Harris leads Lake Highland Prep to 3rd straight title

Nyla Harris closed out her impressive girls basketball career with yet another big game on the biggest of stages Saturday afternoon.

The Louisville signee scored 26 points and grabbed 21 rebounds while leading Lake Highland Prep to a 75-57 win over Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian for the Class 4A state championship at Lakeland’s RP Funding Center.

It’s the third state title in a row for the Highlanders, who were playing in a championship game for the fifth consecutive season.

“Nyla Harris is one of the best players in the country,” Lake Highland coach Al Honor said. “She’s a double-double machine. She’s consistent, and she’s proven it time and time again.”

Harris, who surpassed 1,500 points and 1,100 rebounds during her career, entered averaging 17.5 points and 11 rebounds. Harris finished 12-of-16 shooting from the field.

Saturday’s game featured three ties and four lead changes in the first half as both teams struggled to shoot. Lake Highland, which converted just 8 of 37 attempts

(22%) over the first two quarters, led 12-6 after Lexi Blue connected from beyond the arc.

Calvary Christian (23-7) answered to take a 19-14 lead with

3 minutes, 12 seconds to go in the half on back-to-back 3-pointers by Elizabeth Schnell, but the Highlanders closed on a 7-2 run to tie the score at 21-all.

Lake Highland (25-4) then used a 16-1 run in the third quarter to pull away for good.

Calvary was led by Elizabeth Schnell’s 20 points. Markeli JonesTynes contributed 15 points, six rebounds and four assists.