With colleges now in spring and high schools joining over the next two months, this is the time of year when every prospect is being watched.
Whether it’s at a camp, combine or various 7-on-7 events, athletes throughout Miami-Dade and Broward Counties are being looked at by high school coaches, recruiting websites, fans and media, who are forming an opinion on football talent.
You never know who is watching and judging. With the social media age that we live in, all it takes is a big catch, a one-handed interception or a key block or move during 5-vs-5 line competition for an athlete to find their video or photo online for all to see.
As the Class of 2027 rising seniors are directly in the spotlight, but there is also plenty of room for underclassmen to showcase their many skills.
Because we have the honor of attending so many live events – in the off season – we get the chance to see so many prospects do their thing. While not all of it is in full football gear, much of the events held in January, February, March and into April are geared to shine a spotlight on the athleticism these young men bring to the table.
Today, we bring you five talented Class of 2028 rising juniors. Many have already been recognized for what they have accomplished – while others are still out there proving themselves.
Antron Branch, Athlete, 5’10, 170, Hollywood McArthur – 3.7 GPA. Comes over from Pembroke Pines Flanagan where he led the Falcons in receiving and touchdowns during his sophomore season. This is a big-time talent who runs well and has a chance to be among the best in south Florida this season. Whether lining up on the outside or in the slot, this is someone you need to account for on every play.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26401863/Antron-Branch
Cordell Gibson, RB/LB, 5’9, 185, Miami Florida Christian – 3.5 GPA. When we talked about this electric athlete this past season, we spoke about his versatility and how he sparked his team from both sides of the ball. Over 1,000 yards total and eight touchdowns on the offensive side of the ball. Defensively, he was always around the ball, making big play after big play. Solid football player!
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20199535/Cordell-Gibson
Daniel Morgan, DB, 5’9, 163, Pompano Beach Blanche Ely – 3.7 GPA. Every year you have a football talent that will do anything and everything it takes to put themselves on the radar screen. From being one of the top players at the Prep Redzone Florida Showcase in Orlando to making sure that he took part in several off-season events, this quick and athletic talent will always be among the best prospects on any field. He not only gets done one the football field, but in the classroom, he will give colleges and additional options to bring him in. The total package.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26993092/Daniel-Morgan
Ky-Mani Pierre, LB/Edge, 6’3, 210, Miami Killian. Talk about one of the prospects who came into this off season as an under-the-radar talent. Look back at his sophomore season - from the regular season all the way to the last game in the state playoffs this is a gifted young man who will continue to emerge over the next few months, and by the time the season starts, he will be known by many. Started his career at Everglades Prep.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22459120/69024e26206aefcac22908f7
Armani Strong, WR, 6’1, 180, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna. When you think of this program, the receiver position is certainly the first that comes to mind, and here is a prospect that comes from Miami Norland with plenty of talent, speed and experience. With the arsenal of players that the Lions bring back along with players like this, you can guarantee that he will get the chance to showcase his skills this off season and into the 2026 season.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/24638961/Armani-Strong
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
For the past 56 years, we have spent more time on football fields than anyone in the country. From games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, we get to as many events as possible to see the athletes LIVE. Follow us on Facebook (Larry Blustein), Instagram (OurBoyBlu) and Twitter (@PrepRedzoneFL). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
By Dave Brousseau
JACKSONVILLE – While Miami-Dade County boys & girls were turning heads once again at the University of North Florida this past weekend, it was also time for the #954 to show basketball fans across the state of Florida and beyond what they bring to the table as well.
Broward County brought home two boy’s and one girl’s title of the four schools who headed north.
ST. THOMAS AQUINAS GIRLS WIN 6A STATE TITLE, BEATING PALM BAY BAYSIDE.
The start of the 2025-26 high school girls’ basketball season wasn’t particularly kind to St. Thomas Aquinas.
They opened the 2025-26 schedule at 12-6, while struggling through injuries
Winners of 11 of their last 12 games, the Raiders won 10 of those games by no fewer than 23 points
Led by sophomores London Thomas and Catalina LaFreniere, who together combined for 35 points, head coach Emily Williams and St. Thomas Aquinas defeated Bayside 65-22 to win the FHSAA Class 6A state title.
So convincing was the lopsided victory, the Raiders led by as many as 45 points late in the third quarter. In their two state tournament games they outscored their opponents by 66 points.
Most rewarding, other than the accomplishment than the state title, Aquinas became the second BCAA girls’ basketball team to win five state championships over six seasons. The Raiders previously won championships from 2021-24.
Dillard was the first to achieve such a feat from 2010-13 and 2015 under coaching great Marcia Pinder.
Ronneisha Thomas added 13 points and Isabella Sangha 10 points and 11 rebounds.
How convincing was this championship run, the Raiders also scored no fewer than 60 points in three regional games, state semifinal and final.
GUISHARD LEADS PEMBROKE PINES CHARTER TO CLASS 5A BOYS STATE TITLE
The Pembroke Pines Charter boys basketball team needed to win one specific part of its Class 5A championship game against Fleming Island.
Led by Robert Guishard’s game-high 21 rebounds and 19 points, the Jaguars capitalized on the team rebound edge 47-29. The result was a hard-fought 52-48 victory, earning Pines Charter it’s third state championship since 2021.
Though the score was close throughout, the Jaguars had the lead for just over 25 minutes.
Head Coach Dave Roca and Pines Charter (22-6) led 33-31 entering the final quarter but never trailed at any point in the final quarter, despite Fleming Island closing within 48-47 with 37 seconds left in regulation.
Made free throws through the final seconds determined the result.
Zacuras Dawson added 12 points and Alex Vardakis 11 points for Pines Charter, who finished the season on a seven-game winning streak
Fleming Island finished their season at 23-9
ST. THOMAS AQUINAS BOYS DEFEAT ORLAND EVANS FOR SECOND STRAIGHT 6A STATE TITLE
For the first time in the history of St. Thomas Aquinas athletics, the boys’ basketball program can now call itself a state champion in consecutive seasons.
After a miraculous come from behind fourth quarter rally that led the Raiders to their first state title since 2001, there was no doubt on the outcome on Saturday.
Led by leading scorer Clarence Westbrook Jr.’s 21 points, Aquinas rolled to a 67-51 victory over Orlando Evans on Saturday at the University of North Florida.
Aquinas joined a list of BCAA boys basketball teams that have won back-to-back state championships. That includes Blanche Ely, Dillard and Stranahan.
Trailing 14-5 after the first quarter, the Raiders showed what they’ve been made of this season by playing consistent, dominating basketball. They outscored Evans 26-6 in the second quarter and never trailed again.
St. Thomas shot 47-percent from the floor in the second quarter, while the Raiders defense which was key all season, held Evans to 16.7 shooting percentage. Aquinas never relented their 31-20 halftime lead.
Aquinas (28-4) ended their championship season on a 12-game winning streak, their longest of the season, with all but one of those victories by double-digits.
As usual balanced scoring played an important role.
Asides from Westbrook’s big game, Kellson Sandi had 16 points, while Zane Elliott and Drake Sandi each had 10 points.
BLANCHE ELY’S GIRLS FALL SHORT IN 5A TITLE GAME
The opportunity to win the Class 5A girls state basketball championship was within striking distance for Pompano Beach Blanche Ely.
Holding a three-point lead with 1:53 left in regulation, the Tigers were poised to earn their fourth title in school history and first since earning the 6A championship in 2020.
Unfortunately, a layup by Janiya Dennis would by the team’s final points as Pensacola Booker T. Washington scored the final five points to earn a 56-54 victory.
Ely struggled down the stretch with a pair of turnovers and the team’s lone missed shot by Isyss Mims with 46 seconds left in regulation.
The Tigers led by as much as eight points in the third quarter.
Mims finished with a team-high 17 points, while Teriyah McFadden added 14 points.
Dave Brousseau is a veteran journalist who worked at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and is a longtime BCAA Correspondent. Need to reach out to him? Contact him at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Monday, March 16th South Florida High School Sports Radio Show Rewind
One of the most popular radio shows of its kind heads toward the second week of March with another impressive show on Monday night.
Six guests once again filled the two hours as the South Florida High School Sports Show once again presented some interesting topics.
Each week, the FM 104.3 WQAM radio program attracts the newsmakers in high school sports, recruiting college sports – not only locally, but throughout the country.
The show gives listeners an opportunity to hear about college football programs statewide from the media that cover them. It also focuses on the coaches who use the state of Florida – Miami-Dade and Broward Counties in particular.
The program, which has run for nearly two decades and has been recognized nationally as one of the best of its kind, has become a popular listen for recruiting fans as well as high school sports purists, focusing on high sports and the newsmakers.
Here is a look at the way Monday night went:
Willow White is a two-time state wrestling champion from South Dade Senior High School. What this senior brings to the table is more than what she does on the wrestling mat. She talked about her future and what lies ahead for girls’ wrestling in the state of Florida.
WILLOW WHITE ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/willow-white-south-dade-wrestling-b2697
When Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas girls won a state basketball title over the weekend, it was the Lady Raiders’ fifth overall championship. Head Coach Emily Williams talked about her team and what led to the convincing title.
EMILY WILLIAMS ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/st-thomas-aquinas-girls-basketball-head-coach-emily-williams-52526
Next Monday will be Pro Day for football players who are headed to the next level at the University of Miami. The following day, the national runner up Hurricanes will start spring practice as they start to prepare for the 2026 season. Nobody follows this program year-round like Geo Millian and he stopped by to talk about what’s ahead the next month in Coral Gables.
GEO MILLIAN ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/geo-millian-university-of-miami-football-reporter-12a30
Over the past decade, Joe Blasucci has been one of the faces of wrestling in the state of Florida. As the head coach at Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy, he has guided teams and individuals to numerous state titles. Coming off a second-place finish in Class 2A, he talked about the team and the sport.
JOE BLASUCCI ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/pembroke-pines-somerset-academy-wrestling-head-coach-joe-blasucci-a6111
One of the high school programs in Palm Beach County that has not enjoyed success on the football field is Boca Raton’s Spanish River, but things are changing. After winning a district title, head coach Nick LaSala and the Sharks are looking to take things one step further in 2026.
COACH NICK LASALA ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/boca-raton-spanish-river-football-head-coach-nick-lasala-d246f
Over the past three years, Pembroke Pines Charter’s boys’ basketball team has won the state title twice. The most recent was over the weekend and head coach Dave Roca spoke about this program and what lies ahead.
COACH DAVE ROCA ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/pembroke-pines-charter-head-basketball-coach-dave-roca-c8b91
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
For the past 55 years, we have spent more time on football fields than anyone in the country. From games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, we get to as many events as possible to see the athletes LIVE. Follow us on Facebook (Larry Blustein), Instagram (OurBoyBlu) and Twitter (@PrepRedzoneFL).
Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
As many Miami-Dade and Broward County football prospects in the Class of 2027 are getting more than their share of the spotlight from colleges, universities and recruiting websites nationally, there are so many others who are not receiving that special attention.
This long off-season is giving many of these rising seniors an opportunity to showcase their skills, but with the transfer portal and other obstacles that recruiting is filled with these days, exposure is not easy.
Lets face it. Recruiting websites exist on subscribers who spend money to see the high “star-rated” prospects, so those football players who are not deemed as elite are really not getting the attention they deserve, and that is where we come in.
Promoting and evaluating football talent for six decades, you understand that every prospect that you are watching has a goal of playing at the next level – even if they have to pay some money to accomplish that goal.
From the beginning, we have made sure that we not only bring the fans and colleges coaches who follow us the top-flight athletes, but we also expose those student/athletes who are under the radar and are in need of that extra push.
Today, we take a look at many of those rising stars who have not gotten the attention needed in the Class of 2027.
Some of those players include Brandon “Big Baby” Adams (6’6″, 320, OL/DL, American Heritage-Plantation), Anthony Bacon (6’2″, 210, TE/EDGE, Hialeah American), Brendan Beery (6’3″, 206, QB, Miami Gulliver Prep), Christian Black (5’6”, 142, Miami Springs), Santana Blount (5’9″, 155, WR, Miami Carol City), Joey Bollo (6’2″, 240, EDGE, St. Thomas Aquinas), Rubin Ceasar III (6’4″, 220, EDGE/TE, Plantation American Heritage), Tyler Chance (6’1″, 170, QB, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons), Tarri Cochran (6’0″, 165, DB/WR, Miramar) and Cody Conness (6’0″, 165, QB, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas).
The 2027 class also boasts talent like Malik Denson (5’10”, 175, WR/DB, Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy), Meikhi “Tank” Desolomme (5’8″, 170, RB/LB, Deerfield Beach), Jordan Diaz (5’9″, 190, LB, Miami Immaculata LaSalle), Nick Dyer (5’11”, 185, QB, Cooper City), Danard Frazier (6’1″, 290, OL, Miami Carol City), Devon Germeille (6’4″, 190, LB/EDGE, Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson), D’Aniko Hunt (5’9″, 178, LB, Miami Carol City), Jahsai Juste (5’8″, 155, DB/WR, Pembroke Pines Charter), Shavis Linder Jr. (6’3″, 200, WR, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas) and Edan Richardson (6’4″, 260, EDGE, Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian Academy).
There are also players to watch like “Big” Ronald Riley (6’4″, 315, OL, Miami True North Classical Academy), Rafael Salvatierra IV (5’9″, 155, WR/Athlete, Palmer Trinity), Marquis “Juk” Siggers (5’9″, WR, Miami Norland), Johnathan Simeon (5’8″, 180, Athlete, Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy), Oscar Sola Jr. (5’10”, 200, RB/LB, Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy), Freddie Smith (5’11”, 250, DL, Fort Lauderdale), Jason Smith II (6’3″, 255, DL, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Albert Stevenson (6’2″, 215, LB/EDGE, Miami Southridge) and newcomer Jackson Stroud (6’5″, 195, QB, Hollywood McArthur).
Rounding out this look of rising seniors to keep an eye on this spring and summer are Nolex St. Victor (5’11”, 195, Athlete, Coconut Creek), Joshua Sylvain (6’3″, 180, WR, Pembroke Pines Charter), Brandon Tammara (5’9″, 225, OL, Cooper City), Kohl Thomas (6’0″, 190, LB/EDGE, Miramar), Mylo-Elijah Tshinkola (6’4″, 280, OL/EDGE, Coral Gables), Liam Vazquez (5’10”, 170, DL/LB, Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy), Anthony Williams (5’6″, 150, Athlete/WR, Coconut Creek Monarch), Rah’Saan Williams (6’1″, 245, DL, Barbara Goleman), Kendrick Williams (6’1″, 170, DB, Miami Killian), and Terrance Williams III (5’9″, 165, RB/WR, Cardinal Gibbons).
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
For the past 56 years, we have spent more time on football fields than anyone in the country. From games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, we get to as many events as possible to see the athletes LIVE. Follow us on Facebook (Larry Blustein), Instagram (OurBoyBlu) and Twitter (@PrepRedzoneFL). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
By Dave Brousseau
After south Florida came back with girls’ and boys’ basketball state titles during the first week of the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Championships last week at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, Broward County Athletic Association (BCAA) schools are back at it again this weekend.
Playing over five hours from home, four area schools are taking advantage of talent and great coaching, moving into the finals.
SANGHA LEADS ST. THOMAS AQUINAS TO GIRLS’ CLASS 6A TITLE GAME
Senior center Isabella Sangha and Notre Dame signee has played an important role for the St. Thomas Aquinas girls basketball team this season.
Thursday in the Class 6A state semifinal game against George Steinbrenner High, she was completely dominant with a team high of 19 points and season-high 20 rebounds in leading the Raiders to a 69-46 victory at the University of North Florida.
The victory advances the Raiders (21-8) to the state championships against Bayside (23-8) on Saturday at 2:30.
Aquinas are seeking to win their fifth state title over the past six seasons.
Leading by three points after the first quarter, Aquinas dominated the middle two quarters 37-21.
A balanced offensive was key to the Raiders’ performance.
Ronniesha Thomas scored 16 points, while Catalina LaFreniere added 11 points, while London Thomas and Tyla Mori each had 10 points.
POMPANO BEACH BLANCHE ELY GIRLS ADVANCE TO CLASS 5A TITLE.
Defense has played a major role in leading the Blanche Ely girls’ basketball team to the Class 5A state tournament at the University of North Florida.
More of the same helped the Tigers pummel St. Petersburg 58-38 in their semifinal game on Wednesday.
The Tigers (21-5) advanced to Friday’s state championship, where they will face Booker T. Washington at 5:30 p.m. They are seeking to win their fourth state title and first since 2020.
All nine players that stepped on the court were able to score for Ely. Sariyah Sabb had 13 points, while Aniyah Gooden and Isyss Mims each had 10 points.
The Tigers defense recorded 21 steals, forced 32 turnovers and had 46-30 rebound advantage
ST. THOMAS AQUINAS BOYS MOVE A STEP CLOSER TO WINNING BACK-TO-BACK TITLES
The St. Thomas Aquinas boys’ basketball team is in position to add to their 2026 state championship run.
After Thursday’s convincing 73-27 victory over Tampa Sickles at the University of North Florida in a Class 6A state semifinal, the Raiders put themselves in position to win back-to-back titles for the first time in school history.
Aquinas (27-4) will face Orlando Evans (23-7) at noon on Saturday at the University of Florida. The Raiders enter the title game on an 11-game winning streak.
The 27 points allowed on Thursday was the fewest since holding American Heritage to 19 against in the 2025-26 season opener.
The Raiders were led by Nate Accius’s 26 points, while team leading scorer Clarence Westbrook Jr. added 18 points.
PEMBROKE PINES CHARTER BOYS TO PLAY FOR A 5A STATE TITLE.
Anthony Walcott and Zacuras Dawson combined for 33 points and 13 rebound to lead Pembroke Pines Charter to a 65-32 victory over Lecanto in a boys Class 5A state semifinal game on Wednesday at the University of North Florida.
The Jaguars (21-6) will face Fleming Island (23-8) for the state title on Friday at 8 p.m. Pines Charter is on the verge of winning their third state championship since 2021.
Trailing 9-8 after the opening quarter, the Jaguars put the game away out scoring Lecanto 27-8 in the second quarter.
The 32 points allowed was the fewest allowed in the three seasons where Pines Charter advanced to a title game.
Adam Star added 11 points, while Robert Guishard pulled down 15 rebounds.
Dave Brousseau is a veteran journalist who worked at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and is a longtime BCAA Correspondent. Need to reach out to him? Contact him at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.