Destination final four: 6 locals in the hunt
The Florida High School Athletic Association regional championships for girls basketball begin Thursday night. The Times-Union previews Jacksonville-area games.
All games 7 p.m. Thursday unless noted
REGION 1-6A
Ponte Vedra (21-8) at Niceville (24-4)
6 p.m.
The sharp-shooting Sharks hit the Panhandle to face top-seeded Niceville. But they’re not just a 3-point machine: As Tuesday’s game against Lincoln showed, forward Maya Richards keeps Ponte Vedra productive, on top of the usual outside bombardment from Morgan Gavazzi and Kennedy Rosendahl. Niceville, winner of 15 straight, leans on its formidable top three: senior Anna Kimball (15.5 points, 9.4 rebounds), senior Kiyah Hatcher (11.1 points, 2.6 assists) and sophomore Carson Fayard (14.3 points, 6.9 rebounds). The winner advances to Lakeland’s RP Funding Center for a state semifinal on March 7.
REGION 1-4A
Panama City Rutherford (26-1) at Bishop Kenny (24-4)
With 24 wins in a row, Rutherford presents a huge challenge for the Crusaders. But it’s one they’ve handled before, 62-50 in the 2022 playoffs and 50-43 last year. Rams guard Shakirah Edwards (15.4 points, 5.8 rebounds), a four-star Mississippi State signee and an elite high jumper, ranks among the most dynamic opponents to face BK all year. Add the double-digit points of Braniya Baker and Nautica Bouie, and it’s a team loaded with scoring talent. The winner would play in a Feb. 29 state semifinal in Lakeland.
REGION 1-3A
San Jose Prep (16-9) at Providence (25-2)
Every meeting is a thriller. In January, Providence held on for a 51-48 regularseason win, with 14 points each from Janai Jordan and Julianna Baskin. In the district final, it was even closer, 58-56 for the Stallions, with 16 points from Janie Boyd and 15 each from Jordan and Kasey Davey. So another tight contest likely looms. San Jose Prep, which had to battle its way past Ocala Trinity Catholic, is seeking its first-ever final-four visit and can call upon a proven senior scorer in Terrielle Clark. The winner advances to Lakeland for a state semifinal during one of the early windows on Feb. 28.
REGION 1-2A
University Christian (18-6) at North Florida Educational (15-5)
NFEI is soaring in postseason, winning 11 in a row and earning the majority of those victories by 35 or more points. The three-way scoring attack of Lesly Gonzalez, Sara Araujio Dagba and Shadia Santacruz has simply overwhelmed Class 2A foes so far. Still, UC is the Eagles’ toughest challenge for a while, a young squad with an athletic star in Alanna Tatum. NFEI won this matchup 46-39 in last year’s regionals. The Class 2A semifinals are set for Feb. 27 in Lakeland.