Class 7A-8A State Tournament Preview
The FHSAA boys basketball state tournament starts on Monday and Class 7A and Class 8A action will start on Friday at 10 a.m. ET. After a long season and hard work, we are down to four teams, two matchups in…
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Continue ReadingThe FHSAA boys basketball state tournament starts on Monday and Class 7A and Class 8A action will start on Friday at 10 a.m. ET.
After a long season and hard work, we are down to four teams, two matchups in both 7A and 8A.
Here is a look at the four state semifinals with a schedule, times and predicted champions.
ICYMI:
Class 1A State Tournament Preview
Class 2A State Tournament Preview
Class 3A State Tournament Preview
Class 4A State Tournament Preview
Class 5A-6A State Tournament Preview
Class 7A
State Semifinal, 10 a.m., Friday – Crestview vs. Lehigh
Crestview is headed to its first state tournament since 1987 after taking down Columbia, 66-48. The Bulldogs (24-6) have 2019 guard duo Marcus Purcell and Jaden Voisin getting it done. 2019 guard Devin Voisin and 2020 forward Mason Cooper have been factors as well. Crestview is searching for its fourth state title appearance and second title in program history (1985 – lone title). For Lehigh (20-9), the Lightning are back in Lakeland for the second time in three years, the last appearance came in 2017 when they lost to Edgewater 83-53. 2019 guard Delshawn Green, 2020 forward Darrion Humphrey and 2020 guard Quinton Desamours are the workhorses for Lehigh.
State Semifinal, 12 p.m., Friday – Hillsborough vs. Dillard
Hillsborough returns to the state tourney after a gritty 75-71 home win on Friday night against Auburndale. The Terriers (28-2) are looking to win their fourth state title ever and first since 1959. Hillsborough lost to Choctaw 88-52 in last year’s semifinal round and return 2019 guard Christian Deleon, 2019 forward Joshua Gloster and 2020 guard Tyriq James to a deep group. For Dillard (20-6), the Panthers beat undefeated Doral 41-29 to move on. Dillard has seven state championships under its belt including back to back titles in 2016 and 2017. 2019 guard DeShawn Bartley, 2020 forward Jalen Haynes and 2019 forward Makerere Williams are tough and athletic leaders.
Predicted state champion
Dillard
In my opinion, the winner of the Hillsborough/Dillard matchup on Friday will come out as the state champion. These two teams are packed with athletes, length and good benches. Dillard has been there before and missed out on the playoffs altogether last season, so it is an angry group. Hillsborough has been well on its way and it wouldn’t shock me to see the Terriers upend Dillard and finish what it couldn’t accomplish last season. This will be a fun class.
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Class 8A
State Semifinal, 2 p.m., Friday – Fleming Island vs. Lakewood Ranch
Fleming Island is headed to its first-ever state tournament after beating Lincoln 67-58 on Friday night. The Golden Eagles (22-2) are led by 2019 guard Gianfranco Grafals and 2020 starters Aaron Brown and Sebastian Astor. They’ll now face a Lakewood Ranch group that is in Lakeland for the second time in three years following a 57-47 win over East Lake. 2020 guards Christian Shaneyfelt, Keon Buckley and 2019 forward Joshua Young all gel together very well for the Mustangs (23-6).
State Semifinal, 4 p.m., Friday – Blanche Ely vs. Windermere
Blanche Ely is the lone returnee in 8A state play and the Tigers have been highly successful as of late, capturing five titles over the last seven seasons including 2018, 2016 and 2015. Blanche Ely (23-6) beat Mater, 57-54 in Friday’s region final on a pair of free throws in the closing seconds by 2020 guard Tyrecke Francois. 2019 forward Joshua Scott, 2020 guard Aderes Staton-McCray and 2020 forward Malachi Hazelton give the Tigers plenty of size and speed. The opponent will be Windermere, who is in states in its second year of existence. The Wolverines (27-4) fended off a scrappy Wharton unit 59-57 in Friday’s home region final. 2019 FGCU signee Dakota Rivers, 2019 guard Joshua Colon, 2019 guard Dante Love and 2021 guard Trey Moss have been instrumental to the team’s success.
Predicted state champion
Windermere
I believe the winner of 8A will come out of the Windermere/Blanche Ely game. The size, athleticism and deep rosters are what stands out to me from those teams and Windermere has an interesting mix of that. The success and strides the Wolverines have made so quickly is impressive. I’ll give them the edge since they are playing with endless confidence right now. Blanche Ely won’t be easy to beat, but Windermere would be the team to do it.