Midseason report: Here's a look at Polk's top 5 boys basketball teams

LAKELAND — Lakeland and Lake Wales ended the football season in late December by winning state titles in their respective classifications during which time the boys basketball teams were rolling through the first half of the season.

As the second half gets underway, it's clear that there will be at least one serious run — perhaps more — for more state titles in boys basketball.

Here are the top boys basketball teams with Winter Haven leading the way as the No. 1-ranked team in Florida overall according to the FHSAA power rankings.

Winter Haven (12-2)

FHSAA Power Ranking: No. 1 in 7A.

Holiday Highlights: The Blue Devils played elite competition in the City of Palms prior to Christmas and went 1-2. Winter Haven opened with a hard-fought, three-point loss to Centennial (Calif.) 61-58. Winter Haven stormed back by going 4-0 and winning the Kingdom of the Sun. Winter Haven knocked off then-No. 1 Orlando Olympia 75-69 in the final.

Leading Players: Isaac Celiscar was the MVP at the Kingdom of the Sun and is averaging 16.9 points, 8.0 rebounds and 3.6 assists. Jamie Phillips Jr. is averaging 15.1 points, 6.8 rebounds and 6.4 assists. Dylan James is averaging 13.6 points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.1 blocks. Kjei Parker is averaging 15.5 points.

Looking Ahead: Parker has fit in seamlessly since coming over from Bartow. He splits ballhandling duties with Phillips, who now can take advantage of mismatches in the post. Coach Tyrone Woodside is looking for the team to improve man-to-man defense. Winter Haven has played a tough schedule and there are some big matchups in January, including games against Montverde  (Jan. 11), Weston Sagemont (Jan. 21), IMG Blue (Jan. 25), Orlando Christian Prep (Jan. 31) and Gainesville The Rock (Feb. 3). Barring injuries, Winter Haven should dominate the district tournament and will be heavily favored through the regional playoffs as Newsome, currently No. 13, is the highest-ranked team. Despite his team's overall No. 1 rankings, Woodside acknowledged that his team isn't the favorite in 7A, pointing out that No. 3 Miami Columbus has played an elite schedule.

Auburndale (13-3)

FHSAA Power Ranking: No. 2 in 5A.

Holiday Highlights: The Bloodhounds had a solid holiday break by going 2-1 in the Battle on the Island at Fleming Island High School before Christmas then 2-1 in The Carolina Invitational in South Carolina after Christmas. In the latter tournament, Auburndale lost in overtime to Oceanside Collegiate (S.C.) 68-63 and capped the tournament with a 63-55 win over Taylor (Penn.) 58-52.

Leading Players: Kervin Knaggs and Nehemiah Turner have been the 1-2 punch for the Auburndale. Knaggs is averaging 17.0 points and Turner is averaging 16.0 points and 10.0 rebounds. Newcomer Jakeim Collins has made an impact after coming over from Jenkins. Auburndale has had four players lead in scoring in a game, including sophomore Tre Jackson. Collins is averaging 12.0 points and Jackson is averaging 10.0 points and 7.0 rebounds.

Looking Ahead: Auburndale has been playing strong defense, allowing 45 points per game, and has been spreading the ball around. The holiday games gave the Bloodhounds good experience in tight games. Upcoming, they played Victory Thursday night and have games against Bartow (Jan. 10), Lakeland (Jan. 19) and Winter Haven (Jan 26). The Bloodhounds also will play a top team in the Mosaic Stinger Shootout. They'll be challenged in the district with No. 7 Orlando Jones currently the No. 2 seed, and they are in a strong region that includes No. 4 Tampa Jesuit, No. 7 Jones and No. 10 Leesburg.

Lakeland (7-2)

FHSAA Power Ranking: No. 17 in 6A.

Holiday Highlights: The Dreadnaughts went 2-1 in the Mainland Shootout before Christmas and 3-1 in the Holiday Hoopfest in Naples.

Leading Players: Rolijah Hardy and Derajah Hardy have rejoined the basketball team after football, joining Kale Elmherst, Shanard Clower, Pat Dennis and Vari Burton. The Dreadnaughts have yet to field a complete team because of football and injuries. Kamaurri McKinley and Idris King played their first game on Wednesday, and Daidren Zipperer is trying to get healthy.

Looking Ahead: Don't expect to see Lakeland playing its best until the district tournament because of the late start for so many players. It remains to be seen how good Lakeland can be, but the Dreadnaughts have tremendous upside. Thursday's game against Bartow will give a clue on where the two teams stand for the district, although Lakeland still is shorthanded. The Dreadnaughts have Victory Christian (Jan. 9) and Auburndale (Jan. 19) on their schedule.

Victory Christian (9-2)

FHSAA Power Ranking: No. 7 in 2A.

Holiday Highlights: The Storm's only losses came just before Christmas in back-to-back games against Lexington Catholic, 81-58, and Orlando Boone, 71-67.

Leading Players: L.J. Cason has picked up where left off as an unstoppable scorer and is also scoring and rebounding. Jordan Lanier (12.6 ppg), Mike Andino (11.9 ppg) and Tucker Fox (7.6 ppg) help take some of the scoring load off Cason.

Looking Ahead: The Storm have played a lot of big schools, including Brookes DeBartolo Collegiate, Oveido, Ocoee and Mariner and played Auburndale Thursday night. They have upcoming games against big-school, county powers Lakeland (Jan. 9) and Bartow (Jan. 26) and have strong small-school battles with Santa Fe Catholic (Jan. 17), Central Florida Christian (Jan. 21) Orlando First Academy (Jan. 28). Victory likely won't be challenged too much in the district (2A-8) — Legacy Charger is the No. 2 seed and ranked No. 20 in 2A — but the region includes No. 2 Orlando Christian Prep and No. 75 Central Florida Christian.

Bartow (7-6)

FHSAA Power Ranking: No. 42 in 6A.

Holiday Highlights: Bartow went 1-2 at the Champion Durham Classic, beating Wilson Prep (N.C.) 81-78 then losing to Hillside (N.C.) 60-55 and Jordan (N.C.) 89-75.

Leading Players: Sophomore E.J. Horton is an up-and-coming player and is averaging 13.2 points and 4.5 assists. Juniors Jayson Williams and Nate Smathers are averaging 10.3 points and 10.0 points respectively. Williams leads with 8.2 rebounds.

Looking Ahead: Going into Thursday night's game against Lakeland, the Yellow Jackets had yet to lose to a county team, including wins over Santa Fe Catholic, McKeel and Ridge Community. The Yellow Jackets have played a strong schedule in what is a rebuilding year. With just one senior, the Yellow Jackets' record might not be impressive but expect them to be a tough out in the postseason. Games in January include Auburndale (Jan. 10), Winter Haven (Jan. 12), Victory Christian (Jan. 26) and Berkely Prep (Feb. 4).

This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Midseason report: Here's a look at Polk's top 5 boys basketball teams