Simmons, Williams lead Ely girls into OB finals

In a showdown of two of the top public school programs from MiamiDade and Broward counties, Blanche Ely came out of the gates firing on all cylinders Tuesday night.

The Tigers, the defending Class 6A state champions, blew out to a 21-7 lead after one quarter and was never threatened, cruising to a 68-44 victory against previously unbeaten Miami Norland in a semifinal of the Junior Orange Bowl Basketball Tournament at Westminster Christian School.

Ely (4-0), ranked No. 2 in the state in Class 6A and No. 5 overall (Max Preps), moves into Wednesday’s championship game where the Tigers will face Miami Christian — which advanced by forfeit — at

7:30 p.m.

“Getting out to a quick start was important for us because we really haven’t had very many reps this season as this was only our fourth game,” said Ely coach Henry McNabb.

“The girls are just excited to be able to start playing games again and we’re grateful for the opportunity to simply play during these difficult times of COVID. We don’t take anything for granted.”

The Tigers, who pushed the lead to as much as 28, were led by Michiyah Simmons (20 points) and University of Miami commit Ja’Leah Williams (19 points). Jenessa Kelley added 16 points. Freshman Shania Swan ledNorland scorers with 16.

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vanced by forfeit. Following its win against Central in the quarterfinals, the Lady Victors never had to step on the floor for their semifinal when their opponent, Western, opted not to make the trip down and play because of COVID concerns. School administrators at Western opted out of the game out of caution.

South Broward and

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Cardinal Gibbons also opted out of their Wednesday morning consolation games.

GIRLS’ CONSOLATION BRACKET

Miami Central 48, South Broward

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44: Neither team ever led by more than eight points before the Rockets got some late scoring from Tatiana Jackson and Makayla Brown.

They overcame a dominating performance by South Broward’s Jamesha Card, who scored 28 of her team’s 44 points while pulling down 12 rebounds. Jackson led all scorers for Central with 13 points, and Brown had 11 points.

Cardinal Gibbons 62, Somerset

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Silver Palms 59: Gibbons took a commanding 55-40 lead to the fourth quarter before a furious Silver Palms rally, led by Amari Hunter (30 points), fell just short. It was a two-player show for the Chiefs as Sharale McCormick and Ashleigh Battle combined for 43 points with 23 and 20, respectively.

BOYS’ CONSOLATION RESULTS

Gulliver Prep. 76, North Miami 72

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(OT): Amare Sanders drained an NBA-sized three-pointer with 40 seconds left in overtime to snap a 72-72 tie and provide the Raiders (4-7) with the winning points. Sanders finished with 20 points while Jordan Bankston led the way for Gulliver with 26.

Belen Jesuit 75, Palmetto 48: Belen

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(11-1) was led by Daniel Del Riesgo with 22 points and eight rebounds.

MORE GIRLS’ BASKETBALL

Krop (4-1) 55, McArthur 47: Krop won the quarterfinal game in the 6th Annual Palm Beach Shoot Out. Lindsey Weingard led the way with 24 points, 4 steals and 3 assists. Emmy Mills, 11 pts, 10 rebounds; Lauryn Hornstein 9 points, 7 rebbounds; Neyida Michel 5 points, 14 rebounds; Mae-Lisa Attis 4 points; Alionna Chappel 2 points. McArthur was led by S. Chai with 17 points and Paris Knowles with 13 points.

North Miami 44, Krop 43: North Miami advanced to the title game of the tournament. Krop: Lindsey Weingard 23 points, 3 steals, 3 assists; Emmy Mills 8 points, 14 rebounds; Lauryn Hornstein 6 points. NM: Kouraje Johnson 16 pts; Carla Jean 9 pts; Jenny Hilaire 7 pts.