WINTER HAVEN – This season's sophomore class is a small one for Polk State Basketball, but forward Jimmy Cami and guard Kellen Cashman have certainly made an impact over their two seasons on campus.

Cami and Cashman will be recognized prior to Monday's Sophomore Night contest against Eastern Florida State College. The contest will wrap up the season for the Eagles and the nine-year tenure of Head Coach Brandon Giles.

"Kellen is a special person," Giles said. "He's always performed well academically. Kellen has done whatever he can to help his teammates get better and his family has been fervent supporters of our program. He can play at a really high level.

"With Jimmy, I encourage everyone to get to know him and learn his story," Giles added. "He goes to class, plays hard and has a big heart. He keeps us laughing and has brought a new culture to our team. He's been an absolute joy to have in our program."

A native of South Florida, Cashman has been sidelined for the entire season as he recovers from an ACL injury suffered as a freshman. Last season, Cashman averaged nearly eight points per game and shot better than 40% from beyond the three-point arc. During the 2024-25 season, the 60th in program history, Cashman also led the Eagles with 43 made 3-pointers as Polk State reached the FCSAA Tournament.

"I'm proud that I was able to prove I could compete at a high level," Cashman reflected. "This is the best (junior college) region in the country and to be able to contribute to a winning team meant a lot."

The lone player on the roster to appear in games in each of the last two seasons for Polk State, Cami enters his final Polk State game, averaging 5.4 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. Cami leads the team lead in blocks per game (0.6) and ranks second in rebounds per contest.

"My final game of prep school was the championship held at Polk and that's where I met Coach Giles and (former Assistant Coach Josh Jackson)," Cami recalled. "Shortly after that, my (scholarship) offer came and that's when I knew Polk was the place for me. They've helped me on and off the court. I've learned that life is more than basketball. I've been taught how to be a good person outside of basketball."

Born in the Republic of Congo, the 6-foot-9 Cami made history last season. In a 93-57 win over DME Academy, Cami set a Polk State single-game record with 27 rebounds.

"I'm going to miss everyone here and I'm really going to miss Polk," Cami exclaimed. "These are my brothers. It was great to have been part of the team that made the state tournament (last season)."

While Cashman has spent just two seasons at Polk State, his familiarity with the program runs deeper. He is the godson of Lorenzo Williams, a Polk State Hall of Fame center and 1988-89 FCSAA champion, who played seven seasons in the NBA.

"He taught me most of what I know about basketball," Cashman explained. "Being able to play where he played and have him see me play here has been really special for me."

Both sophomores hope to continue their playing careers at a four-year program. Cashman will have three years of eligibility remaining. As part of Giles' final sophomore class, Cashman is grateful for the opportunity to play collegiately.

"My coaches here have all been awesome," Cashman said. "Coach Giles gave me an opportunity when no one else did. Just to get this chance means everything."

Although Polk State won't make a return trip to the postseason this year, Cami, like Cashman, played a major role in the Eagles' success last season. Two nights after setting the program rebounding record, Cami set a career-high with 24 points in a 111-107 win over the University of South Carolina Salkehatchie as Giles collected his 100th career win as head coach.

"After I broke the rebounding record, I met Lorenzo Williams and he told me how he played in the NBA and told me that I could go anywhere from Polk," Cami concluded. "I'll always remember that. It made me believe that I could one day play at a high level, too."

As Giles and the pair of sophomores move toward the next chapter, the outgoing head coach offered parting words for his upperclassmen.

"I hope they've grown from the adversities they faced," Giles shared. "I hope they learned life lessons they can use for the rest of their lives and have great success in everything they do. Both are resilient kids and I look forward to seeing them continue their basketball careers and education."