Florida is historically a high school basketball hotbed. The Sunshine State produced 122 players who played or are currently playing in the NBA including Gilbert Arenas, Vince Carter, Artis Gilmore, Tracy McGrady, Mitch Richmond, David Robinson and Amar'e Stoudemire among many others.
The Sunshine State also produced the No. 3 team in high school basketball this year in Calvary Christian Academy, which went 26-2 en route to the inaugural State Champions Invitational title.
That led us to question where Calvary Christian Academy stacks up against the top teams in the state since the turn of the century. Evaluating resumes, national rankings and talent on the rosters, we put together a list of the top teams in Texas since 2000. See the complete breakdown below.
Marvel Allen goes up for a layup for Calvary Christian Academy at the City of Palms Classic.
File photo by Pete Wright
Record: 36-2
National Ranking: No. 2
Notable Players: Scottie Barnes, Vernon Carey Jr., Trey Doomes, Drue Drinnon
Rundown: Led by first team Sophomore All-America selection Barnes and MaxPreps National Junior Player of the Year Carey, the Sharks are the only state champion to reach the GEICO Nationals title game in the event's 14-year history. University also captured titles the City of Palms Classic and John Wall Holiday Invitational Tournament before winning the 5A state title.
Record: 26-2
National Ranking: No. 3
Notable Players: Marvel Allen, Carl Cherenfant, Gregg Glenn, Taylor Hendricks, Brenen Lorient
Rundown: Behind a balanced offensive attack that saw four players average 10.5 points or more, the Eagles went 8-2 against teams who appeared in the national rankings at some point during the season. Calvary Christian Academy capped its season with a pair of blowout victories to win the inaugural State Champions Invitational, defeating Sidwell Friends (Washington, D.C.) 59-37 and Auburn (Wash.) 71-44.
Record: 30-2
National Ranking: No. 4
Notable Players: Kenny Ingram, Brandon Johnson, Jeremie McClendon, Quintin Thornton, Darius Washington
Rundown: Washington, a McDonald's All American, led the Eagles to the 6A state title, scoring 29 points in a 72-51 championship victory over South Miami. Edgewater picked up a signature victory over top 10 opponent Mount Vernon (N.Y.) 69-67 to win the McDonald's Classic in January behind 28 from Washington, who outperformed Sebastian Telfair.
Record: 31-1
National Ranking: No. 6
Notable Players: Alex Bodney, Will Cummings, Stacey Poole, Patric Young
Rundown: After losing a 66-63 overtime thriller to Montverde Academy (Montverde) — their lone loss, the Stallions reeled off 27 consecutive victories to close out the season. Providence captured in-season tournament titles at the Hawk Kruel Classic and Kingdom of the Sun before capturing the 2A state title with a 63-46 victory against Tampa Prep (Tampa).
Record: 28-1
National Ranking: No. 7
Notable Players: Trevor Goodrum, Therrell Gosier, Javon Heastie, Laquincy Rideau, Diandre Wilson
Rundown: After closing out an undefeated run to the 7A state championship, the Tigers fell to national powerhouse Findlay Prep (Henderson, Nev.) 63-50 in the opening round of the Dick's Nationals (now GEICO). Gosier and Rideau were the team's leading scorers at 16.2 points while three other players contributed 9.1 points or more. The Tigers outscored opponents by 27.6 points per contest.
Record: 33-2
National Ranking: No. 8
Notable Players: Victor Adams, Jacoby Brissett, Terrell Harris, Joel James, Gregory Louis
Rundown: Led by future NFL quarterback Brissett, the Panthers pulled off a major first-round upset of defending event champion Findlay Prep (Henderson, Nev.) 63-50 at the National High School Invitational. Dwyer went 27-1 against in-state opponents and 6-1 against out-of-state foes.
7. Blanche Ely (Pompano Beach) 2012-13Record: 27-2
National Ranking: No. 8
Notable Players: Darrion Allen, Dallas Cameron, Richard Lee, Lance Tejada, Khalil Thomas
Rundown: Both of the Tigers losses came against out-of-state opponents, falling to St. John Bosco (Bellflower, Calif.) at the Chick-fil-A Classic and Prime Prep (Dallas) at the National High School Invitational. Blanche Ely had five players average 10.4 points or more led by junior Lee.
Record: 28-3
National Ranking: No. 8
Notable Players: Sammy Hernandez, David Huertas, Josue Soto
Rundown: After a three-year probationary period in which they couldn't compete in the state tournament, the 2004-05 Arlington Country Day group capped an impressive season with its first of five consecutive 2A state championships. The Apaches were led by tournament MVP Hernandez, who had 16 points and nine rebounds in a 55-33 state title game victory over Maclay (Tallahassee).
Record: 38-2
National Ranking: No. 11
Notable Players: J.J. Barea, Sammy Hernandez, Ivan Lopez, Carlos Rivera, Jesus Verdejo
Rundown: Won its second 1A state title in three years, defeating Bronson 79-49 to end the season on a 29-game winning streak. Miami Christian also broke the state record for the most wins in a season with 38 and featured future NBA player Barea.
Record: 33-1
National Ranking: No. 16
Notable Players: Prince Ali, Lance Crawford, G.G. Goloman, A.J. Jurko, Joe Kirby
Rundown: Ran the table and captured the 3A state title before falling to Montverde Academy (Montverde) in the first round of Dick's Nationals. Connecticut commit Ali and UCLA-bound Goloman led a talented starting five that outscored opponents by an average of 26.4 points.
Note: Academies were not included on this list.
