Lakeland Fl- It’s been a steady improvement each year for the Providence Stallions. In 2020 they went 6-8 and completely turned around the program in one year. I 2021, they appeared in the regional final. In 2022, they advanced to the Final 4 falling in the state semifinal. Now in 2023-2024, they returned to the Final 4, this time boasting one of the best records in team history.
At 26-3, coach Gigi Bistrow guided her Stallions through the gauntlet that is Class 3A all the way back to the state semifinal. The Stallions began the season 13-0. Those wins included Ridgeview (61-55 OT), Bolles (53-50), and Trinity Catholic (63-61 OT). They would go on to win 13 of the next 15 games including a Class 3A District 3 championship. A regional championship, and a trip back to Lakeland.
Led by junior Janie Boyd who has averaged 14.1 points per game, Providence has played great team basketball on both sides of the court. Janai Jordan averages 13.8 ppg and Julianna Baskin average 10.9ppg, two key players that have contributed mightily to the team’s success. Boyd led the team with 22 points against P.K. Yonge in a playoff game. Jordan scored 23 against P.K. Yonge but led with 18 points against San Jose Prep in the 62-59 regional final win.
Back To Back Regional Champs!!! The Lady Stallions punched their ticket to the Final Four! Thank you to all the fans who came out…you are amazing! Congrats!!! #Final4 #GoStallions #RingChasers pic.twitter.com/ruyic5z8LU
— Providence School (@provschool) February 23, 2024
In their second consecutive Final 4, Providence went up against a favorite to win it all in Miami Country Day. The young Lady Stallions weren’t able to keep up with the more experienced MCD Spartans, falling 60-38. Miami Country Day will look to repeat as champions as they face Cardinal Mooney. Baylor commit Kayla Nelms (14.3ppg) and Kaliyah Morales (10.0ppg) lead the way. Morales has an offer from Hampton University.
Miami Country Day controls their 3A Semifinal from start to finish with a final score of 60-38 over Providence! 🔵🔴
— SUTS Report (@SUTSReport) February 28, 2024
The Spartans will take on Cardinal Mooney for the 3A State Championship on Friday at 5:30PM! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/PpAZptBnHt
Providence has a unique opportunity to do what few teams have done in Northeast Florida, and that’s return to the Final 4 three years in a row. They have several returning starters including Boyd and Jordan who are juniors, and Baskin who is just a sophomore. This young talent is sure to take Providence to the top.
