Regional Finals wrap up as State Semifinals picture is set for local basketball teams

The March Madness of high school hoops is almost over.

Teams first hit the hardwood back in November, and at the beginning of February, 14 teams took to the court to begin the playoff journey for a state title. Through the regional quarterfinals and regional semifinals, the number of local teams dwindled down to four for the Elite Eight regional final games. 

And once again, the number has been cut in half. The Central Florida Christian Academy boys team will advance to the Final Four Thursday, March 5, and the Ocoee High girls team will advance to the Final Four Friday, March 13. 

Before the two teams push to win two more games this season, let’s take a look at how all four of the regional final teams contested. 

KNIGHTS RETURN TO FINAL FOUR

The Ocoee High girls basketball team had one goal since falling in the Final Four last season — make it back. Head coach Marcus Spencer said the team has been hunting all year long to return. The pressure that came along with the goal was challenging. When the team went last year, nobody expected them to, but now the expectation was set high for the Knights. 

“Last year, we were the hunters; this year, we were everybody’s Super Bowl,” Spencer said. “It’s a different pressure when you’re the hunted rather than being the hunters. But we felt like we were always the hunter still, because we haven’t accomplished what we want to accomplish.” 

Now, the team is two wins away from achieving its goal. Ocoee topped Colonial 51-28 and advanced to the 7A State Semifinals in Jacksonville. The Knights will play against Winter Haven at 9 a.m. Friday, March 13. It’s the first year the tournament is held in Jacksonville, and Spencer said to say Ocoee is one of the first teams to play there is priceless. He traveled to Jacksonville a week prior and sent a selfie at the University of North Florida’s gymnasium to motivate his team. 

Spencer credited the motivation to the girls’ defensive performance in the regional final game. He and the assistant coaches also had a secret outfit change up their sleeves. When the clock was running down against Colonial and it became apparent that Ocoee would win, the coaching staff pulled black T-shirts out of their bags and put them on with the simple but loud word, “Jacksonville.” 

“We wanted everybody to know that was our goal, and we’re making a statement tonight that Ocoee girls basketball is the top program in Central Florida,” Spencer said. 

EAGLES CUT THE NET 

Central Florida Christian Academy kicked off the slate of boys basketball games Saturday, Feb. 28, on the team’s home court. Last season, the Eagles pushed to the regional finals as well but fell 62-39 to North Tampa Christian Academy. This year was different.

CFCA topped Orlando Christian Prep 57-52 and earned the Florida High School Athletic Association Class 1A Region Championship. The Eagles will play in the Class 1A State Semifinals game against Sagemont Prep at 3 p.m. Thursday, March 5. The Eagles, who won the state championship in 2019, will become one of the first four boys teams to play in Jacksonville at UNF. 

The team is celebrating achieving a 23-6 record this season. Senior Alex Dipaolo also was recognized as the FACA 1A District 7 Player of the Year. He’s leading the team with 17.2 points per game, averaging 53% from the field, 6.1 rebounds per game and 1.3 blocks per game. The 6-foot-6 guard has been a crucial part of the Eagles’ success this year. 

ROAD ENDS FOR OLYMPIA, TFA

Olympia High and The First Academy were the two teams who lacked a home-court advantage for the regional final game. 

Olympia’s head coach Justin Shipp said he learned the importance of that advantage. To prepare for the noise levels at Oak Ridge, his team used air horns in the week of practice leading up to it. 

The Titans fell 98-83 to Oak Ridge, while TFA fell 64-37 to Providence School. 

“We had our moments where it was tough for us, but as we winded the season down and it got to win-or-go-home time, I’m proud of the way the guys responded,” Shipp said. 

TFA had made it to the regional finals last season, as well, but fell to the same outcome. The Royals’ junior Kyle Blair led the team this season with 12.6 points per game, averaging 64% from the field and 6.6 rebounds per game. Junior Cory McPherson also played an important role in the Royals’ campaign. He averaged 2.9 steals, 4.6 assists and 11 points per game. 

Olympia had fallen in the regional quarterfinals last season and although the team’s road had ended, the players produced an accomplished campaign and finished 17-11. 

“I’m definitely proud of everybody,” Shipp said. “A great season for them. I saw growth in every person on our roster, from top to bottom. Everybody had their moment. I feel like on the team it was spread out, some guys (had) certain games they stepped up and the next game was a different person stepping up. We always competed and it’s unfortunate the way it ended but that’s the way it goes sometimes.”