Lakeland Fl- The North Florida Educational Institute (NFEI) girls’ basketball team made history on Monday night with a heart-pounding 50-46 victory over Central Florida Christian Academy (CFCA). This win not only secured their 20th victory of the season (20-12) but also punched their ticket to the school’s first-ever state championship appearance.
A Battle Until the End
From the opening tip-off, both teams showed why they deserved to be in the state semifinals. NFEI and CFCA traded baskets in the first half, keeping the score close. Jannell Houston and Beyonce Jedinie knocked down shots to erase a CFCA lead that got up to seven points. Sawsan Kamara hit a big three pointer for NFEI in the second quarter, and at halftime CFCA held just a one point lead.
But the game changed in the third quarter when NFEI outscored CFCA 17-10, creating a crucial momentum shift.
A key moment came when Jorrdann Sibley nailed a two-point field goal, pushing NFEI ahead 35-25. However, CFCA refused to back down. With under a minute left in the game, CFCA’s Soraya Jokhan scored to tie things up at 46-46, setting up a dramatic finish.
Clutch Free Throws Seal the Deal
With the game on the line, NFEI’s Sibley showed nerves of steel. After CFCA missed key opportunities and committed fouls, Sibley stepped to the free-throw line and sank four straight shots. Those clutch free throws sealed the 50-46 win and sent the NFEI Eagles into the championship game.
NFEI stamps their spot in the Girls Class 1A State Championship with a 50-46 win over Central Florida Christian! They'll take on Grandview Prep on Wednesday for the title! pic.twitter.com/LGr6YamVap
— FHSAA (@FHSAA) February 25, 2025
Standout Performances
Several NFEI players stepped up in this crucial matchup:
- Beyonce Jedinie: 13 points, 9 rebounds, 5 steals
- Jannell Houston: 11 points, 5 rebounds
- Jorrdann Sibley: 10 points, 5 rebounds, and the game-sealing free throws
CFCA’s top scorers kept their team in the fight:
- Soraya Jokhan: 15 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists
- Makayla White: 12 points
Championship Showdown Awaits
Now, NFEI turns its attention to the state championship, where they will take on powerhouse Grandview Prep (25-4). Grandview is led by Oklahoma State signee Lena Girardi, a scoring machine who averages 30.6 points per game. NFEI will also need to contain Abby Price (12.8 ppg) and 6’0 forward Seanna Crooks (10.0 ppg) if they want to bring home the title.
Beyonce Jedinie (11.8 ppg), Jannell Houston (9.5 ppg), and Jordann Sibley (9.6 ppg) all contribute to the team’s high-powered offense. The young stars
Coach Tony Bannister and his team have already made school history, but they’re not done yet. He is looking to repeat what he as a coach achieved in 2006 at Shekinah Christian, winning the Class 1A state championship.
With their confidence soaring and momentum on their side, NFEI is ready to take on their biggest challenge yet. One more win, and they’ll be state champions!
