Florida High holds down top spot nearing big time matchup against No. 2 Godby in latest power rankings

Jack Williams, Tallahassee Democrat
·6 min read
Junior guard Thaddeus Burns (21) battles with a Maclay defender in a game against Maclay on Dec. 9, 2021, at Maclay School. The Seminoles defeated the Marauders, 78-59.
Junior guard Thaddeus Burns (21) battles with a Maclay defender in a game against Maclay on Dec. 9, 2021, at Maclay School. The Seminoles defeated the Marauders, 78-59.

While it's been ice cold outside, the basketball indoors has been heating up. Some of the top boys teams in the area have put together some thrilling games and some huge wins.

Entering the final two weeks of the regular season, every team has a chance to make a shift in the area rankings.

Heading into the final stretch, here is where every team falls this week.

No. 10: Madison County

Record: 9-9

Last result: vs. FAMU DRS L 53-46

FHSAA ranking: No. 15 (1A)

Madison County is starting to find its groove. Freshman guard Labron Lee and junior Jonathan Akins have been the points-scorers for the Cowboys, each averaging 8 points per game. The trio of senior center Jeremy Mcknight, junior guard Jamie Hampton, and senior forward Jahyren Lee have kept rebounding numbers consistent, each averaging four per game.

No. 9: North Florida Christian

The Munroe Bobcats defeated the North Florida Christian Eagles 49-36 Thursday, Jan. 13, 2022.
The Munroe Bobcats defeated the North Florida Christian Eagles 49-36 Thursday, Jan. 13, 2022.

Record: 12-6

Last result: vs. Taylor County W 65-38

FHSAA ranking: No. 19 (2A)

The Eagles picked up some big-time momentum, earning an overtime victory over Class 4A power Gadsden County and winning four of their last five. NVC is coming of victories over Grace Christian and Taylor County, with Maclay on the horizon.

The duo of sophomore Ray Daly Jr. and junior Traylon Ray has played a critical role in NFC's success. Ray is averaging 14.2 points per game and hit the game-tying 3 against Gadsden County. Daly has been a constant force but is seeing his game on the rise, averaging 10.3 points per game.

No. 7 (tie): Munroe, Gadsden County

The Munroe Bobcats defeated the North Florida Christian Eagles 49-36 Thursday, Jan. 13, 2022.
The Munroe Bobcats defeated the North Florida Christian Eagles 49-36 Thursday, Jan. 13, 2022.

Records: Munroe - 14-3; Gadsden County - 13-4.

Last results: Munroe - vs. Leon W 52-48; Gadsden County - vs. Munroe W 60-50

FHSAA rankings: Munroe - No. 11 (2A); Gadsden County - No. 13 (4A)

The battle for Gadsden County continues to tighten. The Jaguars got revenge on the Bobcats last weekend, topping Munroe, 60-50. This could be a stretch where the Jaguars could really take off with games against Godby and NFC on the horizon.

Despite the loss, Munroe is still a force. Senior guard Deon Conyers (11.1 points per game), senior guard Leith Kenon (10.4 points per game), and senior guard Cameron Stinson (10.4 points per game) are all averaging double figures in scoring, junior forward Ahmari Borden (5.6 rebounds per game) and freshman forward Iyran Francis (5.5 rebounds per game) are bringing up the rebounding effort.

The Bobcats only have two games left against Taylor County and Franklin County. Districts on the horizon could set up a matchup with county rival Crossroad.

No. 6: Crossroad Academy

Crossroad junior Markel Bradwell (23) looks for an open player in a game against Maclay on Jan. 14, 2022, at Maclay School. The Marauders won 65-51.
Crossroad junior Markel Bradwell (23) looks for an open player in a game against Maclay on Jan. 14, 2022, at Maclay School. The Marauders won 65-51.

Record: 10-4

Last result: vs. Maclay L 65-51

FHSAA ranking: No. 9 (2A)

With a week off, Crossroad is back with its final two matchups of the regular season against Lighthouse Christian and NFC. After falling to Maclay, two wins heading into districts would be huge, especially against another Class 2A power in NFC.

This team is still loaded with talent. Junior forward Kris Parker is averaging 18.4 points and 6.4 rebounds per game, senior guard Lathan Levens 13.3 points per game and senior forward Michael Smith 12.4 points per game. Fouls stung the Scorpions against the Marauders. But if they can clean that up, they'll be even harder to beat.

No. 5: Maclay

Maclay senior Jeb Beshears (3) looks for an open player in a game against Crossroad Academy on Jan. 14, 2022, at Maclay School. The Marauders won 65-51.
Maclay senior Jeb Beshears (3) looks for an open player in a game against Crossroad Academy on Jan. 14, 2022, at Maclay School. The Marauders won 65-51.

Record: 12-6

Last result: vs. Chiles W 74-39

FHSAA ranking: No. 22 (3A)

After suffering a 10-point loss to Class 5A juggernaut Godb, Maclay bounced back with a dominant win over Chiles. This Maclay team has gotten things to turn around in the new year, winning six of its eight games in January. But it still has challenges left against NFC, Godby, and Ribault before districts.

Junior forward Blaise Wallace continues to dominate the Marauder stats, averaging 20.4 points per game. Senior forward Jaquay Randolph is at the brink of averaging a double-double with 10.7 points and 9.5 rebounds per game. Junior guard Colin McAllister has had a rise in his game, averaging 10.1 points per game.

No. 4: Rickards

Rickards senior guard Kent Carroll (4) dribbles towards the net in a game against Lincoln on Jan. 20, 2022 at Rickards High School. The Raiders won 67-66 in triple overtime.
Rickards senior guard Kent Carroll (4) dribbles towards the net in a game against Lincoln on Jan. 20, 2022 at Rickards High School. The Raiders won 67-66 in triple overtime.

Record: 8-8

Last result: vs. Mosley W 57-34

FHSAA ranking: No. 20 (5A)

Since losing to Godby earlier this month, Rickards has really elevated its game. It has won three of its last four, including a triple-overtime win over Lincoln. The Raiders were only inches away from turning their winning trend into a winning streak, falling to Godby by three. The Raiders could really shock some people come districts.

Senior guard Kent Carroll has led this charge averaging 19.9 points per game. Right behind him is senior guard Bryce Vieux, averaging 13 points per game. Carroll has been huge as of late for Rickards, scoring 24 (Lincoln), 19 (Godby), and 20 (Mosley) this past week.

No. 3: Lincoln

The Godby Cougars defeated the Lincoln Trojans 55-47 on Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2022.
The Godby Cougars defeated the Lincoln Trojans 55-47 on Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2022.

Record: 15-5

Last results: vs. Godby L 55-47

FHSAA rankings: No. 12 (6A)

Despite playing short a few players these past few games, even then, Lincoln is still one of the best teams in the area. While the Trojans fell to Rickards and Godby in this stretch, they have a gritty win over NFEI and Orange Park. Here's hoping that this team gets 100 percent healthy by districts because they are a talented squad.

Players like senior guard Josh Robertson and senior guard Jaylen Auston have really flexed their talents late in the season. Both have shown aggressiveness inside the paint and quickness to score.

No. 2: Godby

The Godby Cougars defeated the Lincoln Trojans 55-47 on Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2022.
The Godby Cougars defeated the Lincoln Trojans 55-47 on Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2022.

Record: 18-3

Last result: vs. Lincoln W 55-47

FHSAA ranking: No. 4 (5A)

Godby is the hottest team in the Big Bend right now, winning 10 straight and defeating nearly every team in the area. It has attacked with numbers this season, led off by senior guard Tajden Davis, who has proven to score from just about everywhere. He is also nearly averaging a double-double with 21.3 points and 8.3 rebounds per game.

Senior guard Isaiah Batts has been the sharpshooter, averaging 11.6 points per game and draining 38 3-pointers on the year. Under the net, the big guys in senior guard Ke’Darrius Brownlee and senior guard Zavier Singleton have executed game after game. The Cougars matchup against Florida High on Feb. 1 is going to be a big one.

No. 1: Florida High

Junior guard Anthony Robinson Jr. (2) dribbles past a Maclay player in a game against Maclay on Dec. 9, 2021, at Maclay School. The Seminoles defeated the Marauders, 78-59.
Junior guard Anthony Robinson Jr. (2) dribbles past a Maclay player in a game against Maclay on Dec. 9, 2021, at Maclay School. The Seminoles defeated the Marauders, 78-59.

Record: 12-7

Last result: vs. Orlando Christian Prep L 68-42

FHSAA ranking: No. 4 (3A)

The Seminoles are making their return back to the Big Bend with a loaded schedule. They host Pensacola power, Pine Forest, on Friday, then follow that up with a Saturday meeting against surging Rickards, and head to Godby on Tuesday. This team may have seven losses, but six of them have been to state and regional powerhouses.

The Seminoles continue to be balanced by the offensive power of junior guard Anthony Robinson Jr. (15.8 points per game), senior guard Tre Donaldson (15.4 points per game), and junior guard Tre Burns (10.4 points per game). This is going to be a deciding week for Florida High but could hold down the No. 1 spot if they come out successful.

Jack Williams covers prep sports for Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at jwilliams@tallahassee.com, on Twitter @jackgwilliams.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida High, Godby take first, second in latest boys basketball power rankings