Jacksonville Fl- The lights were bright and the stakes were high as San Jose Prep battled Miami Country Day in the FHSAA Class 2A Final Four. Although the Storm fought hard, Miami Country Day’s hot shooting proved to be too much, as they pulled away for the win on their path to a state championship run.
San Jose Prep struck first when #10 Mia Chandler knocked down a two-point basket to give the Storm an early 2–0 lead. However, Miami Country Day quickly answered. #21 Kennedy Deal scored inside to put her team ahead, and moments later #34 Casey O’Connell buried a three-pointer to stretch the lead to 7–2.
San Jose Prep tried to keep pace. #4 Falisa White added a basket to bring the Storm closer at 7–4. Still, Miami Country Day’s perimeter shooting began to heat up. #3 Tj Laing-Ariche drilled a three-pointer, forcing San Jose Prep to call a timeout. Soon after, #5 Kamie Ellis and #13 Jalynn Belton each connected from beyond the arc. By the end of the first quarter, Miami Country Day held a strong 16–5 lead.
Despite the deficit, the Storm kept battling. In the second quarter, #5 Lena Most stepped up and made four free throws to cut into the lead. Her hustle and energy sparked San Jose Prep as they tried to climb back into the game.
Later in the contest, Most continued to produce, adding a two-point basket as the Storm worked to stay within striking distance. Meanwhile, Mia Chandler added two more baskets, and #1 Whitney Hudson made a big impact as well. Hudson scored inside and also converted a free throw, helping San Jose Prep stay competitive. By the end of the third quarter, Miami Country Day still led 36–25.
In the final quarter, Miami Country Day continued to apply pressure. Ellis knocked down a free throw after drawing contact several times throughout the game. Belton also attacked the basket and scored while continuing to hit key shots when needed.
Ellis later sealed momentum with another three-pointer that pushed the lead to 53–37. Even then, San Jose Prep did not quit. Most added two more baskets, finishing the game with a strong effort. She fought for loose balls and brought toughness inside as the Storm’s primary interior presence.
Although San Jose Prep fell short, the team showed heart until the final buzzer. Miami Country Day went on to win the state championship the next day, defeating Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy 49–44.
Still, the season was historic for the Storm. Under head coach John McGraw, San Jose Prep finished with a strong 20–10 record. Even more impressive, the team reached the FHSAA Girls Basketball State Tournament Final Four for the first time in school history after defeating Providence School of Jacksonville 60–51 in the regional finals.
While the loss ended their title hopes, the 2025–2026 season will be remembered as a breakthrough year for San Jose Prep girls basketball.
