Jupiter boys basketball locks in state berth with district title win

Warriors return to state tournament after six-year drought

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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The Jupiter High School boys basketball team secured a spot in the state tournament by winning the district championship, defeating Centennial 71-65. Junior point guard Brandon Collum led the Warriors with 16 points, while Zachary Bombardier and Blake Nicholas also made key contributions. Jupiter had missed the state tournament in each of the last six seasons, but this year's 24-3 squad left no doubt by winning the district title.

Why it matters

Jupiter's boys basketball program has been one of the most consistent winners in the region over the past eight years, but the team had been repeatedly snubbed from the state tournament despite multiple 20-win seasons. This district title win ends that drought and guarantees the Warriors a spot in the regional playoffs, a significant milestone for the program.

The details

After falling short in the district semifinals last year, Jupiter avenged that loss by defeating Centennial 71-65 in the district championship game. The Warriors jumped out to a big early lead, fueled by a 14-0 run in the second quarter that included a buzzer-beating three-pointer from Zach Fleming. Though Centennial made runs to get back in the game, Jupiter stayed composed, with key three-pointers from Blake Nicholas in the third quarter and strong play from Brandon Collum despite an injury.

  • Jupiter won the district championship on Saturday, February 8, 2026.
  • The Warriors had missed the state tournament in each of the previous six seasons.

The players

Brandon Collum

A junior point guard who led Jupiter with 16 points in the district title game.

Zachary Bombardier

Scored 9 points in the first half to help Jupiter build an early lead.

Blake Nicholas

A senior who made two crucial three-pointers in the third quarter to help the Warriors hold off Centennial.

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What they’re saying

“There will be no snubbing Jupiter boys basketball this year.”

— Alexander Peterman, High school sports reporter (The Palm Beach Post)

What’s next

Jupiter will await its first-round matchup in the state tournament, which will be announced during the selection show.

The takeaway

Jupiter's boys basketball program has been one of the most consistent winners in the region, but had been repeatedly denied a spot in the state tournament despite multiple 20-win seasons. This district title win ends that drought and guarantees the Warriors a spot in the regional playoffs, a significant milestone for the program.