Postseason Hoops — Region Finals Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The regular season has officially ended for high school basketball. As the postseason continues the stakes are higher than ever for teams vying for state championship titles. We've seen it all this season, from buzzer-beating shots to nail-biting finishes. Who will rise to the occasion and take home the coveted state championship hardware? Let's dive in and find out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Oak Ridge (25-3)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the top teams in the state took down Lake Worth in convincing fashion in an 85-60 win to move on in the state championship tournament. Oak Ridge boasts a versatile lineup that features various Division I athletes including an elite junior in 2025 G [player_tooltip player_id='1301713' first='Jamier' last='Jones'] who recently recorded 1000 career points for his high school campaign. When you combine the production Jones provides with three DOGS in seniors [player_tooltip player_id='1055776' first='Tyler' last='Johnson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1163617' first='Cameron' last='Simpson'] along with rising 2025 G [player_tooltip player_id='1301787' first='Jalen' last='Reece'], you have a well-put-together roster that can push deep into the state tournament. The Pioneers made it to the state semifinals last year but have another chance at earning some big-time hardware.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Next Game:</strong> Olympia (20-8) — Key Players: 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1163420' first='Kameren' last='Wright'], 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1859288' first='Kaiden' last='White'] (G), &amp; 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1457198' first='Vophcy' last='Prophete']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Victory Christian (25-4)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The all-important game is here for this experienced VCA squad. It's the one me and head coach Steve Fitzgerald talked about before the season. Victory earned an 86-59 win over Mount Dora and will go head-to-head with Orlando Christian Prep (23-4). Both of these teams are top in the state for their respective classification. It's a must-watch if you're anywhere near the vicinity.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>OCP Key Players:</strong> 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1055774' first='Isaiah' last='Brown'] (F), 2024&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='1055785' first='Ameer' last='Ramadan'] (G), 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1301749' first='Darius' last='Washington'] III (SG)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Winter Haven (26-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We knew it from the jump! This team, program, and community are hungry for a state championship after falling one game short of the trophy a season ago. Winter Haven has been one of the top teams in the county the past few years and entered the 2023 season ranked first on my ranking list. They are now 24-1 with a 23-game winning streak and another district title to add. This team will be tough to beat in the playoffs with experienced seniors Issac Celiscar and [player_tooltip player_id='1055762' first='Jamie' last='Phillips'] leading the way.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Next Game: </strong>Plant City (22-6) Key Players: 2024 Gavin Tinsley (F), Leroy Lucas (G), [player_tooltip player_id='1293296' first='Michael' last='Bell'] (G)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Leto (23-6)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Impressive season put together by this Leto program and group of student-athletes. The school has consistently improved over the years and it's paid off as the team is led by two solid seniors cousins Daniel and [player_tooltip player_id='1055777' first='Derek' last='Delgardo']. These two are legit ball players that can make it happen at the next level. But first, time to handle business in the postseason. The Falcons have a tough matchup tonight against [player_tooltip player_id='1055718' first='Chris' last='Cornish'] and his Charlotte Fightin' Tarpons. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Next Game: Charlotte&nbsp; (17-10)&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Rockledge (23-7)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This Rockledge program is always solid but feel as if they have been slept on this season. The Raiders avenged last year's lost to Northwestern in blowout fashion to move on in the state tournament. Rising senior [player_tooltip player_id='1306134' first='Ryan' last='Blount'] and under-the-radar 2025 G [player_tooltip player_id='2217935' first='Terrence' last='Shannon'] have led this team to a solid 20+ win season with a chance to push for a state title.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Next Game: </strong>Norland (18-10) Key Players: [player_tooltip player_id='1055745' first='Marcus' last='Allen'] (G), [player_tooltip player_id='1163363' first='Triston' last='Wilson'] (SG)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>More Key Region Semifinals Games:&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>1 Mainland vs. 2 Rickards</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>1 Blake</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2 Leesburg</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->