Central Florida Christian Academy Basketball: 2025 Winter Season Recap
The 2025 basketball season marked an exciting new chapter for the Central Florida Christian Academy Eagles, one that exceeded expectations and set a strong foundation for the future. Under the leadership of first-year Program Director and Head Coach Albert Settles, the Eagles finished the season with a remarkable 21-9 record, capturing the District Championship and making a deep run in the FHSAA playoffs, falling just one game short of the State Final Four.
Standout Performers Lead the Charge
Much of CFCA’s success this season was driven by two outstanding junior guards: Julian Declou and Alex Dipaolo. Declou emerged as the team’s undisputed leader on the court, earning District Player of the Year honors along with a spot on the 1A All-State Team. His impact extended across every facet of the game—leading the team in scoring, rebounds, and assists. His ability to take over games made him the engine of the Eagles’ offense and a force on the defensive end as well.
Right beside him was Dipaolo, another junior who delivered consistent excellence throughout the year. He was named First Team All-District and First Team All-State, finishing second on the team in both scoring and rebounds. His steadiness and playmaking ability provided a critical balance to Declou’s aggressive style, giving CFCA a dynamic backcourt that could compete with anyone in the state.
A Season of Growth and Grit
Coach Settles’ first year at the helm brought immediate results, but also laid a clear emphasis on long-term growth and development. Throughout the season, several players stepped into larger roles, showing impressive improvement and resilience. Sean Storr, Semaj Washington, and Josh Hernandez were among the players who elevated their game as the season progressed.
Storr, in particular, delivered one of the most memorable performances of the year. In the second round of the playoffs, after Dipaolo suffered an injury, Storr stepped up and scored an eye-popping 31 points against powerhouse Orlando Christian Prep, helping his team stay alive in a pressure-packed postseason battle. It was a moment that encapsulated the team’s grit and “next man up” mentality.
That ability to persevere through adversity was a defining theme of the Eagles’ season. Injuries, tough losses, and high-pressure situations didn’t deter this group—instead, they responded with determination and unity. Whether it was bouncing back from a defeat or rising to the occasion in critical matchups, CFCA consistently showed the heart of a team on a mission.
Defining Moments and Signature Wins
The Eagles’ 2025 campaign was full of signature moments that highlighted their potential. Winning the District Championship was a major milestone and a clear statement that this program was ready to contend. The team also secured big wins over top programs such as Windermere Prep, Oviedo, and Victory Christian. These victories weren’t just résumé builders—they were confidence boosters that helped solidify CFCA’s identity as a legitimate contender.
Each of these games tested the Eagles in different ways, and in each case, they rose to the challenge. Their ability to compete at a high level, even against more established programs, signaled a shift in what CFCA basketball could become under Settles’ leadership.
Senior Leadership Paves the Way
While much of the talent that drove the Eagles’ success this year came from underclassmen, the contributions of the senior class cannot be overstated. According to Coach Settles, the seniors were instrumental in setting the tone for the program. Their leadership, energy, and commitment helped create a culture of accountability and hard work that filtered through the entire roster.
Though not always in the spotlight, these seniors played a crucial role in shaping the team’s identity. Their willingness to lead by example and hold teammates to a high standard helped establish the foundation for what promises to be a bright future.
Looking Ahead: Building Toward a Championship
With 80% of the roster returning next season, the future of CFCA basketball is incredibly bright. The valuable experience gained during this playoff run—especially in high-stakes situations—will serve the team well moving forward. The mix of returning talent, proven leadership, and strong team chemistry gives the Eagles a realistic shot at making a deeper run, perhaps all the way to a state championship.
Coach Settles has already outlined clear goals for the offseason, focusing on individual skill development, strength training, and building even stronger chemistry among players. These efforts will be central to pushing the program to the next level, as CFCA continues to evolve from a playoff threat into a perennial powerhouse.
Community and Support
None of this success would have been possible without the support of the CFCA community. From the fans in the stands to the families behind the scenes, the energy and encouragement from the school and local supporters provided an essential boost to the team. It’s clear that this program has not only talent on the court but also a strong network of people behind it who are committed to helping it thrive.
By the Numbers
For fans and analysts who want a closer look at the Eagles’ statistical performance this year, full season stats are available on MaxPreps:
CFCA Basketball 2025 Stats on MaxPreps
From scoring averages and defensive stats to player highlights and game logs, the numbers tell the story of a team that blended talent, teamwork, and tenacity into a winning formula.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 season will go down as a transformative year for Central Florida Christian Academy basketball. With a first-year head coach at the helm, a core group of standout juniors, and a team-wide commitment to excellence, the Eagles took a major step forward—on the court and as a program. As the players head into the offseason with confidence and clear goals, there’s every reason to believe that next year’s team could go even further.
Central Florida Christian Academy isn’t just building a team—it’s building a championship culture. And the best, it seems, is yet to come.
Share With