Class 4A State Tournament Preview
The FHSAA boys basketball state tournament starts on Monday and Class 4A action will take place on Wednesday at 10 a.m. ET. After a long season and hard work, we are down to four teams, two matchups in 4A. Here…
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Continue ReadingThe FHSAA boys basketball state tournament starts on Monday and Class 4A action will take place on Wednesday at 10 a.m. ET.
After a long season and hard work, we are down to four teams, two matchups in 4A.
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
Class 3A State Tournament Preview
University Christian vs. Westminster (10 a.m. ET, Wednesday)
Westminster has won back to back state titles and has made three straight appearances in the state championship round. The Lions (22-4) are looking for a three-peat behind 2019 IPFW signee Chase Johnston and 2019 UT Arlington signee Sam Griffin. 2019 forward Anthony Atkinson, 2020 guard Stephan Swenson and 2022 forward Ben Middlebrooks give Westminster plenty of depth. The Lions beat Sagemont 77-44 to advance. As for University Christian (28-3), it is in the state tournament for the first time in program history after taking down P.K. Yonge 83-63 on Tuesday. 2020 forward Lenzy Hancock, 2019 guard G’Shan Aldridge, 2019 forward Denzel Wiggins and 2019 forward Michael Griffin are all key contributors.
Seffner Christian vs. Riviera Prep (12 p.m. ET, Wednesday)
For Seffner Christian (24-6), the Crusaders find themselves in the Final Four for the second time in the last three seasons. After rebuilding last year, Seffner Christian won a slew of close games down the stretch including a 70-67 victory over Oviedo Master’s in Tuesday’s region final to punch its ticket back. 2021 pair Willie Jone and Mike Trigg and 2019 guard Cornelius Bobo give the Crusaders a ton of size and strength to work with. 2021 guard Isaiah Reed has been sound as the point man. The newer program that is Riviera Prep had never made it to the postseason prior to this year but now the Bulldogs (20-10) are in the state tournament. A group with only two seniors has been led by 2022 guard Esteban Lluberes and 8th grader Osmar Garcia Araujo, who stands at 6’6″ with the varsity group. 2019 guard Jonathan Yaron has helped the cause as well.
Predicted state champion
Westminster
Two of the four teams left in 4A have never been to Lakeland for the state tournament. Seffner Christian has been relentless at the end of games, but the Crusaders also have a young group that hasn’t played together in states for the most part. Plus, Westminster still has three core pieces back from last year’s state title group (Johnston, Griffin and Atkinson). Johnston and Atkinson were key contributors to the 2017 title feat as well. The Lions have the experience, the energy and the poise for the big stage. Also, Westminster can score in bunches fast.