State semifinal capsules

Dillard tips off in Lakeland on Thursday, vying for its seventh boys basketball state title, while Wellington and Palm Beach Lakes are set for Friday’s semifinals. Where: The Lakeland Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland Admission: $10 per day, $10 parking.

CLASS 7A

Dillard (26-4) vs. Ocala Vanguard (24-6) Tipoff: Today, 3 p.m. Coaches: Darryl Burrows, Dillard; Phillip Small, Vanguard

History: Dillard is looking to add to its six state titles all-time, including last season. Dillard and Vanguard last met in the semifinals of the 2015 Kingdom of the Sun tourney, hosted by Vanguard in Ocala, where the Panthers won 49-47. Vanguard is making its first final four appearance since 1982.

Buzz: Senior guard Jordan Wright, signed to play football at Kentucky, leads the way, averaging 17.8 ppg. FSU signee Raiquan Gray is not far behind at 13.3 with 10.3 rpg. Senior guard Quez Clayton leads Vanguard with 15.5 ppg and 6.3 rpg.

Final: Saturday at 3 p.m. Winner will take on winner of today’s 5 p.m. semifinal: Lehigh (21-9) vs. Orlando Edgewater (22-8).

CLASS 8A

Palm Beach Lakes (27-3) vs. Tallahassee Lincoln (25-3) Tipoff: Friday, noon Coaches: Lorenzo Hands, Palm Beach Lakes; Ray Daly, Lincoln

History: Lakes reaches the state final four for the fifth time in its history. The Rams have reached the title game once — in 2005. Lincoln looks to make a deeper run after reaching state semifinals for the first time last season.

Buzz: Senior point guard Lavorris Givins leads the way for Lakes with 17.2 ppg, 5.2 rpg and 5.5 apg. Senior forward Tyrese Mapp, junior guard Ty Hands and senior forward Daiquan Wyatt also average double figures.

Final: Saturday at 5:30 p.m. Winner will take on winner of Tampa Sickles (27-2) vs. Bradenton Lakewood Ranch (27-2).

CLASS 9A

Wellington (27-3) vs. Kissimmee Osceola (31-2) Tipoff: Friday, 6 p.m. Coaches: Matt Colin, Wellington; Nathan Alexander, Osceola

History: Wellington looks to make it two state titles in three years after bringing home the gold for the first time in school history in 2015. Osceola reached the Class 7A title game that same year (falling to Blanche Ely) and won its lone championship in 1983.

Buzz: Senior guard Trent Frazier averages 27.4 ppg and dropped a game-high 29 in the Wolverines’ regional final victory over defending Class 9A champ Coral Springs. Osceola is led by 17.2 ppg from senior guard Brady Fernandes.

Final: Saturday at 8 p.m. Winner will take on winner of South Miami (28-3) vs. Apopka Wekiva (28-5).