News Summary
As the excitement builds for the upcoming 2025-2026 Florida high school boys basketball season, the Top 25 rankings reveal strong contenders, including defending champs Explorers and Class 3A champions Calvary Christian Academy. Teams like IMG Academy, Montverde Academy, and DME Academy are also making headlines with fresh strategies and rising talents. With promising squads preparing for spirited competition, fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming season’s thrilling match-ups.
Exciting Sneak Peek: Top Teams in Florida High School Boys Basketball for 2025-2026 Season
As we bask in the afterglow of the thrilling concluding moments of the 2024-2025 high school basketball season in Florida, basketball enthusiasts are already buzzing with excitement for what’s to come. We’ve got an exclusive early look at the Top 25 boys basketball rankings for the upcoming 2025-2026 season that’ll keep fans on their toes!
The Explorers: Defending Champs on Top
Leading the pack into the new season are none other than the Explorers, the four-time defending state champions who recently celebrated their victory as first-time Chipotle Nationals Champions. With a rich tapestry of accolades behind them, they reflect the pinnacle of success in high school basketball. Following the departure of Andrew Moran to the University of Miami on April 11, former assistant coach Jorge Milo has stepped up to take the lead as head coach. Excitement surrounds the team as they prepare to chase yet another title!
Calvary Christian Academy: Eagles Soar High
On the heels of the Explorers comes the Calvary Christian Academy Eagles, the reigning Class 3A state champions. With key players like the 6’5 guard KJ Francis and the 6’0 guard Cayden Daughtry returning, they’re set to give rivals a run for their money as they charge into the new season.
IMG Academy: Ready to Prove Themselves
Also on the radar are the IMG Academy Ascenders, who made it to the Play-in Bracket at the Chipotle Nationals last season. Ending their campaign as the 8-seed following a close loss to Wasatch Academy from Utah, they’ve undoubtedly learned valuable lessons that should propel them higher this year.
Montverde Academy: Coaching Changes Ahead
In a noteworthy shift, Montverde Academy has welcomed former Gonzaga (D.C.) head coach Steve Turner. The program is moving forward after Kevin Boyle’s departure for SPIRE Academy (Ohio) at the end of March. Fans can expect fresh strategies as they look to make a mark in the 2025-2026 season.
DME Academy: Spotlight on Talented Backcourt
Looking towards DME Academy, the team is poised to have a strong presence with a talented backcourt that includes combo guard Amari “AJ” Cummings (6’4) and point guard Nathan Kirk (6’1). Their skills and synergy could surprise some teams in the coming season.
Riviera Prep: Aiming for Fourth Championship
Riviera Prep Bulldogs are not to be overlooked either. Having recently faced defeat in the Class 3A Championship Game against Calvary Christian Academy, they are determined to secure a fourth consecutive state championship. With four starters returning, including talented guards Aaron Britt Jr. and Jared Thompson, they are eager to bounce back stronger.
West Oaks Academy: Aiming for SIAA Championship
The West Oaks Academy is also in the spotlight, being seen as early favorites for the Sunshine Independent Athletic Association (SIAA) Championship. They boast a towering 7’0 center, Marcis Ponder, who has caught the attention of college scouts with offers from Sacramento State and Tennessee.
Future Stars: Keeping an Eye on Rising Talent
It’s important to keep a close eye on teams like the Mighty Dragons, who clinched the Class 4A Championship with a nail-biting last-second victory. Stars like 6’9 center Isaiah Brown and 5’10 guard Damari Foster are expected to shine bright next season.
Across the board, high school teams in Florida are gearing up for an electrifying season ahead, filled with spirited competition and promising match-ups. With every bounce of the basketball, they’re writing stories that fans will follow closely. Make sure to keep an eye on these teams and the rising talent that will shape the exciting landscape of Florida high school basketball for 2025-2026!
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Additional Resources
- SI: Florida High School Top 25 Rankings
- Wikipedia: Basketball
- Florida Gators: 2025-2026 Class Welcome
- Google Search: Florida High School Basketball
- SI: Garrett Ruppell Coaching Change
- Google Scholar: High School Basketball
- Jacksonville: FHSAA Classifications 2025
- Encyclopedia Britannica: High School Sports
- SI: Terry Posey Retirement
- Google News: Florida High School Basketball News