- December 13, 2025
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Dr. Phillips guard Josiah Gillard pushed his way to the rim.
Olympia guard James Nowells concentrated at the free-throw line. He was the leading scorer last year with 13.1 points per game.
DP’s London Hatch and Olympia’s Kevin Edou battled for the rebound off a free throw.
Olympia’s James Nowells expressed his excitement after winning the season opener.
The Panthers contested closely until the final minutes of the game.
It was a battle of rebounds between the rival schools.
The Titans’ student section was in full force and created a challenging road game environment.
Guard Jamison Blake prepared to shoot a free throw to put the Titans up by five.
Bishop Wenze, Malachi Baker and Torrence Moore watched as a free throw sunk.
DP’s Malachi Baker guarded Olympia’s wing Bishop Wenze.
Sadness spread across the Panthers’ faces after the team’s defeat.
Dr. Phillips sophomore Josiah Gillard made his debut as a Panther.
Malachi Baker transferred to Dr. Phillips from St. Cloud.
The Panthers’ Isaiah Gillard has announced his commitment to Florida Tech.
The Titans’ Bishop Wenze led with rebounds. He averaged 7.2 rebounds per game last season.
Dr. Phillips’ London Hatch debuted in his final season. The senior will take his talents to Florida Tech after graduation.
The Panthers’ bowed their heads for the national anthem.
Olympia played as one united front against the Panthers.
For the first time in three years, rivals Dr. Phillips and Olympia lined up against each other on the high school basketball stage.
The last time the rivals met each other was Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2022 in the FHSAA 7A Regional Semifinals. Dr. Phillips made it to the State Championship that year and the team fell by one to Columbus.
This time around, Olympia pulled away with a 68-50 win over the Panthers in the season-opening game Tuesday, Nov. 18. It marked the first time since 2007 the Titans beat Dr. Phillips at Mount Olympus. Olympia holds an early 1-0 record in district play.
Leading the Titans in scoring was guard James Nowells. He recorded 19 points and eight rebounds in his junior season debut. His performance along with CJ Nunnally’s 17 points and Jamison Blake’s 10 points helped push Olympia to dominate through the entirety of the game.
Dr. Phillips’ leading scorer was sophomore guard Josiah Gillard with 13 points and following close behind was Malachi Baker who has 12.
The Panthers welcomed back head coach Ben Witherspoon after he spent three years away when he served as an assistant coach for the University of Central Florida. Witherspoon led DP to a 7A State Championship title in 2021.
Stakes were high and the energy of the Titans’ gymnasium was higher. Olympia’s student section roared with “OT” chants and the school’s letters drawn across a pair in the crowd. DP’s fans made the trip across neighborhoods to support the Panthers
