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.
When it comes to building a football program, Miami Palmer Trinity head coach Mark Reese and his staff have more than done a tremendous job throughout the years.
After a 7-3 season in 2025 which included a state playoff appearance, the Falcons headed into the off-season with a feeling that while this team will be young, they will certainly be very talented.
With the return of rising senior leaders such as Rafael Salvatierra (WR/CB), Manny Coya (QB), Tino Cooper (RB/Slot) and Jayden Alley (OL/DL), there is plenty of experience, talent and leadership.
THE UNDERCLASS WILL BE KEY
As the rising senior class will be very important, keep an eye on the younger prospects as well – with Class of 2028 rising juniors Andres Soccorro (WR), Jaedon Gordon (FS/OLB), Hagen Roberts (RB/LB) and Marco Lema (WR/CB) leading the way.
Also, keep an eye on Niccolo Blanzuol (TE/OLB), Nicolas Sanz de Santamaria (WR/CB), Merritt Sims (WR/CB), Hunter Nielson (QB) and versatile lineman (OL/DL) Thomas Valacco.
When you have a rising sophomore (2029) with the talent that Nicolas Baumberger (WR/CB) has, you know that your team is in great hands.
In addition, there are other 2029 prospects to watch as well – with Alexander “Alex” Lopez (WR/S), Carter Estep (DE) and Juan Balzarette-Acquaroni (OL)
The rising freshmen (2030) class will also feature prospects like Zac Lopez (TE/DE) and Matthew Reese (DT/OT).
2025 Miami Palmer Trinity Falcons
Miami SmartEn Sports Academy, W 17-0
Miami Ransom Everglades, L 28-0
Marathon, W 43-0
Tavernier Coral Shores, W 23-0
Somerset Academy South Homestead, W 37-0
Miami BridgePrep Village Green, W 38-6
Moore Haven, L 12-3
Miami Archbishop Carroll, W 39-29
Hialeah ABF Academy, W 14-8
Miami True North Classical Academy, L 42-17
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..
While camps and combines can only tell you so much about a football prospect, it’s what they do on the field that will ultimately tell the story.
For decades, when it came to evaluating talent, seeing what the athlete does with full pads on is truly a measure of what lies ahead.
By going to games at every level, we have been fortunate to see talent that many others never get to watch until the word gets out and they receive their information second hand.
Miami-Dade and Broward Counties have always been home to elite running backs. No matter what year or which team they play for, you are going to see top-flight backs who turn heads with their speed, skill and ability to make plays that elevate their teams.
As the rising senior (2027) class has some impressive prospects at the position – with many getting ready to showcase their skills this spring and into the summer – there is a group in the next class (2028) that will bring game-changing talent to the table.
As there are so many in the class, we start off by bringing you five talented young men – some who have already started to attract attention as football players and not just combine and camp standouts.
Adrian Cox, 5’9, 165, Miami Northwestern. Comes over from Miami Immaculata LaSalle where his sophomore season was indeed productive for a program that reached the region finals before losing for the first time. This is a quick, athletic and instinctive runner who went over 1,000 yards on the ground and scored 18 times. He has the chance to be one of the top prospects in his class with the Bulls in 2026.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23535392/adrian-cox
Jeremy Douglas, 5’9, 170, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons. In leading the Chiefs to the state semifinals in 2A, here is someone who follows in a long list of top backs this program has produced through the years. An elusive runner that continues to develop into someone that has a chance to be very special. Finished his sophomore year off with nearly 1,000 total offensive yards, showcasing skills that this program will continue taking full advantage of this coming year. Keep your eye on this impressive talent.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22920702/Jeremy-Douglas
Amari Germain, 5’10, 170, Miami Coral Reef – 3.1 GPA. Track & Field. When we watched him perform last year during the playoffs, there was simply no getting around that this was a special talent who was athletic, gifted and understood that combining what you do in the classroom and on the football field will add up to something positive. Heads into the spring as one of the top young backs in south Florida. Has the size and versatility to help lead the Barracudas to yet another Greater Miami Athletic Conference (GMAC) independent championship.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26508869/Amari-Germain
Jamari Johnson, 5’9, 170, Homestead South Dade. Here is another of those prospects that unless you followed his career on the field you would only know him from his recent performance at the Football University (FBU) event where he put up some big testing numbers. Here is a versatile athlete who comes over from Somerset Silver Palms with plenty of promise that the coaches have already started to tap into his new school where he has been a pleasant addition. In a year where this running quarterback threw for 750 yards and added over 400 yards on the ground. There is no getting around the fact that this is a talented football player that will be huge for the Bucs.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22697298/Jamari-Johnson
Keshawn Paschall, 5’9, 185, Coconut Creek Monarch – 3.1 GPA. Talk to any college coach, recruiting analyst and talent evaluator who has watched him play over the past year and all will tell you the same thing – this is an elite running back who has the chance to be very special as a three-down back. Finished with over 1,000 yards as a sophomore and added balance to an already potent offense. This is a name that you will want to keep an eye on!
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/27048217/Keshawn-Paschall
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..
After four seasons as head coach at NSU University School, Mike Norman compiled a 33-14.
Even though the Sharks reached the Sunshine State Athletic Conference finals during the 2024 season, losing to Oviedo The Maters’ Academy, 49-42, in the title game and returning to the post season last year, finishing 8-5, a coaching change was made.
With several staff members still part of the program, the school looked make a change and Traveon Henry was named head coach.
Henry, who grew up in south Florida – attending Pine Crest and then Northwestern University, had been part of the program, but as the off-season began, he was elevated to the top spot with longtime coaches Daniel Luque and Roger Anderson among others ready for the challenge of bringing this program back to the spotlight.
Remember, this is a football team that has achieved plenty of success and churned out several quality players in the past, and the administration is looking to head back in that direction.
There have been several roster changes made in the off-season as new faces have jumped aboard with a few key returnees.
RISING SENIOR CLASS EMBRACES THE CHALLENGE
One of the places that this program will certainly need as the program build is with the rising senior (2027) class that has some experience and will need to step up and showcase leadership.
Brady Anderson, OL, 6’0, 245 – 3.5 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19659128/Brady-Anderson
Jorel Gonzalez, DL/OL, 6’0, 280 – 4.2 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20515886/Jorel-Gonzalez
Izayah Harris, Athlete, 5’10, 170 – 2.8 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19335814/Izayah-Harris
James Klaiss Jr., WR, 6’2, 165 – 3.6 GPA. Track & Field.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23014169/James-Klaiss-Jr
Max Stringer, OL, 6’4, 280 – 3.5 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18216854/Max-Stringer
Darrell Tiger, LB/DE, 6’0, 195 – 2.5 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22392628/Darrell-Tiger
UNDERCLASSMEN WILL BE NEEDED TO GROW
As the rising senior class will be a place that this program will need to make an impact, there are several younger players who are putting in the work this off-season.
CLASS OF 2028
David Boeckel, QB, 5’10, 165 – 4.6 GPA. Basketball. LaCrosse.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18157639/David-Boeckel
Madan Patel, Athlete, 5’7, 140 – 3.1 GPA. LaCrosse.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18152880/Madan-Patel
AWAITING SPRING VIDEO
Tyler Crittenden, LB, 5’11, 205
Thomas Lo, OL, 6’1, 315 – 3.6 GPA
Nick Milnthorpe, PK, 6’0, 175 – 3.9 GPA
CLASS OF 2029
Colin Allen, Athlete, 5’10, 140 – 2.8 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26606108/Colin-Allen
Wellence Bernard, DL, 5’11, 195 – 2.7 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26881294/Wellence-Bernard
AWAITING SPRING VIDEO
Eli Aronovitz, LB, 5’9, 165 – 3.5 GPA. LaCrosse
Isaiah Noel, Athlete, 5’8, 150. Track & Field
Robert Sher, OL, 6’3, 225 – 4.0 GPA
Johnathan “Jake” Wakefield, QB, 5’10, 160. LaCrosse
2025 University School Sharks
Jupiter Christian, L 42-28
Lakeland Christian, W 30-27
Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian, L 21-18
Davie Nova, W 17-6,
Boca Raton Saint Andrew’s, L 45-28
Somerset Academy Silver Palms, W 28-21
West Palm Beach Oxbridge Academy, W 47-0
Miami St. Brendan, W 42-6
Miami Ransom Everglades, L 43-0
Delray American Heritage, W 23-21
Miami Florida Christian, W 41-27
Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy, W, 41-15
Jupiter Christian, L 39-37
PHOTO COURTESY OF NSU UNIVERSITY SCHOOL
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..
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:
It’s baseball season across south Florida as some elite high school prospects are starting to turn heads for college and professional scouts and coaches to check out. With high drafts expected, veteran baseball journalist Joe Frisaro talked about what players and team to keep an eye on.
JOE FRISARO ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/joe-frisaro-man-on-2nd-podcast-32f74
Imagine being a sophomore in high school and already being a four-time state champion. For Homestead South Dade wrestler Jovani Solis, picking up his fourth state title this past Saturday night puts him a position to go where nobody in Florida high school history has been able to go.
JOVANI SOLIS ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/jovani-solis-south-dade-high-state-champion-wrestler-c493b
When Weston’s Sagemont Academy boys’ basketball team beat Lakeland Victory Christian over the weekend in Jacksonville, it gave this impressive program a fourth consecutive state title. Head Coach David Roe stopped by to talk about the title – and what’s ahead for this impressive team.
COACH DAVID ROE ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/sagemont-prep-head-basketball-coach-david-roe-80d0f
In less than two weeks, the University of Miami football program will be back on the field for spring practice. With so many new faces having the chance to win positions, this promises to be one of the most exciting periods in years. Alex Donno, from The Locked On Canes Podcast, talked about what to expect during the nearly month of action in Coral Gables.
ALEX DONNO ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/alex-donno-locked-on-canes-aff35
When Coach Brandon Neifeld and his Hialeah Mater Lakes wrestling team captured the team title by 46 points in Class 1A over the weekend, it was the second TEAM title in a row. His team won the dual title last year and followed that up in January with another title. The Bears have not won four state titles in two years. He talked about how this program – and the girls’ program - have been built.
COACH BRANDON NEIFELD ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/mater-lakes-academy-wrestling-head-coach-brandon-neifeld-d7ad1
The annual Broward National Football Showcase has been one of the premier high school events since beginning over four years ago, and when this year unfolds at the start of the 2026 season, the teams involved will certainly impress every fan across the country. Dr. Kevin Perry from the Broward Education Foundation talked about this amazing event.
DR. KEVIN PERRY ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/kevin-perry-broward-national-showcase-f8c6b
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..