JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – It’s destination Lakeland for six area boys basketball teams.
Impact Christian, Jackson, Ponte Vedra, Ribault, Tocoi Creek and University Christian punched their tickets for the RP Funding Center in Lakeland for the high school hoops state semifinals.
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Tocoi Creek had never been to the basketball state playoffs before this year. Now, the Toros are bound for the state semifinals. Tocoi Creek grabbed a lead late in the first quarter and kept it up for a 58-40 win over Lake Howell in the Region 1-6A.
Ponte Vedra cruised to its fourth consecutive state semifinal appearance with a 65-51 over Tallahassee Leon in Region 1-5A. The Sharks (22-8) were state runner-up in 2022 and ‘23 and went to the state semifinals again last year.
In Region 1-4A, Ribault had no trouble with Tallahassee Rickards in a 62-37 in a romp to the regional title. The Trojans (22-8) will face Stranahan on March 4 in Lakeland.
In 1-3A, Jackson returned to the final four for the sixth time since 2019 with a 61-52 win over Florida High. It’s the first trip to Lakeland for new head coach Byron Shemwell, who took over for James Collins this season. The Tigers (28-2) will face the Villages Charter on Feb. 28, a rematch of last year’s state semifinal won by Jackson.
In 1-2A, University Christian continued its torrid late season run, beating Master’s Academy 62-46 to reach the state semifinals. UC (22-8) will play on Feb. 27 in Lakeland.
In Region 1-1A, Impact Christian continued its familiarity in late season success, locking up a final four berth for the fifth time in its short history with an 80-46 win over Eagle’s View. The Lions were state runner-up in 2018, 2020-21 and also reached the state semifinals last year. Impact will face Sagemont in the state semis on Feb. 25.
Regional finals
Thursday’s results
Region 1-6A
(1) Tocoi Creek 58, (2) Lake Howell 40
Region 1-5A
(2) Ponte Vedra 65, (5) Leon 51
Region 1-4A
(1) Ribault 62, (2) Rickards 37
Region 1-3A
(1) Jackson 61, (3) Florida High 52
Region 1-2A
(1) University Christian 62, (2) Master’s Academy 46
Region 1-1A
(1) Impact Christian 80, (2) Eagle’s View 46
State semifinals
at RP Funding Center, Lakeland
Class 6A
Tocoi Creek (28-6) vs. Orlando Evans (24-6), March 6, 3 p.m.
Class 5A
Ponte Vedra (21-8) vs. Leesburg (17-7), March 5, 3 p.m.
Class 4A
Ribault (21-8) vs. Stranahan (23-7), March 4, 3 p.m.
Class 3A
Jackson (28-2) vs. Villages Charter (25-5), Feb. 28, 3 p.m.
Class 2A
University Christian (22-8) vs. Santa Fe Catholic (22-8), Feb. 27, 11 a.m.
Class 1A
Impact Christian (23-6) vs. Sagemont (20-8), Feb. 25, 3 p.m.
Rural
Fort White (15-9) vs. Crossroad Academy (16-9), Feb. 26, 7 p.m.
