The atmosphere at the Florida Flight Elite Cinco de Mayo Tournament (May 2–3, 2026) was nothing short of electric. While families across South Florida were celebrating the holiday weekend, the top 14U and 8th-grade hoopers were in the gym, putting in the work. This year’s 8th Grade GOLD division was a showcase of speed, tactical execution, and raw talent, but when the dust settled, one team stood alone at the top: Treasure Coast Titans Select.
From the opening tip-off in pool play to the final buzzer of the championship game, the Titans put on a clinic. However, the road to the trophy wasn’t without its hurdles, particularly a nail-biting preliminary matchup against their eventual finals opponent, Hot Shots Elite.
The Field: South Florida’s Best 8th Graders
The 14U division brought together a diverse group of programs, each looking to solidify their ranking heading into the summer circuit. The competing teams included:
- Treasure Coast Titans Select (Champions)
- Hot Shots Elite (Runner-up)
- southernmost Ballerz
- Palm Beach basketball
- Prolific Athletics 2030
- Hot Shots Black
- Ball Hawks 8th
At Florida Flight Elite, our mission is to provide a platform for elite youth training and high-level competition. This division embodied that mission, featuring disciplined rosters that utilized high-press defenses and sophisticated transition offenses.
Pool Play: A Preview of the Finals
Saturday’s pool play set the tone for the weekend. The southernmost Ballerz made an immediate statement with a commanding 57–32 win over Palm Beach basketball, showing that their trek north was all about business.
However, all eyes were on the Treasure Coast Titans Select. They opened their campaign with a blistering 76–26 victory over Prolific Athletics 2030. The Titans’ ball movement was impeccable, finding the open man and punishing the defense from the perimeter.
The highlight of the entire tournament arguably came during the pool play matchup between the Titans and Hot Shots Elite. In a back-and-forth thriller that came down to the final possession, the Titans escaped with a 54–53 win. It was a tactical chess match that hinted at a potential rematch on Sunday.
Notable Pool Play Scores:
- Hot Shots Elite (59) vs Palm Beach basketball (18)
- southernmost Ballerz (53) vs Prolific Athletics 2030 (32)
Sunday Bracket: The Path to the Chip
As we moved into the championship bracket, the intensity shifted into another gear. In the Quarterfinals, Hot Shots Elite handled business against Ball Hawks 8th, securing a 61–40 win to keep their title hopes alive.
The Semifinals saw the Titans and Hot Shots Elite take two very different paths:
- Semifinal 1: Treasure Coast Titans Select dismantled Hot Shots Black in a defensive masterclass, winning 62–20. The Titans’ length in the passing lanes made it nearly impossible for the opposition to establish any offensive rhythm.
- Semifinal 2: Hot Shots Elite faced a tougher challenge against the southernmost Ballerz. Leveraging their experience and late-game execution, the Hot Shots secured a 60–38 win, punching their ticket to the final and setting up the rematch everyone wanted to see.
The Championship: Titans Take Control
After their one-point thriller on Saturday, fans expected a close final. But the Treasure Coast Titans Select had other plans. Having already felt out the Hot Shots’ defensive schemes, the Titans adjusted and came out firing.
The Titans dominated the glass and dominated the transition game. By halftime, they had established a double-digit lead that they never relinquished. The final score of 61–31 reflected the Titans’ growth over the 48-hour tournament window. Their ability to maintain high-intensity defense without fouling allowed them to pull away and claim the 8th Grade GOLD Championship.
More Than Just a Game
At Florida Flight Elite, we believe in the holistic growth of our athletes. While the Titans took home the hardware, every player on the court this weekend is part of a larger community focused on athletic development and academic success. Programs like our J’s for A’s initiative ensure that the discipline seen on the court translates to the classroom.
We want to thank all the “Hoop Parents,” coaches, and scouts who joined us in Coral Springs for this incredible event. The talent on display in the 8th-grade division proves that the future of South Florida basketball is in good hands.
Ready for the next one?
If you want your athlete to compete at the highest level and gain the exposure they need for high school and collegiate recruitment, stay tuned for our upcoming events. From elite coaching led by professionals like Brandon Moss to high-visibility AAU-licensed tournaments, we are the premier destination for youth basketball in the region.
Stay connected with us at flflightelite.com and follow us for more division recaps from the Cinco de Mayo Tournament!