By Dave Brousseau - BCAA Writer
LAKELAND – One game left to end the drought.
After the Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas boys’ basketball team dismantled Punta Gorda Charlotte, 69-42, in the FHSAA Class 6A state semifinal on Thursday at the RP Funding, the 24-year title drought is within reach of ending.
Since the Raiders won the 2001 state title under coach Steve Strand, 18 BCAA boys’ teams have played in or won an FHSAA state championship entering 2024.
The Raiders (29-2) will play Orlando Evans (25-6) on Saturday at 5 p.m. in the title game. Like Aquinas, Evans is also stuck in a championship stigma winning their lone title in 1975.
The Raiders never trailed and during a 15-0 run that began at the end of the first quarter until 3:22 into the second quarter, a 30-8 lead spelled the pending victory in Aquinas’ favor.
The victory extended the Raiders’ winning streak to 13, with 14 on hold till Saturday.
“It feels good, but our job is not done,” said Aquinas coach Julius Sandi. We expected to be in the State Championship game and taking the next step forward as far as our school history is concerned.”
“We had a week to prepare. We basically had a week to prepare to be in an environment like this. I wasn’t worried about the moment. They’ve been in big moments all season, he added.”
Sophomore guard K.J. Sandi opened the second quarter with three straight 3 pointers. All six of his baskets were from long distance, while finishing with 18 points.
Clarence Westbrook Jr. added 19 points, including three from distance.
“Our energy was good from the start, and we were locked in offensively and defensively,” said the sophomore guard. “We moved the ball and were able to knock down shots. We never let up and that’s why we got the win.”
K.J. Sandi added: “It was about my teammates getting me the ball and I got good shots.” “We just had to stay locked in on defense, share the ball and stay consistent. My teammates really helped me.”
Senior forward Dwayne Wimbley added 12 points, while DJ Sandi finished with 10 points.
With four players in double digit scoring, the Raiders’ ability to distribute successfully led to 19 assists having never trailed in the game. Charlotte managed only six assists
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