Florida Nation Youth Stars Carly Lewis Shaheena Keita and Armani McFadden Poised to Lead Next Wave of Talent
Florida Nation Basketball is stacked with talent across every age group, but three young players are already emerging as the anchors of the program’s future: Carly Lewis (5’8”), Armani McFadden (6’1”), and Shaheena Keita (5’11). Together, they showcase the depth of Florida Nation’s pipeline and the promise of its next generation. Playing Up Against Older Competition This past summer, Lewis and McFadden — both only in the 6th grade — competed on the NE2K 16U circuit, holding their own against athletes several years older. Their ability to step onto that stage and make an impact has coaches and evaluators buzzing. Lewis brings a versatile skill set, while McFadden’s size and athleticism make her one of the most intriguing middle school players in the state. The Country Day Connection Carly attends Miami Country Day School, one of Florida’s most decorated programs with 10 state championships. Training in that winning culture has sharpened her versatility as both a guard and forward, giving her the ability to create for herself and for teammates. McFadden, currently at Carol City Middle School, may soon join the Country Day program as well. At 6’1”, she has the tools to dominate the paint while also showing perimeter flashes — a rare combination for a player her age. Joining them is Shaheena Keita, an 5’11 8th grader at Country Day, who is already making her mark with her defensive presence, sharp floor awareness, and ability to knock down open shots. Keita’s unselfish play and knack for finding teammates in space have quickly earned her recognition as a difference-maker. Built on Development, Not “Daddy Ball” Florida Nation Youth Director Carlyle Lewis leads the program with a vision built on discipline, development, and exposure. While Carly happens to be his daughter, her impact on the court comes from talent and hard work — not favoritism. Alongside McFadden and Keita, she represents the program’s commitment to identifying and developing players who can compete on a national stage. Anchors of the Future Florida Nation already has established high school talent competing at a high level, but the rise of Lewis, McFadden, and Keita proves the pipeline is thriving. Together, they highlight the program’s depth and its ability to prepare young athletes for the next level. Florida Nation’s present is strong, but with these three rising stars leading the charge, the future looks even brighter.
Florida Nation Basketball: A New Era for Families and Athletes
South Florida, FL – Florida Nation Basketball is not just about wins on the court. It is about creating a complete experience for players, parents, and coaches. Built on AthleteXposure Solutions, the program offers a stress-free system designed to give athletes the best opportunity to grow while keeping families connected every step of the way. A Program Built for Families Parents are at the heart of every youth sports program, and Florida Nation recognizes that. By using AthleteXposure, the organization provides one simple platform for registration, payments, rosters, and schedules. No more chasing down information or juggling multiple apps — everything is in one place. “Families deserve a clear, organized, and stress-free process,” said Florida Nation leadership. “AthleteXposure lets us deliver that, while making sure athletes and parents always know what’s happening.” Coaching That Builds More Than Players Florida Nation’s coaching staff blends championship pedigree with player-first leadership. Coach Greg Farias, winner of six state titles at American Heritage, and Coach Kevin Gordon, the longtime head coach at Cardinal Gibbons, bring elite-level experience to the program. Alongside them, Coach Carlyle Lewis drives the development system, ensuring that every player receives structured training and mentoring. Known for his leadership and vision, Lewis works closely with athletes and coaches to keep the program aligned with its mission. Additionally Don Colloway, adds another crucial piece. With years of experience as a high school assistant coach and a founder of CS Elite Recruiting Service, Colloway focuses on competitive opportunities, scheduling, and mentoring. His background with grassroots programs such as Bad Girls Basketball ensures Florida Nation athletes get the right mix of competition and exposure. Parents can trust that their children are guided by mentors who understand what it takes to succeed both on and off the court. Exposure and Opportunity For parents, the biggest question is often: What comes next? Florida Nation is designed to provide answers. AthleteXposure makes it simple for college coaches and recruiters to see player profiles, game footage, and achievements. This creates real opportunities for athletes to be discovered without families having to navigate the process alone. “Parents want to know that their child is being seen,” Florida Nation stated. “We are committed to providing that exposure while developing athletes the right way.” Why Parents Choose Florida Nation A Partnership With Parents Florida Nation views parents as partners, not just spectators. By creating a system that is transparent, organized, and future-focused, the program ensures that families feel supported throughout the journey. For parents looking for more than just another basketball program, Florida Nation offers something rare: a complete pathway that develops athletes, connects families, and builds opportunities for the future.
Greg Farias Brings Championship DNA to Florida Nation
Fort Lauderdale, FL – Florida Nation Basketball announced a major addition to its program this week. Coach Greg Farias, who led Plantation American Heritage to six state titles in seven years, has officially joined the Florida Nation staff. His move brings championship pedigree, proven leadership, and a winning culture to one of South Florida’s fastest-growing basketball programs. Building a Championship Legacy At American Heritage, Farias turned the girls basketball program into a powerhouse. His teams won six Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Class 5A championships between 2018 and 2024. Known for discipline, defense, and relentless preparation, his squads consistently dominated opponents and raised the standard for excellence in Florida basketball. “Greg Farias has done what few coaches in the state have ever achieved,” said Florida Nation leadership. “He doesn’t just win games. He builds programs that prepare athletes for life on and off the court.” Why Florida Nation Matters Florida Nation Basketball is built on three pillars: development, exposure, and opportunity. By running on AthleteXposure Solutions, the program offers a seamless experience for parents, coaches, and athletes. Registration, scheduling, communication, and recruiting tools are all available in one place. This structure allows coaches like Farias to focus on what they do best — teaching, developing, and mentoring young athletes. For families, it means a stress-free system that ensures players get both training and exposure. For college coaches, it creates direct access to Florida Nation talent. What It Means for Athletes Farias brings over 20 years of coaching experience. His record of success gives Florida Nation athletes access to a mentor who knows how to win at the highest level. More importantly, his focus on discipline and accountability prepares players for the next stage, whether that’s college or beyond. “Joining Florida Nation is about building something new,” Farias said. “We want to give athletes the tools, the exposure, and the discipline they need to succeed. Championships are the result of doing things the right way, every day.” Looking Ahead With Farias joining the program, Florida Nation strengthens its position as a premier destination for youth basketball in Florida. Athletes and parents can expect championship-level coaching, a proven pathway for development, and the visibility needed for recruiting opportunities. With over 20 years of coaching experience, Farias brings credibility, structure, and a vision that aligns with Florida Nation’s mission to provide a seamless platform for players, coaches, and parents. For parents and athletes, the message is clear: Florida Nation is positioning itself as one of the premier destinations for basketball development and recruiting exposure. For college coaches, it signals that the program is building a true pipeline of talent shaped by a proven winner.