Must-Watch 7A-4A State Semifinal Matchups

Andrew Johnson February 24, 2025 @ 03:16 PM

The road to Lakeland is down to four in each classification, and the competition is heating up. With powerhouse programs, rising stars, and high-stakes battles, these state semi-finals have all the makings of instant classics. Let's break down the matchups.   Class 7A: Date: March 7th   Windermere (3) vs. Sarasota (2)   Windermere enters this showdown riding the momentum of a 62-58 upset over Oak Ridge, proving they can go toe-to-toe with top-tier competition. Sarasota, meanwhile, boasts an impressive 28-2 record after narrowly escaping Osceola, 64-61. Both squads average around 68 points per game, but expect this one to be decided on the defensive end.   • X-Factors:   Windermere: Senior [player_tooltip player_id='2145510' first='TJ' last='Drain'], a versatile scoring threat and key leader, will be counted on to make plays. Sarasota: Sophomore standout John Lackaff has been the go-to scorer and will need another big performance to push his squad into the finals.   Class 6A: Date: March 6th    St. Thomas Aquinas (1) vs. Charlotte (4)   This matchup features two programs that have been dominant all season. St. Thomas Aquinas (28-2) has been rolling, fresh off a statement win over Coral Springs. Charlotte, winners of 12 straight, just took down Wharton 64-60 and looks as dangerous as ever.   • Players to Watch:   • STA: Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2294524' first='Clarence' last='Westbrook'] continues to emerge, while FSU commit [player_tooltip player_id='1301736' first='Dwayne' last='Wimbley'], the Sandi brothers (Kellson & Drake), and big man Zane Elliot bring depth and versatility. Charlotte: Senior leaders [player_tooltip player_id='1579752' first='Jordan' last='Attia'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1579754' first='Jah' last='Chin'] provide stability, while [player_tooltip player_id='1579753' first='Jordan' last='Taylor']'s production will be key in keeping pace with Aquinas' firepower.   Class 5A: Date: March 5th   Blanche Ely (1) vs. St. Petersburg (4)   Blanche Ely and St. Pete both enter with strong resumes, but the spotlight is firmly on St. Pete's sensational 2028 guard [player_tooltip player_id='2194483' first='Nijaun' last='Harris'], who's averaging a scorching 27.6 PPG. His offensive explosion has carried his squad past a tough Countryside team, and he'll look to do it again against the No. 1 seed. Blanche Ely is 10-1 in its last 11 games and features a deep senior core with [player_tooltip player_id='2147102' first='Dylon' last='Hanna'], [player_tooltip player_id='2306307' first='Jayelen' last='Jonas'], and Jayden McNabb.   (2) Ponte Vedra vs. (3) Leesburg   Both teams have the talent to make this a tightly contested battle. Expect high energy and physicality as these squads fight for a spot in the championship game.   Class 4A: March 4th   Gibbs (1) vs. Eustis (4)   Gibbs has been on a mission all season, securing its fourth straight trip to the state semifinals. This team knows what it takes to win at this level and won't back down. Eustis, however, has played spoiler before and will look to shake things up with an upset bid.   Stranahan (2) vs. Ribault (3)   It's a South Florida vs. North Florida clash, and both teams will be hungry to prove their region is superior. Expect an intense, physical battle as each program fights for a ticket to the title game.

The road to Lakeland is down to four in each classification, and the competition is heating up. With powerhouse programs, rising stars, and high-stakes battles, these state semi-finals have all the makings of instant classics. Let's break down the matchups.