Lakeland Fl- What a great season by the University Christian Girls basketball team in 2023-2024. They navigated a 19-7 record. They won the Class 2A District 3 championship defeating St. Josephs Academy 47-25. They won Regional championship defeating rival NFEI 32-30 in a thriller. All of these accomplishments earned them a trip to Lakeland Florida, for an appearance in the Class 2A State semifinals.
Alanna Tatum led UC all year averaging 14.3 points per game. Some of her memorable performances featured the sophomore sensation score 22 points against Oakleaf, 23 points against Covenant, Bolles, and Eagles View. Her 29-points versus Trinity Christian (Jax), was a season high. She was the focus of may teams in the playoffs, as opponents attempted to take her out of the game through double-teams and bracketing defense. Yet Tatum’s teammates stepped up big in crucial moments.
Tacarri Neal averaged 9.5 points per game this season as a junior. Eighth graders Londyn Tatum and Kennedi Tatum both averaged over 6.5 points per game this season. Kennedi hit a big 3-pointer against NFEI and Londyn scored 15pts and 13pts in back to back playoff games. Junior Kamela Marshall has averaged 5.7 points per game. Her 15 points against St. Joseph’s helped them get the win in the regional semifinal.
Ticket 🎫 Punched to Lakeland, FL FINAL 4! Let’s Go UC !!!
— Alanna Tatum (@IhooplannaT) February 23, 2024
2A REGIONAL CHAMPS! ⚔️UP!
UC-32 NFEI-30 pic.twitter.com/YTG6J5V9T8
Against Evangelical Christian, University Christian fell behind 6-0 thanks to a Maddie O’berski 3-pointer. Yet Alanna Tatum would respond with two consecutive shots of her own to get UC back in the game trailing 6-4.
Yet Evangelical Christian would build an 18-8 first quarter lead as Kellisia Grant (15pts) hit several shots and drew several fouls. Her effort along with Zaria Lily Mitchell (13pts) and Areille Marc (14pts) helped lead the Sentinels to the 59-43 victory over University Christian.
It was a great Final 4 experience for UC as many of their starters return. They’ll make another run at a state title, with some of the best young stars in the area, and led by one of the best head coaches in Keith Stroud and his staff.
Featured Image by Cedric Hicks
