FHSAA Class 5A Final Four Preview: Impact Prospects to Know

With the Class 6A state semifinals set, four programs are now just one win away from playing for a state championship in Jacksonville. Each roster brings a different style to the floor and several prospects have been key to getting their teams this far.    Pembroke Pines Charter   Pembroke Pines Charter (20-6) returns to the state stage looking to add another title to an already successful run over the past several seasons. The Jaguars have been playing some of their best basketball late in the year, leaning on a balanced lineup that can score and defend.   [player_tooltip player_id='2294543' first='Anthony' last='Walcott'] | CG | 2027 | Pembroke Pines | @AnthonyWalco11   Walcott continues to develop into one of the more intriguing perimeter prospects in the 2027 class. The long, versatile guard has the size to play multiple spots on the wing and has become increasingly comfortable creating offense both for himself and others. He's capable of knocking down perimeter shots but is just as effective attacking gaps and getting into the paint. When he's active defensively and pushing the tempo in transition, he gives the Jaguars a different level of energy.   [player_tooltip player_id='2194849' first='Zacuras' last='Dawson'] | G | 2027 | Pembroke Pines   Dawson brings a steady scoring punch to the backcourt. He's a confident guard who can create off the dribble and apply pressure on defenses by consistently getting downhill. His ability to mix perimeter shooting with aggressive drives makes him difficult to guard over the course of a game.    [player_tooltip player_id='2802086' first='Robert' last='Guishard'] | C | 2025 | Pembroke Pines   The senior big man has quietly been a major factor in the Jaguars' frontcourt. At around 6-8 with good length, he provides interior presence on both ends of the floor. Offensively, he finishes efficiently around the basket and runs the floor well in transition. His ability to contest shots and control the glass gives Pembroke Pines valuable rim protection. His activity inside often sets the tone physically.   Lecanto   Lecanto (24-6) enters the semifinal round with one of the more productive offenses in the classification. The Panthers' success has largely been fueled by a dynamic backcourt duo that has carried the scoring load throughout the season.   [player_tooltip player_id='2420848' first='Braylen' last='Moore'] | G | 2026 | Lecanto | @Braaylenn   Moore has been the engine behind Lecanto's offense and one of the most productive scorers in program history. The 6-foot-2 guard thrives when attacking downhill, using his burst and body control to finish through defenders. Whether in transition or the half court, Moore's ability to create off the dribble keeps defenses constantly on edge. His experience and scoring instincts make him a tough matchup in a high-stakes setting.   [player_tooltip player_id='1770030' first='JT' last='Tipton'] | G | 2026 | Lecanto | @jttipton10   Tipton has been another major piece of Lecanto's offensive success, averaging over 23 points per game this season. He's a confident perimeter shooter who can stretch defenses from deep, but also shows good awareness as a playmaker when help defenders collapse. Tipton plays with composure and has been reliable late in games, giving the Panthers a dependable scoring option alongside Moore.   Key Names: Noah Meyer, Tristan Loreth   Both have provided important depth and timely contributions during the Panthers' postseason run.   Jesuit   Jesuit (24-6) returns to the state semifinals for the first time since 2021 with a roster built around experienced guard play and an emerging group of underclassmen. The Tigers have relied on discipline, defensive effort, and timely contributions from multiple players throughout the postseason.   [player_tooltip player_id='1633136' first='Tyler' last='Caouette'] | G | 2026 | Jesuit | @TylerCaouette1   Caouette gives Jesuit valuable size and versatility in the backcourt. He can space the floor with his perimeter shooting but also contributes across the stat sheet with rebounding and playmaking. His ability to make the right read within the offense has been key to keeping the Tigers' attack balanced.   Damien Ross | G | 2026 | Jesuit | @damienross   Ross brings a physical, defensive-minded approach to the backcourt. He regularly takes on tough assignments and competes hard on that end of the floor. Offensively, he plays under control and helps keep the ball moving, rarely forcing bad shots. His all-around effort and leadership have helped stabilize the Tigers in tight moments.   Mike McLendon | G | 2028 | Jesuit | @MikeMcLendon28   McLendon has emerged as one of the more disruptive defenders on the roster. His quick hands and anticipation create turnovers, and he's capable of turning those opportunities into transition points. Offensively, he's shown the ability to finish at the rim and knock down open threes when defenses leave him space.   John Arroyo Jr. | G | 2028 | Jesuit | @JohnArroyoJr   Arroyo has stepped into a larger role late in the season and continues to make timely plays. The young guard showed poise in the regional round with a strong fourth-quarter performance, highlighting his ability to handle pressure moments despite his youth.   Deandre Taylor | W | 2028 | Jesuit | @dretay2028   Taylor has been an impactful piece during the Tigers' postseason push. His length and athleticism allow him to contribute in several ways — scoring inside, rebounding, and protecting the rim. When he's active defensively and finishing around the basket, he provides an important boost to Jesuit's lineup.   Fleming Island   Fleming Island (22-8) enters the Final Four looking to make history for the program. Under veteran head coach Travis Chandler, the Golden Eagles are two wins away from capturing the first state championship in school history. Their run has been powered by versatile scoring and a roster that can match up physically with most teams in the field.   [player_tooltip player_id='2397027' first='Carson' last='Crawford'] | G/F | 2027 | Fleming Island | @crsncrwd12   Crawford has steadily developed into one of the more intriguing two-way wings in the 2027 class. At his best, he's attacking the basket aggressively, using his athleticism to finish in traffic or above the rim. His length also allows him to guard multiple positions and impact the game defensively. With his motor and versatility, Crawford often sets the tone for Fleming Island on both ends of the floor.

With the Class 6A state semifinals set, four programs are now just one win away from playing for a state championship in Jacksonville. Each roster brings a different style to the floor and several prospects have been key to getting their teams this far.