JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The girls basketball state semifinals begin this week in Lakeland. Here’s a look at the North Florida Educational Institute-Central Florida Christian Academy game in Class 1A.
Class 1A
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North Florida Educational Institute (19-12) vs. Central Florida Christian Academy (21-8)
When: Tuesday, 5 p.m.
Watch it: Game can be streamed on the NFHS Network. Cost applies for a monthly pass.
Winner gets: Grandview Prep-Keswick Christian winner in the state championship game on Thursday at 5 p.m.
Road here: NFEI d. Countryside Christian, 57-20; d. Seven Rivers Christian, 76-25; d. Eagle’s View, 51-19; Central Florida Christian d. Calvary Christian, 59-13; d. North Tampa Christian, 53-42; d. Mount Dora Christian Academy, 67-26.
Glance: NFEI was so close to its first final four appearance last year but lost on essentially a last-second shot to University Christian. There was no such thing as a close game in the regionals this year. The Eagles cruised in all three games. This is a young team that could press for Lakeland beyond this year, too. Sawsan Kamara (14.1 ppg), Beyonce Jedinie (11.8 ppg), Jorrdann Sibley (9.7 ppg) and Jannell Houston (9.4 ppg, 8.3 rpg) lead NFEI, and they’re all underclassmen. Coaches Antoinette Bannister and her father Tony are in charge of the Eagles. Tony led Shekinah Christian to a state championship in 2006, with Antoinette as one of multiple star underclassmen on the team.
