10 Regional Semifinals To Watch (5A-9A)
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There will be 56 games played on Tuesday.
The 44 regional semifinals in Classes 5A-9A will shrink things down for Friday's region finals and the ultimate winners who advance to Lakeland for next week's state tournament. 12 other games will be played as region finals in Classes 1A-4A as well.
Here is a look at 10 of the top regional semifinals in 5A-9A.
ICYMI: 10 Regional Finals To Watch (1A-4A)
Class 9A
Oviedo at Seminole
This has been one of the best rivalries for quite some time. This season, Seminole-Oviedo has seen an added dimension, close and hard fought games. Seminole won all three meetings including the district title, but with scores of 67-66, 66-65 and 77-67 (District Final), anything can happen. Seminole has a slew of athletes with 2020 guard O'Shae Baker, 2019 guard Brian Brooks and 2022 twins Demari Henderson and Jacari Henderson. Oviedo has 2020 twins Mamush Galloway and Kayamo Galloway and 2019 starters Morgan Mitchell and James Groetsch.
Osceola at Vero Beach
These two programs met in the region quarterfinal a season ago as Osceola won 58-49. The Kowboys went to the region final before falling to Oak Ridge. This time around, Osceola must travel and fend off a speedy Vero Beach squad. The Indians (25-3) are led by three 2019 guards Tommie Lewis, Riley Minix and Javian Cuff. Osceola (22-7) has 2019 trio Isaiah Palermo, Bethune Cookman signee Josh Marte and Jadukiss Soto doing plenty. This should be a really good game.
Class 8A
Windermere at Melbourne
Perhaps one of the evenest matchups in the entire state will be between Windemere and Melbourne. Neither team was in the playoffs a season ago, but both have been rock solid in their respective areas. Windermere won its first ever district title behind 2019 FGCU signee Dakota Rivers, 2019 guard Joshua Colon, 2019 guard Dante Love and 2021 guard Trey Moss. Melbourne is a team oriented group that plays smart with 2019 Rice signee Max Fielder alongside trio, 2019 guard Chris Roth, 2020 forward Travis Maddox and 2-2-2 forward Cameron Wickline.
Forest Hill at Blanche Ely
Undefeated at home this season (9-0), Blanche Ely has been one of the most dominant teams in FHSAA play with five state titles over the last seven years. The Tigers beat Palm Beach Lakes 71-59 to move into this game. Led by 2019 forward Joshua Scott, 2020 forward Aderes Staton-McCray and 2020 guard Lamont Evans, Blanche Ely looks different but still executes at a high level. Forest Hill won't be easy to slow down with 2019 guard Torrin Andrews, 2020 guard D'ante Daniels and 2019 forward Tylor Millor. Blanche Ely beat Forest Hill a season ago in the region quarterfinal 91-82.
Class 7A
Port Charlotte at Charlotte
After Port Charlotte won the two regular season tilts, Charlotte got revenge in the district title at Port Charlotte with a 55-51 victory. The two Southwest Florida teams will square off a fourth time with much more on the line. Charlotte has 2019 Florida College signee Ahmad Johnson, 2021 forward Tre Carroll and 2019 forward Makai Reeves leading the charge. Port Charlotte features 2019 trio Brandon Gainey, Tyler Perry and Alex Romero.
Belen Jesuit at Doral
The defending state champion Doral Firebirds had a hard time with Belen Jesuit in the district title winning 38-36. This is matchup No. 4 between the two district rivals and expect a chippy and low scoring affair. Doral (28-0) has 2020 guard Devin Carter putting up big numbers along with Jojo Nunez. Belen Jesuit has 2019 guard duo Daniel Sueiro and Alex Rodriguez holding their own.
Class 6A
Suncoast at Stranahan
A rematch of last year's region semifinal where Stranahan won 67-63 on the road. Suncoast has three core pieces in 2020 guard Sam Rolle and 2021 starters Makye Boles and Evan Stinson. For Stranahan, the Mighty Dragons feature 2019 guard Brian Dugazon, 2020 guard Chayse Culpepper and 2020 forward Inady Legiste.
Jesuit at Lake Wales
These two programs met in last year's region quarterfinal as Jesuit clipped Lake Wales at home 47-46. This time around, the Tigers must go on the road to advance. 2019 forwards Jack Cooper and Andrew Dansoh are steady next to 2020 forward Bennett Anderson. For Lake Wales, 2021 guard Walter Clayton is growing up before our eyes while 2019 starters Raykwon Frazier and Tavien Williams are solid.
Class 5A
Oxbridge at Saint Andrew's
We have a scrappy Saint Andrew's who is 24-4 hosting an Oxbridge squad who is a perfect 25-0. The ThunderWolves reached the region final a season ago and have 2019 guard AJ Cajuste at the helm alongside 2019 FIU signee Dante Wilcox and 2019 guards Klein Alexandre and Troy Joseph. Saint Andrew's is led by 2020 forward Yussif Basa-ama, 2019 guard Alejandro Ralat, 2020 forward Jackson May and 2021 forward Josh Minott.
Tampa Catholic at Berkeley Prep
This will be matchup No. 4 between the two district rivals. Tampa Catholic won the two regular season meetings by a combined 32 points before Berkeley Prep ran away with the district title on Feb. 15, 71-45. Tampa Catholic has appeared in three straight state tournaments but will have to win on the road at Berkley Prep to move on. Berkeley Prep has 2019 Western Michigan signee Chase Barrs, 2020 guard Kegan Karnes, 2022 forward CJ Hawkins and 2020 guard Ronnie Williams. Tampa Catholic is led by 2020 starters Kobe Knox, Johnni Broome, Marcellus Crutchfield and Alijah Harrison.
