Lakeland Fl- The incredible turnaround story of the Impact Christian Academy Lions (18-10) came to an end Tuesday, when they fell to the Class 2A number one seed Sagemont Lions (24-6). The game was a close contest throughout with Impact trailing 10-8 after the first quarter, and pulling to within one point at halftime 24-23.
Senior Wilmer Dejesus led the way with 12 points for Impact in the first half. The 6’2 forward was able to find the open areas on the court and knock down shots for his team. However, Sagemont’s size posed problems for Impact as 6’6 Patrick Liburd led them with 7-points in the first half. Sagemont guard Devontae Jean also had 7-points for the South Florida Lions in the half.
#FHSAA 2A State Semifinal:
— ᴊᴀᴋᴇ ᴘᴇʀᴘᴇʀ (@thehoopvibe) February 27, 2024
2024 6-4 G Jordyn Kee was huge in the pull away win for Sagemont over Impact Christian with 11 of his 15 points in 2nd half alone.
This was a tough take. He is a smooth attacker who can weave past defenders in a variety of ways. Hard to contain. pic.twitter.com/aQwGInYCf9
Impact made a 4th quarter run led by Taylor Thompson who scored 17 points in the game. The North Florida Lions cut the lead to 39-37. However, Sagemont would go on a 6-0 run as 6’4 Jordyn Kee who finished with 15 points, and 6’7 Kevin Thomas who finished with 13 points, lead the second half charge for Sagemont. Impact would fall 59-45.
#FHSAA State Semifinal:
— ᴊᴀᴋᴇ ᴘᴇʀᴘᴇʀ (@thehoopvibe) February 27, 2024
Final Score
Sagemont 59
Impact Christian 45
📊Leaders@SagemontMbb
Jordyn Kee 15
Kevin Thomas 13
Patrick Liburd 11
@ICALions
Wilmer Dejesus 19
Taylor Thompson 17 pic.twitter.com/I0liA98Wz3
It was a terrific turnaround for Impact as they won 15 of their last 17 games after starting the season 3-8. Since arriving at Impact head coach Benjamin Jones has taken four different Impact teams to the Final 4. (2023-2024, 2020-2021,2019-2020,2017-2018). Their valiant effort lost steam in the fourth, but the team left it all on the court.
