Florida Athletic Coaches Association awards roll in for local basketball coaches

Olympia’s Justin Shipp and TFA’s Tarrik Mabon are producing talent on the hardwood.

By Megan Bruinsma
| 1:51 p.m. February 26, 2026

Sports
High Schools

Florida Athletic Coaches Association awards continue to pile in for West and Southwest Orange High School basketball programs.

The First Academy’s head coach Tarrik Mabon was voted the 2A District 11 Coach of the Year. Since taking the helm of TFA’s program in 2024 he has coached the team to a 37-19 overall record. TFA’s forward Kyle Blair also was awarded the 2A District 11 Player of the Year. The 6-foot-10 junior is averaging 12.6 points per game, 6.6 rebounds per game and 1.4 blocks per game. The Royals are 19-10 this season and will host the regional finals against Providence School at 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28.

Olympia High’s head coach Justin Shipp took home the 7A District 11 Coach of the year. Shipp, who is in his second season as a Titan, has helped the young roster produce a 17-10 record and No. 32 ranking in Florida. The team also has traveled deep into the post-season play and will play in the regional final against Oak Ridge at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28.

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Megan Bruinsma

Megan Bruinsma is a staff writer for the Observer. She recently graduated from Florida Atlantic University and discovered her passion for journalism there. In her free time, she loves watching sports, exploring outdoors and baking.