By Dave Brousseau

FORT LAUDERDALE – The Class 6A regional semifinals boys’ basketball game between Boyd Anderson and St, Thomas Aquinas was well decided before the first quarter was completed.

Led by the 24 points from Clarence Westbrook Jr., the Raiders took another step closer in defending their state championship with a 63-37 victory over the Cobras on Saturday.

The Raiders (25-4) advance to a regional final on Saturday at 7 p.m. where they will host Miramar, a team they defeated for the BCAA Big Championship several weeks back.

The series is tied 5-5 dating back to 2008, with Aquinas winning the last two meetings.

“We had to adjust to what the referees were calling,” said Aquinas coach Julius Sandi. “We had a couple of guys that picked up early fouls, and I had to make an adjustment based on how they were calling the game.

We went to the zone, though I didn’t care to go to it.”

The defense held the Cobras to six points in the second quarter, while scoring 22 points themselves for a 42-15 lead at the half.

Game over.

The pounding was assisted with 11 points each from Nate Accius and Zane Elliott. KJ Sandi added 10 points. 

BOYS

SATURDAY’S REGIONAL SCORES

Class 7A: Columbus 68, Western 53

Coral Glades 71, Palmetto 64

Class 6A: St. Thomas Aquinas 64, Boyd Anderson 37

Miramar 76, South Plantation 60

Class 5A: Pembroke Pines Charter 84, Atlantic 45

Belen Jesuit 65, Plantation 60

Class 4A: Stranahan 62, Miami Northeastern 48

Class 3A: Cardinal Gibbons 58, Pine Crest 56

SATURDAY’S REGIONAL FINALS

Class 7A: Coral Glades (21-7) at Columbus (23-6) at FIU Arena, 7.

Class 6A: Miramar (21-8) at St. Thomas Aquinas (25-4), 7.

Class 5A: Belen Jesuit (24-5) at Pembroke Pines Charter (19-6), 7

Class 4A: Stranahan (14-13) at Suncoast (22-5),  7

Class 3A: University School (22-5) at Cardinal Gibbons (22-6), 7

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.

One of the most popular radio shows of its kind heads toward the middle of February 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:

She’s an author, philanthropist, mayor, four-time all-state basketball player, collegiate and professional star and on March 18^th, the Tamara James Gymnasium will be dedicated at CW Thomas Park in Dania Beach.

TAMARA JAMES ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/former-um-basketball-standout-tamara-james-1bbcb

This Saturday at St. Thomas University, the annual Orange Bowl Football Showcase will take place to help place high school prospects who want to play at the next level. STU head football coach Drew Davis talked about it.
COACH DREW DAVIS ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/drew-davis-hc-st-thomas-university-orange-bowl-recruiting-showcase-3723d

Last weekend, a college recruiting fair was held to help high school seniors attain a scholarship. Monsignor Pace head coach Anthony Walker stopped by.

COACH ANTHONY WALKER ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/head-coach-anthony-walker-miami-gardens-monsignor-pace-d4662

How are things going at FSU as spring football is a month away? Chris Nee from Noles247 talked Seminoles and looked at who has a chance to be special.

CHRIS NEE ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/noles-247-chris-nee-joins-to-talk-about-fsu-football-d9244

On Sunday, Plantation American Heritage rising senior (2027) offensive lineman Aiden Hartnett was named MVP at the Under Armour event. He joined the program to tell us about what’s ahead for this gifted prospect.

AIDEN HARTNETT ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/aiden-hartnett-junior-ol-plantation-american-heritage-e38b6

It’s been a busy off-season for the University of Miami football program and Jazz Santana from the Sixth Ring Canes Podcast dropped by to break it all down.

JAZZ SANTANA ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/jazz-santana-of-the-sixth-ring-canes-football-d0fd6

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..

It’s been three months since Miami Palmetto’s heart-breaking loss in the 7A state semifinals, and the Panthers are still stinging from something that may never go away.

The 45-44 two overtime loss at Vero Beach, which would have sent veteran head coach Mike Manasco and his Panthers to the state title game for the first time in school history is something that is serving as fuel this off-season as this program is now among the top teams in the state and understands that anything short of getting to that final game would be a disappointment.

While there are several seniors who will be moving on, it will be up to the underclassmen and newcomers to finish the business that ended on that December night in Indian River County.

As we know, high school football is different than it has been – with student/athletes moving from school to school, and while this roster should pretty much remain the same, several new faces will be added in the coming months.

CLASS OF 2027 RISING SENIORS WILL BE COUNTED ON

With that loss to Vero Beach fresh on the minds of the returning players, this rising senior (2027) class will take the lead role this off-season and benefit from their experience.

Among those current rising seniors include Mathias Augustin (LB), Denzley Balthazar (LB), Eythan Bargman (DB), Kemoni Brooks (CB), Aiden Butler (RB), Ari Cromartie (OL), Bomani Francis (LB), Rashad Fuller (OL), Roberto Gonzalez (DE/OLB), Victor Guerrero (DL), Brandon Howard (OLB/DE), Kaden Howard (WR), Antonio Jackson (DL), Cory Johnson (LB), Elijah Johnson (OL/DL), Joshua Lamons (DB), Julian Sanchez (OL), Deyon Smith (LB/S), Jahni Smith (RB), Kelsey Veargis (DB) and safety Armond Weston.

UNDERCLASSMEN WILL BE VERY IMPORTANT

With several teams standing in the way once again in 2026, the underclassmen will be vital to this success of this program.

Among those 2028 rising juniors will be Ben Ballie (TE/DE), Britton Bayag (WR/FS), Baudelin Bontemps (DB), Julian Alvarez-Briz (OL), Jayden Diaz (OLB/DE), Nathan Katz (WR), Nicolas Lacayo (OL), Jefftavious Lyons (WR), Daniel Paulino (OL), Santana Rogers (RB), Jason Rolle (DB), Fletcher Spann III (LB) and offensive linemen Alex Urbina.

There are also Class of 2029 rising sophomores who figure to step up as well. Prospects such as Travis Godbolt Jr. (LB), Kaden Hunter (OL), Malik Lamons (WR), Haydrian Molina (QB), Landon Polizzano (K/P), Abriyam Radcliff (CB), Mario Stallings (DB) and defensive back Shawn Strozier.

2025 Miami Palmetto Panthers

Miami Booker T. Washington, W 35-0

Miami Southridge, L 34-34

Miami Christopher Columbus, W 24-21

Miami Killian, W 42-21

Coral Gables, W 43-0

Homestead South Dade, W 45-7

Miami Northwestern, L 28-0

Miami High, W 43-7

Fort Myers Bishop Verot, W 20-10

Coral Springs Coral Glades, W 42-0

Miami Christopher Columbus, W 27-10

Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman, W 65-41

Vero Beach, 45-44 (2OT)

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..

When you talk about the receiver position in south Florida, the lineage goes deep.

As far back as 50 years ago, you will find a Miami-Dade or Broward receiver who not only made a splash locally and statewide, but certainly many were recognized nationally.

From high school to college and into thew National Football League, receivers have long made a lasting impression – and as the camps, combines and 7-on-7 events have taken place the past two months, we are watching the next wave of prospects.

While we have given so many of them their place in the spotlight throughout December, January and much of February, today we take the time to showcase a few others. Some who are already on the radar – while others are being singled out for the first time – in all classes.

2027 - Kaden Howard, 5’11, 160, Miami Palmetto – 3.7 GPA. During a state playoff run, here is one of the players who really made an impact for the Panthers as a versatile receiver who scored seven times and had over 600 offensive yards. Will be one of the best in south Florida for the 2026 season. Talk to coaches who have lined up against this playmaker and all will tell you that he hasn’t come close to reaching his potential.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19438407/Kaden-Howard

2027 - Finn Crissy, 6’0, 175, Fort Lauderdale Saint Thomas Aquinas – 4.5 GPA. The son of a special teams coach, here is someone who has been around the game all of his young life and has made some major strides as a receiver over the past three seasons. Will be someone this program will certainly need for depth this coming season. Has speed and is a fluid route runner with very good hands.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20196993/Finn-Crissy

2027 - Malik Denson, 5’10, 180, Southwest Archbishop McCarthy. Has been an impact player for this program as someone who is versatile and comes up with huge plays. During a season when the Mavericks won the district, they counted on him as a pass catcher and as a junior leader. Keep your eye on this quality football talent. Will go over 1,000 yards this coming season for his impressive career.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20032119/68d3f20a1b118871f374fc8d

2027 - Walter Olden II, 5’11, 174, Davie Western – 3.4 GPA. During a year where the Wildcats fell off, this was someone who stepped up to make a difference as a pass catcher – scoring 12 times and accounting for over 500 yards. With a solid combine season as well as coming up huge during 7-on-7 play, this is a prospect who can definitely be the player who makes the biggest splash! Coaches who have watched him think he could be that player this year that turns the tide in games.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19337252/697960032c2c2307ef6d579f

2027 - Jamal Robinson Jr., 6’2, 180, Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy Charter. No matter where he has lined up, this is one of those football players who grabbed the spotlight. For those who have never watched him – during his stops at Miami Killian, Miami Booker T. Washington and now for the Lions – are missing out on an impact performer. He could very well be one of the top three receivers in a very talented class. Had over 500 yards last season, but those who have watched him in the off-season believe that he hasn’t come close to reaching his potential.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19947897/Jamal-Robinson-jr

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..