FHSAA 7A Region 1: Must-Watch First Round Matchups

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The FHSAA 7A playoffs are here, and Region 1 is packed with competitive matchups. While some teams enter as clear favorites, anything can happen in the postseason. Prep Hoops will bring readers a creative overhaul of Games and Players to Watch For During This Year's Championship Race.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(1) Creekside (18-7) vs. (8) Lake Mary (15-13)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This No. 1 vs. No. 8 matchup could be more competitive than it looks on paper. Both teams hover around 60 points per game, making rebounding and defense critical factors. Creekside's success has been fueled by rising sophomore forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2194964' first='Nolan' last='Nelson'] (14.7 PPG)</strong>, a versatile 6-7 talent with serious upside. Senior guards <strong>Derek Rivers (12.7 PPG)</strong> and <strong>Cade Patterson (8.6 PPG) </strong>provide leadership and experience, making the Knights a tough out. Lake Mary has had an up-and-down season, but the Rams have the pieces to push Creekside. <strong>Junior Owen Ceynowa (13.7 PPG) </strong>leads the offense, while seniors <strong>Jack Schulz-Perry and Chase Hinshaw</strong> bring stability. Can they pull off the upset?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(2) Apopka (19-7) vs. (7) Colonial (13-12)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Apopka enters as a clear favorite, averaging 56.0 PPG compared to Colonial's 40.5 PPG. The Blue Darters are led by senior guard <strong>Jude Angervil (13.8 PPG)</strong>, while forwards <strong>Jermichael Johnson (12.8 PPG) </strong>and <strong>Jahi Brown (9.7 PPG) </strong>give them size and scoring inside. Colonial, however, has a true X-factor in senior guard <strong>Silas Williams (18.0 PPG)</strong>. He's been a do-it-all leader for the Grenadiers, and if he gets hot, he could give Apopka trouble.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(3) Winter Park (19-7) vs. (6) Lake Brantley (15-11)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Winter Park has put together a strong season with a selfless, team-first approach. The Wildcats have been on a roll, going 8-2 in their last 10 games. Lake Brantley will lean on senior guard <strong>Dean Adkins (12.3 PPG)</strong>, who has quietly put together a strong campaign. This one could get interesting if Adkins steps up and the Patriots find their rhythm early.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(4) University (17-8) vs. (5) Seminole (15-13)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is one of the more balanced matchups in the region. University's senior leader, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1450213' first='Mo' last='Kamara'] (12.0 PPG), </strong>does a little bit of everything and will be crucial in setting the tone. Seminole, meanwhile, has been inconsistent but has a legitimate scorer in <strong>Jordan Pittman (16.9 PPG)</strong> and a strong presence on the boards in <strong>Javon Peterson (5.8 RPG)</strong>. If Pittman can take over offensively, Seminole could push University to the limit.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->