Boys Basketball Regional Roundup: Providence cruises behind strong defensive effort
Parker, Wolfson, Raines and Union County also advance to Saturday's regional finals
The Providence defense dominated from start to finish as the Stallions handed Trinity Christian a 67-26 beating in the Region 1-3A boys basketball semifinals on Tuesday night. It was the fourth time this season that Providence (27-2) has pounded the Conquerors.
The Stallions got 28 points from Grayson Allen, 15 from UNF-bound Cameron Naylor and 10 from Tyler Martin. The game was clinched by the end of the opening quarter when the Stallions had a 21-6 lead. Isaiah Ford led Trinity (23-5) with 13 points. Providence will host Daytona Beach Father Lopez, a 63-46 winner over Lake Mary Prep, on Saturday for a berth in the state semifinals.
REGION 1-8A
Bradley Hayes' 22 points weren't enough to keep Sandalwood's season from ending with a 71-67 overtime loss to Oviedo Hagerty. The Saints (22-7) outscored Hagerty (22-7) 13-9 in the fourth quarter to send the game into an extra period. Luis Santiago followed with 18 for Sandalwood.
REGION 1-7A
Ocala Forest ended White's season with an 81-74 victory. The Commanders finished their season 23-6.
REGION 1-5A
Lamar Seymore had 14 points and host Parker survived Ponte Vedra 65-59 in overtime. The Sharks (16-12), making their first state playoff appearance, were led by UNF signee Beau Beech's 25 points. Keith Williams and Chris Journet added 12 points each for the Braves (23-5). Morris Tisby followed with 11. The Braves will face the Gulf Breeze-Rutherford winner on Saturday.
REGION 1-5A
Marvin Tisby and Deangelo Stevens-Bell had 15 points apiece to lead Raines to an easy 68-46 win over West Nassau. The Vikings (15-14) took a nine-point lead after the game's first eight minutes and never looked back. For the Warriors (17-10), Latroy Strong led with 13 points. Raines will travel to face Tallahassee Godby on Saturday.
REGION 1-2A
North Florida Education Institute took Tallahassee FAMU down to the finish but had its season end with a 48-46 loss.
REGION 2-1A
Union County handled Villages Charter 71-59 to advance to Saturday's regional final.