Class 7A State Playoff Preview
Lakeland is home for just four teams next week as we gear up for the Class 7A State Final Four. The semifinals will start on Thursday at three p.m., the championship on Saturday at the same time. Check out the…
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Continue ReadingLakeland is home for just four teams next week as we gear up for the Class 7A State Final Four. The semifinals will start on Thursday at three p.m., the championship on Saturday at the same time. Check out the last two matchups to crown a champion.
Dillard vs. Vanguard (3 p.m.)
How they got here: Vanguard beat Choctawhatchee, 66-52. Dillard beat Miami-Norland, 66-54.
The Vanguard Knights (24-6) are a team who have the definition of senior leadership when Tae Bynes and Quez Clayton are on the floor. Bynes notched 10 points while Clayton launched for 23 on the night. Their half-court team defense can be deadly. Dillard (26-4) will do their best to deny Vanguard their first state title berth since 1982. Senior Kentucky football signee Jordan Wright ignited for 30 points in their regional final win. Junior Bryce Oliver offered 13 points of his own. Which senior will show out on Thursday?
Lehigh vs. Edgewater (5 p.m.)
How they got here: Edgewater beat Hillsborough, 61-57. Lehigh beat Largo 61-59.
The Eagles of Edgewater (22-8) are on roll. Their win streak slides to 10 as a freshman named Michael Eads came off the bench against Hillsborough in the regional final to offer a game-high 24 points. Eads shot 8-of-9 from the field, 6-of-7 from the charity stripe. Louisville-commit Anfernee Simons notched 16 points. Eagles junior Robert Allen will seek to duplicate his six-blocks, ten-rebounds night against Lehigh (21-9), who are playing for a higher purpose other than jewelry.
Lightning guard Stef’An Strawder was killed in a Fort Myers teen club incident last July. Head coach Greg Coleman said he went to Strawder’s parents after it happened, assuring them that the Lightning will play in his honor and deliver a ring, according to a WINK News report. Junior team captain Bershard Edwards notched 12 points in the regional final win, but it’s clear the points do not matter. It’s about a promise.