Two teams that battled adversity during the season are hoping to bring FHSAA state boys basketball championships back to South Florida.
Sagemont (28-4) will take on Orlando Christian Prep (25-3) at 4:30 p.m. Friday in a rematch of last year’s Class 2A state championship after taking care of Jacksonville North Florida Educational Institute 71-65 at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland. The Lions’ work will be cut out for them as they face three-time defending champion Orlando Christian Prep.
Dwyer (28-1) has run off seven straight since a loss to Lake Worth on Jan. 31. They are searching for a fourth state championship following a 52-39 victory over Tampa Wharton in their Class 6A state semifinal.
Orlando Christian Prep (25-3) has won 10 state titles overall — the third-most in state history behind Miami High and Malone. The Warriors topped Sagemont 66-49 last year, outscoring the Lions 15-4 in a decisive third quarter.
Sagemont, winner of nine straight games, is chasing its third state title and first since 2014. The Lions received strong performances from senior forward Danielius Kasparas (18 points, 7 rebounds) and junior guard Deontae Jean, who made five 3-pointers en route to 17 points.
Senior guards Maxx Martinez and Tynan Becker each had 11 points while senior guard Ashton Smith added 10 and six assists.
“We played a very tough and athletic North Florida Educational team, and I couldn’t be prouder of our guys,” said Sagemont coach Davie Roe by phone. “They delivered and showed their resiliency. It’s easy when things go your way, but your true character is shown when adversity punches you in the face. We had to fight through adversity to win that game.”
“[Wednesday] was a great win but we understand the challenge that OCP brings,” Roe added. “Orlando Christian Prep is very talented…they have earned the state’s respect and rightfully so. With that being said, I couldn’t ask for a different group to go into battle with and we will be prepared for the moment.”
The Lions are ranked No. 12 overall in the state, according to MaxPreps, and No. 2 in Class 2A. They have found new life after senior guard Cameron Gibson was lost for the year with a torn ACL in the 10th game of the season. Gibson was averaging 11.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.1 assists at the time.
“It was tough to lose him midseason,” Roe added. “Most teams hope to hit a stride in January, and we had to hit a reset button. For us, January felt like November, but this group is resilient and found a way to continue to compete and win while making the adjustments. I think now we are peaking at the right time.”
Dwyer will face Ponte Vedra (23-6) on Saturday at 5:30, to fight for the Class 6A state championship. The Panthers won state titles in 2004, 2005, and 2011.
“Ponte Vedra was here last year and didn’t win it, so I think they have a little incentive to win,” Ross said. “I hope we can play well. I think it will be a good game.”
Dwyer tied Wharton 10-10 after the first quarter before taking a 21-17 halftime lead on baskets by Blake Wilson and Frenelson Atlius to snap a 17-17 tie. The Panthers broke open a tight game by outscoring the Wildcats 31-21 in the second half for a 52-39 win in the semifinal.
In the third quarter, Wharton’s Karmello Branch scored to put Wharton up 24-23 with a little over 3 minutes remaining. Dwyer’s Jaelen Nelson drained a 3-point field goal to put Dwyer up for good at 26-24.
Panthers coach Fred Ross said high ankle injuries to seniors Kyle McNeal and Mason Brown at midseason actually turned out to be beneficial.
“Any time you get a chance to get to state it is always good,” Ross said. “Things have to happen and go your way. We have one loss and easily could have had three or four more. I really feel good about the adversity we had to go through.
“Kyle was our leading scorer last year and he played football this year,” Ross added. “When he came back, he got injured and missed like 12 games. When he came back, Mason Brown, our leading scorer this year, got hurt and missed two weeks. Just overcoming those injuries and building depth I think has been a special part of this season. We’ve had guys come off the bench and do very well and got that game experience.”
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