Jacksonville Fl- The Florida High School Athletic Association Final Four at the University of North Florida Arena has been full of big moments all week. However, one team has clearly separated itself from the rest. The Fleming Island Golden Eagles used strong defense, sharp shooting, and their size advantage to pull away from Jesuit for an impressive 86–58 win.
From the start, it looked like Jesuit might be ready for the challenge. Early in the first quarter, Jesuit’s #3 Junior Arroyo knocked down a three-pointer to give his team a quick 5–0 lead. The shot brought energy to the crowd and briefly put Fleming Island on its heels.
Mike McClendon steal and Tyler Caouette gets the basket for Jesuit! Fleming Island taking on Jesuit in the Class 5A State Semifinal! pic.twitter.com/0OrmVsudz2
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) March 11, 2026
However, the Golden Eagles quickly found their rhythm.
First, #10 Ryan Turner answered with a smooth two-point basket to get Fleming Island on the board. Then #1 Carson Crawford started what would become an early scoring run. Crawford hit a three-pointer to pull within one point. Moments later, he added a layup and a free throw. Just like that, Crawford had scored seven straight points, turning a deficit into a 10–7 Fleming Island lead.
Carson Crawford for Threeeeee! Fleming Island taking on Jesuit in the Class 5A State Semifinal! pic.twitter.com/gTheDKvKkW
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) March 11, 2026
Jesuit tried to keep pace, when Mike McClendon steal and Tyler Caouette gets the basket for Jesuit. However, Fleming Island’s momentum kept growing. By the end of the first quarter, the Golden Eagles had built a small advantage, leading 17–14.
Mike McClendon steal and Tyler Caouette gets the basket for Jesuit! Fleming Island taking on Jesuit in the Class 5A State Semifinal! pic.twitter.com/0OrmVsudz2
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) March 11, 2026
In the second quarter, Fleming Island began to show why they have been one of the most dangerous teams in the state tournament. Bryce Robinson opened the period with a strong basket inside to extend the lead. Soon after, freshman center Jalil Hill scored twice in the paint, using his size and strength to control the area around the rim.
Jalil Hill with the DUNK! 49-33,3rd Fleming Island dominating! pic.twitter.com/iacm5WvrXX
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) March 11, 2026
Jesuit did produce a highlight moment when Arroyo stole the ball and pushed it ahead to Damien Ross, who finished with a powerful jam. The crowd erupted. But Fleming Island immediately answered when Crawford connected on an alley-oop layup to keep the Golden Eagles in control.
Junior Arroyo with the steal! Damien Ross for the Jam for Jesuit! But back comes Fleming Island alley-oop layup by Crawford!
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) March 11, 2026
Fleming Island leads a close one 25-22! 2nd pic.twitter.com/RKqzQw43zj
From there, the offense kept rolling.
Bryce Robinson added another basket, followed by scores from Diego Rivera and Isaiah Robinson. Then Joseph Johnson knocked down a three-pointer that pushed the Fleming Island lead to 38–22.
83-55! Isaiah Robinson from Downtown! 2:00! 83-55 Fleming Island flying high over Jesuit! pic.twitter.com/2eCDfqgq7z
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) March 11, 2026
Jesuit tried to stay within striking distance. Tyler Caouette hit a big three-pointer and battled hard throughout the game, scoring inside and finishing on fast breaks. Still, Fleming Island continued to respond to every run.
Tyler Caouette strong move!! 💪🏻 for Jesuit!!! pic.twitter.com/HFpLgMSWPk
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) March 11, 2026
By halftime, the Golden Eagles had built a strong lead.
The third quarter was when the game truly broke open.
Ryan Turner caught fire from beyond the arc. The 6-foot-4 guard drained four three-pointers during the stretch, each one widening the gap. Isaiah Robinson added another three as well, and Fleming Island’s offense became nearly impossible to stop.
Ryan Turner hits a Threeeeee! 58-44! Fleming Island all over Jesuit!! 3rd 2:04 pic.twitter.com/UsuY3Nu6Hw
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) March 11, 2026
Jesuit fought hard, but the Golden Eagles kept extending the lead. By the end of the third quarter, Fleming Island was comfortably ahead 63–48.
In the fourth quarter, Crawford continued to attack the basket with a pair of tough finishes. With about two minutes left in the game, the starters were able to sit as the outcome was no longer in doubt.
Carson Crawford for the layup! Fleming Island taking on Jesuit in the Class 5A State Semifinal! pic.twitter.com/qQGv5b2uZg
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) March 11, 2026
The final score told the story: Fleming Island 86, Jesuit 58.
One major factor throughout the game was Fleming Island’s size. Freshman 6-foot-10 Jalil Hill controlled the paint on defense, grabbed offensive rebounds, and drew fouls with his physical play inside. Meanwhile, the 6-foot-7 Crawford used his length to clog passing lanes and finish above defenders. Turner’s length on the perimeter also helped pressure Jesuit’s ball handlers all night.
Jalil Hill from Carson Crawford Fly Slamma Jamma! Fleming Island's starters take a seat at the 2 min mark of the 4th! They're moving on to the State Championship! pic.twitter.com/G1t74tD4TH
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) March 11, 2026
Head coach Traavis Chandler has guided the Golden Eagles to an impressive 23–8 record this season. Even more impressive, the team is still young and continues to improve.
Earlier losses to strong programs like The Villages Charter School, Impact Christian Academy, and Andrew Jackson High School became valuable lessons for the team. All three programs ended up reaching the state’s biggest stage, giving Fleming Island valuable experience against elite competition.
Those lessons appear to have paid off.
The Golden Eagles have looked dominant during their tournament run. They overwhelmed Columbia High School 69–45, defeated Booker T. Washington High School 85–64 — a game where Crawford exploded for 50 points — and also beat Gainesville High School 75–47 and Orange Park High School 58–40.
Next up is a championship showdown against Pembroke Pines Charter High School, who enters the game with a strong 21–6 record. Interestingly, both teams share a common opponent in The Villages, a team the Jaguars defeated earlier this season.
Still, the Golden Eagles look confident and dangerous right now. Their size, shooting, and teamwork have made them one of the most complete teams in the tournament.
If they continue to play the way they did against Jesuit, Fleming Island could soon be celebrating a state championship.
