FHSAA Final 4 Class 5A Recap

Pembroke Pines Charter captured its second state championship in the past three seasons with a hard-fought 52–48 victory over Fleming Island. Despite strong support from the local crowd backing Fleming Island, the Jaguars and head coach Dave Roca remained poised down the stretch to secure the Class 5A title. Here is a look at some of the standout performers from the Class 5A Final Four.    The Jaguars' big man capped off an excellent senior season with a dominant performance in Jacksonville, pulling down 15 rebounds in the semifinals and scoring 19 points in the championship game. The senior possesses outstanding length, good touch around the rim, and above-average athleticism for the frontcourt. He consistently impacts the game defensively, altering shots in the lane while controlling the glass at both ends of the floor. With his size, mobility, and ability to protect the rim and rebound, scholarship-level programs searching for a frontcourt prospect this spring should take a close look.     The leader of the offense for head coach Dave Roca, Dawson turned in two strong performances in Jacksonville and appears poised to attract Division I scholarship offers this offseason. The junior point guard has the versatility to score or distribute, showing the ability to impact the game in multiple ways. He plays with good command of the basketball, consistently making sound decisions and keeping the offense organized. Dawson also brings toughness and competitiveness to the position, traits that help set the tone for his team on both ends of the floor.     Walcott enjoyed a breakout junior season and continued that momentum with two strong performances in Jacksonville, averaging 12.5 points over the two games. The wing has good positional size and the ability to stretch the floor with his perimeter shooting. He also showed the ability to attack closeouts and finish effectively at the rim. With his combination of size, shot-making ability, and improving offensive confidence, Walcott is a developing prospect whose trajectory is clearly trending upward.     The highest-ranked prospect in the 5A matchups, Crawford showcased his versatility and increased assertiveness on the offensive end throughout the weekend. The junior scored 20 points in both games, demonstrating his ability to produce consistently against quality competition. He scored at all three levels and used his size and length to create mismatches offensively. Crawford also made an impact on the defensive end, using his length and athleticism to disrupt plays and contribute on that side of the floor as well.     The Jesuit wing was outstanding in Wednesday's loss to Fleming Island, delivering a strong all-around offensive performance. Caouette showed his versatility by scoring at all three levels and consistently putting pressure on the defense. He used his size and strength effectively to attack the rim while also demonstrating the ability to knock down perimeter shots. With his combination of physical tools, scoring ability, and competitiveness, Caouette further solidified himself as a legitimate college prospect in the 2026 class.     An undervalued unsigned senior, Turner delivered a strong performance in the semifinal matchup against Tampa Jesuit, finishing with 19 points. He possesses good positional size and showed the ability to score in timely moments when his team needed it most. Turner also stands out on the defensive end, where his length and effort make him a very effective defender. With his combination of size, scoring ability, and defensive presence, he projects as a college-level prospect in the 2026 class.     The unsigned senior scored 17 points in a lopsided loss to Pembroke Pines Charter and was one of the bright spots for his team offensively. Moore is a good athlete who does his best work attacking the rim and putting pressure on the defense. He also has the tools to make an impact on the defensive end with his athleticism and effort. A college football prospect as well, Moore has the physical ability and competitive mindset to find a home at the collegiate level in the coming months.     The junior guard is a hard-playing, tough, and skilled backcourt prospect who can be effective both with and without the ball in his hands. He brings a competitive edge to the floor and consistently looks to attack offensively. Vardakis has the ability to get downhill and finish at the rim, showing creativity and body control when navigating traffic in the paint. He is also a capable perimeter shooter who can knock down open looks when defenses collapse.

Pembroke Pines Charter captured its second state championship in the past three seasons with a hard-fought 52–48 victory over Fleming Island. Despite strong support from the local crowd backing Fleming Island, the Jaguars and head coach Dave Roca remained poised down the stretch to secure the Class 5A title. Here is a look at some of the standout performers from the Class 5A Final Four.