New District‑by‑District Way Too Early Preview (2026–27)
Class 6A • Region 3 • District 9
Hillsborough Teams:
- Plant City
District Outlook:
Plant City enters as the lone Hillsborough County representative in a district dominated by perennial state contender Winter Haven, the defending 7A State Champions. The Raiders face one of the toughest paths in the region as they look to compete against several Polk County powers.
Class 6A • Region 3 • District 10
Hillsborough Teams:
- Alonso
- Armwood
- Steinbrenner
- Plant
- Sickles
District Outlook:
This district is headlined by Steinbrenner, coming off back‑to‑back 6A Final Four runs and returning the majority of its core. The Warriors have lost only three games to Hillsborough County opponents in the last two seasons and aim for a third straight regional final appearance. Alonso and Sickles enter rebuilding phases, while Armwood (Coach Dominic Mills) and Plant (Coach Ellie Wilbur) begin new eras under new leadership. This district will be competitive, but Steinbrenner remains the early favorite.
Class 6A • Region 3 • District 11
Hillsborough Teams:
- Bloomingdale
- Durant
- Lennard
- Newsome
- Riverview
- Strawberry Crest
- Sumner
District Outlook:
This is one of the deepest Hillsborough County districts. Bloomingdale (6A) and Sumner (7A) both reached regional finals last season. Durant returns after a playoff appearance but must replace key seniors. Newsome, Lennard, Riverview, and Crest all feature promising underclassmen ready to break out. Sumner, led by Coach Starks, is coming off a historic Elite Eight run and looks to take another step — though Bloomingdale will not give up its position without a fight.
Class 5A • Region 3 • District 10
Hillsborough Teams:
- Freedom
- Gaither
- Leto
- Spoto
- Tampa Bay Tech
- Wharton
District Outlook:
Wharton was the district’s only playoff qualifier last season, falling to 6A Elite Eight finalist Sunlake. Tampa Bay Tech, under Coach Kevin Templeton, won 16 games and narrowly missed the postseason.
Freedom, Gaither, and Leto return young cores looking to progress. Spoto enters a transition year after the departure of Coach Asia Royster, who led the program to a district title three years ago.
Wharton swept the district 4–0 last season but must replace two four‑year starters.
Class 4A • Region 2 • District 8
Hillsborough Teams:
- Brandon
- Middleton
- Blake
- Hillsborough
District Outlook:
Brandon, Middleton, and Blake are all in rebuilding phases with young rosters. Hillsborough is the only returning playoff team from the county in this district and is coming off a district championship.
Class 4A • Region 3 • District 10
Hillsborough Teams:
- East Bay
- Morgan
District Outlook:
East Bay has surged under Coach Kaela Crowell, winning a district title in year one and reaching the playoffs in both seasons under her leadership. Morgan, in its first varsity season, finished 6–12 and returns its entire roster. Both programs are trending upward, and this district should be competitive.
Class 3A • Region 2 • District 7
Hillsborough Teams:
- Chamberlain
- Jefferson
- King
- Tampa Catholic
- Winthrop
District Outlook:
Chamberlain and Tampa Catholic both won district championships last season, with Chamberlain reaching the Sweet 16 and Tampa Catholic advancing to the Elite Eight. King continues to rebuild with promising pieces. Tampa Catholic must replace Hillsborough County Player of the Year Ashley Knox, senior playmaker Kelsey Sharp, and a head coaching change as Scott Jankes takes over.
Class 2A • Region 2 • District 7
Hillsborough Teams:
- Seffner Christian
- SLAM
- Carrollwood Day
- Brooks DeBartolo
- Bell Creek
District Outlook:
SLAM posted the best season in school history with 18 wins under first‑year Coach Bryan Kelley, advancing to the second round of the playoffs.
Bell Creek, led by Coach Joe Cooper, has won back‑to‑back district championships and returns young talent. Brooks DeBartolo features a breakout freshman and will be under new leadership.
Seffner Christian enters the season with arguably the top guard in Hillsborough County.
This district is loaded with talent and is truly wide open.
Class 2A • Region 2 • District 8
Hillsborough Teams:
- Berkeley Prep
- Tampa Prep
District Outlook:
Berkeley Prep set a new MaxPreps‑era program record with 17 wins under Coach Beth Lauteria and looks strong heading into next season. Tampa Prep continues to rebuild and develop its young roster.
Class 1A • Region 3 • District 10
Hillsborough Teams:
- Bayshore Christian
- Cristo Rey
District Outlook:
Bayshore Christian and Cristo Rey compete in a district that includes several Pasco and Pinellas private programs. Both Hillsborough teams look to build momentum in a competitive small‑school environment.
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