The winter high school sports season has officially wrapped up on the hardwood, and the Treasure Coast is celebrating its finest student-athletes. This season brought incredible storylines to our local community, from massive turnarounds at Vero Beach High School to historic district championships across the wider region. The newly released Boys Basketball All-Area team highlights the exceptional talent and dedication of players who gave their all this year.
This year’s Treasure Coast high school boys basketball season was defined by thrilling buzzer-beaters, remarkable turnarounds for local programs like Vero Beach, and historic first-time district championships for rising regional teams.
Local basketball fans have plenty to cheer about, as several standout players from Indian River County earned well-deserved recognition for their stellar campaigns. Leading the charge for our immediate area is Vero Beach senior wing Brandon James, who earned First Team honors. After leading John Carroll Catholic to regional finals last year, James transferred to Vero Beach and became an undeniable three-level scorer. He posted a team-best 15.6 points per game, shot an impressive 42 percent from beyond the arc, and provided suffocating defense that sparked a fantastic five-win improvement for the Vero Beach squad.
St. Edward’s School also boasts top-tier talent, with senior guard Cody Simmonds securing a spot on the Second Team. Simmonds was an absolute powerhouse on the court, averaging a staggering 23.9 points and 11.1 rebounds per game against tough competition. Vero Beach junior wing Preston Collier rounded out the top-tier local honors by being named to the Third Team, contributing 12.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.0 steals per game to his team’s successful run.
The depth of local talent was further showcased in the Honorable Mentions, which included Vero Beach senior guard Jeremiah Sanders, St. Edward’s junior guard Jayzere Cannon, and Sebastian River seniors Tirrell Baskin and Dontay Williams.
Taking the top honors for the broader Treasure Coast region, St. Lucie West Centennial senior guard Jayden Prosper was named the Player of the Year. Prosper doubled his scoring average to 20.6 points per game and delivered the play of the year: a viral 50-foot, off-balance buzzer-beater against South Fork that garnered national attention and more than 100,000 likes on social media.
Coach of the Year honors went to Terry Fields of Tradition Prep. In the school’s inaugural season as a competitor under the Florida High School Athletic Association, Fields guided the Pirates to a 22-3 record and their first-ever District 9-3A championship. Jensen Beach also made regional headlines, ending a nearly ten-year drought to capture the District 13-5A title.
The highly competitive Boys Basketball All-Area First Team features the absolute best of the Treasure Coast:
- Brandon Brazell (Senior Forward, Martin County): Stepped up amid team injuries to average 17.0 points and 7.0 rebounds per game, leading his team to a district final appearance.
- Ethan Chevres (Senior Guard, Tradition Prep): Paced his historic, championship-winning team with 18.1 points and 3.0 assists per game.
- Bryan Desgrottes (Sophomore Forward, Port St. Lucie): The youngest First Team player, playing like a veteran while averaging 16.1 points and 6.9 rebounds.
- Aydan Fields (Junior Wing, Tradition Prep): Dominated the paint on both ends of the floor with 14.7 points and 10.0 rebounds per game.
- Brandon James (Senior Wing, Vero Beach): The local standout who transformed the Vero Beach offense with 15.6 points per game and elite perimeter shooting.
The future of local basketball shines immensely bright in Indian River County and the surrounding communities. Congratulations to all the hardworking athletes and dedicated coaches who made this winter season an unforgettable chapter in Treasure Coast sports history.
