Class 3A Florida Boys Basketball State Championship preview: Riviera Prep vs. Windermere Prep
LAKELAND, FLORIDA- Both Class 3A state championships, whether boys or girls, is a rematch from a year ago.
In the case of the consecutive meeting of Riviera Prep and Windermere Prep in Friday night's final, it's a matter of how much of the gap has closed between the two teams.
Last year's 3A title tilt was a runaway win by the Bulldogs, with freshman Dante Allen and crew pulling off a 51-27 rout. On paper, the game looks to be closer than it was just about 365 days ago, but it's a matter of showing everyone the Lakers can make this a competitive game.
Windermere Prep (24-7) heads into the game with confidence coming off a narrow victory over Providence School in the state semifinals. The Lakers have played pretty good opponents throughout the season and will face arguably the best team they've seen.
The Lakers are led by sophomore wing Brandon Bass Jr., who has been one of the best players in Central Florida. Bass Jr. is averaging a team-high 21.1 points, 5.1 rebounds per game. The other double-digit scorer for the team is sophomore Sinan Huan, who is averaging 11.6 points and 8.9 rebounds.
Down below is the road Windermere Prep has taken to reach Lakeland.
Region quarterfinals: Foundation Academy, 85-55
Region semifinals: Cardinal Newman, 76-63
Region finals: Holy Trinity Episcopal, 67-60
State semifinals: Providence School, 39-38
Riviera Prep (24-8) has branched out much more this 2023-2024 season by playing a national schedule and facing some of the best talent in the country. It's safe to say the Bulldogs have been better for it.
Among the eight losses on the Bulldogs' record, four of them have come up against some of the Sunshine State's top programs. Riviera Prep has fallen to Columbus, IMG Academy, Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian Academy and Winter Haven.
Allen has remained one of the state's best guards and his stats from the season speaks volumes towards that. The combo guard is averaging 21.0 points, 7.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game.
Down below is the path Riviera Prep has had in the postseason in reaching Lakeland.
Region quarterfinals: Florida Christian, 76-64
Region semifinals: Hialeah Educational Academy, 67-53
Region finals: Westminster Academy, 75-60
State semifinals: Berkeley Prep, 45-44
Both teams will meet for the Friday finale of games, with opening tip slated for 8 p.m. Eastern Time at the RP Funding Center.
-- Andy Villamarzo | villamarzo@scorebooklive.com | @sblivefl
