Lakeland FL- The Ribault Lady Trojans kept rolling along in the State Finals as they defeated Dunbar ( Ft Myers) 51-44 to advance to the Class 5A State championship game. Rennia Davis led all scorers with 26 points and grabbed 11 rebounds to lead the Trojans. What was a convincing 7 point win seemed far from it early in the contest, when Dunbar jumped out to a seven point lead at halftime. After both teams felt each other out in the first quarter tied 13-13, Dubar’s Respect Leophart got hot knocking down shots from the paint. Respect would finish the game with 16 points for Dunbar.
Halftime Ribault trails Dunbar 27-20 5A State Semifinals pic.twitter.com/gsPHXSX1ee
— DuvalSports (@DuvalSports) February 18, 2016
But the reason Ribault is in the championship for the third time in four years is due to their ability to adjust at halftime. Head Coach Shelia Pennick has been able to make the right adjustments allowing her team to roll over opponents. Thursday afternoon was no exception as Ribault cranked up the defense. Dunbar was outscored 13-2 in the first few minutes of the third quarter. DayNeshia Banks started to heat up scoring several of her 13 total points. She also crashed the boards with 11 rebounds.
Davis led all scorers with 26pts Banks finished with 13pts as these two juniors showcase on the state’s main stage! pic.twitter.com/Mx1TTYXetO
— Andre’ R. Ellis (@andreellis55) February 18, 2016
Nola Carter was a force in the paint as well with 9 rebounds, she added 6 points to rally her team in the 2nd half. Carter will be looking for her third championship in four years. She is one of only four seniors on the talented squad. Assistant Coach Dorian Stevens, a former standout at Ribault and Florida State knows how important it is for the seniors to give it their all. She was able to win four championships in four years back in the early 2000’s for Ribault.
Senior Nola Carter with 6pts today rallying her team to victory. Carter will be going for her 3rd state title Sat! pic.twitter.com/qgNwL60Wsv
— Andre’ R. Ellis (@andreellis55) February 18, 2016
Dunbar did a good job of frustrating the Lady Trojans and forcing tough shots. Players like stand out senior Kayla Rogers had a quiet afternoon for her standards finishing with 4 points. But that is the beauty of the Lady Trojans, as any one of their starters can contribute mightily at any time. Look for Rogers, Praise Russell and Tiara Hutchinson to come out focused on Saturday, as they will be playing their final High School Basketball games. This may be the fuel the Lady Trojans need to avenge last year’s championship defeat, and keep trucking to another state title.
