Class 6A, Region 3 Final: East Lake punches its ticket to states

<p>TARPON SPRINGS - Ahead by just five points at the end of the third quarter, East Lake went to its one-two punch of <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/dionte-blanch/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/dionte-blanch/">Dionte Blanch</a></a> and <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jordan-hillmon/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jordan-hillmon/">Jordan Hillmon</a></a> on Friday night to move into the school's first ever state tournament.</p> <p>It was Hillmon that played Robin to Blanch's Batman with 14 of his 22 points in the fourth quarter alone as the Eagles (26-3) won 78-61 over visiting Fort Myers in the Class 6A, Region 3 final. He opened the quarter with a 3 and then really put the heat with seven straight points, none bigger than a 3 to put East Lake ahead 65-51 with under five minutes left.</p> <p>Fort Myers led 32-30 at the break behind a combined 24 points from its 2020 bigs <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/cayden-baker/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/cayden-baker/">Cayden Baker</a></a> (North Carolina football commit) and <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/kyle-riemenschneider/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/kyle-riemenschneider/">Kyle Riemenschneider</a></a>. East Lake didn't connect on a good amount of jumpers in the first half, but used a strong second half push to outscore the Green Wave 48-29 over the final 16 minutes.</p> <p>The win got East Lake got over the hump after falling to Lakewood Ranch, 57-47 in last year's region final.</p> <p>Here is a look at the top performances.</p> <p><strong>Blanch is all business</strong></p> <p>In front of a packed house at East Lake, the Eagles student body chanted Blanch's name often in this one as he poured in 35 points with 30 coming in the first three quarters. A household name in Pinellas County already, fans of basketball and East Lake come out in droves for this 2019-20 squad that features Murray State signee Blanch. He did whatever he wanted as a driver to the basket, weaving past multiple defenders often. He is hard to stop.</p> <p><strong>Riemenschneider deserves more college love</strong></p> <p>Whether it comes from a Division II or Division III program, a college would be wise to take a long look at 2020 6'6" forward <strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/kyle-riemenschneider/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/kyle-riemenschneider/">Kyle Riemenschneider</a></a></strong>. He netted 17 points and was active as can be near the cup. His long arms and awareness inside are positive attributes. Starting his basketball career in the 8th grade, Riemenschneider is just hitting the peak of his abilities and will only get better from here on out. He would be a steal.</p> <p><strong>Hillmon saves the best for last</strong></p> <p>As mentioned above, 14 of Hillmon's 22 points came in the fourth quarter as he sealed the deal. The 5'9" senior is a huge piece to this offense and a dangerous outside shooter. A college program would be wise to take a chance on him because of his effort, energy and overall scoring prowess. He's a gifted jump shooter. </p> <p><strong>Baker and McCollum battle</strong></p> <p>It certainly wasn't easy for Fort Myers on the night but 6'7" Baker was a man amongst boys at times, especially in the first half with a team-best 18 points. He was attacking the rim, hitting jumpers and playing determined ball. He is off to North Carolina to play offensive line for the football program, but his quick feet on the basketball court were fun to watch over the years. As for 2021 6'1" guard <strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/javian-mccollum/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/javian-mccollum/">Javian McCollum</a></a></strong>, East Lake made life hard for the shooter, holding him to just 10 points. McCollum is a quick guard who was simply trying to create and make plays for his side.</p> <p><strong>A freshman is growing in Kruszewski</strong></p> <p>Six points came for 2023 guard Justin Kruszewski. All of them were on the break and at the glass for East Lake. The freshman is a shooter who has earned a key role off the bench here late in the season and his confidence is starting to shine through.</p> <p><strong>A look ahead</strong></p> <p>On tap for Thursday (8 p.m.) in the state semifinal is No. 1 seed Bartow vs. No. 4 seed East Lake<strong>.</strong> Bartow beat visiting Hillsborough 68-65 in a close tilt. Blanch and Co. going head to head with 2021 guard <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/walter-clayton/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/walter-clayton/">Walter Clayton</a></a> Jr. and his athletic cast should be a crowdpleaser. </p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">After falling in the region final last season, East Lake pushed through to advance to its first ever Final Four with a 78-61 win over Fort Myers.<br /> <br /> They are your reigning Sun Bash (SUN bracket) champions. <a href="https://twitter.com/ELHS_Basketball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ELHS_Basketball</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/jordan_hillmon?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jordan_hillmon</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/iBlanchDionte?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iBlanchDionte</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/norearvi3w?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@norearvi3w</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Mospeights16?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Mospeights16</a> <a href="https://t.co/I0yuCoias6">pic.twitter.com/I0yuCoias6</a></p> — Sun Bash (@sunbashtourney) <a href="https://twitter.com/sunbashtourney/status/1233573432786378752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 29, 2020</a></blockquote> <p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>