Jacksonville Fl-The big stage often brings out the best in great teams. That was certainly the case as Lake Highland Prep Highlanders girls basketball battled the Bolles Bulldogs girls basketball in a thrilling Class 3A state semifinal showdown. In the end, Lake Highland Prep used strong shooting and timely plays to defeat Bolles 57–46 and punch its ticket to the championship game.
Right from the opening tip, Lake Highland Prep came out firing. First, #21 Myanna Hatchette got things started with a quick two-point field goal. Moments later, she struck again with another basket to give the Highlanders a 4–0 lead. Soon after, #3 Valeria Munoz added to the early surge by knocking down a three-pointer, pushing the score to 7–0.
Valeria Munoz! 3-pointer AGAIN!Highlanders staying ahead with big shots!
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) March 9, 2026
Bolles vs Lake Highland Prep Class 3A Final 4 pic.twitter.com/j2ut2EtPKi
However, Bolles refused to back down. #22 Terrell McCoy got the Bulldogs on the board with a two-point shot. Then #5 Evie Freeman completed a three-point play at the free throw line, cutting the deficit and bringing energy to the Bolles bench. Shortly after that, #3 Angelina Laudicina added a basket of her own as the Bulldogs slowly chipped away at the lead.
Despite Bolles’ push, Lake Highland maintained control late in the first quarter. The Highlanders carried a 14–9 advantage at the end of the period.
In the second quarter, the Bulldogs continued their comeback attempt. #24 Presley Norman hit a big three-pointer to make it 14–12. Not long after, #4 Ari Walker scored inside, bringing Bolles even closer at 16–14.
Ari Walker scores for Bolles! They trail 20-14!
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) March 9, 2026
Bolles vs Lake Highland Prep Class 3A Final 4 pic.twitter.com/XCJlqj9eiB
Still, Lake Highland answered every challenge. #11 Aubrey Griffin scored a key basket, and then Hatchette caught fire again. The talented guard drilled two three-pointers in a row, igniting the Highlanders’ offense. Thanks to that scoring burst, Lake Highland stretched the lead and went into halftime ahead 31–20.
Leila Goll scores for Bolles! Three pointer in the first half!
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) March 9, 2026
Bolles vs Lake Highland Prep Class 3A Final 4 pic.twitter.com/zbEn61REzp
Coming out of the break, Bolles tried to rally once again. Fresh off first half big shots by Leila Goll who kept the game close with a 3-pointer. Walker scored early in the third quarter to trim the gap to 31–23. Later, Laudicina knocked down a three-pointer that brought the Bulldogs within striking distance at 45–36.
Angelina Laudicina scores for Bolles! Bulldogs trail at the half 31-20 H
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) March 9, 2026
Bolles vs Lake Highland Prep Class 3A Final 4 pic.twitter.com/7ceUlGHyxr
But each time Bolles threatened, Lake Highland responded. #22 Eryn Griffin added an important two-point basket late in the third quarter to keep momentum on the Highlanders’ side. At the end of the period, Lake Highland still held a comfortable 47–36 lead.
Eryn Griffin with a key play at the end of the 3rd and another to end the game!
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) March 9, 2026
Bolles vs Lake Highland Prep Class 3A Final 4 Final 64-52, @LHPS_athletics headed to the state championship! pic.twitter.com/fNItXr5Wom
In the final quarter, Bolles showed plenty of heart. The Bulldogs tightened up their defense, led by #1 Caelyn Carter. Carter also helped on offense by hitting a three-pointer to keep Bolles within reach. Meanwhile, Freeman attacked the basket again and again, finishing several tough layups through heavy contact.
Even with the late surge, Lake Highland stayed composed. Munoz stepped up in the closing minutes, hitting several big shots—including multiple three-pointers—to help seal the victory.
The win sends Lake Highland Prep (25–6) and legendary head coach Al Honor back to the state championship stage. Honor already owns five state titles (2015, 2016, 2020, 2021, and 2022) and was named the 2021 Naismith Girls’ High School Coach of the Year.
Valeria Munoz! 58-47 Highlanders staying ahead with big shots!
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) March 9, 2026
Bolles vs Lake Highland Prep Class 3A Final 4 pic.twitter.com/vpbOpL3Vxi
On the other side, Bolles (25–5) and head coach Kelly Stevenson finished another impressive season and reached the Final Four for the second year in a row. Yet it proved to be a tough draw for the Bulldogs in the Final 4 against the Highlanders.
Next, Lake Highland Prep will face Somerset Academy girls basketball (23–4) in the Class 3A state championship game, where the Highlanders will try to add yet another trophy to their already impressive legacy.
