The Teams to Watch in Florida Class 3A

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Class 3A landscape features several programs that could have their sights set on more than just a classification championship this season. With the introduction of the Open Division and eight spots available for the top teams in Florida, some of the classification's leading contenders could find themselves competing for an overall state title. Beyond that opportunity, Class 3A once again brings a strong group of programs looking to make their mark this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Teams to watch</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Somerset Canyons</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2025–26 record: 24–4 | Class 3A State Champion</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Somerset Canyons enters the season looking to defend its Class 3A championship after a 24-win campaign. The Cougars lose some pieces to graduation and transfer but bring back their top three scorers, giving them a strong foundation to remain among the state's best. There will be a new head coach leading the program, but the familiarity with the team and program should help make the transition a smooth one. With proven production returning, Somerset Canyons will have its sights set on another championship run in the Open Division.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Players to watch: [player_tooltip player_id='248355' first='Alana' last='Pinnock'], [player_tooltip player_id='742503' first='Alanna' last='Fabrini'], [player_tooltip player_id='1134047' first='Delanie' last='Doty']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Cardinal Mooney</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2025–26 record: 16–14</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cardinal Mooney could be one of the more intriguing teams in Class 3A after bringing in a new coaching staff and several talented additions. The Cougars return some key pieces headlined by Lehigh commit [player_tooltip player_id='823892' first='Jadyn' last='Watts'] while adding legitimate in-state and out-of-state transfers to strengthen the roster. The combination of returning talent and new additions gives Cardinal Mooney a different look and the potential to make a significant jump this season. They have the pieces to establish themselves as a legitimate contender in Class 3A.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Players to watch: [player_tooltip player_id='823892' first='Jadyn' last='Watts'], [player_tooltip player_id='973912' first='Emily' last='Wilson'], [player_tooltip player_id='1244109' first='Aliah' last='Newsome'], [player_tooltip player_id='995787' first='Breya' last='LeTennier']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Lake Highland Prep</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2025–26 record: 25–7 | Class 3A State Runner-up</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lake Highland Prep is coming off another successful season that ended with a trip to the Class 3A state championship game. The Highlanders lose some valuable contributors to graduation but still return talented pieces and add to the roster through transfers. This is a program that is no stranger to postseason success, pressure, and challenging competition. With that experience and the talent returning, Lake Highland Prep should once again be in the mix for a deep postseason run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Players to watch: [player_tooltip player_id='1223178' first='Aubrey' last='Griffin'], [player_tooltip player_id='934760' first='Lillian' last='Sanchez'], [player_tooltip player_id='1223182' first='Saleigh' last='Simpson']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Lincoln Park</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2025–26 record: 21–6</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lincoln Park came within one point of knocking off eventual state champion Somerset Canyons in the postseason last year, giving the Greyhounds plenty of motivation heading into the new season. They lose their leading scorer to transfer but still have pieces in place to remain competitive. Several returning leaders will need to embrace larger roles and help fill the production left behind. How quickly those players adjust to their expanded responsibilities could determine just how high Lincoln Park can climb this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Players to watch: [player_tooltip player_id='515055' first='Brianna' last='Matthews'], [player_tooltip player_id='1232661' first='Laylah' last='Dawkins']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Bolles</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2025–26 record: 25–5 | Class 3A Final Four</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bolles has established itself as one of the stronger programs in the classification after another 25-win season and a trip to the Final Four. The Bulldogs face significant departures through graduation and transfer, leaving some major production to replace. However, this is a program with a history of developing talent and finding ways to compete. Senior leaders Presley and Caelyn will be important in helping establish a new identity and guiding the group through the transition as Bolles looks to remain among the classification's top teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Players to watch: [player_tooltip player_id='823463' first='Presley' last='Norman'], [player_tooltip player_id='221599' first='Caelyn' last='Carter'], [player_tooltip player_id='1090912' first='Mamie' last='Burkett']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Other teams to watch</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Beyond the above contenders, <strong>Calvary Christian (Clearwater), Carrollton School, Florida State University High School</strong>, and<strong> Lakewood </strong>are additional programs worth monitoring as the season unfolds. Each has an opportunity to establish itself in a strong Class 3A field, and a strong start could help any of them emerge as a legitimate postseason threat.<strong> Who else will be looking to surprise me and the rest of the state?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->