The Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) boys’ basketball state championships resume this week with the larger classifications taking the stage at UNF Arena in Jacksonville, Florida. Here is a preview of the 5A semifinals that are scheduled to take place on Wednesday:

Lecanto vs. Pembroke Pines Charter- Wednesday, March 11 at 9:00 a.m.: 

In our first semifinal in Class 5A, we have a David vs. Goliath matchup as the Lecanto Panthers are making their first-ever appearance in school history to the Final Four, where they will be taking on the Pembroke Pines Charter Jaguars, who are making their second appearance in the last three years.

The Lecanto Panthers (24-6) have had a stellar season, with a potent offense averaging nearly 72 points per game. The Panthers have been led this season by a two-headed monster duo in 6-foot-2 senior guard Braylen Moore and 6-foot senior guard JT Tipton. Another eye to keep on for the Panthers is 6-foot-6 senior power forward Tristan Loreth, who is averaging 9.5 rebounds per game and has recorded five double-doubles this season.

The Pembroke Pines Charter Jaguars (20-6) are two wins away from winning the school’s third state title in school history, with their previous two titles coming within the last six years (2021 and 2024). The Jaguars come into Wednesday’s semifinal tilt with Lecanto on a five-game winning streak, dating back to January 30, when they lost their regular-season finale to Miramar. Leading the way this season for Pembroke Pines Charter has been 5-foot-11 junior guard Zacuras Dawson, 6-foot- 6 junior wing Anthony Walcott, and 6-foot-8 senior forward Robert Guishard.

Jesuit (Tampa) vs. Fleming Island - Wednesday, March 11 at 1:00 p.m.: 

The Jesuit Tigers are one of three schools in the greater Tampa Bay area to be represented in the Final Four this week (Boca Ciega 4A and Sickles 6A), and they are making their first trip back to the big stage since 2021, where they lost to Pembroke Pines Charter. On the other side, the Fleming Island Golden Eagles are making their first trip back to the Final Four since 2019.

The Jesuit Tigers (24-6) come into Wednesday’s final four matchup with Fleming Island on a five-game winning streak, dating back to January 29, when they lost to Tampa Catholic in the regular-season finale. Leading the way this season for the Tigers has been 6-foot-5 senior guard Tyler Caouette, 6-foot-2 senior guard Damien Ross, and 6-foot-2 sophomore guard Mike McClendon. Also keep an eye on 6-foot-4 sophomore guard Deandre Taylor, who has been averaging nearly double figures this season.

The Fleming Island Golden Eagles (22-8) are led by 10 th -year head coach Traavis Chandler, who makes his second appearance in the Final Four, leading the charge. The Golden Eagles are two wins away from winning the school’s first state championship in their 22-year program history. The Golden Eagles are averaging 65.9 points per game this season, where they have a disciplined offense that is led by 6-foot-7 junior forward Carson Crawford and 6-foot-2 senior guard Bryce Robinson.

The 5A Championship Game is scheduled to take place on Friday, March 13 at 8:00 p.m., where we could have two schools that could be seeking their first-ever state championship game appearances. Jesuit has the most experience playing in state championship games, where they have played in three of them (3-0 record), followed by Pembroke Pines Charter, having played in two (2-0 record).

Ross Van De Griek has been a Southeast region scout & writer for On The Radar Hoops since 2024. He has been involved in basketball scouting with previous stops at Prep Hoops from 2022 to 2024. You can follow him on X @RossVDG14 or reach him via email at rossvdg14@gmail.com