Lakeland Fl- In a game full of twists and turns, the Bolles Bulldogs clawed their way to a 57-50 overtime victory against Somerset Academy-Canyons, securing a spot in the state championship for the first time in school history.
Things didn’t start well for Bolles, as they fell behind early, trailing 12-5 after the first quarter and 22-18 at halftime. Somerset’s Delanie Doty led the way for the Cougars in the first half, scoring eight points, while Presley Norman paced Bolles with five.
The game turned into a nail-biter in the fourth quarter. Bolles had built a 47-40 lead after a clutch two-point field goal from Evie Freeman. However, Somerset refused to back down. Doty drained a crucial three-pointer, followed by another deep shot from Tatyana Campise-Pinkney, cutting the lead to just one. With time winding down, Somerset’s Alana Pinnock hit a go-ahead layup, putting them ahead 50-49.
37-35 Bolles leads Somerset Canyon
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) February 28, 2025
4th qtr
FHSAA Final 4 pic.twitter.com/t1DLn85F3J
But Bolles had an answer. With the pressure on, Terrell McCoy stepped up to the free-throw line and coolly sank one to tie the game at 50, sending the battle into overtime.
Once in OT, it was all Bulldogs. Freeman struck first with a two-point bucket, followed by another from Abby Knauff. Then, McCoy sealed the deal from the free-throw line, closing out the game at 57-50.
14 points 19 Rebounds and the finish at the free throw line!
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) February 28, 2025
Terrell McCoy helps send Bolles to the FHSAA Class 3A Girls Basketball State Championship game! Saturday at 5pm
Bolles 57, Somerset Canyon 50 F pic.twitter.com/UNUhcxDB3j
McCoy was a force all night, finishing with 14 points and a dominant 19 rebounds. Knauff, who leads the team in scoring at 15.6 points per game and recently surpassed 1,500 career points, also had a big impact. Freeman, averaging 13.1 points per game with offers from Air Force and Embry-Riddle, added valuable contributions, while Norman (12.3 ppg) and McCoy (12.2 ppg) helped power Bolles’ high-scoring offense, which averages 65.3 points per game—one of the most explosive in the state.
The victory gives head coach Kelly Stevenson another shot at a state title. No stranger to championship moments, Stevenson won the Class 5A state title as a senior at Nease High School in 1999 and was named MVP of the tournament. Now, with legendary coach and Hall of Famer Sherri Anthony by her side, Stevenson hopes to lead Bolles to its first-ever girls’ basketball state championship.
57-50 win over Somerset Canyons. State Championship game tomorrow at 5pm. Tune in!!!!! pic.twitter.com/1BYaXiX3x1
— Bolles Girls Basketball (@BollesHoops) February 28, 2025
Standing in their way is Cardinal Mooney, a team with experience but also heartbreak. Mooney, led by head coach Marlon Williams, has reached its fifth straight Class 3A title game but has yet to win one. They’ll rely on star players Kali Barrett and Madi Mignery, both averaging 15.9 points per game. Barrett, who dropped 28 points in their semifinal win over Slam Academy Miami, is committed to Cincinnati, while Mignery has offers from Michigan, Clemson, Miami, SMU, Ohio State, and Stanford.
Playoff Highlights. Headed to Lakeland for the Final Four! @johnnycamps pic.twitter.com/dP3An8Nd33
— Madeline Mignery (@MadiMignery2027) February 23, 2025
With history on the line, Bolles will look to finish what they started and bring home their first state championship trophy. Expect a battle when these two teams clash in the Class 3A title game!
