Program Power Rankings: Bartow Shootout Edition

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>1. <strong>Orlando Jones</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jones was locked in from the jump and didn't drop a game all weekend. They play with edge, energy, and discipline — and they do it consistently. Whether it was transition buckets, pressure defense, or timely threes, Jones controlled games. They're looking like a top-tier squad in Central Florida.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2. <strong>Windermere</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another team that showed maturity and poise throughout the weekend. They played well not only at Bartow but also recently at The Villages, showing this isn't a fluke. Ball movement, depth, and a system that works — Windermere looks like a group that will be a problem once the season rolls in. Big stock riser here.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>3. <strong>Edgewater</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2396983' first='Julian' last='Fox'] is the real deal and showed it all weekend long, but this team is far from a one-man show. They defend, shoot it well, and play with a clear purpose. If they can add one more impact piece to the rotation, they'll be on a deep playoff path. Edgewater came in under the radar and left looking like contenders.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>4. <strong>Santa Fe Catholic&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coach Mike Blicher has a well-coached, high-IQ squad that plays with grit and purpose. [player_tooltip player_id='1633082' first='Toby' last='Lane'] is the floor general, and they've got a mix of length, shooting, and toughness behind him. The Hawks don't beat themselves and make every possession matter. They're a sneaky team that could upset bigger names come playoff time.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>5. <strong>Port Charlotte</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This group plays with physicality and toughness in the paint. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1633096' first='Mikael' last='Santa'] </strong>is a load to handle down low, while <strong>Dallas Lambart</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2125500' first='Marcus' last='Nestor']</strong> gives them versatility on both sides. They crash the glass, play hard, and don't shy away from contact. Port Charlotte showed they're built to compete with any style.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>6. <strong>Victory Christian</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Even missing 3-4 key players, they came to battle and nearly pulled off a couple big wins. 2027 G<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='2125502' first='Miles' last='Morrell'] </strong>hit a game-winning three and looked like the heartbeat of this team. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2299674' first='Thok' last='Gol'] </strong>is coming into his own — more polished than ever — and the young core gained valuable reps. With a full lineup, this group could go on a tear.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>7. <strong>Bartow</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The host team continues to build a foundation under Coach Terrence McGriff. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2527379' first='James' last='Ratteree']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2804162' first='Derwyn' last='Link']</strong>, and <strong>Jah‘mir Wallace</strong> form a special 2028 combo that is already making noise. There's some inexperience, but the talent and coaching are there. With more reps and chemistry, this group could become a major threat by midseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8. <strong>Tampa Catholic</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This team has talent at all five spots but needs to find its identity. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1660037' first='Willie' last='Piggot Jr.'] </strong>thrives in the open floor, while <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2125507' first='Skoot' last='Donald']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2396992' first='Neomar' last='Flores'] </strong>bring perimeter flash and toughness. It's a matter of putting the puzzle together — the pieces are there. If they gel, they could become one of the more dangerous teams in Tampa.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>9. <strong>Gibbs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2610249' first='Oneal' last='Delancy'] </strong>put on a show and hit one of the biggest shots of the weekend with a game-winning and-one three. He's explosive and fearless, and everything runs through him. That said, the supporting cast will need to rise if Gibbs wants to make noise in big games. With a couple more scorers or defenders stepping up, this team's ceiling gets a lot higher.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>10. <strong>Auburndale</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This program always plays tough and with pride, and they've got some talent on this year's roster. <strong>Jaden Lindsay </strong>looked like a go-to scorer and <strong>Aiden Curry</strong> showed flashes as a floor general. But for this group to take the next step, they'll need more consistency on both ends. Still, they have enough to make noise if it clicks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>11. <strong>Newsome</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They've got some underclassmen with potential in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2896356' first='Johnny' last='Lazaridis']</strong> and <strong>Max Urbanek</strong>. Both have size and skill — they just need to stay engaged and aggressive. This group plays hard and shares the ball well, but it's clear they need someone to take the reins. If a star emerges, this team could turn heads later this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->