With the Final Four beginning this week in Florida high school girls basketball, why not make some predictions for the matchups set to begin the week, as well as some state title matchups for later this week?
7A
Dr. Phillips 66, Vero Beach 55
Colonial 50, Miami 47
Dr. Phillips 60, Colonial 52
When looking at the 7A playoffs, so far there have been no teams more impressive than Dr. Phillips, who have picked up three straight dominant wins over West Orange, Riverview Sarasota, and Gulf Coast. Because of this, it is hard to pick against the Panthers despite facing a very good Vero Beach team, while the game between Colonial and 2020-21 7A runner-up Miami will likely be close. As for the state title game, it will likely be close as well, with Dr. Phillips as the likely favorite.
.@WekivaGBB celebrating their Regional Championship! pic.twitter.com/i1skuh7A8u
— Wekiva Athletics (@WekivaSports) February 20, 2021
6A
St. Thomas Aquinas 62, Nease 48
Wekiva 60, Bloomingdale 48
St. Thomas Aquinas 58, Wekiva 55
Nease picked up an impressive 49-33 win over St. Augustine in the regional finals to reach the Final Four, but will be facing arguably the state title favorite in defending 6A champion St. Thomas Aquinas. 2020-21 6A runner-up Wekiva should return to the state title game this season with a win over Bloomingdale as well, setting up a rematch of last year’s thrilling state title matchup. In that matchup, the final four predictions could either be St. Thomas Aquinas or Wekiva winning the 6A state championship in what will be a very close contest.
Some highlights from @AH__Athletics 72-36 Regional Final win over @ChobeeGirls! @NiyaLatson @joeydelancy22 @EmaniTheodule @Gaby_D_15 @dezurayyyy @PGHFlorida @PrepGirlsHoops @SUTSReport ? @ThaRealSleep pic.twitter.com/thrwQy2TEe
— IG: @SleeperAthletesWomen (@SAthletesWomen) February 19, 2022
5A
American Heritage 70, Pine Forest 52
Charlotte 44, Bishop Moore 48
American Heritage 72, Bishop Moore 50
Defending 5A state champion American Heritage has won each of their last three games by over 30 points, and are the clear favorite facing a Pine Forest team that has added some impressive wins themselves. As for who the Patriots might face, Charlotte and Bishop Moore will likely be a close contest with an argument able to be made for both teams. Regardless of who the opponent is, American Heritage will likely be considered as the favorite in the 5A state title game.
Congratulations LHP girls basketball 2022 District Champions! @lhpsnews @lhps_gbb @TheCitrusLeague pic.twitter.com/CjYsLeWcwu
— LHPS Athletics (@LHPS_athletics) February 5, 2022
4A
Lake Highland Prep 72, Booker 57
Bishop Kenny 63, Calvary Christian 58
Lake Highland Prep 54, Bishop Kenny 46
Similar to 5A previously, defending Class 4A state champion Lake Highland Prep will be considered as the favorite against Booker, even despite the Tornadoes coming off a dominant 74-50 win over Port Charlotte in the regional finals. Bishop Kenny and Calvary Christian will likely be close, but the Crusaders should win to set up a 4A Final Four rematch from last season in the state title game. However, in that rematch, it’s hard to bet against Lake Highland Prep.
Really excited for our Lady Lions basketball team as they advanced to the Regional Finals for the 7th consecutive year. Proving why they are one of the Best teams in the State. @WALadyLionBball @wacad pic.twitter.com/4iY38a9MSV
— WA Lions Basketball (@WALionsBasketb1) February 16, 2022
3A
Cardinal Mooney 68, King’s Academy 54
Westminster Academy 56, Florida State 52
Cardinal Mooney 55, Westminster Academy 53
The Class 3A state title game will likely be one of the most intriguing of all in the entire state. 2020-21 3A runner-up Cardinal Mooney will likely reach the state title game once again, while Westminster Academy and Florida State are a toss-up, but the Lions could be the favorite after knocking off defending state champion Miami Country Day in the region finals. Setting up a can’t miss state title game, you could honestly make an argument for both of these teams to the 3A state title.
Faith Family will be in Lakeland!! ♥️?? #faithovereverything #regionalchampions https://t.co/2ojkP7IB6m
— Faith Christian Academy Lady Lions Basketball (@FCALadyLions) February 20, 2022
2A
Faith Christian 65, University Christian 54
Miami Christian 53, Neumann 46
Faith Christian 55, Miami Christian 50
Faith Christian has arguably been the top team in 2A all season, but will be matched up against a University Christian team that is coming off a 55-53 win over 2020-21 2A runner-up Florida A&M in the regional finals. As for the other Final Four matchup, defending 2A state champion Miami Christian will be the favorite, and should set up a phenomenal 2A title matchup. Arguably the top team in 2A, Faith Christian will have to likely go through the defending champions if they want to claim the state title.
1A
Wildwood 58, Port St. Joe 51
Ponce De Leon 52, Madison County 44
Wildwood 54, Ponce De Leon 56
Wildwood has picked up two dominant wins across the first two rounds of the playoffs over Newberry and Hawthorne, and it’ll be hard to pick against the Wildcats against Port St. Joe. Defending 1A state champion Ponce De Leon will likely be the favorite against Madison County, and will set up an intriguing 1A state title game. As for who wins that, it could be considered a toss-up, but it’s also hard to bet against the defending champs.
What are your Final Four predictions?
