Wildwood, Fla. — After a dismal 4-18 record last season, including 13 double-digit losses and 10 by more than 20 points, the Wildwood Middle High basketball team has staged a remarkable turnaround. Now sitting at 11-2, the Wildcats have transformed into a powerhouse, ranked No. 3 in their classification and second in the state in scoring with 70.6 points per game.

This resurgence comes under the guidance of head coach Richard Jackson, who praises the team’s youth and determination. “We are extremely young,” Jackson said. “Of our nine players in the rotation, only one is a senior. Next year, we’ll return two sophomores, one freshman, and even an eighth grader who are gaining valuable experience now.”

(Wildwood head coach Richard Jackson has built an impressive team. Jackson is in his second year as Wildwood’s head coach after taking over the program in 2023.)

Another key addition to the coaching staff has been David Krakoff, a well-known figure in Sumter County basketball. Krakoff, who previously coached The Villages to their first district championship in 2013, has brought his offensive expertise back to the area after nearly a decade away.

“I returned to Sumter County last summer, and I’ve installed an offense with the same foundation I ran at The Villages,” Krakoff said. “It’s still the backbone of their system today, and Colt McDowell, one of my former assistants, has done a tremendous job continuing that success there.”

Coach Krakoff would go on to say “I am thankful that Coach Jackson gave me the opportunity to return to coaching this year after a decade away from the game. I don’t take it lightly that he entrusted me with developing our offense and definitely don’t want to let him and these guys down.” says coach Krakoff. So far so good and in fact the entire team is exceeding expectations.

(Traeston Armstrong drives to the lane during a recent game against MDCA. He’s been having a fantastic junior season. Photo Credit – Joe Ott.)

The Wildcats’ roster features standout performances from several players, including 6’3″ freshman guard DeMarius Knight, who leads the team with 15 points and five rebounds per game. Junior Louis Brown, a 6’4″ forward, is averaging 11 points and seven rebounds per game, while Ashton Wilson and Traeston Armstrong each contribute 10 points per game.

The team’s success is rooted in a potent offense, shooting 46% from the field, and a renewed sense of confidence. Wildwood’s two losses this season were by a combined six points, a far cry from the blowouts that marked last year. You can feel the excitement in the community and Wildwood basketball is officially back! That’s an exciting thing to say!

(Demarius Knight is another player who’s been having a breakout junior season. Photo Credit – Joe Ott.)

As the Wildcats eye a potential run to the state finals in Lakeland, the excitement around the program is at levels last witnessed during the run to the 2021 state championship victory. While there is a long season to go, this team has all the right foundational pieces to be a contender for the years to come.

This is one of the best Wildwood teams we’ve seen in recent years,” said Jackson. “With our youth, talent, and strong coaching staff, the future is incredibly bright.”

For the Wildcats, 2025 represents not just a season but a statement — Wildwood basketball is back, and the rest of the state is taking notice.