Suncoast basketball star honors late brother with state championship

Jamarey Harris led his team to their first state title since 1990, dedicating the win to his younger brother George who passed away in 2024.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 9:05am

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Suncoast High School senior Jamarey Harris led his basketball team to their first state championship in 36 years, dedicating the victory to his late younger brother George. George, who was one of Jamarey's biggest supporters, tragically passed away in 2024 after being accidentally shot while playing video games at home. Jamarey continues to honor his brother's memory by texting him before games and throwing up the "U" sign, representing George's dream of attending the University of Miami. Jamarey's well-rounded performance in the championship game, including 18 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 5 steals, helped secure the historic win for the Suncoast Chargers.

Why it matters

This story highlights the powerful role that family and personal tragedy can play in an athlete's journey. Jamarey's dedication to honoring his late brother's memory has clearly motivated him to excel on the court and lead his team to an improbable state championship. The story also touches on the broader issue of gun violence and its devastating impact on young lives and families.

The details

Jamarey Harris, a senior at Suncoast High School in Riviera Beach, Florida, led his basketball team to their first state championship since 1990. Harris, who was an integral part of the Chargers' championship run, was deeply affected by the loss of his younger brother George, who passed away in January 2024 after being accidentally shot while playing video games at home. George was one of Jamarey's biggest supporters, often sending him motivational texts before games. To honor his brother's memory, Jamarey continues to text George before games and throws up the "U" sign, representing George's dream of attending the University of Miami. In the championship game against Atlantic-Port Orange, Jamarey's standout performance, including 18 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 5 steals, helped secure the historic victory for Suncoast.

  • Jamarey Harris' younger brother George passed away in January 2024.
  • Suncoast High School won their first state championship since 1990 on March 12, 2026.

The players

Jamarey Harris

A senior basketball player at Suncoast High School in Riviera Beach, Florida, who led his team to their first state championship since 1990. Harris dedicated the win to his late younger brother George, who passed away in 2024.

George Harris

Jamarey Harris' younger brother, who was one of Jamarey's biggest supporters and tragically passed away in 2024 after being accidentally shot while playing video games at home.

Suncoast High School

A high school located in Riviera Beach, Florida, whose boys basketball team won their first state championship since 1990.

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What they’re saying

“My memories with him ... just him just giving me little texts and stuff like that, just motivation, like, 'You've got to keep going, man' and those little messages that he left with me. I just keep them in the back of my head every time I'm playing.”

— Jamarey Harris, Suncoast High School senior

“Even though I know he won't respond, I still text him before my games and just tell him, 'This one's for you,' or whatever. Even though I know he won't respond, it's just kind of like a little motivation to keep me pushing and know that he's still supporting me.”

— Jamarey Harris, Suncoast High School senior

“Me and my brother, we were really close. He played football, I played basketball. Even though we played different sports, we both just wanted each other to be the best at each sport and individually. And you know, he means the world to me.”

— Jamarey Harris, Suncoast High School senior

What’s next

Jamarey Harris is expected to continue his basketball career at the college level, potentially following in his late brother's footsteps by attending the University of Miami.

The takeaway

Jamarey Harris' dedication to honoring his late brother's memory has clearly fueled his drive and determination on the basketball court, leading his team to an improbable state championship. This story serves as a powerful reminder of the profound impact that personal tragedy can have on an athlete's journey, and the importance of cherishing loved ones and using their memory as motivation to achieve greatness.