Class 3A State Tournament Preview
The FHSAA boys basketball state tournament starts on Monday and Class 3A action will be underway starting at 6 p.m. ET. After a long season and hard work, we are down to four teams, two matchups in 3A. Here is…
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Continue ReadingThe FHSAA boys basketball state tournament starts on Monday and Class 3A action will be underway starting at 6 p.m. ET.
After a long season and hard work, we are down to four teams, two matchups in 3A.
Here is a look at the two state semifinals with a schedule, times and a predicted champion.
ICYMI:
Class 1A State Tournament Preview
Class 2A State Tournament Preview
St. John Paul II vs. First Baptist (6 p.m. ET, Monday)
St. John Paul II (26-5) has won its last three games by an average of 30 points which included an 88-55 victory at Christ’s Church in the region final. The Panthers, a first timer in the state tournament will now face another Final Four newbie in First Baptist, who beat Fort Myers Canterbury 66-61 in its region final on Tuesday. For St. John Paul II, 2019 guard Allan Jeanne-Rose, 2019 forward Chosen Levarity and 2020 guard Tyreke McElwain have meant everything this season. First Baptist (24-5) has 2019 guard Preston Urbancic running the show alongside his younger brother, 2020 forward Peyton Urbancic and 2019 forward Trevor Tracy.
Orlando Christian Prep vs. Jupiter Christian (8 p.m. ET, Monday)
Back to back defending champions, Orlando Christian Prep may have a whole new cast, but the Warriors are still very dangerous offensively. OCP (22-5) is fresh off a 63-28 road win in the region final over St. Pete Canterbury. The Warriors feature 2020 guard Eric Butler, 2021 forward Camden Easley and 2022 duo AJ Brown and Ven Allen Lubin. As for Jupiter Christian (24-5), this is the first trip to Lakeland for the Eagles. They clipped Champagnat Catholic 55-54 on Tuesday to advance. The Eagles have a trio of 2019 starters in Gedeon Germinal, Gethro Germinal and Jake Thrift doing damage nightly.
Predicted state champion
Orlando Christian Prep
This program continues to get players to buy in and even with a new unit OCP still has a big chance to come away with another state title, No. 8 in school history. Butler and Easley are really good athletes and the younger group around them has been solid all season long. Watch out for St. John Paul II, this is a team that could wind up winning it all with its size and athleticism. 3A is super interesting.