Class 2A Florida Boys Basketball State Championship preview: Orlando Christian Prep vs. Sagemont
LAKELAND, FLORIDA- It’s deja vu all over again when Orlando Christian Prep and Sagemont hit the floor at the RP Funding Center tonight.
A rematch of last year’s thrilling Class 2A state championship game is on tap for fans in attendance and if you remember, it was an all timer.
Sagemont was able to pull off a 67-66 win over Orlando Christian Prep for the right to hoist the 2A crown in Lakeland. Both teams return plenty of the same talent from last year’s game, so everyone can expect a down to the wire kinda matchup.
Orlando Christian Prep (25-4) has had its sights set on righting the wrong from the 2022-2023 season, with a loaded regular season slate preparing them along the way.
The Warriors losses have come against not only the toughest teams in the state, but also an out of it as well. Defeats have come at the hands of programs like Mater Lakes Academy, Westminster Academy, Winter Haven and Corner Canyon (California).
It’s been for the most part on cruise control for the Warriors throughout the postseason and down below is the team’s path through the Class 2A playoffs.
Region quarterfinals: Halifax Academy, 82-42
Region semifinals: North Tampa Christian Academy, 65-48
Region finals: Victory Christian Academy, 69-52
State semifinals: SLAM Tampa, 76-55
Leading the way for the Warriors is University of Florida signee Isaiah Brown, who has been the catalyst all season long. Brown is averaging a team-high 15.5 points and 6.2 rebounds per game.
Along with Brown are guards Ameer Ramadan (14.7 points, 3.9 assists) and Darius Washington III (10.5 points, 4.7 rebounds).
Sagemont (24-6) has looked strong en route towards their defense of the Class 2A state championship won a year ago. Winners of 11 in a row, it’s been a difficult slate of games that’s helped lift them back to Lakeland.
Only three losses have come against Florida schools, including Calvary Christian Academy, Riviera Prep and Westminster Academy. Down below is the postseason stretch of games Sagemont won to reach the state championship game.
Region quarterfinals: Morningside Academy, 84-40
Region semifinals: Atlantic Christian, 79-54
Region finals: True North Classical, 68-56
State semifinals: Impact Christian Academy, 59-45
Three players are averaging double digits in scoring for Sagemont heading into the game. Leading the charge is junior Patrick Liburd at 16.6 points per game. Sophomore Kevin Thomas is averaging 15.3 and fellow teammate Jordyn Kee is posting 11 points a contest.
The boys Class 2A state championship game is slated for 8 p.m. Eastern Time at the RP Funding Center in downtown Lakeland.
-- Andy Villamarzo | villamarzo@scorebooklive.com | @sblivefl
