By Dave Brousseau
FORT LAUDERDALE – Miramar junior guard Michael Daniel had the opportunity to help his team reverse the outcome of a possible defeat as Cardinal Gibbons grabbed a one-point lead with 15.4 seconds left in regulation.
As time evaporated in the boys BCAA Big 8 quarterfinal at Fort Lauderdale High, the Patriots victory was at the mercy of Daniel’s deciding shot.
His game-deciding lay-up with 2.1 seconds left in regulation proved to be the game winner in the 62-61 victory.
“I’m not going to lie, but I knew my shot was going to go in,” said Daniel. “I’ve been here before as I was built for clutch moments. We practice for this.”
The Patriots (16-7), a two-time winner at the Big 8 Tournament, advances to the semifinals against the winner of the Pembroke Pines Charter-Stranahan game on Friday at 5:30.
“Getting back to this moment is big,” said Miramar coach Tremaine Stevens. “I told the kids when I came back, we’d be playing big time basketball. Nothing bigger than playing in the Big 8.”
The Patriots’ balanced scoring was led by Daniel, Jayson Negin and Alan Charles who each had 14 points. Martell Smith added 12 points.
Gibbons (19-5) was led by Justus Dylan-Herbert with 19 points and A.J. Ambrose with 16 points.
Junior guard Clarence Westbrook Jr. had a game-high 30 points to lead St. Thomas Aquinas to a comfortable 70-53 victory over Boyd Anderson.
“We need to stay aggressive even through our mistakes,” said Westbrook. “We need to believe in ourselves. We’ve been here before. We’ve won this tournament before and we’re here to prove we can do it again.”
It was the Raiders (19-4) seventh consecutive victory over the Cobras (14-8) dating back to December of 2021.
Junior guard Kellson Sandi added 14 of his 18 points in the second half to help secure a 31-22 first half lead.
Senior forward Niteno Pierre led the Cobras with 12 points. Hatem Chehade and Romondy Sainvri each added 10 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.
By Dave Brousseau
FORT LAUDERDALE – At no point during the first two games of the 29th annual BCAA girls Big 8 Basketball Tournament who the victors would be.
It was almost unfair that the St. Thomas Aquinas and Nova High girls won by a combined 81 points over Northeast and Douglas respectively at Fort Lauderdale High during Wednesday’s quarterfinal games.
Aquinas, who are bidding for their eight consecutive Big 8 appearances, was led by senior forward Isabella Sangha’s 22 points in the 76-29 victory over Northeast.
The win was a reversal of last year’s girls Big 8 final when the Hurricanes stunned the Raiders 42-38.
The Raider’s balanced scoring was also led by Catalina LaFreniere (20 points), Tyla Mori (14 points) and London Thomas (14 points).
St. Thomas advances to a semifinal game on Friday against the winner of the Dillard/McArthur winner.
“This was redemption for us after falling short in last year’s championship,” said Thomas. “Our team played well, together and did what we had to do. I think we’re beginning to find things right.”
Aquinas (14-7) trailed 11-7 after the opening quarter and after settling down dropped 27 points in the second quarter for a 34-15 lead at the half.
Sangha scored 10 of her first half 14 points in the quarter.
Senior guard Ta’Niyah Davis led Northeast (11-10) with 14 points.
The Titans (17-4) cruised to a comfortable 68-34 victory over Douglas in their quarterfinal game.
They were led by 23 points from sophomore guard Ke’mora Evans 23 points and 14 points by junior guard Ya’Niyah Young.
Nova is seeking to make its 11th appearance in a Big 8 final, but it is first since defeating Dillard for the Big 8 title championship in 2018.
“We have improved a lot since coming off a couple of losses (Blanche Ely, Grandview Prep),” said Evans. “If we played well defensively and with high energy. Those things wis games.”
The Titans will face the winner of the Blanche Ely/Western winner in a semifinal game on Friday.
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.
Even though they won their district and posted a 6-4 record, advancing to the state playoffs, veteran head coach Earl Sims and his staff felt that Miami Gulliver Prep could have accomplished more.
With some quality talent and impressive leadership, the Raiders lost their opening game in the post season at home against Miami Ransom Everglades in a contest that they had their chances.
While that loss stung, it did serve as a rallying point for this program as the off-season began. It only showed the returning players that if they want to go further, football needed to become a year-round priority.
With conditioning along with camps, combines and 7-on-7 events that will take this program into spring, the returning players realize that the competition in south Florida is something that will make them work harder.
HOW ABOUT THAT RETURNING 2027 CLASS?
When the 2025 season ended and the senior class (2026) got ready to move on, it became the responsibility of the rising senior class (2027) to take a leadership role.
As college coaches are passing through this January, it will be those prospect that will be on the clock – and it will be on their shoulders to display the experience that will be needed when play opens up for real in late August.
Among that rising senior class will be prospects such as Brendan Beery (4.67 GPA, QB, Baseball), versatile Carter Bonilla (4.9 GPA, OLB/DE, Lacrosse), gifted Darriel Cannon (4.0 GPA, RB/FS, Weightlifting), Alejandro Febo (3.4 GPA, K/ LB), Maurice Gage (OLB/SS), Harvel Jackson (QB), Terrence Jones (3.5 GPA, DT/OT), Deandre Leonard (WR/CB), Eli Levi (DT/FB), Easton McCarthy Levy (WR/CB), Max Tabatchnik (OL) and quarterback Jonathan Walker.
TALENTED UNDERCLASSMEN WILL BE CALLED UPON
As the rising senior class will certainly be counted on, so will the younger prospects – such as rising juniors (2028) Nicholas Gonzalez (OL/DL), Kiefer Hug (K/P), Yiannis Kavalekas (3.7 GPA, DE, Basketball), David Melchor (RB/SS), Troy Galembeck-Rohr (LS/ LB), Melvin Screen (WR/CB), Jacarro Smith Jr. (CB/WR) and versatile Jaylen Wilson (RB/LB).
Also, the Raiders will need production from Class of 2029 (rising sophomores) like Gabe Ellis (3.74 GPA, DL/OL), Aydin Hall (3.7 GPA, LB), Mason Maduro (3.8 GPA, OL/DL), Jamarquis Reid (WR/DB), Malachi Sims-Walker (OL/DL) and quarterback Tyler Welty.
GULLIVER PREP RAIDERS
Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace, L 26-21 (OT)
West Palm Beach The King’s Academy, W 14-10
North Palm Beach Benjamin, W 32-27
Key West, L 32-15
Miami Killian, W 34-27
Homestead Somerset Academy, W 33-8
Miami Belen Jesuit, W 26-14
Boca Raton Saint Andrew’s Academy, L 41-6
Miami St. Brendan, W 42-0
Miami Ransom Everglades, L 20-13
PHOTO COURTESY OF KEITH SMILIE - @nexgenscouting
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..
If veteran head football coach Eddie Delgado and his staff found out one thing in 2025, it was getting out of the gate fast could often mean a huge difference.
While they won four of the final five games, it was the 1-3 start that ended up putting them on the road for the opening round of the state playoffs. A game that they would lose to Coconut Creek Monarch.
As the season came to an end, the Firebirds realized that if 2026 was going to be better, the off-season would be essential. With several returning players and some newcomers, becoming a force once again would take that year-round commitment.
While conditioning and attending events during the spring and summer are always the recipe for improvement, this team learned plenty from this past year, and they hope it reflects in August when the new season starts once again.
EXPERIENCE WILL BE KEY IN 2026
With several younger players returning and coming aboard, it will be the veteran prospects that this program will look to for success. There are several rising seniors (2027) who will be counted on.
Among those to keep an eye on will include Jean-Paul Clavel (DE), Julian Cruz (WR), Manuel Espinoza (WR), Gabriel Gonzalez (PK), Sebastian Ibarra (LB), Angel Irizarry (OL), Brenin Kelly (QB), Matthew Lopez (RB), Charles McCorvey (LB), Alonzo Peralta (RB/WR), Dante Pulles (FB/LB), Aiden Rodriguez (CB/WR), Jeancarlos Rodriguez (OL) and defensive end Matthew Vargas.
UNDERCLASSMEN WILL ADD MUCH NEEDED DEPTH
As the rising senior class will certainly be a place that the Firebirds will need for leadership, keep an eye on the younger prospects – such as the rising junior (2028) class that has players such as Tre Cisneros III (RB), Jose Flores (OL), Sebastian Grullon (Athlete), Daniel Hora (OL), Kevin Lopez (Athlete), Jayden Yaques (OL) and outside linebacker Ryan Zaldivar.
Class of 2029 (rising sophomores) will also be counted on. Players like Tre Aguinaga (S), Nicholas Conde (DB), Lazaro Diaz (OL), Nicholas Jimenez (RB/WR), Seth Lopez (DL), Henry Noel (Athlete), Matthew Perez (OL) and defensive tackle Luis Rodriguez will be special. Class of 2030 (rising freshmen) Logan Bour (OL/DL) and Sean Davis (QB) are ready to contribute as well.
DORAL ACADEMY 2025
Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy, L 34-6
Hialeah, L 34-13
Hollywood South Broward, W 21-20
Miami Southridge, L 42-7
Miami Dr. Krop, W 21-14
Homestead, W 20-0
Boca Raton Spanish River, W 37-27
Southwest Miami, W 74-6
Miami Edison, L 40-22
Coconut Creek Monarch, L 39-0
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MIAMI HERALD - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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..
We are well into January and the South Florida High School Sports Radio Show took center stage with six impressive guests on a Monday night.
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 went:
With a new head football coach, the Florida Gators are already making some surprising strides with the transfer portal and high school recruits, Tyler Harden from Swamp247 talked about the talent that first year head coach Jon Sumrall and his staff have to work with.
TYLER HARDEN ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/tyler-harden-recruiting-analyst-for-swamp247-16eb3
After a rough season, the Florida Atlantic University Owls and second-year head coach Zach Kittley have struck gold with returning players coming back, a solid recruiting class and well over 30 transfer portal prospects. Justin Backer from the Palm Beach Post joined the program to talk about 2026.
JUSTIN BACKER ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/justin-backer-fau-football-reporter-for-the-palm-beach-post-8db82
It was just one week ago when the Miami Hurricanes played for the national championship and the buzz is still loud enough for fans to start thinking about the 2026 season – where several key players are coming back along with transfer portal talent and one of the top recruiting classes the school has had at the high school level. Adam Lichtenstein from the South Florida Sun Sentinel talked about this program, heading into the spring.
ADAM LICHTENSTEIN ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/adam-lichtenstein-miami-hurricanes-football-reporter-for-south-florida-sun-sentinel-76b76
There is a new head football coach at St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens and it’s a familiar name to fans throughout all of south Florida. Drew Davis, the son of one-time Miami Hurricanes head coach, Butch Davis, was named as the second head football coach in school history and he is ready to elevate the Bobcats.
COACH DREW DAVIS ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/head-coach-drew-davis-of-st-thomas-university-d5ef0
Over the past two plus decades, South Dade High School has dominated the sport of wrestling – with 28 state titles and helping dozens of elite athletes get to the next level. From Mike McCoy to Vic Balmeceda to current head coach Humberto “Duck” Reyna Jr., this team has routinely dominated the competition. Over the weekend, the Bucs won their eighth dual meet title in Kissimmee. The first ever for Reyna as head coach.
COACH HUMBERTO “DUCK” REYNA JR. ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/head-wrestling-coach-humberto-reyna-jr-of-south-dade-high-school-074a7
If you like high school basketball, you will want to check out this week’s Broward County Athletic Association (BCAA) Big 8 boys’ and girls’ event that will be played at Fort Lauderdale High School. Dave Brousseau of the BCAA broke down the teams that will be playing over the four days.
DAVE BROUSSEAU ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/dave-brousseau-broward-big-8-basketball-bcaa-correspondent-5e605
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..