Lakeland -

Boca Ciega Makes a Statement

Boca Ciega came into the game with the two superstars Latavia Dempsey and Tamara Taylor ready to go to championship game. Dempsey finished with a game high 19 points and Taylor ended with 18 as the Boca Ciega duo was too much for Pine Forest winning the first semi-final game 58-33.

Destiny Brown chipped in 9 points to help Bogie route Pine Forest 58-33.  Pine Forest could never get the shots to fall while the Boca Ciega Pirates Stars wheeled and dealed all game.

The Pirates have been to the semifinals for the past two years and now the Pirates are ready to face Ft. Lauderdale Dillard for the 5A Championship Thursday night at 7pm.

Panthers Outlast the Lady Devils

Led by Senior Dawn Maye, the Ft, Lauderdale Dillard Panthers fought off a gallant effort by Winter Haven to advance to the championship game of the 5A state finals defeating the Lady Devils 67-55.

Dillard jumped out on Winter Haven early forcing several turnovers early in the game.  Even with the turnovers, the Lady Blue Devils were able to fight back in the first half closing the half on a 13-4 run to bring the score to 29-28 at the half.

Winter Haven couldn’t get over the hump.  Panthers senior Dawn Maye went to work scoring inside and outside with fancy moves that made the crowd go wild.  Maye finished the game with a game high 22 points while junior Lauren McGraw added 13 as the Panthers took control of the game in the fourth quarter to defeat Winter Haven.

Dillard will now face Boca Ciega, to decide the 5A state championship Thursday night at 7pm in the Lakeland Center.

First Day Recap

1A

The Rock 74 Trinity Christian 60
Hollywood Christian 77 Bradenton Christian 52

3A

Tampa Catholic 65 Rickards 53
Bishop Moore 46 American Heritage 39

5A

Boca Ciega 58 Pine Forest 33
Dillard 67 Winter Haven 55