If you’ve followed us on twitter, you’ve seen some great boys basketball teams and players competing this year across Northeast Florida. Now we’re headed into the home stretch as the top teams go into their district tournaments to position themselves for the playoffs. Check out the Top 10 boys basketball teams going into district play this week.
#1. Jackson (23-2) (Class 4A) (District 3)
Ranked #4 FHSAA State Rankings
Jackson once again is the premier program in Northeast Florida this year thanks in part to their coach James Collins. The Tigers are on a 17-game winning streak including a 53-40 Thursday night win against No. 2 Fleming Island. Jackson won their fourth Gateway Conference championship in five years as well. Last week they bested Paxon 53-28 to win the title. They are once again a big, long, and aggressive team, led by it’s suffocating defense. Senior 6’7 forward James Morrow leads them on both ends especially in the paint. He recently committed to State College of Florida. Seniors Stephon Payne, Kevin Odom, and Andre Myers are seasoned and savvy. Junior Fred Gaines brings athleticism and toughness that has this Tigers team thinking about a return to Lakeland for the Final 4.
Schedule:
| Date | Opponents | Final Scores |
|---|---|---|
| 11/268:30p | Tampa Catholic (Tampa, FL)Game Details: Jackie Simmons Thanksgiving Classic @ Jackson | (W) 73 – 47 |
| 11/271:30p | Marietta (Marietta, GA)Game Details: Jackie Simmons Thanksgiving Classic @ Jackson | (W) 62 – 47 |
| 11/307:30p | @ First Coast (Jacksonville, FL)Location: First Coast High School | (W) 82 – 49 |
| 12/17:00p | Wolfson (Jacksonville, FL)Location: Andrew Jackson High School | (W) 60 – 28 |
| 12/37:00p | Florida State University High School (Tallahassee, FL)Location: Andrew Jackson High School | (W) 69 – 48 |
| 12/46:30p | P.K. Yonge (Gainesville, FL)Location: Andrew Jackson High School | (W) 65 – 38 |
| 12/77:00p | @ Potter’s House Christian (Jacksonville, FL)Location: Potter’s House Christian High School | (L) 47 – 37 |
| 12/177:00p | Riverside (Jacksonville, FL)Location: Andrew Jackson High School | (L) 51 – 46 |
| 12/218:15p | @ Auburndale (Auburndale, FL)Game Details: Battle On The Island @ Fleming Island | (W) 66 – 58 |
| 12/228:15p | @ Eleanor McMain (New Orleans, LA)Game Details: Battle On The Island @ Fleming Island | (W) 44 – 42 |
| 12/238:15p | @ Fleming Island (Orange Park, FL)Game Details: 2021 Battle On The Island Gold Div. Championship | (W) 67 – 51 |
| 12/296:00p | @ Raines (Jacksonville, FL)Game Details: Northwest Christmas Tournament @ Ribault | (W) 62 – 28 |
| 12/307:30p | @ Ribault (Jacksonville, FL)Game Details: Northwest XMAS Tournament hosted @ Ribault | (W) 56 – 47 |
| 1/57:00p | Bishop Snyder (Jacksonville, FL)Location: Andrew Jackson High School | (W) 52 – 41 |
| 1/78:00p | Victory Rock Prep (Sarasota, FL)Game Details: MLK Tournament @ Jackson | (W) 59 – 41 |
| 1/84:30p | Orange Park (Orange Park, FL)Game Details: MLK Tournament @ Jackson | (W) 54 – 50 |
| 1/157:00p | Potter’s House Christian (Jacksonville, FL) | (W) 41 – 24 |
| 1/197:30p | @ Mainland (Daytona Beach, FL)Location: Mainland High School | (W) 57 – 41 |
| 1/214:00p | @ Lake Highland Prep (Orlando, FL)Game Details: Wally Keller Classic @ Charlotte High | (W) 58 – 51 |
| 1/221:40p | Bartow (Bartow, FL)Game Details: Wally Keller Classic @ Charlotte High | (W) 64 – 47 |
| 1/255:30p | Ribault (Jacksonville, FL)Game Details: Gateway Conference Tournament @ Fletchers High | (W) 73 – 38 |
| 1/267:00p | Fletcher (Neptune Beach, FL) | (W) 75 – 46 |
| 1/286:00p | Paxon School For Advanced Studies (Jacksonville, FL)Game Details: Gateway Conference Tournament | (W) 53 – 28 |
| 2/17:00p | @ Ribault (Jacksonville, FL)Location: Ribault High School | (W) 63 – 31 |
| 2/37:00p | Fleming Island (Orange Park, FL)Game Details: @ Andrew Jackson HS | (W) 53 – 40 |
#2. Fleming Island (12-12), (Class 6A), (District 3)
Ranked #5 FHSAA State Rankings
Fleming Island is one of the best teams in the state as indicated by their overall FHSAA rankings. They’re a big team led by 6’5 Colton Zapp (12.7 ppg, 6.2 rpg), 6’5 Ahman Greenidge (12.1 ppg, 8.9 rpg) and 6’4 Antoine Sandy (11.2 ppg). However, a glance at their overall record would suggest that they were an average team. Not the case. In actuality, the Golden Eagles were fined 4,000 and had to forfeit nine regular season games due to an illegal player on junior varsity and varsity. Similar to the Ed White Football team this past season, who was forced to forfeit a game due to an illegal JV player, Fleming Island hasn’t missed a beat. They are winners of 12 of their last 15 games. Two of their losses have come to state ranked #4 Jackson and last Friday against #23 Providence.
| Date | Opponents | Final Scores |
|---|---|---|
| 11/237:00p | @ Wolfson (Jacksonville, FL)Location: Wolfson High School | (FFL) 70 – 40 |
| 11/273:00p | Tampa Catholic (Tampa, FL)Game Details: Jacksonville Thanksgiving Classic | (FFL) 60 – 46 |
| 12/17:00p | @ Raines (Jacksonville, FL)Location: Raines High School | (FFL) 83 – 51 |
| 12/27:00p | Ridgeview (Orange Park, FL)Location: Fleming Island High School | (FFL) 73 – 35 |
| 12/47:00p | @ Oakleaf (Orange Park, FL)Location: Oakleaf High School | (FFL) 76 – 57 |
| 12/98:00p | Episcopal School of Jacksonville (Jacksonville, FL)Game Details: Fortegra Invitational Tournament @ FSCJ South | (FFL) 67 – 50 |
| 12/108:00p | Riverside (Jacksonville, FL)Game Details: Fortegra 9:12 Tournament @ FSCJ South | (FFL) 72 – 53 |
| 12/117:15p | Nease (Ponte Vedra, FL)Game Details: Fortegra 9:12 Championship @ FSCJ South | (FFL) 59 – 31 |
| 12/147:00p | Riverside (Jacksonville, FL)Location: Fleming Island High School | (FFL) 73 – 59 |
| 12/167:00p | @ Impact Christian Academy (Jacksonville, FL)Location: Impact Christian Academy | (W) 56 – 37 |
| 12/187:30p | @ Auburndale (Auburndale, FL)Game Details: 2021 Auburndale Christmas Shootout | (W) 64 – 60 |
| 12/215:15p | Durant (Plant City, FL)Game Details: 2021 Battle on the Island | (W) 87 – 67 |
| 12/226:45p | Seminole (Sanford, FL)Game Details: 2021 Battle on the Island | (W) 83 – 58 |
| 12/238:15p | Andrew Jackson (Jacksonville, FL)Game Details: 2021 Battle On The Island Gold Div. Championship | (L) 67 – 51 |
| 12/285:30p | New Hampstead (Savannah, GA)Game Details: 2021 Showdown In Savannah | (W) 60 – 41 |
| 12/294:00p | Johnson (Savannah, GA)Game Details: Showdown In Savannah Tournament | (W) 53 – 48 |
| 1/57:00p | Fletcher (Neptune Beach, FL)Location: Fleming Island High School | (W) 52 – 51 |
| 1/137:00p | First Coast (Jacksonville, FL)Location: Fleming Island High School | (W) 62 – 33 |
| 1/197:00p | Oakleaf (Orange Park, FL)Location: Fleming Island High School | (W) 70 – 53 |
| 1/217:00p | Clay (Green Cove Springs, FL)Location: Fleming Island High School | (W) 68 – 39 |
| 1/257:00p | @ St. Augustine (St. Augustine, FL)Location: St. Augustine High School | (W) 69 – 62 |
| 1/277:00p | Orange Park (Orange Park, FL)Location: Fleming Island High School | (W) 53 – 52 |
| 2/37:00p | @ Andrew Jackson (Jacksonville, FL)Game Details: @ Andrew Jackson HS | (L) 53 – 40 |
| 2/47:00p | Providence School (Jacksonville, FL)Location: Fleming Island High School | (L) 52 – 47 |
| 2/56:30p | Norland (Miami, FL)Game Details: 2022 First Coast vs. Florida Challenge | (L) 56 – 48 |
#3. Riverside (20-4, Class 5A) (District 2)
Ranked #21 FHSAA State Rankings
The Generals are one of the only teams in the area that can boast wins over teams like Fletcher, Impact Christian, Bishop Snyder, Ponte Vedra, Sandalwood, West Nassau, #5 Fleming Island, and #4 Jackson. They’re loss against top ranked Fleming Island was awarded as a win due to a forfeit. Riverside is led by Dominick Scott (13.2 ppg), Tahj McClain (7.9 RPG, 2.5 BPG), Montez Dunson (10.9 ppg). Although they fell short in the Gateway Conference tournament, the Generals can be confident entering district play knowing they are probably the best team in their district. Not only that, but they are playing with motivation and extra heart for their fallen teammate Michael Walton, who fatally passed away from a hit and run car accident in September. Personally, I’m pulling for them.
| Date | Opponents | Final Scores |
|---|---|---|
| 11/265:30p | Lovejoy (Lovejoy, GA)Game Details: Thanksgiving classic at Andrew Jackson high School | (W) 76 – 71 |
| 11/274:30p | Rickards (Tallahassee, FL)Game Details: Thanksgiving Classic @Jackson HS | (W) 56 – 47 |
| 11/297:00p | North Florida Educational Institute (Jacksonville, FL)Location: Riverside High School | (L) 54 – 43 |
| 12/17:00p | Bishop Snyder (Jacksonville, FL)Location: Riverside High School | (W) 70 – 62 |
| 12/37:30p | @ Palatka (Palatka, FL)Location: Palatka High School | (W) 67 – 48 |
| 12/67:00p | Raines (Jacksonville, FL)Location: Riverside High School | (W) 79 – 50 |
| 12/96:00p | Ponte Vedra (Ponte Vedra, FL)Game Details: Fortegra Tournament | (W) 57 – 56 (OT) |
| 12/108:00p | Fleming Island (Orange Park, FL)Game Details: Fortegra 9:12 Tournament @ FSCJ South | (FFW) 72 – 53 |
| 12/11TBA | Fletcher (Neptune Beach, FL) | (W) 64 – 55 |
| 12/147:00p | @ Fleming Island (Orange Park, FL)Location: Fleming Island High School | (FFW) 73 – 59 |
| 12/167:00p | Atlantic Coast (Jacksonville, FL) | (W) 72 – 35 |
| 12/177:00p | @ Andrew Jackson (Jacksonville, FL)Location: Andrew Jackson High School | (W) 51 – 46 |
| 12/272:30p | Lake Wales (Lake Wales, FL)Game Details: Mainland Christmas Shootout in Daytona | (W) 69 – 44 |
| 12/2811:30a | Eustis (Eustis, FL) | (W) 63 – 41 |
| 1/67:00p | First Coast (Jacksonville, FL)Location: Riverside High School | (W) 71 – 33 |
| 1/116:00p | Windermere Prep (Windermere, FL)Location: Riverside High School | (W) 62 – 50 |
| 1/127:00p | @ Fletcher (Neptune Beach, FL)Location: Fletcher High School | (L) 44 – 43 |
| 1/147:00p | @ ED White (Jacksonville, FL)Location: ED White High School | (W) 84 – 46 |
| 1/171:30p | Impact Christian Academy (Jacksonville, FL)Location: Riverside High School | (W) 63 – 46 |
| 1/215:00p | West Nassau (Callahan, FL)Game Details: Duel in Duval @UNF | (W) 73 – 50 |
| 1/226:00p | Melbourne (Melbourne, FL)Game Details: Dual in Duval @ ICA | (W) 65 – 58 |
| 1/255:30p | Sandalwood (Jacksonville, FL)Game Details: Gateway Conference Tournament | (W) 64 – 47 |
| 1/265:30p | Paxon School For Advanced Studies (Jacksonville, FL)Game Details: Gateway Conference Tournament | (L) 55 – 43 |
| 2/17:00p | Sandalwood (Jacksonville, FL)Game Details: SENIOR NIGHT | (L) 54 – 53 |
#4. Ponte Vedra (21-3, Class 6A) (District 4)
Ranked #29 in FHSAA State Rankings
The Sharks are lurking near the top of all boys basketball rankings in the state as their talented team has put together an extremely impressive record in the regular season. Led by Ross Candelino (13.8 ppg), Nathan Bunkosky (10.9 ppg), JT Kelly (10.7 ppg), and Luke Pirris (10.4 ppg), Ponte Vedra has been physically imposing and extremely athletic. Maybe it’s because Pirris and Bunkowsky are stand out football players as well. With 21 wins against top opponents like #23 Providence and Impact Christian Academy. One of their losses came in overtime to #21 Riverside.
| Dates | Opponents | Final Scores |
|---|---|---|
| 11/237:30p | @ Menendez (St. Augustine, FL)Location: Menendez High School | (W) 60 – 29 |
| 11/307:30p | @ Bolles (Jacksonville, FL)Location: Bolles High School | (W) 60 – 48 |
| 12/37:30p | Nease (Ponte Vedra, FL)Location: Ponte Vedra High School | (W) 52 – 48 |
| 12/77:30p | Providence School (Jacksonville, FL)Location: Ponte Vedra High School | (W) 53 – 48 |
| 12/96:00p | Riverside (Jacksonville, FL)Game Details: Fortegra Tournament | (L) 57 – 56 (OT) |
| 12/103:00p | Episcopal School of Jacksonville (Jacksonville, FL)Game Details: @ Fortegra Tournament (UNF) | (L) 51 – 38 |
| 12/1112:00p | Impact Christian Academy (Jacksonville, FL)Game Details: @ Fortegra Tournament (UNF) | (W) 55 – 30 |
| 12/147:30p | @ Ridgeview (Orange Park, FL)Location: Ridgeview High School | (W) 60 – 49 |
| 12/177:30p | Westside (Jacksonville, FL)Location: Ponte Vedra High School | (W) 74 – 30 |
| 12/279:00a | Gulf Coast (Naples, FL)Game Details: @Golden Gate Tournament (Naples) | (W) 59 – 26 |
| 12/285:45p | Doral Academy (Doral, FL)Game Details: @ Golden Gate (Naples) | (W) 60 – 31 |
| 12/299:00p | Somerset Prep (North Lauderdale, FL) | (W) 62 – 39 |
| 12/301:00p | Evans (Orlando, FL)Game Details: Kelleher Law Holiday Hoopfest | (W) 64 – 57 |
| 1/47:00p | @ Atlantic Coast (Jacksonville, FL)Location: Atlantic Coast High School | (W) 52 – 29 |
| 1/77:00p | Bishop Kenny (Jacksonville, FL)Location: Ponte Vedra High School | (W) 61 – 31 |
| 1/117:30p | Stanton (Jacksonville, FL)Location: Ponte Vedra High School | (W) 83 – 40 |
| 1/137:00p | @ Wolfson (Jacksonville, FL)Location: Wolfson High School | (W) 66 – 30 |
| 1/147:00p | @ Fletcher (Neptune Beach, FL)Location: Fletcher High School | (W) 52 – 49 |
| 1/187:30p | Creekside (St. Johns, FL)Location: Ponte Vedra High School | (W) 71 – 49 |
| 1/207:30p | St. Augustine (St. Augustine, FL)Location: Ponte Vedra High School | (W) 70 – 55 |
| 1/257:30p | @ Bishop Snyder (Jacksonville, FL)Location: Bishop Snyder High School | (L) 45 – 41 |
| 2/17:00p | St. Joseph Academy (St. Augustine, FL)Location: Ponte Vedra High School | (W) 74 – 45 |
| 2/37:30p | @ Nease (Ponte Vedra, FL)Location: Nease High School | (W) 62 – 52 |
| 2/47:30p | Bartram Trail (St. Johns, FL)Location: Ponte Vedra High School | (W) 71 – 58 |
#5. Providence (21-4), (Class 3A) (District 2)
Ranked #23 FHSAA Rankings
Providence once again has shown why they are a preeminent power house in Northeast Florida. Wins over Bishop Snyder, Bolles, Impact Christian, NFEI, St. Joseph. With five straight wins to end the regular season including a 52-47 win over Fleming Island, the Stallions are one of the hottest teams in the area. Chris Arias (6’5) has been instrumental in driving the lane and scoring. 6 foot 6 Jaylen Robinson has been a force in the paint and can finish strong at the basket. Then there’s another tree in 6’6 Mason Lee, who has shown he can knock down the three pointer and big shots. Bishop Snyder remains their toughest competition upcoming in the District.
#6. NFEI (18-7) (Class 2A) (District 3)
Ranked # 49 in FHSAA State Rankings
Led by junior Issac Tevarus 18.1 points per game, North Florida Educational Institute has an awesome athlete at the helm of another impressive basketball team. Senior Javon Prindle averages 9.8 points per game, while junior Tommie Hall chips in with 9.0 points per game. 6’2 Guard Marko Mojsilovic has been a great floor general and scorer as well (8.5ppg). This talent has been evident in wins over #21 Riverside, IMG Academy, Potter’s House, Impact Christian Academy and Bishop Snyder. They begin their district championship quest against The Beaches Chapel Tuesday.
| Date | Opponents | Final Scores |
|---|---|---|
| 11/262:55p | Marietta (Marietta, GA)Game Details: Andrew Jackson Holiday Classic | (W) 62 – 44 |
| 11/278:30p | Auburndale (Auburndale, FL) | (L) 60 – 51 |
| 11/297:00p | @ Riverside (Jacksonville, FL)Location: Riverside High School | (W) 54 – 43 |
| 11/306:00p | The Rock (Gainesville, FL)Location: North Florida Educational Institute | (L) 72 – 61 |
| 12/17:00p | West Nassau (Callahan, FL)Location: North Florida Educational Institute | (W) 75 – 47 |
| 12/37:00p | Impact Christian Academy (Jacksonville, FL)Location: North Florida Educational Institute | (W) 57 – 45 |
| 12/77:00p | Westside (Jacksonville, FL)Location: North Florida Educational Institute | (W) 67 – 38 |
| 12/97:00p | @ Potter’s House Christian (Jacksonville, FL)Location: Potter’s House Christian High School | (W) 51 – 43 |
| 12/176:20p | Millennium (Goodyear, AZ)Game Details: Tarkanian Classic | (W) 68 – 63 (OT) |
| 12/185:00p | Villa Park (Villa Park, CA) | (W) 67 – 63 |
| 12/206:30p | Trinity Christian (Cedar Hill, TX) | (L) 83 – 77 |
| 1/33:30p | Parker (Jacksonville, FL)Game Details: Benard Wilkes classic – Ribault HS | (W) 44 – 28 |
| 1/77:00p | Lincoln (Tallahassee, FL)Game Details: Pre MLK classic @ Jackson | (L) 56 – 53 |
| 1/84:30p | @ Victory Rock Prep (Sarasota, FL)Game Details: Pre MLK classic @ Jackson | (L) 55 – 51 |
| 1/137:00p | @ The Rock (Gainesville, FL)Location: The Rock High School | (L) 68 – 64 |
| 1/147:00p | Ribault (Jacksonville, FL)Location: North Florida Educational Institute | (W) 89 – 68 |
| 1/151:00p | Suncoast (Riviera Beach, FL)Game Details: MLK showcase | (W) 49 – 46 |
| 1/174:00p | Southridge (Miami, FL)Game Details: MLK Classic | (W) 56 – 49 |
| 1/247:00p | Harvest Christian Academy (Jacksonville, FL)Location: North Florida Educational Institute | (W) 74 – 29 |
| 1/257:00p | University Christian (Jacksonville, FL)Location: North Florida Educational Institute | (W) 58 – 39 |
| 1/277:00p | St. John Paul II (Tallahassee, FL)Game Details: JV @ 5:30 | (W) 75 – 44 |
| 1/287:30p | @ West Nassau (Callahan, FL)Location: West Nassau High School | (W) 67 – 53 |
| 1/317:30p | @ Bishop Snyder (Jacksonville, FL)Location: Bishop Snyder High School | (W) 58 – 56 |
| 2/17:00p | Providence School (Jacksonville, FL)Location: North Florida Educational Institute | (L) 54 – 42 |
| 2/47:00p | IMG Academy White (Bradenton, FL)Location: North Florida Educational Institute | (W) 58 – 42 |
#7. Paxon (21-3),( Class 4A) (District 2)
Paxon has been a team on the rise late in the season. A defeat of Riverside (55-43) in the Gateway Conference Tournament landed them with 21 wins on the season. Their only losses came to Bishop Snyder, Sagemont and Jackson in the Gateway Conference Championship game (53-28). The Golden Eagles are the top seed in the District 2-4A thanks to 5’9 Guard Brian Williams. The senior has always been one of the most talented athletes in the city, as he was a top football player in middle school. Now, Williams along with fellow seniors Camden Tyner, and Abraham Garjah, plus junior Kyle Jones, and sophomore Dameon Jones are soaring high under new head coach Kenny Elliott.
| Dates | Opponents | Final Scores |
|---|---|---|
| 11/237:00p | @ St. Augustine (St. Augustine, FL)Location: St. Augustine High School | (W) 72 – 62 |
| 11/2712:00p | Pensacola (Pensacola, FL)Game Details: Thanksgiving Classic at Andrew Jackson High School | (W) 57 – 48 |
| 12/37:00p | Suwannee (Live Oak, FL)Location: Paxon School For Advanced Studies | (W) 61 – 27 |
| 12/47:30p | @ Yulee (Yulee, FL)Location: Yulee High School | (W) 62 – 46 |
| 12/67:30p | @ Bishop Snyder (Jacksonville, FL)Location: Bishop Snyder High School | (L) 56 – 54 |
| 12/107:00p | @ Parker (Jacksonville, FL)Location: Parker High School | (W) 54 – 31 |
| 12/167:00p | Clay (Green Cove Springs, FL)Game Details: 2021 Kiwanis Tournament (Bradford) | (W) 45 – 41 |
| 12/177:00p | Hope Christian Academy (Jacksonville, FL)Game Details: 2021 Kiwanis Holiday Tournament @ Bradford HS | (W) 51 – 45 |
| 12/188:30p | Bradford (Starke, FL)Game Details: 2021 Kiwanis Tournament (Bradford ) | (W) 65 – 37 |
| 12/217:00p | @ ED White (Jacksonville, FL)Location: ED White High School | (W) 56 – 48 |
| 12/285:00p | Metter (Metter, GA)Game Details: Paul Thigpen Christmas Classic | (W) 82 – 39 |
| 12/295:00p | Tattnall County (Reidsville, GA)Game Details: Vidalia Tournament | (W) 75 – 43 |
| 1/32:00p | @ University Christian (Jacksonville, FL)Location: University Christian High School | (W) 52 – 30 |
| 1/75:30p | Auburndale (Auburndale, FL)Game Details: MLK Classic @ Andrew Jackson | (W) 62 – 50 |
| 1/87:00p | @ Clay (Green Cove Springs, FL)Location: Clay High School | Report Final Score |
| 1/107:00p | Raines (Jacksonville, FL)Location: Paxon School For Advanced Studies | (W) 61 – 52 |
| 1/137:00p | Westside (Jacksonville, FL)Location: Paxon School For Advanced Studies | (W) 72 – 33 |
| 1/156:00p | Santa Fe (Alachua, FL)Game Details: MLK Shootout University Christian High School | (W) 54 – 47 |
| 1/187:00p | Baker County (Glen St. Mary, FL)Location: Paxon School For Advanced Studies | (W) 69 – 34 |
| 1/207:00p | @ Atlantic Coast (Jacksonville, FL)Location: Atlantic Coast High School | (W) 63 – 54 |
| 1/215:30p | Sagemont (Weston, FL) | (L) 71 – 59 |
| 1/257:00p | ED White (Jacksonville, FL)Game Details: Gateway Tournament | (W) 67 – 27 |
| 1/265:30p | Riverside (Jacksonville, FL)Game Details: Gateway Conference Tournament | (W) 55 – 43 |
| 1/286:00p | @ Andrew Jackson (Jacksonville, FL)Game Details: Gateway Conference Tournament | (L) 53 – 28 |
| 2/17:00p | Parker (Jacksonville, FL)Location: Paxon School For Advanced Studies | (W) 51 – 17 |
| 2/47:30p | @ Baker County (Glen St. Mary, FL)Location: Baker County High School | (W) 71 – 26 |
#8. Orange Park (20-4), (Class 5A) (District 3)
Ranked #38 in FHSAA rankings
The Raiders might be defined best actually by two of their losses this season instead of their 20 wins. A very close loss to top ranked Fleming Island (53-52) and Jackson 54-50 showed their heart and ability to be a very good team. It’s showed in a mighty way with a three game winning streak to end the season. Coach Derek Kurnitsky has navigated the Raiders to an impressive 20-4 record. Sophomore Archieve Triggs III has been a hard nosed playmaker for his team, while junior Thomas Faucett has been a sharp shooter from the outside. 6’4 Zalon Sanders, and forward Avorie Grayson make up a scrappy bunch of players that never quit which should take them far in the district tournament.
| 11/307:30p | Menendez (St. Augustine, FL)Location: Orange Park High School | (W) 71 – 34 |
| 12/27:30p | Yulee (Yulee, FL)Location: Orange Park High School | (W) 73 – 47 |
| 12/37:00p | @ Creekside (St. Johns, FL)Location: Creekside High School | (W) 61 – 58 (OT) |
| 12/67:30p | @ West Nassau (Callahan, FL)Location: West Nassau High School | (W) 81 – 75 |
| 12/77:00p | ED White (Jacksonville, FL)Location: Orange Park High School | (W) 62 – 43 |
| 12/107:30p | @ Bolles (Jacksonville, FL)Location: Bolles High School | (W) 63 – 45 |
| 12/115:15p | Wildwood (Wildwood, FL)Game Details: RaiderDome Classic- Orange Park | (W) 76 – 53 |
| 12/147:00p | @ Atlantic Coast (Jacksonville, FL)Location: Atlantic Coast High School | (W) 69 – 48 |
| 12/177:00p | Bishop Kenny (Jacksonville, FL)Location: Orange Park High School | (W) 67 – 47 |
| 12/187:30p | @ Port St. Joe (Port St. Joe, FL)Location: Port St. Joe High School | (W) 80 – 37 |
| 12/2012:00p | @ Franklin County (Eastpoint, FL)Location: Franklin County High School | (W) 80 – 47 |
| 1/37:00p | @ Providence School (Jacksonville, FL)Location: Providence School | (L) 51 – 44 |
| 1/47:00p | @ ED White (Jacksonville, FL)Location: ED White High School | (W) 71 – 54 |
| 1/77:00p | @ Oakleaf (Orange Park, FL)Location: Oakleaf High School | (W) 66 – 55 |
| 1/84:30p | @ Andrew Jackson (Jacksonville, FL)Game Details: MLK Tournament @ Jackson | (L) 54 – 50 |
| 1/117:00p | Wolfson (Jacksonville, FL)Location: Orange Park High School | (W) 69 – 54 |
| 1/137:00p | West Nassau (Callahan, FL)Location: Orange Park High School | (W) 83 – 65 |
| 1/156:00p | The Villages Charter (The Villages, FL)Game Details: Forest MLK Day Event | (W) 57 – 54 |
| 1/217:00p | Oakleaf (Orange Park, FL)Location: Orange Park High School | (W) 58 – 53 |
| 1/228:00p | Lincoln (Tallahassee, FL)Game Details: Duel in Duval | (L) 45 – 44 |
| 1/257:00p | Bartram Trail (St. Johns, FL)Game Details: Orange Park Shootout | (W) 60 – 53 |
| 1/277:00p | @ Fleming Island (Orange Park, FL)Location: Fleming Island High School | (L) 53 – 52 |
| 1/287:00p | Nease (Ponte Vedra, FL)Game Details: Tournament at O.P. | (W) 69 – 52 |
| 1/317:00p | Trinity Christian Academy (Jacksonville, FL)Location: Orange Park High School | (W) 79 – 59 |
| 2/37:00p | Bolles (Jacksonville, FL)Location: Orange Park High School | (W) 71 – 54 |
#9. Impact (13-12), (Class 2A) (District 3)
Coach Benjamin Jones has made a habit of getting the best out of his teams no matter where he is or what he’s up against. Impact Christian has been a consistent presence in the playoffs and even the Final 4. This year may be his toughest test though, as many of his top players from previous team’s have moved on to college, but the Lions are still roaring and have a great shot at the playoffs if they can get to the district championship. Senior Devean Knowles has lots of championship game experience. 6’7 Jordan Mikell, and guard Taylor Thompson can both score at will. Their record doesn’t reflect how dangerous this team can be when it counts.
| Dates | Opponents | Final Scores |
|---|---|---|
| 11/223:30p | East Lake (Tarpon Springs, FL) | (L) 54 – 44 |
| 11/2312:30p | Sickles (Tampa, FL) | (W) 53 – 52 |
| 11/307:00p | @ Christ’s Church Academy (Jacksonville, FL)Location: Christ’s Church Academy | (FFW) 2 – 0 |
| 12/27:00p | Westside (Jacksonville, FL)Location: Impact Christian Academy | (W) 65 – 52 |
| 12/37:00p | @ North Florida Educational Institute (Jacksonville, FL)Location: North Florida Educational Institute | (L) 57 – 45 |
| 12/93:00p | Fletcher (Neptune Beach, FL)Game Details: Fortegra Invitational | (L) 65 – 40 |
| 12/101:00p | Dublin (Dublin, GA)Game Details: Location: Jacksonville, FL | (L) 55 – 54 (OT) |
| 12/1112:00p | Ponte Vedra (Ponte Vedra, FL)Game Details: @ Fortegra Tournament (UNF) | (L) 55 – 30 |
| 12/167:00p | Fleming Island (Orange Park, FL)Location: Impact Christian Academy | (L) 56 – 37 |
| 12/177:00p | Seacoast Christian Academy (Jacksonville, FL)Location: Impact Christian Academy | (W) 73 – 39 |
| 12/281:00p | McArthur (Hollywood, FL)Game Details: The Sunshine State Basketball Explosion in Florida | (W) 51 – 44 |
| 12/2911:30a | St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, FL)Game Details: Sunshine State Explosion-Coconut Creek HS | (L) 43 – 30 |
| 1/67:00p | West Nassau (Callahan, FL)Location: Impact Christian Academy | (L) 56 – 54 |
| 1/77:00p | Madison County (Madison, FL)Game Details: 4000 Spring Park Rd JVille (Faith United Methodist | (W) 67 – 40 |
| 1/171:30p | @ Riverside (Jacksonville, FL)Location: Riverside High School | (L) 63 – 46 |
| 1/197:00p | Bishop Snyder (Jacksonville, FL)Location: Impact Christian Academy | (L) 57 – 47 |
| 1/216:30p | San Jose Prep (Jacksonville, FL)Game Details: Duel in Duval | (W) 51 – 49 |
| 1/224:30p | Columbia (Lake City, FL)Game Details: Duel in Duval | (W) 61 – 55 |
| 1/257:00p | Bolles (Jacksonville, FL)Location: Impact Christian Academy | (W) 59 – 45 |
| 1/267:00p | Providence School (Jacksonville, FL) | (L) 42 – 36 |
| 1/286:00p | @ Lincoln (Tallahassee, FL)Location: Lincoln High School | (L) 36 – 20 |
| 1/292:30p | @ Chiles (Tallahassee, FL)Location: Chiles High School | (W) 51 – 16 |
| 2/17:00p | @ Wolfson (Jacksonville, FL)Location: Wolfson High School | (W) 54 – 34 |
| 2/37:00p | Palatka (Palatka, FL)Location: Impact Christian Academy | (W) 67 – 58 |
| 2/47:00p | Fletcher (Neptune Beach, FL)Location: Impact Christian Academy | (W) 42 – 39 |
#10. Fletcher (16-9) (Class 6A)(District 4)
Ranked #61 in the FHSAA rankings
Lajae Jones has Fletcher thinking district title this year. The 6’6 senior is averaging 21.0ppg and 7.5 rpg to lead his team. They’ve had several impressive victories on the season including Episcopal, Impact, and over Riverside. A tough one point loss to top ranked Fleming Island almost embodies Fletcher’s season as many of their tough losses have been by small point margins. Marquis Ghee makes a big impact in games. While senior Seth Allen (11.6ppg) was the best middle school basketball player in his class, and has shown several flashes of brilliance in high school. He has the talent to take over a game, which makes Fletcher a dangerous team.
Honorable Mention:
Bishop Snyder (13-11, Nease (18-6, Class 6A), Class 3A), Sandalwood (16-7, Class 7A), Creekside (15-5, Class 7A); Episcopal (14-11, Class 3A),St. Joseph (16-7, Class 2A),Hope Christian (18-10, independent),San Jose Prep (17-6, independent, Ribault (15-8, Class 5A), Seacoast Christian (16-7, Class 2A)
