By Dave Brousseau
FORT LAUDERDALE – At no point during the first two games of the 29th annual BCAA girls Big 8 Basketball Tournament who the victors would be.
It was almost unfair that the St. Thomas Aquinas and Nova High girls won by a combined 81 points over Northeast and Douglas respectively at Fort Lauderdale High during Wednesday’s quarterfinal games.
Aquinas, who are bidding for their eight consecutive Big 8 appearances, was led by senior forward Isabella Sangha’s 22 points in the 76-29 victory over Northeast.
The win was a reversal of last year’s girls Big 8 final when the Hurricanes stunned the Raiders 42-38.
The Raider’s balanced scoring was also led by Catalina LaFreniere (20 points), Tyla Mori (14 points) and London Thomas (14 points).
St. Thomas advances to a semifinal game on Friday against the winner of the Dillard/McArthur winner.
“This was redemption for us after falling short in last year’s championship,” said Thomas. “Our team played well, together and did what we had to do. I think we’re beginning to find things right.”
Aquinas (14-7) trailed 11-7 after the opening quarter and after settling down dropped 27 points in the second quarter for a 34-15 lead at the half.
Sangha scored 10 of her first half 14 points in the quarter.
Senior guard Ta’Niyah Davis led Northeast (11-10) with 14 points.
The Titans (17-4) cruised to a comfortable 68-34 victory over Douglas in their quarterfinal game.
They were led by 23 points from sophomore guard Ke’mora Evans 23 points and 14 points by junior guard Ya’Niyah Young.
Nova is seeking to make its 11th appearance in a Big 8 final, but it is first since defeating Dillard for the Big 8 title championship in 2018.
“We have improved a lot since coming off a couple of losses (Blanche Ely, Grandview Prep),” said Evans. “If we played well defensively and with high energy. Those things wis games.”
The Titans will face the winner of the Blanche Ely/Western winner in a semifinal game on Friday.
Dave Brousseau is a veteran journalist who worked at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and is a longtime BCAA Correspondent. Need to reach out to him? Contact him at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.