FHSSA Girls 4A Basketball State Semifinals: Bishop Kenny holds off Slam for a spot in the championship game
LAKELAND, FLORIDA – In a thrilling FHSAA Girls 4A state semifinal basketball game, Thursday at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland, Bishop Kenny (Jacksonville) held off Sports Leadership Academy (Miami), 46-43, in a thrilling fourth quarter finish to claim a spot in Saturday’s 4A state championship game (12:30 p.m.) against Lake Highland Prep.
Lake Highland Prep advanced earlier on Thursday with a 6-34 rout of Lakewood.
FLORIDA GIRLS BASKETBALL SCOREBOARD
Clare Coyle, who led the Crusaders with 16 points, hit the go-ahead basket with 2:43 to play in the final quarter and added another score and a steal in the final 10 seconds to secure the victory.
The game was close throughout, featuring six lead changes and three ties. Bishop Kenny had the game’s largest lead when it built and eight point advantage with 6:09 left in the contest, but SLAM battled back to take a 43-42 lead later in the quarter.
Coyle had 5 rebounds, four assists and the critical steal to go with her 16 points. Reese Mayer added 9 points for the Crusaders, while Abby Baker and Riley Talbert combined for 12 points and 11 rebounds.
SLAM’s Jim’miyah Branton led all scorers with 17 points. She also had a team-high 4 rebounds and an assist. Adaya Montalvo scored 10 points for the Titans.
