High School Sports

Top 10 Florida high school athletes of the 21st century

Florida has a strong tradition of producing top high school athletes across a variety of sports. Many of the state’s best went on to stellar professional careers or have shined on the Olympic stage. Read on for a look at our picks for the top 10 Florida high school athletes of the 21st century beginning […]

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July 23, 2025

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Top 10 Florida high school athletes of the 21st century

Florida has a strong tradition of producing top high school athletes across a variety of sports.

Many
of the state’s best went on to stellar professional careers
or have shined on the Olympic stage.

Read on for a look at our picks for the top 10 Florida high school athletes of the 21st century beginning with the graduating class of 2001. Selections were based primarily off of prep accomplishments and accolades.

(Graphic: Ryan Escobar)

1. Derrick Henry, Yulee

Class: 2013 Sport: Football

Before being named the NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 2020, the
Heisman Trophy winner was a machine in the backfield for Yulee. As a
freshman Henry ran for 2,788 yards and 38 touchdowns. As a senior he
broke Florida records with 4,261 yards and 55 scores on the ground.
Henry finished his high school career with 12,124 rushing yards,
breaking the national mark set by Ken Hall in 1953.

Class: 2025 Sport: Basketball

Arguably the most accomplished high school basketball player of
all-time, Boozer is the only two-time MaxPreps National Player of the
Year. He won four consecutive state championships in the state’s highest classification, captured three straight Nike EYBL Peach Jam
titles, won a pair of gold medals and took home the national title in
2024-25.

Class: 2005 Sports: Baseball, football, track and field

Batted .709 with 16 home runs and 42 RBI as a senior. McCutchen was also one of the top football recruits in the state, reportedly turning down an offer from the University of Miami to play wide receiver. His speed showed up on the track where he won a state championship in the 4×100 relay.

Class: 2008 Sports: Football, track and field

Known as Patrick Johnson in high school, Peterson compiled 733 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns while intercepting five passes on defense as a senior. He was also one of the top sprinters in the state, running the 100 meters in 10.92 seconds and 200 meters in 22.24 seconds.

Class: 2025 Sport: Basketball

Although
he played just two full seasons with Montverde Academy after moving
from Australia to Florida during his sophomore season, Simmons left his
mark on the high school scene. The versatile forward helped the Eagles
go 62-1 during his time on the floor with three consecutive Chipotle
Nationals titles. As a senior, he piled up 27.1 points, 11.8
rebounds and 4.1 assists per game to earn MaxPreps National Player of the Year
honors.

Class: 2024 Sports: Football, track and field

The 2023 MaxPreps All-American is already one of the most dominant
college football players in the country heading into his sophomore
season. It started in high school as Smith helped lead Chaminade-Madonna
to three consecutive state championships. As a senior, he caught 90
passes for 1,389 yards and 19 touchdowns for the No. 2 team in the
nation. As a junior, Smith won the 110- and 400-meter hurdles at the Class 2A state meet.

Class: 2013 Sport: Swimming

Although
he didn’t compete in the Olympics while in high school, Murphy has won
five Olympic gold medals in his swimming career and nine total. He was a
six-time gold medal winner in high school at the state meet and he
still holds the state record in the 100 backstroke, an event he won four
times. He is also a part of three other relay state records.

Class: 2002 Sport: Baseball

A Cy Young winner in the MLB, Greinke started his
baseball career as a shortstop in high school, hitting over .400 with 31 career home
runs. It shouldn’t be any surprise that he won two Silver Slugger awards
in the Major Leagues. Compiled a 0.55 ERA with a record of 9-2 and 118 strikeouts in 63 innings as a senior.

Class: 2001 Sports: Football, basketball, track & field

In 2007 Taylor was named to the Florida High School Athletic Association’s All-Century Team, which selected the top 33 players in the 100-year history of high school football in the state. As a senior, he was a star on both sides of the ball as he rushed for 1,400 yards and scored a state-record 44 touchdowns while also piling up more than 100 tackles. Taylor won the state Class 2A 100-meter dash in 2000.

Class: 2024 Sport: Basketball

The
recent No. 1 overall pick is the only player to earn state MaxPreps
Player of the Year honors as a freshman, which he did in Maine. Flagg was also the leader of an undefeated
2023-24 Montverde Academy squad, averaging 16.4 points,
7.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 2.7 blocked shots per game as a senior.

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High School Sports

HBCU Highlights Young Voices with New Sideline Media Team

LORMAN, Miss. — Alcorn State University is changing the game this fall. But instead of a new quarterback or head coach, it’s a fresh crew of media stars taking the field. They’re called The 4Kasters, and they’re bringing a youthful, high-energy twist to HBCU football coverage in 2025. Meet the 4Kasters: The New Faces of […]

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8 hours ago

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July 23, 2025

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Your Sports Nation

HBCU Highlights Young Voices with New Sideline Media Team

LORMAN, Miss. — Alcorn State University is changing the game this fall. But instead of a new quarterback or head coach, it’s a fresh crew of media stars taking the field. They’re called The 4Kasters, and they’re bringing a youthful, high-energy twist to HBCU football coverage in 2025.

Meet the 4Kasters: The New Faces of Alcorn Football Media

The 4Kasters are a group of four young sports enthusiasts who will serve as sideline reporters for Braves home games. With microphones in hand and badges around their necks, these mini media pros will interview players, coaches, and fans in real time.

Their name is a clever play on “casters” and “4K” resolution — a nod to both broadcasting and high-definition quality. More importantly, they represent a bold new way to connect with the community and showcase HBCU football through fresh eyes.

A Vision Rooted in Innovation and Community

“Alcorn has always embraced innovation and community,” said Athletic Director E. D’Wayne Robinson. “With the 4Kasters, we’re combining both. This initiative gives kids an incredible opportunity to grow and engage while connecting fans to the game in a whole new way.”

That new connection comes in the form of real-time interviews, fun sideline banter, and questions that bring out the heart of the HBCU game day experience. Whether they’re getting the scoop from a star running back or talking to a kid in the stands, the 4Kasters are all about energy and engagement.

Where to Watch the 4Kasters in Action

Fans can catch the 4Kasters in multiple places throughout the season:

On the jumbotron at home games
Across Alcorn Athletics’ social media channels
In special video features shared online

Their interviews and game day coverage will be part of a larger effort to spotlight HBCU culture, school spirit, and student-athlete stories.

Building the Next Generation of HBCU Storytellers

By putting microphones in young hands, Alcorn State is doing more than entertaining fans. It’s inspiring future journalists and showing that storytelling has no age limit.

This fall, as the Braves chase wins on the field, the 4Kasters will be chasing answers, reactions, and unforgettable moments.

Be sure to follow Alcorn State University on social media for all the updates. The 2025 season is about to get a whole lot brighter — and bolder — thanks to four young voices bringing 4K flair to HBCU football.

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High School Sports

TNT Demolition Derby to close out Muskegon County Fair

MUSKEGON COUNTY, MI – ‘Tis the season for summer fairs. This week, both Muskegon and Ottawa counties are hosting concurrent events, offering fun activities across the region. The 2025 Muskegon County Fair kicked off on Saturday, July 19, with a craft and vendor show and a shooting sports competition. Events run through Saturday, July 26. […]

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10 hours ago

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July 23, 2025

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Your Sports Nation

TNT Demolition Derby to close out Muskegon County Fair

MUSKEGON COUNTY, MI – ‘Tis the season for summer fairs. This week, both Muskegon and Ottawa counties are hosting concurrent events, offering fun activities across the region.

The 2025 Muskegon County Fair kicked off on Saturday, July 19, with a craft and vendor show and a shooting sports competition. Events run through Saturday, July 26.

Attendees can expect various fair games, tractor pulls, themed family-fun days, demolition derby, extreme music bingo, a rodeo and more.

General admission to the fair is free. Some grandstand events, including the rodeo and demolition derby, require separate tickets costing up to $30.

See below for schedule highlights of the remaining fair days.

Wednesday, July 23

1 to 10 p.m. – Family Fun Tyme Amusements
1:30 p.m. – Fair Games: Brain Freeze
3:30 p.m. – Fair Games: Horse Shoe Toss
5:30 p.m. – Fair Games: Water Trough Race
7 p.m. – Grandstand event: Flying Star Rodeo

Thursday, July 24

1 to 10 p.m. – Family Fun Tyme Amusements
1:30 p.m. – Fair Games: Don’t Spill the Beans!
3:30 p.m. – Fair Games: Hay Toss
4 to 7 p.m. – Steak Fry: Muskegon Mounted Unit
5:30 p.m. – Fair Games: Horse Race

Friday, July 25

9 a.m. – Shooting sports at the Fairgrounds Updyke Building
Noon – Showman of Showmen
1 to 10 p.m. – Family Fun Tyme Amusements
1:30 p.m. – Fair Games: Flying Chickens
2 p.m. – Xtreme Music Bingo
3:30 p.m. – Fair Games: Egg Toss
6 p.m. – Xtreme Music Bingo
6:30 p.m. – Stock & Modified Truck and Tractor Pulls
9 p.m. – Youth dance/Live entertainment

Saturday, July 26

7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. – Farm Bureau Pancake Breakfast
9 a.m. – Silent auction opens
10 a.m. – Baked goods auction
1 p.m. – Talent Show
Noon to 10 p.m. – Family Fun Tyme Amusements
1 p.m. – Silent Auction Closes
3 p.m. – Awards ceremony
4 p.m. – Release of Horses
5 p.m. – Grandstand event: TNT Demolition Derby
9 p.m. – Fair closes to the public.

To learn more, visit muskegonfairgrounds.com.

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High School Sports

Superintendent Roach Highlights Caldwell County District Achievements

Superintendent Dr. Jeremy Roach highlighted the 2024-2025 district achievements at Monday night’s Caldwell County school board meeting, ahead of the board’s approval of the updated 2025 Kentucky School Board Association policies. Before presenting the district’s achievements, Dr. Roach introduced several staff members in new roles. https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/2264/2025/07/22221007/Wireready_07-22-2025-22-10-06_A120_20250722220851633-1.mp3 click to download audioIn his District Overview, he reported […]

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10 hours ago

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July 23, 2025

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Superintendent Roach Highlights Caldwell County District Achievements

Superintendent Dr. Jeremy Roach highlighted the 2024-2025 district achievements at Monday night’s Caldwell County school board meeting, ahead of the board’s approval of the updated 2025 Kentucky School Board Association policies.

Before presenting the district’s achievements, Dr. Roach introduced several staff members in new roles.

click to download audioIn his District Overview, he reported enrollment of over 1,700 students, less than ten students compared to the previous school year.

click to download audioHe noted that approximately 286 high school students attended the Caldwell Regional Career Center last year, representing about half the student body at the high school—not including those in CTE programs.

Roach said there was increased participation in student athletics and arts programs, as well as the district’s first play in ten years.

click to download audioHe added that the district is investing in its facilities to responsibly manage taxpayer dollars, including the installation of safety vestibules this year.

click to download audioDr. Roach also pointed out that the school district took over the Summer Feeding Program this year, providing meals to 750 to 1,000 children each week.

He explained that while overall enrollment slightly declined by nine students, the district still maintained a 94% attendance rate for the year.

Dr. Roach also outlined his top goals for the 2025-26 school year, including advancing the district’s mission and vision, fully implementing curricula, and developing a new five-year facility plan.

During action items, the board reviewed and approved the 2025 KSBA Policy and Procedure updates, which include the implementation of Senate Bill 181 to regulate staff-student communication and enhance school safety. Board member Kim Cook made the motion following the discussion.

click to download audioThe board approved the motion unanimously.

The next regular school board meeting will be at Monday, August 18, at 6 p.m.

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High School Sports

Photos

HIGH SCHOOL Alan Arsenault Special to the Telegram & Gazette Players from Bella Marble and Granite (North High) puts their hands in before facing Eddie’s Super Plaza (Doherty) in the Kingsway-Crompton Summer League championship game on Tuesday July 22, 2025. Alan Arsenault/Special To The Telegram & Gazette Eddie’s Super Plaza (Doherty) and Bella Marble and […]

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July 23, 2025

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HIGH SCHOOL

Alan Arsenault

Special to the Telegram & Gazette

Players from Bella Marble and Granite (North High) puts their hands in before facing Eddie's Super Plaza (Doherty) in the Kingsway-Crompton Summer League championship game on Tuesday July 22, 2025.

Eddie's Super Plaza (Doherty) and Bella Marble and Granite (North) tipoff in the Kingsway-Crompton Summer League Championship on Tuesday July 22, 2025.

Bella Marble and Granite (North)'s Jyzeer Fiske drains a 3-pointer versus Eddie's Super Plaza (Doherty) in the Kingsway-Crompton Summer League Championship on Tuesday July 22, 2025.

Bella Marble and Granite (North)'s Robert Williams drives as Eddie's Super Plaza (Doherty)'s Josiah Bates defends in the Kingsway-Crompton Summer League Championship on Tuesday July 22, 2025.

Bella Marble and Granite (North)'s Tylib Jenkins looks to pass as Eddie's Super Plaza (Doherty)'s Jayden Orhon defends in the Kingsway-Crompton Summer League Championship on Tuesday July 22, 2025.

Eddie's Super Plaza (Doherty)'s Jayden Orhon, left, and Bella Marble and Granite (North)'s Miguel Numez reach for a rebound in the Kingsway-Crompton Summer League Championship on Tuesday July 22, 2025.

Bella Marble and Granite (North)'s Jyzeer Fiske drives as Eddie's Super Plaza (Doherty)'s Jariel Hernandez defends in the Kingsway-Crompton Summer League Championship on Tuesday July 22, 2025.

Eddie's Super Plaza (Doherty) and Bella Marble and Granite (North) compete in the Kingsway-Crompton Summer League Championship on Tuesday July 22, 2025.

Eddie's Super Plaza (Doherty)'s Ryan Dennis shoots over Bella Marble and Granite (North)'s Joseph Jaddah in the Kingsway-Crompton Summer League Championship on Tuesday July 22, 2025.

Eddie's Super Plaza (Doherty)'s Hezaki Brown leaps towards the basket versus Bella Marble and Granite (North) in the Kingsway-Crompton Summer League Championship on Tuesday July 22, 2025.

Eddie's Super Plaza (Doherty) poses with their trophy after defeating Bella Marble and Granite (North) in the Kingsway-Crompton Summer League Championship on Tuesday July 22, 2025.

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High School Sports

Top New Mexico high school football WRs, who will have best 2025 season? Vote

What better way to prep for the high school football season than looking at which players are worth watching on Friday nights? New Mexico high school football will kick off August 18 (first Friday night), which is just under a month away. So, as we gear up for the bright lights, loud crowds and big-time […]

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July 23, 2025

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Top New Mexico high school football WRs, who will have best 2025 season? Vote

What better way to prep for the high school football season than looking at which players are worth watching on Friday nights?

New Mexico high school football will kick off August 18 (first Friday night), which is just under a month away. So, as we gear up for the bright lights, loud crowds and big-time plays, High School On SI will break down New Mexico’s top players by position heading into the 2025 season.

Not only does this preseason coverage highlight the best returning players ahead of the fall, but it allows the New Mexico high school football community to VOTE on which player could have the biggest 2025 season.

Could it be a rising sophomore? A highly-touted prospect? Could it be a player not listed below?

Some of the players might not be the most highly touted, recruited or covered, but their numbers indicate they are performing at their respective level — and likely impacting victory for their programs.

Below is a list of New Mexico’s top wide receivers to watch ahead of the 2025 season based on a few factors: stats from the previous season (from MaxPreps.com), recruiting status (from 247Sports), and the discretion of the reporter (Tarek Fattal).

(Athletes listed in alphabetical order | Voting poll at bottom of page)

Cox-liggins was one of the state’s best sophomores in 2024. He caught 64 passed for 1,112 yards and 12 TDs. The 6-foot-3 wideout averaged 101 yards per game and averaged 17.4 yards per catch.

Duran tallied 941 yards on just 37 catches and 12 TDs in 2024.

Erickson hauled in 57 passes for 906 yards and nine touchdowns as a junior in 11 games.

Smith led all freshman in receiving yards in 2024. He had 62 catches for 698 yards and 12 TDs for a 10-2 squad last fall.

Lee was one of few 1,000-yard receivers in 2024. He caught 58 balls for 1,182 yards and 17 TDs in 11 games as a junior for the 8-3 Warriors.

Maldanado could be considered the No. 1 wideout in the state heading into 2025. While others on the list could breakout into big seasons, Maldanado is expected to deliver after 918 yards receiving and 11 TD catches to help Cleveland win the 6A title.

La Cueva reached the 6A final in 2024 and could be a force to be reckoned with again in 2025. Montano had 35 receptions for 417 yards and five TDs last year and will likely double his production in 2025.

In 13 games as junior, Winnikoff brought in 51 catches for 781 yards and five TDs for a 6A Cruces team that could see Winnikoff turn into its No. 1 wideout in 2025.

The voting poll will close on Wednesday, July 30 at 8 p.m. (PT).

Bookmark High School on SI for all of the latest high school sports news.

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