Regional Semifinals: North Florida Matchups to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the 2025-26 high school basketball season wraps up across North Florida, a handful of area programs have punched their tickets into the regional semifinals with strong resumes and emerging stars.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class 5A</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Fleming Island (20-8) vs Booker T. Washington (21-5)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fleming Island enters this regional semifinal with momentum after winning the District 3 title and finishing strong in a competitive 5A bracket. Led by versatile wing [player_tooltip player_id='2397027' first='Carson' last='Crawford'], the Golden Eagles have balanced scoring and size and demonstrated the ability to control games inside and out. Booker T. Washington, a deep and physical squad from Pensacola, counters with [player_tooltip player_id='2908937' first='Keylon' last='Williams'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2194579' first='Jaden' last='Clardy'], whose scoring and leadership have kept the Wildcats among the state's top 5A teams. Expect this matchup to be physical with runs on both ends deciding the outcome.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ponte Vedra (20-7) vs Columbia (16-11)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ponte Vedra brings its balanced attack and strong half-court execution into the regional semis after cruising through district play. [player_tooltip player_id='1633068' first='Maddox' last='Palmer'] has been a consistent go-to scorer and facilitator for the Sharks, who have shown they can win tight games down the stretch. Columbia enters as the underdog but has battled all season and won big games to make the state tournament, led by Shaheed White, whose ability to attack closeouts and contribute across the stat sheet makes Columbia dangerous if they can control tempo.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class 4A</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bishop Kenny (24-3) vs Pensacola (18-9)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bishop Kenny's 24-3 record reflects a program with strong guard play, disciplined defense, and veteran leadership from multiple contributors. Pensacola, known for its physicality and rebounding presence, has pushed top opponents throughout the season. This game could come down to execution in half-court sets and limiting second-chance points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Godby (19-6) vs Fort Walton Beach (21-7)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Godby has been one of Tallahassee's toughest squads all season, led by senior scoring punch and workmanlike defensive effort. Fort Walton Beach enters with veteran wings and a seasoned frontcourt that can crash the glass. Both teams have shown resilience in close games — whoever controls early momentum will likely advance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>North Marion (22-3) vs Eastside (16-8)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>North Marion's 22-3 slate speaks to consistency and depth, with multiple scorers capable of lighting it up in key moments. Eastside, while the lower seed, has played gritty basketball and can flip strings with defensive intensity. Watch for three-point shooting and transition defense to shape this matchup.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class 3A</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Andrew Jackson (26-1) vs Bradford (18-5)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Andrew Jackson returns as a regional powerhouse with a near-perfect record and balanced scoring from guards and forwards alike. The Tigers' size and execution in late-game situations have helped them dominate through the early rounds. Bradford enters as a strong competitor with enough firepower to make this competitive, but the depth and experience of Andrew Jackson may be the difference in a tightly contested affair.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->