7A Road to State- Who is next?

This week, the first round of the regionals has provided some exciting matchups. We have had the privilege of witnessing outstanding performances as teams celebrate their advancement to the round of 16. However, we have also seen the heartbreak of high school careers coming to an end. Let's take a look at the teams whose seasons have concluded and who will be entrusted with leading them back to the postseason next year.    Harris has seen his junior season end this week, after a first-round loss to Osceola. He has been the leader in the stats this season, averaging 19.6 points per game and 3.7 rebounds. His production has increased significantly each season. He is almost certain to join the 1,000-point club early in his senior season. With the departure of the senior duo, Cole Coggin and Rhys Gamble, the team will now officially belong to him.     Moore's high school career came to an end after a tough loss to Plant in the first round of regionals. He played a significant role in leading Newsome to a record of 24-4 and helped secure a district title this season. Recognized as one of the best shooters in the state of Florida, his departure leaves a big gap to fill. It will be interesting to see who steps up to lead the team next season and if they can surpass the standards set this year.     Simpson-Lee just finished a strong junior season this week. The 6'6" forward averaged a double-double, with impressive stats of 15.7 points per game, 13.1 rebounds per game, and 1.2 blocks per game. If he continues to produce these types of numbers, he could become a solid prospect for the next level.     Ceynowa will be returning next season for Lake Mary. If the team wants to make it back to the postseason, he will need to maintain his performance as the key player. He should aim to build on his junior season statistics, where he averaged 13.7 points per game and 2.6 steals per game.     Bailey and University (Orlando) basketball season comes to an end this week in the first round of regionals. The team will lose their top two scorers, [player_tooltip player_id='1450213' first='Mo' last='Kamara'] and Hudson Maurer. Bailey was a key contributor to the team's success this season helping them achieve a record of 17-9, averaging 10.9 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks, and 1 steal per game. His size, two-way playing style, and ability to stretch the floor position him as a key player heading into his senior season next year.     Williams concluded his senior year and high school career with an impressive stat line, averaging 18 points per game, shooting 49% from the field, along with 8.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 2 steals per game. He also had an outstanding free throw percentage of 91%. Despite these impressive numbers, Colonial finished the season with a record of 13-13 and made it to the postseason. To make a deeper run next season, they will need to improve their record and should rely on the contributions of Whitfield Bynoe (2027) and Jayden Grenlief (2026).     Vargas and Lake Brantley faced a disappointing first-round exit in the regional tournament this week, finishing the season with a record of 15-12. Next year, Lake Brantley will lose senior Dean Adkins. Vargas, who served as a solid second option this season, is expected to step up as the primary option next year in an effort to lead Lake Brantley back to the postseason. This year, he averaged 11.7 points per game, just 0.5 points less than the leading scorer, Adkins. Vargas was highly efficient, shooting exactly 50% from the field.

This week, the first round of the regionals has provided some exciting matchups. We have had the privilege of witnessing outstanding performances as teams celebrate their advancement to the round of 16. However, we have also seen the heartbreak of high school careers coming to an end. Let's take a look at the teams whose seasons have concluded and who will be entrusted with leading them back to the postseason next year.