Vote: Who is Central Florida High School Girls Basketball Player of the Week?

March 2, 2026 nominees include standout performances from the regional finals

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Central Florida high school girls' basketball teams are making history, with multiple schools advancing to the FHSAA state semifinals. We looked at schools in several counties and nominated six athletes for Central Florida Girls Basketball Player of the Week for performances in regional finals and other games played Feb. 23-28, 2026. Readers are asked to vote for the winner, who will be announced next week.

Why it matters

Girls' basketball in Central Florida is thriving, with several teams reaching the state semifinals. Recognizing the top individual performances helps shine a light on the talented players driving this success.

The details

The six nominees include a senior who scored 20 points to lead her team to the Class 3A Final Four, a senior who recorded a double-double to guide her team to the Class 7A Final Four, a fantastic freshman who had 14 points, four rebounds, two assists and six steals to power her team to the Class 4A Final Four, a super sophomore who notched a double-double and added six assists and three steals to propel her team to the Class 5A Final Four, a player who scored 15 points to march her team to the Class 1A Final Four, and a 6-foot-1 junior forward who scored 19 points in her team's regular-season finale.

  • The regional finals were played from Feb. 23-28, 2026.
  • Voting closes at 11:59 p.m., Sunday, March 8, 2026.
  • The winner will be announced next week.

The players

Senior

Exploded for 20 points, including four 3-pointers, and added four rebounds and five steals to march the Highlanders past Tampa Catholic, 57-52, in the Class 3A, Region 2 final and into the Final Four on March 9 against Bolles.

Senior

Erupted for 17 points and 13 rebounds for a double-double to lead the Knights past Colonial, 51-28, in the Class 7A, Region 1 final and into the Final Four on March 13 against longtime power Winter Haven.

Fantastic freshman

Had 14 points, four rebounds, two assists and six steals to guide the Hornets past Eustis, 56-20, in the Class 4A, Region 2 final and into the Final Four against Booker on March 10.

Super sophomore

Continued her torrid play with 19 points and 11 rebounds for a double-double and added six assists and three steals to power the Panthers past New Smyrna Beach, 61-51, in the Class 5A, Region 2 final and into the Final Four on March 11 against Booker T. Washington.

Scored 15 points to march the Warriors past North Tampa Christian Academy, 68-51, in the Class 1A, Region 2 final and into the Final Four on March 5 against Seacrest Country Day.

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What they’re saying

“can be reached via email at jgardenour1962@gmail.com or X @JMarkG1962”

— Jeff Gardenour (si.com)

The takeaway

Girls' basketball in Central Florida is thriving, with several teams reaching the state semifinals. Recognizing the top individual performances helps shine a light on the talented players driving this success.