JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Several all-area regional final matchups are set as eight local teams advanced in the boys high school basketball playoffs on Tuesday night.
Three area teams are guaranteed a spot in the state final four. The only question is what three teams will it be?
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Jackson continued its dominance over Ribault, pulling away to beat the Trojans 58-46 in the Region 1-4A semifinals. It marked Jackson’s fourth win over Ribault in five tries this season. It puts the Tigers (24-3) and coach James Collins one step closer to another final four appearance. The Tigers played for championships in 2019, 2020 and ‘22. They reached the state semis in 2021. Ribault reached the state semifinals last year but lost in the opening round.
Next up for the Tigers is a Northside clash against Raines. The Vikings and first-year coach Torien Moore went on the road to edge Paxon 48-46. Raines is 0-2 this season against Jackson, which held down the No. 1 spot in the Super 6 most of the season.
Providence and Episcopal also set up a regional final collision in 1-3A, both winning narrowly on Tuesday. The Stallions fended off Florida High 43-41 in OT, while the Eagles clipped Marianna 50-47. Providence has beaten Episcopal twice this season.
In 1-6A, Ponte Vedra had no trouble with Gainesville (58-44) to advance to the regional final. In 1-5A, Riverside went cold in the final quarter and lost to Rickards 49-46. In Region 1-2A, University Christian edged North Florida Educational 49-48 to set up a Friday collision with Impact Christian. The Lions clipped Munroe 54-52.
In Region 3-1A, Hilliard became the first local team to earn a ticket to the state semifinals with a 64-51 win over Fort White. The Red Flashes (24-2) face Crossroad Academy in Lakeland on March 1.
Regional semifinals
Tuesday’s results
Region 1-6A
(2) Ponte Vedra 58, (6) Gainesville 44
Region 1-5A
(2) Tallahassee Rickards 39, (3) Riverside 36
Region 1-4A
(1) Jackson 58, (4) Ribault 46
(3) Raines 48, (2) Paxon 46
Region 1-3A
(1) Providence 43, (4) Florida High 41, OT
(2) Episcopal 50, (3) Marianna 47
Region 1-2A
(1) Impact Christian 54, (4) Munroe 52
(3) University Christian 49, (2) North Florida Educational 48
Regional semifinals
Region 3-1A
(2) Hilliard 64, (4) Fort White 51
Regional finals
Friday’s games
Region 1-6A
(2) Ponte Vedra (22-7) at (1) Wiregrass Ranch (26-3)
Region 1-4A
(3) Raines at (1) Jackson (24-3)
Region 1-3A
(2) Episcopal (24-4) at (1) Providence (23-5)
Region 1-2A
(3) University Christian (17-11) at (1) Impact Christian (17-10)
State semifinal
March 1, Lakeland
Class 1A
Crossroad Academy (18-7) vs. Hilliard (24-2)