High School Notebook: Potter's House girls win fifth national title in a row
The Potter's House girls basketball team just keeps adding to its hardware collection.
The Lions beat Life Center Academy 72-64 on Saturday to win a best-of-three series in the National Christian Schools Athletic Association championship. The national crown is the fifth in a row for Potter's House (22-7).
"I never, I promise you, I never take it for granted, man," said Potter's House coach Tony Bannister. "It's been such a different atmosphere for each win. It never becomes something that you get used to."
The Lions trailed Life Center by nine with two-and-a-half minutes to play before rallying. Guard Antoinette Bannister had 35 points in the final game.
The Lions close out their season with a tournament this weekend at IMG Academy in Bradenton.
Before its national title, Potter's House won its seventh consecutive Sunshine Independent Athletic Association state tournament.
Mano, Reddick up for top hoops honor
Two area girls basketball stars are up for the top honor in the state after being named the top players in their classification last week. Bartram Trail guard Allie Mano was named the top player in Class 5A, while Ribault guard Sherranda Reddick won the top honor in Class 4A. Those two players are now in balloting for the Miss Basketball award.
Mano led the Bears to a 24-6 season and a state runner-up finish. Reddick guided the Trojans to the state championship game, averaging 17.7 points and 5.6 rebounds a game.
Hayes shines at All-Star game
Sandalwood center Bradley Hayes had a double-double and was named co-MVP at the Florida Association of Basketball Coaches Senior All-Star Game on March 10 in Ocala. Hayes had 18 points and 14 rebounds for Team Lightning, which beat Team Thunder 93-88.
Mandarin's Kameron Mitchell also played in the event, scoring three points and pulling in six rebounds for Team Thunder.
Bob Hayes meet Saturday at Raines
One of the largest track and field meets in the country is Saturday at Raines - the Bob Hayes Invitational.
The 48th annual event draws some of the state's top programs, with more than 140 boys and girls teams competing last year.
The meet begins at 8 a.m. Tickets are $8 ($5 for children 6 and under).
Tournament of Champions this week
The Tournament of Champions begins Thursday, with Palatka facing Providence at 4:30 p.m. and Eagle's View at 7 at the University of North Florida.
Baker County, Bishop Verot and Tallahassee North Florida Christian are also in the tournament.
The championship will be held Saturday at 4:30 at the Baseball Grounds.
Providence, Eagle's View and North Florida Christian have all won state championships in the past four seasons.
Justin Barney: (904) 359-4248