FHSAA 5A Semifinal Preview
In this article:
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…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingAs 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.
5A
1 Norland vs. 4 Mariner
A matchup between two top teams in the class with fresh final four appearances.
These teams have not made a final four postseason game in a few years therefore it will be a highly anticipated matchup for both the players and onlookers. Miami Norland will lean on two college signees in Missouri commit Marcus Allen Marcus Allen 6'6" | SF Norland (FL) | 2024 State #56 Nation FL (18.6 PPG) and Presbyterian commit Triston Wilson Triston Wilson 6'6" | SG Norland | 2024 State FL (15.2 PPG). For the Mariners, three productive seniors will be 6-2 guard MJ Kelley (16.9 PPG), 6-0 guard Corey Hunter (14.4 PPG), and 6-4 forward Justin Lewis Justin Lewis 6'0" | SG Mariner | 2024 FL (12.3 PPG).
Game Time: Wednesday, March 6, 2024 at 1:00 p.m.- RP Funding Center (Lakeland)
2 Mainland vs. 3 Blake
A first-time final four appearance team will take on a tough opponent.
What a season for the Blake Yellow Jackets who have earned their first final-four appearance for the boy’s basketball program. Look out for the rising 6-7 sophomore guard Jojo Philon (15.2 PPG) to greatly impact this game. It’s the surrounding talent and added production from 6-7 junior Joshua Lewis Joshua Lewis 6'7" | SF Blake | 2025 State #94 Nation FL (16.5 PPG), and 6-5 junior guard Kentrell Martin Jr Kentrell Martin Jr 6'7" | CG Blake | 2025 State FL (9.3 PPG). For the Mainland Buccaneers, a consecutive final-four appearance has this team hungry for a victory. Two guards will be the leaders of this squad, 6-0 Nathan Kirk Nathan Kirk 5'11" | PG Mainland | 2026 State FL (17.4 PPG) and 6-6 Narayan Thomas (13.4 PPG).
Game Time: Wednesday, March 5, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. (RP Funding Center- Lakeland)