Lakeland FL- Head Coach Benjamin Jones has his Impact Christian Academy Lions back in the state championship game for the second consecutive year, after they defeated Southwest Florida Christian Academy 69-54 Wednesday in the Class 2A State Semifinal.
A back and forth contest for most of the game saw Impact and Southwest Florida Christian (SWFC) trade shots for three quarters. Senior center Ivan Lawson was a force down low, scoring on layups using his 6’5 frame. Lawson hit a big shot to end the first quarter to put his team up 20-14.
Lawson was accompanied by freshman guard Taylor Thompson who penetrated and got to the basket for layups. There was also 6’4 forward Calvin Johnson, who controlled the paint over the smaller Southwest Florida Christian team. Johnson moved well without the ball leading to transition points and even shot from the outside. His three pointer in the second quarter gave Impact a 33-23 lead forcing a timeout by the Kings.
Trailing 35-29 at halftime, SWFC mounted a furious comeback. Sophomore Guard Yadniel Sanabria Colon led the charge hitting tough shots and getting to the foul line in the third. His jumper at the buzzer cemented a 21-11 third quarter run giving the Kings a 50-46 lead heading to the fourth.
In the fourth, Impact settled down and began to disrupt Southwest on defense. Guard Deavan Knowles and big men Jordan Mikell and Kelvin Johnson were able to make plays on offense and defense as the Kings couldn’t account for the multiple weapons of the Lions. Fittingly, Calvin Johnson would close out the game with a dunk, slamming home the semifinal victory for Impact.
Impact (20-8) now moves on to face Orlando Christian Prep (26-0) who defeated Grandview Prep in their semifinal contest. The Lions have made it to the Final 4 three times in the last four years, and are seeking their first state championship in the program’s young history.
Impact Christian Academy
Calvin Johnson 21
Ivan Lawson 15
Kelvin Johnson 11
Taylor Thompson 10
Southwest Florida Christian:
Julio Lopez 14
Yadniel Sanabria Colon 13
Josh Rogosich 13
