Northeast Fl- In the words of rapper Fat Joe, “nothing can stop them, they’re all the way up”. These words were evident more than ever in the regional semifinals Tuesday night, as seven teams couldn’t be stopped on their way to victory. Check out the boys basketball teams that advanced and the ones that bid adieu in the FHSAA state playoffs.
Class 2A
#1. NFEI vs #5 Crossroads Academy
It took overtime, but North Florida Educational Institute got the victory over Crossroads Academy 94-85. It’s time for the annual NFEI versus Impact playoff battle that we see every year. This time it’s for the chance to go to Lakeland.
#2. Impact vs #5. St. Joseph Academy
Impact made short work of St. Joes Tuesday night, on their way towards a rematch with NFEI. Taylor Thompson led all scorers with 20 points, while Jordan Mikell scored double digits as well with 11 points. Impact fell to NFEI 65-57 earlier in the season. Now, they look for revenge when it counts, in the regional finals.
Class 3A
#1. Providence vs #5 Master’s Academy
The # 1 team in North Florida showed why they are the best after beating Master’s Academy by 50 points Tuesday night in the regional semifinals. Jaylen Robinson soard for high flying dunks, while Brady Patterson knocked down big shots from the 3-point line. It was a total team effort, as the boys team attempts to join the girls basketball team as Final 4 participants.
Class 4A
#1 Ribault vs #5. Bay
Ribault seems to be getting stronger and stronger, as they get another playof victor., This one was by 19-points. The Trojans have won 9-straight including a 34-point shellacking of Godby in the first round. Caleb Williams scored 17-points, Kevin Stokes chipped in with 14 points, and Kalvin Gilbert muscled in 13-points for Ribault. They’re gelling at the right time, and have a chance to go to the final 4 for the first time since 2014.
#2. Paxon vs #3 Bishop Kenny
Bishop Kenny continues to be on a mission in the playoffs. The Crusaders upset #2 seeded Paxon 51-44 to advance to the regional finals. Kenny has been masterful down the stretch of close games, hitting free throws and playing defense. They did the same in this game leading 46-44 with just .20 seconds left, but closing the game out on the line. Kenny’s next mission is trying to upset #1 Ribault.
Class 5A
#1. Mainland vs #4. Riverside
It was a low scoring defensive contest between the Generals and the Buccaneers. In the end, Riverside just couldn’t get enough offense to make it out of the second round. Mainland will now face Columbia in the regional final. For Riverside, it was a great year with a district championship and they have lots of young talent returning.
#2. Booker T. Washington (Pensacola) vs #3. Columbia
Columbia had a monster 3rd quarter against Booker T, leading to a convincing 69-55 win in the regional semifinals. Daytona Beach Mainland is up next for the chance to go back to the Final 4. Columbia fell to Dillard in the 2020 Final 4. This team looks determiend to play “Avenger” in 2023.
Class 6A
#1 Ponte Vedra vs #2. Gulf Breeze
Ponte Vedra breezed past Gulf Breeze 51-32 Tuesday night. The only time it was close was at the tip, as Ponte Vedra went up 6-points after the first quarter. The Sharks never looked back. Sam Ritchie led all scorers with 17- points. Ben Ritchie assisted him in the scorign with 15-points. They are just one game away from returning to the final 4 for the second year in a row.
#2. Gainesville vs #3. Oakleaf
Oakleaf fell to Gainesville 47-42 in the regional semifinals. The Knights achieved their best season in school history. A 24-2 record, including a 19-game win streak, and District Champions. Gainesville moves on to face Ponte Vedra in the Regional Finals.
