Lakeland Fl- The Providence Stallions are heading to the Class 2A Girls Basketball State Championship after a commanding 61-44 victory over Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy. With the win, Providence improved to a stellar 24-6 record, setting the stage for an intense battle against Miami Country Day on March 1 at 1 p.m.
From the opening tip, Providence showed why they’ve been a force all season. They jumped out to an 18-11 lead in the first quarter and never looked back. By halftime, the Stallions had built a comfortable 42-23 advantage, fueled by standout performances from their top scorers. Kennedy Loux had an electric first half, scoring 13 of her game-high 18 points before the break, including three long-range three-pointers.
Janie Boyd added 13 points, while Kasey Davey contributed 12 points and 4 steals. Julianna Baskin was dominant in the paint, notching a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds, and Janai Jordan chipped in with 8 points.
Holy Trinity (22-7) struggled to keep up despite a strong effort from Kylie Green, who led her team with 16 points. However, Providence’s balanced attack and aggressive defense proved too much to handle. Still, it was a record setting season for the Tigers. Most wins in a season (22), and their first trip to the Final 4. They just ran into a more experienced team in Providence.
Under Head Coach Gigi Bistrow, Providence has built a strong resume She has won more than 500 games and has led the Stallions to the Final Four in each of the last three seasons. Providence has been dangerous all season thanks to its well-rounded attack. Kasey Davey, who averages 14.0 points per game, and Janie Boyd, who puts up 12.7 per game, have been key offensive weapons.
Now, the Stallions shift their focus to powerhouse Miami Country Day (19-11), who punched their own ticket to the championship game with a nail-biting 37-35 win over Evangelical Christian. Evangelical Christian were defending Class 2A Champions. That is until the defending Class 3A champions defeated them.
The Spartans secured the victory thanks to a clutch three-pointer by Kamie Ellis, a 5-foot-10 junior who averages 10.8 points per game. Miami Country Day also relies on sophomore playmaker Jalynn Belton, who averages 10.9 points and 3.5 assists per game. They are fresh off a 3-Peat, where they defeated Providence last year in the Class 3A State title game.
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
Yet Providence has been a nightmare for opponents all season, thanks to its deep and versatile roster. Davey, averaging 14.0 points per game, and Boyd, who contributes 12.7 per contest, have been key offensive weapons. With Loux’s sharpshooting, Baskin’s dominance on the boards, and a strong defensive presence, the Stallions are primed for a shot at the title.
With both teams bringing their best to the court, this time the Class 2A state championship game promises to be a big one. Will Providence’s balanced attack finally carry them to championship glory, or will Miami Country Day win their 10th state title in the past 12 years? Basketball fans won’t want to miss this epic rematch!
