LAKELAND (SNN-TV) – Cardinal Mooney punched their ticket to a state title on Wednesday, Booker came up just short yesterday, but Charlotte High took stage late last night in Lakeland for a shot at a 6A State title on the line.
For the first time in three years, the Tarpons won their state semifinal game, defeating Oakleaf 54-47, in the Class 6A semis. The win is the Tarpons first in three tries in the state semifinal, now they’ll face defending state champion St. Thomas Aquinas in the final. The Raiders knocked off Lake Gibson, 77-35, in their semifinal.
Wisconsin commit D’Yanis Jimenez conquered the Knights’ defense for 21 points on 7-of-8 shooting, and senior Adrian Iorfida also added 18 points. An emotional Jimenez spoke postgame about the magnitude of the moment following the final buzzer.
“It just means a lot to me because the past two years we weren’t able to win, and being able to win today with my seniors just means a lot. I’m just so proud of everyone. We got one more game to go, but this is a big step for us and I’m just so happy.” – D’Yanis Jimenez
Following their victory, Tarpons head coach Matt Stephenson reminded his team to stay the course, their biggest test is yet to come.
“It’s not going to be easy. We’ve been setting records all year long. Let’s go get the big one.” – Matt Stephenson
The Raiders and Tarpons collide Saturday night in Lakeland at the RP Funding Center, with tip-off set for 5:30pm.
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