By Dave Brousseau
CORAL SPRINGS – All the right components came into place for the Boyd Anderson boys’ basketball team in their Class 6A regional quarterfinal against the Coral Springs Colts on Saturday.
Though the Cobras lost their past two games against the Colts, including a district tournament game nine days ago, that all changed swiftly.
Led by junior guard Hatem Chehade, he led five other teammates with 19 points for and impressive 99-83 victory.
The Cobras (16-9) to a regional semifinal game next Saturday against defending 6A state champion St. Thomas Aquinas.
“We’ve been trying to get our guys to do this all year with our size advantage,” said Boyd Anderson coach Admore White. “When we started making shots, everything sort of snowballed. We got some good looks and knocked them down.”
Historically, the Colts haven’t had the best games against the Cobras over the past 20 seasons.
The Cobras 99 points was the first time over 90 points since a 95-77 victory over Coconut Creek on Nov. 23, 2015.
As for the Colts it was the most they had allowed since district tournament loss to St. Thomas Aquinas.
The 99 points allowed to Boyd Anderson was the most since giving up 95 in a loss to Cypress Bay on Dec. 7, 2022.
Boyd Anderson built a 55-24 lead at the half and led by 25 after three quarters.
Coral Springs (19-9) did its best to narrow the gap in the final quarter. Senior guard Craig Bryant Jr. did his best to rally his team with five 3-pointers and 22 points. Despite leading all scorers with 32 points, the Colts fell short.
Brandon Jean added 18 points for the Cobras, while Jaydan Silvera had 17 points, Niteno Pierre had 15 points, Juawayne Walters 14 point and Kevin Alesis 10 points.
ST. THOMAS AQUINAS 72, MATER ACADEMY 50: Clarence Westbrook Jr’s led the Raiders (24-4) with 19 points, while Nate Accius added 19 points.
BOYS REGIOAL QUARTERFINALS
Class 7A:
Western 54, Cypress Bay 53
Coral Glades 77, West Broward 53
Class 6A:
St. Thomas Aquinas 72, Mater Academy 50
Boyd Anderson 99, Coral Springs 83
South Plantation 58, Dwyer 55
Miramar 69, Fort Lauderdale 55
Class 5A:
Pembroke Pines Charter 69, Jensen Beach 33
Plantation 73, Archbishop McCarthy 71
Class 4A:
Stranahan 73, Key West 36
Class 3A:
Cardinal Gibbons 76, Gulliver Prep 49
Class 2A:
Miami Country Day 58, Chaminade-Madonna 51
SATURDAY’S REGIONAL SEMIFINALS
Class 7A:
Western (17-8) at Columbus (22-6)
Coral Glades (20-7) at Miami Palmetto (23-5)
Class 6A:
Boyd Anderson (16-9) at St. Thomas Aquinas (24-4)
South Plantation (13-9) at Miramar (20-8)
Class 5A:
Atlantic (20-7) at Pembroke Pines Charter (18-6)
Plantation (21-6) at Belen Jesuit (23-5)
Class 4A:
Miami Northwestern (17-6) at Stranahan (13-13)
Class 3A:
Pine Crest (18-8) at Cardinal Gibbons (21-6)
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 – Of the 10 BCAA girls basketball teams that qualified for the 2026 FHSAA regional quarterfinals games on Friday, the winners proved their potential for a potential state championship run.
St. Thomas Aquinas, winners of multiple state titles, showed they are one of the remaining five teams that advanced to next week’s regional semifinals.
Led by senior Isabella Sangha’s game-high 22 points, the Raiders cruised past Homestead 69-13 for their 10th consecutive regional quarterfinal win.
Aquinas 18-8) will host Mater Academy Charter in a Class 6A regional semifinal game on Friday at 7 p.m.
“I think games like tonight are good for us for confidence booster,” said Aquinas coach Emily Williams. “This was a game we looked to get everybody in to keep our confidence up looking toward our next game.”
Aquinas led 24-2 in the first quarter holding the Broncos to its first basket with 3:53 remaining.
Sophomore forward Laila Barnett added 15 points, while sophomore guard Catalina LaFreniere had 12 points.
Sophomore guard London Thomas was a non-injury scratch.
NOVA 61, DWYER 22: Jaelynn Housey scored a game-high 22 points to lead the Titans (22-4). Ke’mora Evans added 15 points
Nova will host Martin County in their regional semifinal game on Friday.
MCARTHUR 50, JENSEN BEACH 44: Nylah Lewis led the Mustangs with 15 points, while Christie Lewis added 10 points.
GIRLS REGIONAL QUARTERFINALS
Class 7A:
Park Vista 52, Douglas 43
Western 61, Boca Raton 18
South Dade 48, Cypress Bay 32
Class 6A:
St. Thomas Aquinas 69, Homestead 13
Mater Academy 58, Coral Springs 32
Nova 61, Dwyer 21
Martin County 69, South Broward 14
Class 5A:
Blanche Ely 71, Archbishop McCarthy 17
McArthur 50, Jensen Beach 44
Class 3A:
Keys Gate Charter 62, Cardinal Gibbons 28
FRIDAY’S REGIONAL SEMIFINALS
Class 7A: South Dade (11-9) at Western (20-7)
Class 6A: Mater Academy (18-8) at St. Thomas Aquinas (18-8); Martin County (14-13) at Nova (22-4)
Class 5A: McArthur (15-9) at Blanche Ely (18-5)
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.
While many will look back at the 2025 high school football season and see that Miami Killian finished 8-3 and advanced to the state playoffs, head coach Rudy Trevino, his assistants and returning players fell short of the goals they set at the start of the season.
The heart-breaking loss (38-35) to Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons in the second round of the playoffs was a game that could have easily gone the other way, and that was something that stuck with the Cougars in the off-season.
When the year finished and the players who were coming back started to get ready for 2026, there was a commitment to finish the job and that is something that will continue right until spring.
Killian is indeed a program that is starting to return to the point where they are going to be in the mix for a playoff position once again.
RISING SENIORS WILL BE COUNTED ON
If this program is going to take things one step further, it will be up to the rising senior (2027) class that will have plenty of talent.
Among those prospects to keep an eye on includes Kayden Bryant (DB), Kayron Bryant (RB), Dashaun Collins (DE), Davon Dericho (DB), Zion Flowers (OL), Quintero Frierson (WR), Ezekiel Herring (WR/DB), Jordan Lubin (LB/ RB), Santana Reeves (DB/LB), Artrell Vance (OLB/SS),
Christian Whitfield (RB), Kendrick Williams (DB) and receiver Antonio Simmons.
HOW ABOUT THE FUTURE FOR THE COUGARS
As the rising seniors will be looked upon for the experience and leadership, the Class of 2028 (rising juniors) will be counted on as well.
Among those players will be Brandon Valdes (LB/DE), Ahmir Barnes (WR), Tre Batten (DT), Jaden Crews (OL), Jaylen Franklin (DE), Teghan Percy (OT), Ky-mani Pierre (DE/OLB), Jacob Pozo (OL), Malik Sewer (WR), Andrew Simmons (RB), Jaiden Smoak (TE), Evan Tait (DB) and offensive lineman Jayden Williams.
The rising sophomore class (2029) is also talented – with Javier Becerra (OL), Adrian Becerra (OL), Jeramiah Lee (QB), Emmanuel Lopez (LB), Yudah Poke (WR), Jayden Ramirez (WR), Bradley Valdes (LB) and athletic Terrel Hall.
2025 Miami Killian Cougars
Dr. Krop, W 44-6
Miami Edison, W 24-18
Homestead South Dade, W 34-10
Miami Palmetto, L 41-21
Miami Gulliver Prep, L 34-27
Tampa Catholic, W 32-17
Hialeah, W 36-32
Somerset Silver Palms, 55-6
Miami Belen Jesuit, W 44-0
Miami Carol City, W 38-21
Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons, L 38-35
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 end of winter with another impressive show on Thursday night.
Six guests 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 Thursday went:
When it comes to quarterback training, Ken Mastrole has watched it all and he worked with some impressive talent over the years. In today’s world of football recruiting, the rules are different and he gave some sage advice for parents and athletes to follow.
KEN MASTROLE ON THURSDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/ken-mastrole-mastrole-passing-academy-215e5
If you are a sports fan and have been on Facebook for any length of time, “Ghosts of the Orange Bowl” is certainly a page that you have check out. From the Miami Dolphins to the University of Miami, area high schools and other events held at this fabled facility, Jay Rao talks about it all.
JAY RAO ON THURSDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/jay-rao-ghosts-of-the-orange-bowl-29f1f
If you like elite high school football talent, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas is the place for you to be – and this Saturday and Sunday, the Rivals.com Camp/Combine will showcase some of the best young talent – and Marcus Benjamin stopped by to break it all down.
MARCUS BENJAMIN ON THURSDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/macus-benjamin-rivals-dot-com-94883
When Quinn Gray Sr. was named as the 20th head football coach at Florida A&M University recently, this program took a huge step in the right direction. Not only was he one of the best players to perform at the school, but he served as a coach after his playing days. Coming off a successful stint at Albany State, the one-time Fort Lauderdale Dillard standout embraced his new role in Tallahassee.
COACH QUINN GRAY SR. ON THURSDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/florida-am-university-head-coach-quinn-gray-225e8
When he was a student/athlete at Fort Lauderdale Stranahan, Richie Kittles was one of the top football players in the region. Heading off to college, he learned plenty about the game, earned his degree and now returns as head coach of the Dragons as he spoke about the challenge.
COACH RICHIE KITTLES ON THURSDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/head-coach-rick-kittles-of-stranahan-in-davie-fl-da828
His list of offensive linemen he has worked with over the years is extensive, and Torrian Wilson has become one of the top offensive line coaches in the country, teaching, running events and helping to elevate the play of so many high school, college and professional athletes. From his Crafting Linemen events, he continues to make a name for himself.
TORRIAN WILSON ON THURSDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/torrian-wilson-of-crafting-linemen-fc600
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 the 2025 football season came to an end and Davie Western High finished 4-7, veteran head coach Adam Ratkevich and his staff took a step back to review the year.
For a program that had been in the state playoff mix for much of the past decade, the Wildcats had fallen off, and while there was still plenty of talent on board, the quality depth that the program had become used to was not in place.
With a number of younger prospects having to step up into the spotlight sooner than expected, the focus was now on the future – as several underclassmen had the opportunity to make an impact.
Fast forward to this off-season, and many of those younger players who were called upon in 2025 are the very student/athletes that this program is now about – and with spring fast approaching – this is once again a team that is getting closer to making a solid playoff run.
RISING SENIOR CLASS WILL BE COUNTED ON
The Class of 2027 (rising seniors) are now the prospects that will be counted on to lead the way this coming season, and Ratkevich and his staff are embracing that challenge.
Among those prospects in that class will be veteran quarterback Jack Spaeder, Kayden Augustin (OLB/DE), Logan Barraza (OL), Austin Chauret (PK), Jaylen Dixon (DE/WR), Akil Hearn (CB), Matthew Hernandez (WR), Jason Jackson (OL/DL), Ayden Jobes (CB), Raphael Leite (OL/DL), Andrew Mahoney (RB), Jordan Mortimer (WR), Deuce Olden II (WR), and defensive linemen Juan Perez and Jayden Powell.
The class also features Uriah Ramessar (WR), Gabriel Rivera (RB), Ethin Rodriguez (OL), DiLaughn Smith (DB), Sean Soto (WR), Victor Souza (OL), Josh Tomlinson (DE), Gabriel Valdes (DB), R.J. Wayne (Athlete) and standout defensive back Bryce Williams.
THE UNDERCLASS IS A DEEP GROUP
With the over 25 rising seniors being a starting point in the rebuild, keep an eye on the talented and deep underclassmen that the Wildcats will have.
Class of 2028 rising juniors such as Silas Allen (DB), Raymond Andrews Jr. (DE), Edwin Augustin (DB), Dennard Barnes Jr. (OL), John Bresset (DE), Jayden Clayton (DB), Christopher D’Angelo (WR), Russell George (WR), Tristan Gonzalez (RB/LB) and versatile Iran Hollis (DE/TE) will be fun to watch.
Other Class of 2028 players like Brandon Kidd (OL), Angel Labrador (OLB), Kevin Marroquin (LB), Terrance Metelus (DB), Jeremiah Normil (WR), Cornelius Offord Jr. (DB), Gabriel Ramirez (OL), Aaden Ramsaran (DT), Guillermo Rosas (OLB), Mike Salimbene (DB) and receiver Josiah Williams will be important as well.
The depth on this team will also include the rising sophomores (2029), who have worked hard and are more than ready to contribute. Prospects such as Jeromy Beasley (RB), Drake Bertamini (DE), Antonio Brown (WR), Sean Canales (OL), Tommy Fleischauer (QB), Corian Hall Jr. (DT) rising star Darius Little (OL), Delano Morgan (WR/DB) and Demario White (LB/TE).
2025 Western Wildcats
Plantation, L 18-0
Coconut Creek, L 28-16
Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, L 45-6
Coral Springs Taravella, W 72-0
Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, L 56-0
West Boca Raton, L 35-0
Miami Lakes Goleman, W 14-7
Weston Cypress Bay, W 26-0
Deerfield Beach, 20-6
Pembroke Pines West Broward, L 35-7
Boca Raton Spanish River, L 23-21
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..