Redemption and Reign: St. Thomas Aquinas Boys Basketball Captures State Glory After 25 Years
In one of the most triumphant basketball seasons in recent Florida high school sports history, the St. Thomas Aquinas-Fort Lauderdale boys basketball team, under the leadership of Head Coach Julius Sandi, stormed their way to a historic 30-2 record and clinched the program’s second-ever state championship. The 2025 season was not only a showcase of talent and cohesion, but also one of grit, redemption, and brotherhood—a perfect storm that brought the Raiders their first title in a quarter century.
The Core That Carried the Legacy
The championship run was a collective effort, with six key players—Dwayne Wimbley, Drake Sandi, Clarence Westbrook Jr., Zane Elliott, Kellson Sandi, and Nate Accius—forming the backbone of a squad that won every event they entered. Coach Sandi credited this core group for consistently showing up in big moments and producing when it mattered most.
“They played the majority of the games and produced when needed,” Coach Sandi said, emphasizing that their contributions were more than just points on a scoreboard. They embodied a culture of selflessness, execution, and championship focus that elevated the entire program.
Each player brought a unique element to the team. Whether it was athleticism, leadership, lockdown defense, or basketball IQ, these contributors complemented one another in a way that made the Raiders an unstoppable force throughout the season.
A Season to Remember: 30 Wins, One Purpose
With a stunning 30-2 record, the 2025 Raiders were nothing short of dominant. The team’s ability to adapt, grow, and rise to the occasion helped them win every tournament they entered, and most importantly, deliver a long-awaited state championship to St. Thomas Aquinas—a feat not accomplished since their first title 25 years ago.
“Winning the State Championship for the second time in school history was amazing,” said Coach Sandi. “It’s been 25 years since the first. That made it even more special.”
Every championship season has a defining moment, and for the Raiders, it came after experiencing rare defeat. Midway through a 15-game winning streak, they suffered a loss that shook the team’s confidence but ultimately set the tone for their championship resolve.
“After that loss, we knew not to take any game for granted,” Coach Sandi explained. That lesson fueled an 18-game winning streak to close the season—a streak that ended with the gold trophy in their hands.
Unsung Heroes and the Rise of Nate Accius
Every great team has an X-factor—a player who might not always fill the highlight reels but makes all the right plays. For the Raiders, that player was Nate Accius.
“Whether it was an injury to a starter, we would plug Nate in and our team never skipped a beat,” said Coach Sandi. “He did all the little things. He impacted winning.”
Accius emerged as the reliable bridge between starters and role players, providing defensive toughness, smart decision-making, and team-first energy that elevated everyone around him. His growth throughout the season was a symbol of the team’s overall depth and adaptability.
Handling Pressure: Together as One
One of the hallmarks of championship teams is their ability to weather storms. Although Coach Sandi did not go into detail about specific injuries or moments of pressure, the resilience of his team speaks volumes.
This group didn’t just rebound from a tough loss—they thrived afterward. They didn’t just play through adversity—they embraced it. That capacity to respond, adjust, and refocus ultimately defined the Raiders as a team built for the postseason.
Senior Leadership: Setting the Standard
A significant component of the Raiders’ success came from their senior leaders—Dwayne Wimbley, Cam Roberts, and Sam Spoto—who set the tone both on and off the court.
“They led by example,” said Coach Sandi. “They had a team-first, brotherhood mentality.”
This unselfish mindset permeated the locker room. Whether celebrating wins or navigating tough practices, the seniors served as pillars of unity, maturity, and accountability. Their leadership wasn’t loud—it was consistent, inspiring, and focused on team success over individual accolades.
Looking Ahead: A Legacy Worth Repeating
Though the 2025 season ended in championship glory, Coach Sandi’s focus has already shifted to the future. The good news? Most of the roster will be returning.
“We bring back most and are very excited for the chance to repeat,” said Coach Sandi. “It’s a tough task, but we will try to duplicate this past season and what worked.”
With a championship under their belts and a motivated group returning, the Raiders aren’t just planning to defend their title—they’re aiming to build a sustainable legacy. The hunger is there. The system is in place. And the standard has been set.
Offseason Goals: Reinforcement and Refinement
Even champions need to evolve. For St. Thomas Aquinas, the offseason plan is simple but essential: shore up weaknesses and add size.
Improving team versatility and depth—especially in the paint—will be key as the Raiders prepare for the physical demands of another title run. The coaching staff is also committed to enhancing their system, continuing player development, and maintaining the championship culture built during the 2025 campaign.
Stats and Recognition
Fans and followers can track the Raiders' performance and player stats on MaxPreps, where the team’s historic season is documented. The numbers only tell part of the story, though—the legacy left by this year’s group is something no stat sheet can truly capture.
Conclusion: A New Chapter in Aquinas History
The 2025 St. Thomas Aquinas boys basketball team will forever be remembered not only for the championship they won but for how they won it. They battled doubt, overcame defeat, and refused to let complacency set in. With every win, they played for each other, for their school, and for the legacy they hoped to leave behind.
Coach Julius Sandi and his players have rewritten what’s possible at Aquinas—and they’re not done yet. As one era closes and another begins, the message is clear: the Raiders are back, and they’re here to stay.
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