Immediate Reaction to Regional Semifinals and What’s Ahead

For the second straight round, nearly every gym across the state tipped at 7:00 PM on Friday night. From 1A through 7A, Sweet 16 matchups unfolded simultaneously which is exciting statewide, but frustrating if you're trying to be in more than one place at once. With region semifinals complete, the stakes are now crystal clear: one more win sends teams to state in Jacksonville at UNF, marking the first year the championships will be held at that facility.

And once again, the numbers tell the story.

While classifications 1A–7A still have one hurdle left, the Rural Class is officially set — and it's all top seeds heading to Jacksonville.

Every 1-seed advanced to UNF.

No huge surprises, no bracket chaos — just the top four teams proving why they earned their position.

They'll tip off this week in Jacksonville to decide who takes the Rural Class State Championship back home, and with all four entering as region favorites, this sets up what should be a balanced and competitive final four in that classification.

Every single 1-seed won in classes 1A-7A. All 28. Again.

#1 seeds now sit at 56–0 through two rounds. The separation is real.

2-seeds were strong but not perfect, going 23–5, with four losses coming to 3-seeds and one to 6-seed Bartram Trail (the only team outside the top three seeds in any region to advance to a region fina)l. Unsurprisingly, Class 6A was again the outlier, continuing its trend as the classification most willing to ignore the script.

If there's a takeaway through two rounds, it's this again: seeding matters. Home-court advantage, reduced travel, favorable matchups, and the path created by a strong regular-season schedule all show up this time of year. The numbers aren't coincidence, they're confirmation.

While the 1-seeds continued their dominance, a handful of results shook up the Sweet 16 — and in some cases, reshaped entire regions.

The biggest statement of the night came in 6A, where 6-seed Bartram Trail made the trip from Jacksonville to Niceville and knocked off the 2-seed 54–46. On the road. In the Panhandle. That result makes Bartram Trail the only team outside the top three seeds in any region to reach a region final, and once again confirms that 6A refuses to follow the script.

In 7A, two 3-seeds flipped the script on the road. South Dade defeated Western 59–46, while Sumner outlasted Haines City 53–48 in a tight one. Both games reinforced how thin the margins are between 2s and 3s at the top of the bracket.

4A saw Miami Northwestern take down Mater Lakes 59–54 in a competitive 3-over-2 result, while 3A featured Immaculata-La Salle defeating Keys Gate 62–52 to punch its ticket forward.

But even with those shakeups, the broader theme remains: the higher seeds overwhelmingly held on.

One win away from state at UNF — and the matchups are compelling.

Ocoee won this matchup last month by a single point. That alone makes this must-watch. Familiarity, high-level guard play, and two teams that know each other's tendencies. Expect another possession-by-possession battle.

This is as good as it gets in South Florida. STA holds the higher seed, but Nova beat them 56–52 just three weeks ago. Both teams look state-worthy. Only one survives. 6A continues to deliver heavyweight clashes.

New Smyrna Beach is the defending state champion, but now must travel to Gateway. Experience versus home court and a lot of talent on both sides. That's the tension here.

This classification feels the most wide open. I expect the 1-seeds to advance overall, but the 2-seeds absolutely have fighting chances on the road. Booker vs. DeSoto stands out because of familiarity and history in Southwest Florida. Booker won by 14 pre-Christmas — can DeSoto close the gap with a trip to state on the line?

3A might have the deepest pair of region finals. Lake Highland Prep and Tampa Catholic feels like a state semifinal-level game. Meanwhile, Somerset Canyons vs. Lincoln Park brings legitimate title potential.

Providence won by 20 earlier this month behind a dominant first half. But unless Kasey erupts for 32 again, expect this one to be tighter. Adjustments will matter.

The headline matchup in 1A will be Grandview Prep vs. Schoolhouse Prep. Arguably the top two teams in the classification — yet only one will make it out. Another example of South Florida depth forcing elite teams to eliminate each other early.

Grandview Prep has won its two postseason games by a combined 190 points, scoring 100+ in both. Schoolhouse Prep has won by a combined 100 points. Dominance on both sides — collision imminent.

This feels like South Florida's classification to lose. Grandview Prep has looked dominant by overwhelming opponents offensively and defensively, and they carry the look of a team peaking at the right time. With the firepower they've shown, they enter as the clear tone-setter in 1A.

Similarly, 2A runs through Miami Country Day. Their balance, experience, and ability to win in different styles make them the team everyone is chasing. If they play to their standard, this feels like another South Florida stronghold.

3A might ultimately produce one of the strongest Final Fours in Jacksonville. The depth at the top is real. Multiple region finals feel like state-semifinal caliber games, and whoever survives this classification will be battle-tested.

The most wide open bracket left. There's no overwhelming favorite, and that unpredictability makes it fascinating. The 1-seeds have held firm so far, but every remaining team has a realistic path. This might be the classification where adjustments and matchups decide everything.

Booker T. Washington looks like a team built for this stage. They have the pieces (scoring, defensive versatility, size, and motivation) to get it done. That said, nothing about this bracket feels safe. There are capable challengers who can disrupt rhythm and flip momentum if BTW isn't sharp.

If trends continue, 6A feels like it ultimately lands in South Florida's hands. The depth and athleticism in that region have shown up all postseason. But 6A has also been the classification that refuses to follow expectations, so nothing can be assumed.

This one suddenly feels wide open. Winter Haven entered the season as the favorite, but with Hardy injured and Quin Sanders missing the semifinal, uncertainty shifts the balance. Availability changes everything this time of year. 7A could produce one of the strongest and most unpredictable groups in Jacksonville.

Through two rounds, the data keeps reinforcing the same message: seeding matters. Home court. Reduced travel. Strategic scheduling. Path positioning.

But now? None of that guarantees anything.

One more win sends teams to Jacksonville and the first-ever state tournament at UNF.

The chalk has held.

Let's see who can break it before the big dance.