Introduction

As part of SportsCenter's "50 States in 50 Days" tour, we are highlighting the top high school basketball players from Florida since 2000. These athletes have left an indelible mark on the game, showcasing their skills on both the high school and professional stages.

Top Male Players

1. Amar'e Stoudemire, Cypress Creek High School (Class of 2002)

   • Achievements: Averaged 29.1 points, 15 rebounds, 6.1 blocks, and 2.1 steals per game. Won Florida's Mr. Basketball and McDonald's All-American honors.
   • NBA Career: Drafted No. 9 by the Phoenix Suns in 2002. Six-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA First Team selection.

2. Cooper Flagg, Montverde Academy (Class of 2024)

   • Achievements: Led Montverde Academy to a perfect 33-0 season and a Chipotle Nationals title. Won Gatorade National Player of the Year and Naismith Player of the Year.
   • College Career: Starred at Duke, leading them to the Final Four. Drafted No. 1 by the Dallas Mavericks in 2025.

3. Cameron Boozer, Columbus High School (Class of 2025)

   • Achievements: Four consecutive state championships and a Chipotle Nationals title. Two-time Gatorade National Player of the Year.
   • Future: Will play for Duke Blue Devils.

4. Brandon Knight, Pine Crest High School (Class of 2010)

   • Achievements: Averaged 32.5 points, 8.6 rebounds, and four assists as a senior. Won Gatorade Player of the Year and Florida Mr. Basketball.
   • NBA Career: Drafted No. 8 by the Detroit Pistons in 2011. Nine-season NBA veteran.

5. Austin Rivers, Winter Park High School (Class of 2011)

   • Achievements: Back-to-back state titles and averaged 29.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists as a senior. Won Florida's Mr. Basketball and Gatorade Player of the Year.
   • NBA Career: Drafted No. 10 by the New Orleans Hornets in 2012. Eleven-season NBA veteran.

Top Female Players

1. Sylvia Fowles, Edison Senior High School; Gulliver Preparatory School (Class of 2004)

   • Achievements: Three state titles and McDonald's All-American honors. Starred at LSU.
   • WNBA Career: Drafted No. 2 by the Chicago Sky in 2008. Eight-time All-Star and two-time WNBA champion.

2. Erlana Larkins, The Benjamin School (Class of 2004)

   • Achievements: Four state championships and Florida's Gatorade Player of the Year. Starred at North Carolina.
   • WNBA Career: Drafted No. 14 by the New York Liberty in 2008. Won a WNBA championship in 2012.

3. Tiffany Hayes, Winter Haven High School (Class of 2008)

   • Achievements: Two state titles and Florida's Ms. Basketball. Starred at UConn.
   • WNBA Career: Drafted No. 14 by the Atlanta Dream in 2012. Currently plays for the Golden State Valkyries.

4. Dorian "Shante" Williams, Jean Ribault High School (Class of 2003)

   • Achievements: Four state championships and back-to-back Florida Gatorade Player of the Year awards. Starred at Florida State.
   • Coaching Career: Returned to Ribault as a coach, winning a state title in 2017.

5. Destanni Henderson, Fort Myers High (Class of 2018)

   • Achievements: Three state championships and Florida's Ms. Basketball. Starred at South Carolina.
   • WNBA Career: Drafted No. 20 by the Indiana Fever in 2022. Currently plays overseas.

Conclusion

These players have not only excelled in high school but have also made significant impacts in college and professional basketball. Their legacies continue to inspire future generations of athletes in Florida and beyond.