Jacksonville HS- Raines(14-11) reveled in it’s revenge over Ribault (15-9) Wednesday night, defeating the Trojans 61-59 in the Class 5A-2 District Semifinals. The game wouldn’t go without suspense and excitement as it would go into overtime. At the end of the first overtime, guard Na’Vonte Ivy hit a three pointer for Raines to put them up by one point with 28 seconds to play. Rashawn Latimer would hit a free throw to increase Raines lead to two points in the closing seconds. However, a blocking foul on Raines would send Ribault junior George Woods to the line with 3.6 seconds left. Woods would sink both free throws sending the contest to double overtime.
In double overtime, Raines guard Trevon Nevarez would drive to the basket hit a layup while being fouled in the process. The play would put the Vikings up by three. However, Ribault’s Kahlyl Sanders would knock down a three pointer of his own to respond, as the game continued to go back and forth in the contest. In the end, it would be a game of coaching strategy and free throws. Octavious Lawson’s three made free throws down the stretch would give Raines the narrow win on Winton Drive. The Vikings avenged a regular season loss to Ribault 75-47 less than a month ago on January 20th.
The Vikings and Head Coach Tony Bannister have undergone a rebuild in recent years. It’s been their goal to return the Vikings to prominence on the basketball court, and Tuesday’s win went a long way in accomplishing the feat. They’ll play for the district title Friday against Riverside (21-4), who defeated Ed White 60-53 in their district semifinal matchup.
High Scorers:
Raines: Trevon Nevarez- 30pts, Na’Vonte Ivy- 31pts
Ribault: Antonio Sheffield- 27 points, Caleb Williams-19 points
Photo Gallery by Tyrail Williams
