Columbus Explorers Seek Fifth Straight FHSAA Class 7A Title

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The Columbus Explorers, the defending national champions, are seeking their fifth consecutive FHSAA Class 7A state title as they take on the Sarasota Sailors in the championship game at UNF Arena in Jacksonville, Florida. Columbus enters the game as the heavy favorite, having won the last four Class 7A titles, while Sarasota hopes to pull off the upset and end the Explorers' reign atop Florida high school basketball.

Why it matters

The FHSAA Class 7A championship game is one of the most highly anticipated high school basketball events in Florida, with the dominant Columbus Explorers looking to extend their dynasty against an upstart Sarasota squad. The outcome will not only determine the state champion, but also impact the national rankings as Columbus prepares to compete in the prestigious The Throne tournament next week in New Jersey.

The details

The Columbus Explorers have won the last four FHSAA Class 7A state championships, cementing their status as one of the top high school basketball programs in the country. Led by a talented roster of players, the Explorers enter the title game with a 25-6 record and are widely expected to prevail over the Sarasota Sailors, who also hold a 25-6 record. The Sailors, however, are determined to pull off the upset and deny Columbus its fifth straight championship.

• The FHSAA Class 7A championship game is set for 5 p.m. EST on Saturday, March 13, 2026.
• Columbus will head to East Rutherford, New Jersey next week to compete in the prestigious The Throne tournament.

What’s next

The winner of the FHSAA Class 7A championship game will advance to compete in the prestigious The Throne tournament in East Rutherford, New Jersey next week.