- December 19, 2025
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The high school basketball season is in full swing. While many prepare for peace and rest during the holidays, basketball players and coaches remain focused on adding more wins to their record.
As the season continues to unfold, these are some of the rising stars to look out for in the new year.
The players are listed alphabetically by last name.
Standing 6-foot-8, Windermere Prep senior Connor Corris is hard not to notice on the Lakers’ court.
Corris is a guard with the size and stature to finish alley-oops, but also he possesses the ability to step back and hit deep shots. His athleticism is evident in the precise footwork he displays every time he steps on the court.
“Not only is Connor extremely talented, but he is also very coachable, a great teammate and a high-character person off the floor,” Windermere Prep head coach Brian Hoff said. “I am proud of Connor and look forward to him continuing to have a big-time senior season.”
Attacking under the rim with Corris as a defender is no easy feat. He possesses impeccable timing, and blocking is one of his largest highlight reels.
As an eighth-grader, Josiah Gillard played a hand on Foundation Academy’s team, playing 28 games and averaging 7.6 points per game. Then before making his freshman-year stint, Gillard broke the MSHTV Camp’s 3-point record in a single game by downing 15 and shooting 75% from beyond the arc.
Now he’s a point guard for Dr. Phillips after transferring from Lake Minneola. The sophomore might not have the largest basketball stature at 6 feet. But Gillard moves with a purpose, drives into the paint and truly taps into the guard mentality by understanding how to move the ball around to his teammates.
Since Gillard’s become a Panther, he has made his court presence known. In the team’s inaugural game to open the season, Gillard led with 13 points and has kept the ball moving since. He recorded a game-high of 21 points against Providence in the Sun Bash tournament.
Gillard already has received college attention, and his first came from the University of San Diego. He is just one of three of Dr. Phillips’ young squad to watch for the remainder of the year.
Windermere’s 6-foot-5 shooting guard Bryce Hoffert has been a key player for the Wolverines offensively and defensively. The junior is averaging 15.6 points per game and 6.5 rebounds per game.
“Bryce has really taken a leap this year after playing junior varsity last season,” Windermere head coach Mark Griseck said. “He does a little bit of everything for our team.”
In the Wolverines’ first win of the season, Hoffert was named the Player of the Game with his 23 points against Suncoast High School. He plays with a high level of grit and is always willing to push himself into traffic to drive to the rim. Hoffert also does well with pushing his opponents away from the rim and using his stature to force steals and blocks.
It’s Hoffert’s well-roundedness that has earned him a college prospect title. At the Division I level, he’s already received an offer from the University of North Florida.
The First Academy junior Cory McPherson has been back this year on a mission, head coach Tarrik Mabon said. McPherson missed most of his sophomore season with a broken finger, and he’s been determined to bring back his production. And he’s done just that.
The 5-foot-11 point guard is averaging 10 points per game with five rebounds, five assists and four steals in eight games. He has been a leader for the Royals in their 8-3 overall record this season. His unselfish playing style allows for his teammates and TFA to thrive.
He finished the 2024-25 season ranked No. 1 in Class 2A, District 4 and No. 29 in Florida for his steal average per game, and he is well on his way to regain or surpass that title. McPherson’s wingspan is 6-foot-5, and that, combined with his quick feet, is what has helped him to excel.
McPherson was named on the Florida Get Down All-Showcase second team for his standout performances.
Olympia’s squad has been on a mission this season. The Titans stand at 8-1 this season, first in its district and ranked No. 2 in Florida.
Leading the Titans on its quest to victory has been junior James Nowells. The 6-foot-2 shooting guard is averaging 20 points per game and six rebounds, leading Olympia in both respective statistics.
His power was clear from the jump in the Titans’ season opener against Dr. Phillips Tuesday, Nov. 18. He led the team with 19 points and eight rebounds, and he hasn’t taken his foot off the gas since. His speed, agility and court knowledge fuse together to make the Titan a presence to watch. Nowells’ energy also captivates the crowd and fans are never left wishing for more.
“James’ leadership has been a huge part of our success this season,” Olympia head coach Justin Shipp said. “James holds himself accountable first but also his teammates. This has been refreshing for me personally this season. All I have to ask is, ‘James, are you good with that?’ Whatever it may be, James will take care of it and address it.”
Outside of the court, Nowells takes pride in the student title in student-athlete. He holds a 3.9 GPA, which has earned himself Ivy League interest. The junior has multiple offers from colleges including Holy Cross, Dartmouth, Boston University, LeMoyne and Stetson.
