Despite no Keys basketball team earning a winning record last season, all three had moments of hardwood heroism. Marathon tested its skills in their new Rural District 8 classification and won a quarterfinal play-in game in their first season of competition in the division. The 11-15 Fins won against Key West at home and beat Coral Shores twice in a three-game series. Key West conquered the Hurricanes twice and Marathon once for a 9-12 record that had all the makings of a Cinderella season until their star playmaker was sidelined with injuries. Coral Shores finished 4-17, including a win against Marathon. And though it was ultimately classified as a JV squad, the Mariners of Basilica School put the Keys on notice that there would be a new contender in the 2025-26 season.
Photos by Barry Gaukel, Maicey Malgrat, Rachel Rusch and Doug Finger
MVP
James Osborne
Junior, Key West
This season was a tale of two teams for the Conchs: one with guard James Osborne, and one without. And while Key West found some success while their leading man was sidelined with injuries, the team was simply not the same when he was on the bench. Osborne’s athletic dominance, soft touch and commanding leadership were a crucial part of Key West’s winning recipe, and with him in the game, the Conchs were at a different level. Osborne scored 210 points for the Conchs in just 10 games for an average of 21 points per game. He had 24 assists and 25 steals to add to his stats – not bad for missing half the season. Now recovering and already working in the offseason, Osborne’s on-court dominance is something Conch fans look forward to next season.
David Aviles
Senior, Key West
Key West’s David Aviles stepped up and became the senior leader the Conchs needed during a tumultuous season. Aviles’ defensive play frustrated opponents and kept other teams honest, while his 132 points and 28 assists are a testament to his offensive contributions.
Tramane Scott
Senior, Key West
Described by one opposing coach as “a beast on the boards,” Key West’s Tramane Scott led the Conchs in rebounds, averaging 9.6 per game for 153 total this season. Scott made his presence known in the paint and never shied away from going up for a rebound, regardless of who else might be there with him. A key ball distributor, Scott’s keen understanding of when to shoot and when to dish was evident in his 62% shot accuracy this season.
Donovan Thiery
Junior, Coral Shores
Coral Shores junior Donovan Thiery averaged 16 points per game this season, amassing 304 total points and led the Hurricanes in scoring, assists, rebounds, steals, threes and free-throw percentage. Thiery’s on-court dominance forced opposing teams to work around him, yet he still managed to get to the hoop and capitalize under double coverage.
Ayden Lane
Senior, Coral Shores
Hurricane hoopster Ayden Lane came into his senior season as an established defenseman and added 224 points, an average of 14 per game, to his repertoire. His offensive growth helped the Hurricanes tremendously this season. Lane’s aggressive drives to the basket showed a willingness to take his man to the paint and do the work needed to get points on the board.
Austin Vogt
Junior, Coral Shores
Coral Shores’ Austin Vogt was described as “a workhorse” by his coaches, and his ability to lock down defenses was crucial for the ’Canes this season. When opposing teams keyed in on other players, Vogt was able to step up and carry the load offensively as well. The junior scored 93 points this season, averaging 5.1 points per game.
Jack Chapman
Freshman, Marathon
Though just a freshman, Chapman was the Dolphins’ top scorer this season, netting 280 points, 171 of which came from behind the three-point line. Chapman tied Marathon’s single-game record this season by hitting 10 threes and ended the season with 57 total. His 12.7 points per game are a testament to his strong work ethic and year-round practice, making for an exciting three-year future with the Fins.
Daeshawn Holmes
Junior, Marathon
Marathon’s top rebounder held it down under the basket this season, proving to be the top big guy in the county with a dozen double-doubles. Holmes averaged 10.8 points per game and 10.8 rebounds per game, stacking 250 points, 249 rebounds and 46 blocks this season. The junior is already working hard in the offseason to make a statement in his senior campaign.
Carlos Lezcano
Senior, Marathon
Described by his coach as “the heart and soul” of Marathon’s team, Carlos Lezcano’s leadership paid dividends for the Fins this season. On the court, he scored a total of 165 points, had 48 assists and pulled down 104 rebounds, all while serving as the team’s mentor and enforcer. Lezcano’s hustle and heart set a positive example for the young team.
