By Dave Brousseau

There has been plenty of action in the first few days of the Kreul Basketball Classic and here are a few highlights from the boys’ and girls’ events.

DAWKINS SET SCORING RECORD

Since the 2015 Kreul Classic, Jeffrey Prophett of Fort Lauderdale High has held the scoring record for most points through three games in the tournament history with 104.

During the game between Pembroke Pines Charter and Ben. L. Smith (North Carolina) that record is no longer being chased.

Jyi Dawkins, a 6’4 senior guard, became the new all-time individual record holder with 115 points late in the fourth quarter of the Golden Eagles 73-62 loss to the Jaguars at the Coral Springs City Gymnasium.

“It’s been really fun playing with my teammates allowing me to get 2000 points in my career,” said Dawkins. “It a great feeling to become the all-time scorer of this tournament. It is a great accomplishment.”

Dawkins, who was named to the Kreul All-Tournament Team, also set the tournament record with 30-plus points in each of his three games on a free-throw.

with 36.3 points left in the game. In addition, he also recorded his 2000^th career point on the same free throw.

Dawkins will be playing college basketball next season at Western Carolina.

EXCITING ACTION THROUGHOUT….

The regular season schedule that Coral Glades boys’ basketball coach Stefan Whittingham assembled was built to challenge his team.

The Jaguars’ latest test came against Alexander (Ga.) in a Coral Springs Series game as part of the Kreul Classic at Coral Glades High.

Tied at 28 at the half, the Jaguars changed the narrative outscoring their opponent by 12 in the second for a 69-57 victory.

“It was a great game,” said Whittingham. “We put a lot of time into our game plan today. Our guys executed it to perfection and that’s why we were able to win tonight.”

We needed a game like this, to get a big win. We found a way to get it done.”

Senior guard Kyler Theophile dropped 15 points, and Donovan Swain added 13 points to pace the Coral Glades (6-4).

Gavin Reed added another 11 points.

The Cougars (5-2) were led by Torian Green with 17 points. Gregory Dunson added 12 points.

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS 71, CORNER CANYON 63: The Raiders (9-1), the defending FHSAA Class 6A state championships got another strong performance from junior guard Clarence Westbrook Jr. with a game-high 23 points.

Support also came from Kellson Sandi (18 points) and Drake Sandi (10 points).

The Chargers (6-5) were led by Josh Tolman with 21 points and Evan Brown with 17 points. 

RANDALL REMAINING CALM AT COURTSIDE HAS LED TO SUCCESS: Melvin Randall’s calm demeanor has been the successful formula of his winning boys’ basketball games for four decades.

In his fifth season as the Miami Northwestern coach, he’s inching closer to 700 career victories achieved with success at Deerfield Beach High, Blanche Ely High and Chaminade-Madonna.

The veteran coach added another victory with 62-61 overtime win over Waxahachie (Tx.) in the Joe Dimaggio Children’s Hospital Bracket as part of  the 36h annual Kreul Classic at Coral Glades High.

“It’s very important to remain calm,” said Randall. “If I work to react in a hostile way, my players will see me in a panic stag, what do you think would happen to them.

They would do the same thing. If you can get inside me there’s a serious storm going on.”

Randall remained calm with his team on Friday, despite their opponent taking the Bulls (8-1) to overtime.

Northwestern fought off Waxahachie upset bid with strong late game play from Giovanny Desire (23 points) and Jakeel Baker (17 points).

“My coaching style makes me extremely proud, proving I’m still doing something right,” said Randall. “Our team is progressing well. We’re on point with the players on how well they are doing.”

Senior guard Michael Gatewood led the Indians (8-7) with 20 points. Kaleb Jones added 18 points.

JOE DIMAGGIO CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL BRACKET

CARDINAL GIBBONS 75, KELL 44: Senior guard Justus Dylan-Herbert scored a team high 18 points to lead the Chiefs (8-1).

Ayden Ambrose added 15 points and Chandler Sikes 12 points.

HOLY CROSS 66, CORAL SPRINGS 52: The Knights overcame an early 10-point deficit with a strong second quarter when they outscored the Colts 28-13 to earn the victory.

Leding the way for Holy Cross (3-5) was Donavan Medley and Payton Wilson with 14 points apiece.

Jahzir Crawford added 12 points.

The Colts (6-6) were led by senior guard Matt Croissy with 13 points.

NOTRE DAME PREP 51, SAN TAN CHARTER 46: The Lancers (3-0) rallied from a seven-point halftime deficit to earn the in the first game of the bracket.

They were led by Jameer Reed’s 20 points and another 18 points from sophomore forward Joshua Charlot.

The Roadrunners (9-2) were led by Kristo Jackson with 18 points.

As a team, they were held to 14 second-half points.

BSN BRACKET

BISHOP IRETON 67, BEN L. SMITH 58: Senior guard Jyi Dawkins was everything for the Golden Eagles (6-1) as he scored a tournament high 34 to date despite the loss to the Cardinals (7-1) on Friday.

In addition, from his three 3-pointers, Dawkins was perfect from the line making each of his 11 attempts. He was the only player on his team to score in double figures.

Unfortunately, his effort fell short of a victory.

Senior guard Jake Bahr scored a team-high 24 points for Bishop Ireton, followed by 14 points form Salis Devonish and 12 more from Jaydem Mills.

CORNER CANYON 59, PEMBROKE PINES CHARTER 56: The Chargers (7-4) advanced to the bracket semifinals behind the 19 points from junior forward Moa Brown.

Dillon Roberts added 13 points, while Josh Tolman and Tyler Mortenson each had 10 points.

The Jaguars (5-2) got 19 points each from Zac Dawson and Robert Guishard. 

BERGEN CATHOLIC, NEW JERSEY 71, STRANAHAN 42: Senior forward Julius Avent had a team high 16 points to lead a balanced Crusaders (3-0) victory.

Alex Mazzella added 12 points and Brandon McMilian 11 points.

Junior guard Damari Foster led the Dragons with 16 points.

CORAL GLADES 67, HIGLEY 59: Kyler Theophile, a 6’5 senior guard, scored a season-high 23 points to lead the Jaguars in the first round of the BSN Bracket.

Donovan Swain added 15 points.

Marquice Pless led the Knights (3-2) with 19 points

CORAL SPRINGS SERIES

ALEXANDER 84, CHAMINADE-MADONNA 45: Marquise Leslie led all scorers with 18 points for the Cougars (6-2). Jayden Crawford added 17 points.

The Lions (6-4) got 11 points each from Guiliani Blaise and Brandon Baker.

THE GIRLS ARE MAKING PLENTY OF NOISE AS WELL
In addition to the competitive action going on during the boys’ play, the girls have been getting it done as well.

POMPANO BEACH BLANCHE ELY GIRLS ROLL OVER ST. THOMAS AQUINAS.

In one of the biggest rivalries in Broward County girls’ basketball turned out to be a dud in a semifinal game in the Publix Bracket game between Blanche Ely and St. Thomas Aquinas played at the Coral Springs City Gymnasium.

Led by senior guard Teriya McFadden’s 15 points, the Tigers ran through the Raiders 58-37.

The 21-point margin was the most from a Tigers victory over Aquinas since the 56-24 win on Jan. 27, 2024. It also equaled the 75-54 victory on Dec. 4, 2019.

Isyss Mims added 13 points, and Miayah Standifer had 12 points.

Aquinas (7-4) got 15points from senior Ron’neisha Thomas. London Thomas, the team’s leading scorer, was held to nine points.

DORAL ACADEMY 68, RIVER RIDGE 58: Senior guard Stephanie Vega scored a game-high 22 points and senior forward D.J. Myers added 21 points as the Firebirds (8-3) rolled to the victory.

Ashley Martinez added another 19 points with a pair of three-pointers.

Junior forward Finely Parker led the Knights (6-3) with a team-high 20 points. Senior guard Makayla Roberson added 18 points and Reagan Mulligan 10 points.

BISHOP IRETON 56, GRANDVIEW PREP 41: Geornoe Davis and Isabel Studart each scored 12 points to lead the Cardinals (5-2) in a first round game of the Publix Bracket. 

They led at the half by 15 points.

Jasleen Green led the Pride (7-2) with 16 points, while Victoria Valle added 11 points in the loss.

GATORADE BRACKET

PAUL VI  52, AMERICAN HERITAGE 48 (2OT): Senior forward Demi Gilliam led nine Panthers (5-2) players that spread the wealth in scoring with 13 points to hang on to a victory in double overtime.

Sabrina Ethridge and Sravya Janaparti each added nine points for the winners.

The Patriots (5-4) were led by Isabella Aloisio with 14 points while Zoe Rowe and Sarah-Renee Ingraham each added 10 points.

SACRED HEART 70, NORTHEAST 38: Senior guard Brianna Wilkins scored a game-high 15 points to lead three players in double figures for the Valkaries (5-1).

Tahri Ralston and Riley Gilven each added 14 points.

Sacred Heart decided the outcome of the game well before the final scored as they outscored Hurricanes 22-8 in the first quarter.

Despite the slow start, Northeast managed two players to score in double figures. Jate Hicks led the Hurricanes (5-3) with a game-high 17 points while Ta’Niyah Davis added 12 points. Only three other Northeast players managed to score a total of nine points.

ARCHBISHOP WOOD 51, KELL 49: Senior guard Emma Yogis led eight teammates with 12 points, all coming on four-made-3-pointers, to lead the Vikings (1-3).

After a low scoring first half that saw Kell holding a 23-20 lead, the Vikings paced by three 3-poiners from Yogis outscoring their opponent 22-9 to take a 10-point lead heading into the fourth quarter.

The Longhorns (8-2) never regained the lead again.

Sophomore guard Addison Payne added nine points and junior guard Sophie McDonald had eight points for the winners.

Senior guard Kennedy Deese scored a game-high 18 points and junior forward McKenzie Green 13 points in the loss.

SOUTH SHORE 47, DILLARD 19: The South Shore girls basketball team from Brooklyn (N.Y.) proved their opponent on Thursday still has plenty of room to improve.

The Vikings 34-4 halftime lead over the Dillard was too much to overcome.

Jayleen Jones and Tamaia Vines did most of the damage for the Vikings (8-0) against Dillard combined for 29 points.

The Panthers (9-2) were led by Gabrielle King with eight points. 

RIVER RIDGE 68, SOUTH GARNER 61 (OT): Through three quarters the River Ridge girls’ basketball team from Woodstock (Ga.) fought an uphill battle against South Garner (NC).

The Knights (7-3) found the formula to earn a hard-fought victory by overcoming a nine-point fourth quarter deficit to win in overtime.

Reagan Mulligan and Finley Parker combine for 39 points to lead the Knights. Kyle Cantley added 15 points and Makayla Roberson 11 points.

Chloe Crawford led the Titans (5-4) with 13 points. Taylor Darden pitched in 11 points and Calise Crawford 10 points.

GRANDVIEW PREP 63, HOLY TRINITY 57: Victoria Valle scored 18, while Ameera Kone and Jasleen Green each had 17 for the Pride (8-2).

GATORADE BRACKET

SACRED HEART 67, SOUTH SHORE 58: The Valkyries (6-1) advanced to championship game against Paul IV behind 19 points each from Amirah Jordan and Brianna Wilkins.

Tahri Ralston added 12 points.

The Vikings (8-1) were led by Tamai Vines with 17 points and 10 points each by Amira Bernard and Sariyah Cooke.

PAUL VI 37, ARCHBISHOP WOOD 31: Th Panthers (6-2) trailed by one after three quarters, before outscoring the Vikings 16-9 in the fourth quarter.

Demi Gilliam, 6’1 senior forward, for the Panthers was the game’s only player to score in doubles figures with 15 points.

The Vikings dropped to 1-4 with the loss.

 AMERICAN HERITAGE 55, NORTHEAST 31: Coming off a loss in the opening games of the bracket, the Patriots (6-4) rebounded behind the 15 points from Sarah-Renee Ingraham.

The 6’1 junior guard also got scoring support from Isabella Aloisio, Yinuo Wang and Kristijano Carattini. All three players finished with 10 points.

Freshman guard Jate Hicks was the Hurricanes (5-4) top scorer with 14 points.

KELL 66, DILLARD 59: The Longhorns (9-2) overcame an eight-point halftime deficit by outscoring the Panthers 20-8 in the third quarter to earn the victory.

Senior forward Amaya Thompson led Kell with 20 points, while Mckenzie Green added 14 points.

The Panthers (9-3) success runs through Gabriella King. She was the team’s top scorer with 18 points, despite fouling out late in the fourth quarter.

Amaya Montgomery added 13 points.

CORAL SPRINGS SERIES

PROVIDENCE 60, WESTERN 55: Senior center Julianna Baskin scored 22 and Senior wing Kasey Davey scored 20 to lead the Stallions (7-3).

A 15-2 third quarter was the deciding point for Providence when they led 40-33 heading into the final frame.

The Wildcats (7-4) got 16 points from Madison Ojeda and 10 points each from Samantha Kormol and Tatum Billie.

MARTIN COUNTRY 54, KEYS GATE CHARTER 50: Katelyn Tanis led the Tigers (5-7) with 13 points. Karolina Ramirez and Brianna Valenzo each added 12 points.

Naya Hardisson scored 25 points for the Knights (5-4).

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.

A little more than a week has passed since the end of the 2025 high school football season and the attention has already moved to next season.

Student/athletes are starting to make moves to other schools with the promise of the grass being greener on the other side, which often never happens. But welcome to Miami-Dade and Broward County high school football where there are very little rules and common sense.

As the long off-season is getting ready to unfold, there are some prospects who left this year with the hopes of repeating their amazing performances.

One of the positions that should be fun to watch in the rising senior (2027) class will be running backs.

This past season, we saw some impressive underclassmen who stole the show from seniors – from start to finish.

As we have done for decades our focus will be on every prospects in this region – with stories, profiles and exposure that will be tough to find anywhere else.

Prospects that we see as freshmen are now being spotlighted some two plus years later.

Today, we bring you five running backs who we have been watching and talking about since they arrived at the high school level:

Amos Bradford, 5’10, 180, Pembroke Pines West Broward. Easily one of the most versatile prospects who brings so much to the table as a runner, blocker and receiver. Was instrumental in helping the Bobcats reach their first ever state title game. Has great vision and tremendous speed. While he’s currently committed to Toledo, expect him to blow up even more in the off-season and into the 2026 season.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22863433/Amos-Bradford

Kamary Cooper, 5’10, 180, South Plantation. Because this quality talent didn’t play for an elite program, there are many who still have never watched play, but his 1,839 yards and 20 touchdowns this past season only illustrates what this impressive talent is all about. His off-season will be fun to watch as more and more colleges get the chance to see what he is all about.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22473011/Kamary-Cooper

Tyler Reid, 5’8, 165, Miramar. While this wasn’t the best year for Patriots’ football, this impressive talent was certainly in the spotlight because of his speed, skill and the fact that he is following in the footsteps of his older brother, Desmond Reid, who has starred at the University of Pittsburgh for the past two years. Track & Field. Finished his junior season with 104 carries, 1,070 yards and 9 touchdowns.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20012149/691a6244750b30681085db4f

Cecil Smith, 5’8, 165, Miami True North Classical Academy – 3.2 GPA. From his freshman year at Homestead when the Broncos were grooming him to fill the rather large shoes of Isaac Brown, to this past season when he made quite a splash for the Titans during a district championship season, rushing for 1,400 yards on 129 carries with 524 receiving yards on 28 receptions for 2,134 all-purpose yards 18 touchdowns. He is indeed the real deal and will pick up plenty of momentum this off-season.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20496279/Cecil-Smith

Jahnard Young, 5’11, 200, Sunrise Piper – 3.4 GPA. Last off-season when he left Vero Beach after a very productive sophomore season, there were those in the Indian River area who felt that one of the top prospects in the state of Florida, for the Class of 2027, had left a team that felt they were one of the best. From the time he returned to south Florida, this was a gifted prospect that made a major impact – at camps, combines and spring events. Helping the Bengals return to the post-season, he ran for 1,395 yards and 22 touchdowns. He returns as one of the top prospects in the state, and if colleges overlook him, they will kick themselves later. He brings all the positives to the table!

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17540739/Jahnard-Young

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 long as he can remember, life was all about football for Drew Davis.

The son of legendary football coach Butch Davis (Miami, North Carolina & FIU), being around some of the best minds in the game for decades, he continued to pick up more and more about the game, and on Wednesday, nearly five years after he started at St. Thomas University, the quarterback coach and assistant coach was elevated to head coach.

“When you are born into the game, this is what you dream of one day happening in your career,” Davis, said. “I am so ready for this next step.”

Davis, 32, was named just the second coach in STU history. It is his first head-coaching job.

He takes over as coach from Bill Rychel, who started STU’s program. Two years ago, Rychel was elevated to Senior Vice President for Athletics.

In his seven years as head coach with the Bobcats, Rychel posted a 51-22 with four post-season appearances.

Davis had worked with the quarterbacks and was one of the top recruiters on the staff. He also helped to organize summer camps and other events to get athletes, coaches and parents on this growing campus.

This past year, the Bobcats ended 7-4, dropping a first-round NAIA playoff in Helena, Montana against power Carroll College.Fueled by a passing game that ranked 19th in the NAIA, STU ranked in the top 10 for scoring with an average of 46.2 points during the regular season that placed eighth nationally. The Bobcats earned a first-round bye in the 2024 National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Championships as the fifth-ranked team after going 9-1 during the regular season. Working the wide receivers in 2023, the Bobcats ranked third in the NAIA in 2023 for points per game and passing yards per completion. Khalitri Zow also received All-Conference Second Team honors.

In his first season at St. Thomas, the Bobcats had two All-Conference honorees in C'quan Jnopiere (First Team) and Zow (Second Team).

Davis was at FIU for five seasons, serving as an assistant coach overseeing the tight ends.

He has been a part of three bowl appearances with FIU including the 2018 Bahamas Bowl victory over Toledo. In his first season, Davis helped FIU tie the program record for wins in a season (8), before breaking that record in 2018 with nine victories on the year. 

Davis has always been around some of the top college programs in the country. He came to FIU after serving as a backup quarterback for the Ole Miss Rebels from 2014-16. He originally committed to play for his dad's former team at North Carolina back in 2012.Prior to his college career, Davis started at quarterback for three seasons at East Chapel Hill (N.C.) and finished as the most prolific passer in school history. He threw for more than 3,500 yards and 30 touchdowns as a senior, set a North Carolina state record with 43 completions in a game.

“I’m humbled by this opportunity and cannot wait to continue getting this program on top of a very competitive conference,” Davis pointed out. “We have a tremendous staff, did well with our recruiting class and now need to use this off-season to get better.”

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..

Fresh off a ServPro First Responder Bowl appearance against the University of Texas San Antonio and a 7-5 record, Willie Simmons in first year as head football coach at Florida International University made a huge recruiting splash in south Florida.

While they did well across the state, this program used Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade to stock the roster for the future.

Here is a look at the three-county recruits that this program landed in this class:

Jahmani Chin-Suer, CB, 5’10, 170, Sunrise Piper.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19230617/Jahmani-ChinSuer

Justin Compere, RB, 5’11, 180, Miami Carol City.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22972608/Justin-Compere

Jayden Ford, RB, 5’6, 160, Miami Central.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18526032/Jayden-Ford

Ja’kari Johnson, S, 6’0, 190, Hollywood McArthur.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20082475/Jakari-Johnson

Demitris Mincey, LB, 6’1, 200, Fort Lauderdale Dillard.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17969385/Demitris-Mincey-Jr

Ayden Passley, TE, 6’4, 215, Jupiter.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17843850/68ceaea08408f61899ac6249

Malik Penson, WR, 5’10, 175, Miami True North Classical Academy.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18197874/Malik-Penson

Noah Sidan, PK, 5’11, 175, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19971498/Noah-Sidan

Michael Smarts, Edge, 6’2, 225, Pembroke Pines Flanagan.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22768076/Michael-Smarts

Dominic Turnbull, CB, 6’2, 175, Miami True North Classical Academy.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16260330/Dominic-Turnbull

OTHER PROSPECTS WILL HELP AS WELL

In addition to those local players that signed in this class, there were some other prospects that will be a part of the future of this program.

Among those are D.J. Alexander (QB, 6’3, 195, Douglasville New Manchester, Georgia), De’Andre Arnold (LB, 5’11, 192, Madison County), Davis Brown (TE, 6’5, 255, Rolesville, North Carolina), Karaijus Hayes (S, 5’11, 170, Sarasota Booker), Kiyante Ingram (S, 6’0, 165, Powder Springs McEachern, Georgia), Eric Johnson (S, 6’0, 180, Loganville Grayson, Georgia), Barrett Maddox (OT, 6’6, 320, Itawamba CC, Fulton Mississippi), Jaeden McMillan (S, 5’11, 180, Melbourne Holy Trinity), James Resar (TE, 6’4, 230, Independence CC, Kansas), 7A state champion hero Barrett Schulz (WR, 6’5, 190, Lake Mary), Za’marion West (CB, 6’1, 170, Madison County), and Riley Wilson (OT, 6’4, 285, Tampa Bay Tech).

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..