It was a homecoming for Mandarin’s girls basketball head coach Anthony Flynn, as he returned to Ribault where he served as Ribault’s head football coach, and as an assistant girls basketball coach on the Lady Trojan’s national championship team. Flynn led his Mustangs through the Gateway Conference tournament, defeating Stanton 51-35, then Sandalwood 43-21 to arrive back home on Winton Drive to face his former team.
Mandarin jumped out to a fast start using their size and experience to build an early lead on the road. Ny’Keria Thomas drove to the basket for uncontested layups, scoring 17-points in the first half.
Mandarin’s Senior center Yakia Milton used her 6 foot4 inch frame to block shots, grab rebounds and score down low to help the Mustang’s build a 10-point halftime lead 35-25.
Ribault seemed hesitant to drive the ball into the lane as Milton’s height and length created an intimidating presence. However, head coach Dorian Stevens ralleyed her young Lady Trojans and in the thrid quarter they went on a 6-0 run.
Sophomore guard Destiny Donaldson was a consistent playmaker for Ribault, as she scored down low, and drew fouls. She hit 7-free throws in the third quarter, scoring 11 of her team high 15-points in the second half for Ribault.
Sophomore Alex Gross (11 points) hit big three-pointers in the first half and Paris Washington hit a 3-pointer in the third quarter to bring Ribault to within 1-point at the end of the third 40-39.
However, Mandarin’s experience proved to be the difference as nine different players scored for the Mustangs. Juniors Irvieona Gantt, Amina Yassin, Kacie York and Janiah Hunter hit big shots in the game, including crucial second chance points that was the difference in the game.
Time would tick off the clock as Mandarin won it’s first Girls Basketball Gateway Conference Championship in school’s history. “They believed, they rallied around each other and they have great leadership who are very focused, disciplined and I hope they can carry this on to a district championship”.– Head Coach Anthony Flynn
