OTR Hoops: FHSAA Final 4 Preview (Class 5A-7A) – March 6, 2024

March is here and we are down to our final four teams across all seven classifications. We have crowned champions in 1A-4A with Williston, Sagemont, Riviera Prep, and Gibbs (St. Petersburg) taking home hardware last week. This week will be no different as the hottest teams in Class 5A through 7A will look to accomplish the same feat this week at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland.

By: Ross Van De Griek

5A

Mariner vs Miami Norland

Wednesday, March 6, 2024 at 1:00 p.m.- RP Funding Center (Lakeland)

Our first semifinal matchup in Class 5A features a pair of Top 10 teams as the Mariner Tritons are in the Final Four for the first time since 2017. The Tritons have had the underdog mindset throughout the postseason and have been led by 6-2 senior guard MJ Kelley and 6-4 senior forward Justin Lewis. Standing in their way are the Miami Norland Vikings who will be making their first appearance in the Final Four since 2015, led by Missouri commit Marcus Allen and Presbyterian signee Triston Wilson.

Mainland vs Blake (Tampa)

Wednesday, March 6, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.- RP Funding Center (Lakeland)

This will be a clash of the Titans as the Mainland Buccaneers are back in the Final Four for the second consecutive season. The Buccaneers have got key contributions this postseason from 6-0 sophomore guard Nathan Kirk. The Blake Yellow Jackets are making their first Final Four appearance since 2011 where they have been led by a heavy duo between 6-7 sophomore guard Jojo Philon and 6-5 junior guard Kentrell Martin Jr. Another name to keep an eye on will be 6-7 junior forward Joshua Lewis.

5A Championship Game- Friday, March 8, 2024 at 8:00 p.m. (RP Funding Center- Lakeland)

6A

Charlotte (Punta Gorda) vs Edgewater

Thursday, March 7, 2024 at 3:00 p.m.- RP Funding Center (Lakeland)

The Charlotte Tarpons have had an improbable postseason run and are in the Final Four for the first time since 2021. The Tarpons have got key contributions from 6-0 junior guard Jordan Attia and 6-5 senior wing Chris Cornish who has improved as the season rolls on. The Edgewater Eagles are back in the Final Four for the first time since 2017 under 1^st year head coach Jon Mason. The Eagles have got key contributions this season from 6-4 sophomore guard Donovan Williams, 6-7 junior wing Myles Mayfield, and 6-2 senior guard Zion Mitchell as they are each averaging in double figures scoring this season.

Ponte Vedra vs Pembroke Pines Charter

Thursday, March 7, 2024 at 7:00 p.m.- RP Funding Center (Lakeland)

The Ponte Vedra Sharks are back in the Final Four for the third straight season, reaching the state championship a year ago. The Sharks have got key contributions from 6-1 senior guard Sam Ritchie as he’s been dangerous when shooting from behind the arc this postseason. The Sharks have also added 6-9 sophomore forward Trace Westercamp and 6-5 sophomore wing Maddox Palmer to the mix as they transferred at the beginning of the season. The Pembroke Pines Charter Jaguars are back in the Final Four for the first time since 2021 where they won the Class 5A state title. Watch for 6-8 senior forward Josh Harris and 6-7 senior wing Jeremy Elyzee as we can expect this to be a physical game on the interior.

6A Championship Game- Saturday, March 9, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. (RP Funding Center- Lakeland)

7A

Evans (Orlando) vs Columbus (Miami)

Friday, March 8, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.- RP Funding Center (Lakeland)

The Evans Trojans are back in the Final Four for the first time since 2019 where they have been carried by 6-1 junior combo guard Arosco Dubois, averaging 18 points per game this season. Another name to keep an eye on is 6-2 junior guard Antonio Pollard. Evans comes into this semifinal game with a record of 20-9. On the other side, the Columbus Explorers have arguably the nation’s top-ranked junior duo featuring in 6-10 power forward Cameron Boozer and his twin brother, 6-5 point guard Cayden Boozer. Another name to make note of is 6-4 senior guard Jase Richardson, who is the son of former 13-year NBA veteran Jason Richardson.

Oak Ridge vs Winter Haven

Friday, March 8, 2024 at 3:00 p.m.- RP Funding Center (Lakeland)

The Oak Ridge Pioneers have arguably the state’s top perimeter shooter in 6-1 junior guard Jalen Reece. The Pioneers have revamped their offense where they have also got key contributions from 6-6 junior wing Jamier Jones and 6-5 senior combo guard Jordan Tillery. On the other side, the Winter Haven Blue Devils knocked off Oak Ridge in last season’s semifinal on a buzzer-beater by Kjei Parker who is now playing at Florida A&M. This year’s Winter Haven Blue Devils squad comes into the Final Four on a 27-game winning streak since dropping their first game of the season. Keep an eye on 6-6 senior combo guard Isaac Celiscar and 6-5 senior point guard Jamie Phillips in this matchup. Expect an up-and-down track meet as both teams play at a very high pace.

7A Championship Game: Saturday, March 9 at 8:00 p.m. (RP Funding Center- Lakeland)

Ross Van De Griek has been a Southeast Regional scout for On The Radar Hoops since January 2024. He has been involved in basketball scouting since 2022 and coaching since 2015. You can reach him via email at rossvdg14@gmail.com and follow him on X/Twitter @RossVDG14.