Teams to watch

Blanche Ely: After winning their second straight Class 8A title, the Tigers enter this season as the Broward County program with the most total state championships. But this year’s Ely team looks pretty different. Due to graduation and transfers, only one player who received significant minutes last season returns: senior guard Lamont Evans. Whether long-time coach Melvin Randall can develop the returnees to take the places of seniors like Joshua Scott and transfers like Aderes StatonMcCray will determine how far the Tigers go this year.

Dillard: The Panthers have already picked up big wins over Boyd Anderson, Calvary Christian and Stranahan in the opening weeks of the season. The Panthers lost key seniors Deshawn Bartley and Makerere Williams, but returnee Jalen Haynes leads the way as Dillard looks to make it back to Lakeland.

Stranahan: First-team All-County pick Brian Dugazon has graduated, but many of the key players from last season’s title run return. Forward Inady Legiste, a Fab Five pick, leads the way in the frontcourt, while two-sport star Dave Herard will look to finish his high school career strongly. A new wildcard for Stranahan is transfer Leonard Manuelcourt.

University School: A lot has changed since the Sharks celebrated their second consecutive state title in Lakeland in March, Veron Carey Jr. graduated, Scott Barnes transferred and coach Jim Carr was fired. But there is still plenty of reason to expect big things from U-School under new coach Ron Oliver. Talented returnees include seniors Jace Howard and Roger McFarlane and sophomores Taylor Hendricks and Jett Howard.

Westminster Academy:

The Lions will have to find new leadership and pointscorers on the court this season. Fab Five pick Ben Middlebrooks finished the season strong and has received offers from major college programs.