Mid-Season Shakeup: Top Teams, Surprises, and Rising 2025s

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Teams to Watch</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#1</strong> Calvary Christian Academy (Class 3A: 11-0)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Key Players: [player_tooltip player_id='1301718' first='Shon' last='Abaev'] (24.0 PPG), Cayden Daughtery (18.5 PPG), [player_tooltip player_id='1891145' first='Collin' last='Paul'] (13.9 PPG)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After falling short in last year's playoffs, Calvary Christian has bounced back with laser focus. Led by scoring machine [player_tooltip player_id='1301718' first='Shon' last='Abaev'], the Eagles are not just winning—they're dominating. Abaev's ability to score efficiently from all three levels, paired with the complementary skills of Daughtery and Paul, makes them the team to beat in Class 3A. Their unbeaten start only adds fuel to their championship aspirations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#3</strong> St. Thomas Aquinas (Class 6A: 12-1)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Key Players: [player_tooltip player_id='2294524' first='Clarence' last='Westbrook'] Jr. (18.8 PPG), [player_tooltip player_id='1301736' first='Dwayne' last='Wimbley'] Jr. (15.5 PPG), KJ Sandi (10.8 PPG)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Raiders have not lifted a state title since 2001, but this year might just change that. Head Coach Julius Sandi has molded this roster into a lethal mix of size, shooting, and defensive toughness. The emergence of Westbrook Jr. as a go-to scorer has set the tone for a team hungry for postseason success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#5</strong> The Villages Charter (Class 3A: 13-3)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Key Players: [player_tooltip player_id='2294511' first='Aaron' last='Britt Jr.'] (19.2 PPG), Adyn Corbin (17.4 PPG), [player_tooltip player_id='2802065' first='Jared' last='Thompson'] (13.6 PPG)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Villages Charter has shown impressive chemistry and versatility. Britt Jr. and Corbin are carrying the offensive load, while Thompson provides critical support. This team's ability to promote their star players on social media and deliver on the court has turned heads across the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#12</strong> Osceola (Class 7A: 13-1)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Key Players: Jordan Isaac (18.5 PPG), [player_tooltip player_id='2800170' first='Luke' last='McCrimon'] (18.4 PPG), Jordan Mason (12.8 PPG)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coming off a mediocre 14-13 season, the Kowboys are determined to put Osceola basketball back on the map. With seniors Isaac and McCrimon leading the charge, this team has made strides offensively while maintaining its trademark speed and grit. A deep playoff run seems well within reach.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#15</strong> Newberry (Class 3A: 10-0)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Key Players: [player_tooltip player_id='2800858' first='Juwan' last='Scippio'], Henry Matthias, Logan McCloud</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the last remaining undefeated teams in the state, Newberry has benefitted from a strong core of multi-sport athletes. The Panthers have managed to blend physicality and finesse to keep their perfect record intact.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Teams to Watch</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Blake (Class 4A: 12-1)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Andrew Jackson (Class 3A: 13-1)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Evans (Class 6A: 10-3)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Windermere (Class 7A: 11-2)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Martin County (Class 6A: 10-0)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gibbs (Class 4A: 9-4)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Notable Rising 2025s</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2711902' first='William' last='Medina'] | PG | 2025 | Excel Christian | @_MedinaWilliam</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Medina is a walking bucket, currently leading the state in scoring at 31.7 PPG while also averaging 13+ RPG. His ability to dominate on both ends of the court, even with a young supporting cast, has solidified his status as one of the state's top talents.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1301748' first='Trey' last='Card'] | CG | 2025 | FSUS | @TreyCard1</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Card's physicality and athleticism have earned him recent offers from Central Arkansas and Jacksonville University. At 6'6”, he's a matchup nightmare in transition and a reliable scorer in the paint.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1301767' first='Lyrique' last='Sartin'] | CG | 2025 | Bell Creek Academy | @CasinoPartyLLC</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sartin's all-around game and competitive edge make him a must-watch prospect. His recent performances midway through the season highlights his ability to do it all. He's one to watch as a top scorer and contributer in the state, look for college coaches to check out the film. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2415598' first='Justice' last='Phillips'] | CG | 2026 | Bronson | @Datboijust_ice</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Averaging 29.4 PPG, Phillips has emerged as one of the top scorers in the state. His length and versatility make him a threat on both ends, and his ability to defend multiple positions adds another layer to his game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2427974' first='Christopher' last='Murray'] | CG | 2025 | Sunlake | @Chrismurray_4</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Murray's confidence and quick first step make him a key offensive weapon for Sunlake. He's improved his shooting consistency and continues to elevate his team's play with his aggressive downhill attacks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->