JACKSONVILLE — In a game filled with energy, big plays, and dramatic moments, The Villages Charter Buffaloes saved their best play for the very last second. Ironically, it would be a second chance play that made the difference between two teams who both would get second chances from previous year’s losses.
With the score tied 52–52 and time almost gone in the Class 3A FHSAA State Final Four, The Villages’ Ethan Bevis stepped to the free-throw line with a chance to give his team the lead. The crowd inside the UNF Arena in Jacksonville held its breath. However, Bevis missed both free throws.
What happened next was pure chaos.
First, Jomar Bernard fought through traffic to grab the offensive rebound. He quickly launched a fading jumper that bounced off the backboard. Then, in a flash, Bevis flew in from the foul line, snatched the rebound in midair, and put it back just before the buzzer sounded.
The basket sealed a thrilling 54–52 win and sent The Villages Charter back to the state championship game for the second straight year.
Earlier in the game, the Andrew Jackson Tigers came out strong, energized by a packed hometown crowd. Javion Davis opened the scoring by knocking down two free throws to give Jackson the early lead. Davis was really affective slashing to the basket and penetrating the defense all night.
Still, The Villages quickly answered. Aaron Britt Jr. knocked down two three-pointers to keep the Buffaloes close in the opening minutes. Even so, Jackson kept pushing the pace. Davis scored on a smooth floater, while Corenzes Dennard powered his way inside for baskets in the paint.
By the end of the first quarter, a big three-pointer from King Sanders helped Jackson grab a 20–18 lead.
King Sanders 3 pointer to end the quarter Jackson takes the lead 20-18 end 1st
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) March 9, 2026
The Villages vs Jackson in the Class 3A FHSAA Final 4! pic.twitter.com/nbvMKRLSBS
Moving into the second quarter, the Tigers continued their aggressive play. Davis added another basket, and Terrell Mosley II floated in a tough shot from the baseline. As a result, Jackson took a narrow 31–30 lead into halftime.
Terrell Mosley II the baseline floater! Jackson leading The Villages 31-30! Halftime!
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) March 9, 2026
The Villages vs Jackson in the Class 3A FHSAA Final 4! It's a good one here at UNF! pic.twitter.com/OMTLlJtx5r
The third quarter featured highlight plays from both teams. Bevis energized the Buffaloes with a powerful dunk and later drilled a three-pointer. Meanwhile, Bernard added a smooth scoring move in the lane. Despite those efforts, Jackson still held the edge, leading 45–43 entering the fourth quarter.
Ethan Bevis with the jam and the 3-pointer! Buffaloes trail the Tigers 41-37, 3rd 2:14
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) March 9, 2026
The Villages vs Jackson in the Class 3A FHSAA Final 4! pic.twitter.com/6idPJt4IC7
Soon after, Donald Hackworth scored on a put-back basket to push the Tigers ahead 48–45 with 5:20 remaining. Not long after that, Dennard raced down the floor for a fast-break score, giving Jackson what seemed like strong momentum and a 50–47 lead.
Jackson is getting energy!! They lead 50-47 4th pic.twitter.com/buKbussZNw
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) March 10, 2026
However, the game quickly shifted.
Jackson’s aggressive defense led to fouls, and The Villages capitalized at the free-throw line to stay close. Then Miles Simpson knocked down a clutch two-point basket to give the Buffaloes a 52–50 advantage.
Still, the Tigers refused to quit. Sanders hit a big shot to tie the game at 52–52, setting up the dramatic final sequence.
In the end, though, Jackson could not secure the rebound they needed, and The Villages made them pay.
Both teams showed impressive athleticism all night, especially The Villages. Despite lacking a true big man inside, the Buffaloes’ guards and wings attacked the boards with relentless effort.
The victory improves The Villages Charter to 24–7 on the season and sends head coach Colt McDowell’s team to the Class 3A championship for the second straight year. The Buffaloes will face Calvary Christian in a rematch after falling to them 64–62 in last year’s title game.
Meanwhile, Jackson’s second chance at the Villages, in their second consecutive Final 4, came up short. Still, Jackson finishes a strong season at 28–2 under head coach Byron Shemwell, proving once again why the Tigers remain one of the top programs in the state.
But on this night, one last rebound — and one last shot — made all the difference
