natural scoring instincts set him apart as one of the state's most promising young guards.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2294524' first='Clarence' last='Westbrook'] Jr. | St. Thomas Aquinas | @CjWestbrook10</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At just 6-0, Westbrook's 18.4 points per game come from his savvy movement without the ball and exceptional court vision. He thrives in transition and half-court sets, consistently finding ways to score or create opportunities for teammates. His maturity and basketball IQ make him a vital part of the Raiders' success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1620361' first='Cameron' last='Bryant'] | Oviedo | @CameronBryant03</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bryant, a 6-5 wing, averages 17.7 points and 8.9 rebounds while showcasing a versatile skill set. Whether it's handling the ball, shooting from three, or crashing the boards, Bryant excels. His polished wing game and defensive potential make him a rising star with next-level potential.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1301736' first='Dwayne' last='Wimbley'] Jr. | St. Thomas Aquinas | @iamdwayne_1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 6-6 Florida State basketball commit averages 15.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists. Wimbley's ability to finish above the rim and stretch defenses with his shot-making gives him a unique offensive profile. A two-sport athlete, he brings physicality and a high motor, making him a matchup nightmare for opponents.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->