Jacksonville is set to host the best high school basketball teams in Florida this week as the 2026 Florida High School Basketball State Championships for Classes 3A through 7A capture center stage. For the first time in fifty years, the “Bold City” will be the focal point for crowning state champions, a partnership between the University of North Florida Athletics Department and the Jacksonville Sports Foundation. The competition, unfolding at CSI Companies Court at UNF Arena, promises thrilling matchups and a showcase of Florida’s top young talent.
The championship games initiate Wednesday, March 11th, with the Class 3A finals, culminating on Saturday, March 14th, with the Class 6A and 7A title games. The tournament follows a final four format, with semifinal games preceding each championship contest. Fans planning to attend can expect a high level of competition, with four returning state champions vying for repeat titles this week.
On the girls’ side, Winter Haven, representing Class 7A, is the sole returning champion, seeking their seventh overall state title. The boys’ bracket features Calvary Christian Academy (Fort Lauderdale) as a favorite, having won four championships and aiming for a fifth. A potential rematch of last year’s exciting title game could occur in the boys’ bracket, depending on the outcome of Monday’s semifinal matchups involving The Villages. St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale) also enters the competition with a strong pedigree, hoping to secure their third boys basketball championship, while Columbus (Miami) looks to extend their dominance with a fifth consecutive title in the largest classification.
Several schools are sending both their boys and girls teams to Jacksonville, demonstrating broad athletic success. Bishop Kenny (Jacksonville) and St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale) join Williston and Miami Country Day as schools with representation in both brackets, adding to the excitement and local interest.
Ticket Information and Event Details
General Admission tickets for the 2026 Florida High School Basketball State Championships are currently available for purchase via GoFan. Tickets are priced at $15.00 per day when purchased in advance and $18.00 on the day of the event. Attendees can find a complete event schedule, bracket information, and additional details on the girls’ basketball page or boys’ basketball page.
Championship Schedule at a Glance
Here’s a glance at the championship schedule:
- Wednesday, March 11
- Girls Class 3A State Championship, 5:30 p.m. (Defending champion: Cardinal Mooney (Sarasota))
- Boys Class 3A State Championship, 8 p.m. (Defending champion: Calvary Christian Academy (Fort Lauderdale))
- Thursday, March 12
- Girls Class 4A State Championship, 5:30 p.m. (Defending champion: Palm Bay (Melbourne))
- Boys Class 4A State Championship, 8 p.m. (Defending champion: Stranahan (Fort Lauderdale))
- Friday, March 13
- Girls Class 5A State Championship, 5:30 p.m. (Defending champion: New Smyrna Beach)
- Boys Class 5A State Championship, 8 p.m. (Defending champion: Blanche Ely (Pompano Beach))
- Saturday, March 14
- Boys Class 6A State Championship, 12:00 p.m. (Defending champion: St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale))
- Girls Class 6A State Championship, 2:30 p.m. (Defending champion: Bloomingdale (Valrico))
- Boys Class 7A State Championship, 5 p.m. (Defending champion: Columbus (Miami))
- Girls Class 7A State Championship, 7:30 p.m. (Defending champion: Winter Haven)
Know Before You Go: Facility Information
The championships will be held at CSI Companies Court at UNF Arena, located on the campus of the University of North Florida in Jacksonville. Parking is included with the cost of admission and will be available in Lot 18. Spectator information and the clear bag policy can be found here. Official merchandise will be available from Team IP, and lodging information can be found here. For those unable to attend in person, games will be live webcast on the NFHS Network.
As the 2026 Florida High School Basketball State Championships unfold, the focus will shift to the semifinal matchups and the pursuit of championship glory. The coming days promise exciting basketball action and the crowning of new state champions.
What storylines will emerge as the tournament progresses? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with fellow basketball fans!
