The second week of the FHSAA state basketball series begins in less than 24 hours. With it brings a whole new set of eventual champions, but there's still a group of teams riding the wave of euphoria from a fresh state title.

I've identified eight prospects who used the state tournament as a launching pad for their stocks. Athletes like Kenneth Francis Jr. and Tucker Fox became instant folk heroes for their performances in the final four.

Those big games gave scouts great film through which to comb as these players stepped into the offseason. While many of the prospects on this list are being fitted for their championship rings, let's break down the breakout players from the state championship.

I've heard rumblings of an athletic wing from the southwest Florida area for a little over a year. Cardinal Mooney's 3A semifinal matchup against Calvary Christian was my first time watching Herbert play against high-level competition. While his team didn't win, he showcased a frame suited for safety, the athleticism needed to make plays on both ends and the shot mechanics to make him a more effective scorer as the junior matures. Herbert could be in for a breakout summer that leads to tons of interest from colleges of various levels.

The 6-foot-5 wing stole the show in the semifinals with a game-high 25 points in the semifinal round. He knocked down four of his six 3-point attempts, showing signs of being a capable shooter despite struggling from deep throughout the season. Francis works well as a connector piece that passes, rebounds and defends well enough to play impactful minutes for one of the most talented teams in the state. The 2026 prospect is a versatile prospect who could see a jump in his scoring role as Shon Abaev's 21.6 points per game left for Cincinnati in the fall.

"However my team needs me, that's how I show up," Francis Jr. said.

Bevis is impressed by his pivotal role off the bench, which speaks to the depths of The Villages team. In the final four and finals game, Bevis scored in double figures, highlighted by connecting on two made 3s in each game. The 6-4 wing uses his frame to rebound and finish through contact near the rim. He's a smart cutter who always seems to be around the ball to continue the play.

5-8 starting junior point guard Toby Lane is a fan favorite for his tough-as-nails demeanor on the court. He navigates the court like a veteran floor general, gliding through defenses with a skilled handle and next-level feel for the game. Despite his size, he's a tenacious defender whose physicality, quick hands and awareness help him create turnovers.

Freshmen aren't supposed to look as poised as Gelin did during the biggest games of the year. The 6-2 lead guard started during Sagemont's state championship run in one of the most talented classes in the state. Gelin's ready to score with floaters and get paint touches against older athletes. He can read defenses when they collapse and make the right decisions while keeping his turnover numbers low. With the graduation of senior Anthony Knowles and Matthew Able, the recently decommitted University of Miami recruit, he's poised to step into a big role for the three-time defending state champions.

Fox had a special season shooting the ball for the 1A state runners-up. He set a single-season school record of 116 made 3s. In the final four matchups, Fox made the biggest shot of the season, sending a 25-foot 3-pointer through the net to beat North Tampa Catholic in a four-overtime thriller. Fox's entire playoff run is decorated with clutch scoring outbursts and tough shotmaking.

McCalla plays way bigger than his listed 6-4 frame. He was able to average 16 points and 10.5 rebounds against two of the most talented teams in the state. In the final four, he used his strength and physicality to win a matchup against one of the top prospects in the nation. McCalla does his work on the block, allowing his strong frame to finish through contact. He used his frame to box out opponents and attack the boards despite giving up 4 to 6 inches each time he touched the court in Lakeland.

Few players put points on the board like Simmons did this season. The 6-foot combo guard was his team offensive engine throughout the tournament and the season. Simmons is a three-level scorer with a knack for scoring in bunches. His crafty scoring bag led to timely scoring runs in the final four, including forcing defenders into fouling him on two 3-points attempts. While his ability to score is the headliner, the 5.6 assists he averaged this season proves his ability to get others involved in close behind.