It was a week filled with heart-pounding action, incredible comebacks, and historic milestones in the Florida high school basketball championships. Let’s dive into the championship games of the week!
Bolles Unable To Stop Cardinal Mooney Claims To Class 3A Crown
For the fifth straight year, Cardinal Mooney found themselves in the Class 3A championship game, but this time, they walked away as champions, defeating Bolles 64-54.
Mooney dominated the first half, storming out to a commanding 34-19 lead at halftime. However, Bolles refused to back down, cutting the lead to just five points at 57-52 with 2:38 remaining. Evie Freeman led the charge for Bolles with 21 points, aggressively attacking the basket, but the team struggled from beyond the arc when it mattered most.
Bolles trails Cardinal Mooney 17-15 end of 1st Class 3A Championship! pic.twitter.com/OkbGBcKMFH
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) March 1, 2025
Bolles center Terrell McCoy was in early foul trouble, picking up two quick fouls and spending most of the first half on the bench. When she returned in the second half, she provided a spark, but Mooney’s dynamic duo of Madi Mignery (19 points) and Sy’Monique Simon (11 points) proved too much to handle.
Bolles trails 51-40 to Cardinal Mooney end of 3rd! pic.twitter.com/7Nt811TB93
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) March 1, 2025
Despite the loss, Bolles made history by reaching the state championship for the first time in school history, while Cardinal Mooney finally overcame their struggles and took down the Class 3A title after previously falling to powerhouse Miami Country Day.
Powerhouse Miami Country Day Too Much for Providence
Miami Country Day continued their dominance with a 47-37 win over Providence.
Providence found themselves in an early hole, trailing 12-4 after the first quarter and 23-14 at halftime. However, they fought back, cutting the deficit to just two points (30-28) entering the fourth quarter.
Providence has cut into the lead trailing Miami Country Day 28-26, 3rd 1:35 to play pic.twitter.com/FN72huT0Wd
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) March 1, 2025
In the final period, Miami Country Day pulled away behind a strong performance from Jalynn Belton, who finished with 14 points. Providence’s Julianna Baskin (12 points) and Kasey Davey (11 points) kept things close, but Miami Country Day’s defense proved too strong.
Providence’s head coach, Gigi Bistrow, has now led the Stallions to the Final Four in three straight seasons, proving they are one of the top teams in the state.
Grandview Prep Ends Cinderella Story For NFEI
North Florida Educational Institute (NFEI) came out swinging against heavily favored Grandview Prep but ultimately fell 69-59 in a thrilling contest.
Grandview Prep 33 NFEI 26 Halftime
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) February 27, 2025
FHSAA Girls Basketball Class 1A Championship
North Florida Educational Institute jumped out to a 6-2 lead on favored Grandview Prep in the first half! pic.twitter.com/U1hpFfkewc
NFEI started strong with an early 6-2 lead, but Grandview Prep answered back with a dominant first quarter, taking a 14-5 advantage. By halftime, Grandview Prep held a 33-26 lead, with Lena Girardi already racking up 13 points. She finished with an incredible 35-point performance, leading her team to victory.
FHSAA Girls Basketball Class 1A Championship
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) February 27, 2025
End of 1st Quarter
Grandview Prep 15
NFEI 14 pic.twitter.com/NUHnZMondz
Despite the loss, NFEI’s Jannell Houston had a stellar outing, scoring 24 points. Even more impressive, NFEI made the state championship for the first time in school history, proving they are a rising force in Florida basketball.
Grandview Prep 52 NFEI 40 End of 3rd
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) February 27, 2025
FHSAA Girls Basketball Class 1A Championship pic.twitter.com/cG9kp1YFNj
Final Thoughts
It was a week full of drama and history-making moments. Cardinal Mooney finally secured their long-awaited championship, Miami Country Day continued to show why they are a powerhouse, and Grandview Prep relied on a spectacular performance from Girardi to take down NFEI.
Bolles showed why they were one of the best teams in Florida, fighting all the way to the end. NFEI, full of young stars gained valuable championship experience. Providence’s consistency of excellence had them just plays away from finally hoisting the trophy.
Dreams deferred aren’t dreams denied, and all three teams proved why continued hard work and dedication will yield championship results. They’ll all be back..
