High School

Vote: Who is Central Florida High School Boys Basketball Player of the Week? - Dec. 30, 2025

Cast your vote to decide who had the best performance for the week of Dec. 21-27, 2025

Jeff Gardenour

The First Academy forward Kyle Blair (23) gets set for a play in a recent game against Dr. Phillips. The junior had 20 points, nine rebounds and two assists in a recent close 50-49 loss to Marist (Atlanta).
The First Academy forward Kyle Blair (23) gets set for a play in a recent game against Dr. Phillips. The junior had 20 points, nine rebounds and two assists in a recent close 50-49 loss to Marist (Atlanta). / Kyle Blair

Central Florida boys’ basketball teams continue to light up the scoreboard this holiday season.

We looked at schools in multiple counties and nominated 13 athletes for Central Florida Boys Basketball Player of the Week for games played Dec. 21-27, 2025.

We ask you to check out the nominees below and cast your vote.

Congratulations to the winner for games played Dec. 15-20: International Community PG/SG Paxton Boaz.

Voting closes at 11:59 p.m. PT, Sunday, Jan. 4. The winner will be announced next week. Here are this week’s nominees:

Bishop Wenze, W, Olympia

The 6-foot-7 junior exploded for 23 points to lead the Titans past Fairdale (Ky.), 84-65, in The Classic at Tennessee High School in Bristol, Tenn.

Dhani Miller, SG, Montverde Academy

Senior erupted for 25 points and 10 rebounds for a double-double and added five assists to guide the Eagles past Archbishop Stepinac (White Plains, N.Y.), 74-70, in overtime in the Jordan Classic Achievement First event.

Alexander Dipaolo, G/W, Central Florida Christian Academy (Ocoee)

The senior poured in 27 points and had seven rebounds and four blocks to lead the Eagles past Whitefield Academy (Ga.), 61-44.

Shiva Atwal, SG/PF, Lake Highland Prep

The 6-5 senior recorded 21 points and five rebounds to march the Highlanders past Peachtree Ridge (Ga.), 64-48.

Jakai Hardy, SG/PG, Evans

Super sophomore scored 18 points to lead the Trojans past Tampa Sickles, 72-67, in overtime in the Flagler Palm Coast Bulldog Classic.

James Nowells, SG, Olympia

Junior pumped in 32 points, including six 3-pointers, to march the Titans past Victory Christian, 71-56, in the City of Palms Classic in Fort Myers.

Angelo Moton, G/W, Leesburg

The 6-6 senior exploded for 37 points and 14 rebounds for a double-double and added three steals to lead the Yellow Jackets past Ocala Trinity Catholic, 69-56.

Kyle Blair, PF, The First Academy (Orlando)

Junior had 20 points, nine rebounds and two assists in a close 50-49 loss to Marist (Atlanta).

Isaac Manlove, G, City of Life Christian

The senior recorded 18 points, including four 3-pointers, nine rebounds and three steals to march the Warriors past Steinbrenner (Lutz), 74-73.

Jayden Strader, F, Orlando Christian Prep

The 6-7 sophomore had 23 points and six rebounds in a 57-53 loss to Palo Verde (Las Vegas) in the Tarkanian Classic Tourney in Las Vegas.

Jordan Mason, PG, Kissimmee Osceola

Senior recorded 23 points, three rebounds and five assists to lead the Kowboys past East Bay, 81-44.

Josh Mercado, SF/PF, Foundation Academy

Senior had 20 points, three rebounds and two assists to power the Lions past Steinbrenner, 72-63.

Kade Manley, PG/SG, Mainland

Talented junior exploded for 25 points, including five 3-pointers, five rebounds, five assists and two steals to lead the Buccaneers past Jensen Beach, 79-59.

About Our Athlete of the Week Voting
High School on SI voting polls are meant to be a fun, lighthearted way for fans to show support for their favorite athletes and teams. Our goal is to celebrate all of the players featured, regardless of the vote totals. Sometimes, one athlete will receive a very large number of votes — even thousands — and that’s okay! The polls are open to everyone and are simply a way to build excitement and community around high school sports. Unless we specifically announce otherwise, there are no prizes or official awards for winning. The real purpose is to highlight the great performances of every athlete included in the poll.

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Jeff Gardenour can be reached via email at jgardenour1962@gmail.com or X @JMarkG1962

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Jeff Gardenour
JEFF GARDENOUR

Jeff Gardenour is a Florida native and long-time resident of the Sunshine State. He is a journalism veteran of more than four decades, having worked in a number of news divisions through the years for multiple media outlets, including Gannett and Tribune Company. A University of Florida journalism graduate, Jeff has covered every level of sports, including MLB, USFL, XFL, WNBA, NCAA, IMSA, high schools and more. He is a former award-winning sports editor of the Sebring News-Sun and current freelance writer for SBLive Sports, PrepVolleyball.com and The Orlando Sentinel. Jeff is married with two children and resides in Oviedo, FL. He can be reached at jgardenour1962@gmail.com and followed on Twitter @JMarkG1962.

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