LAKELAND – Longtime Southeast head coach John Harder was hoping he would leave Lakeland the same way he did his first time, with a state championship.
Unfortunately, Bishop Kenny saw otherwise in a 49-48 win over Southeast (25-5) in the Class 6A state semifinals yesterday.
The loss ended the storied coaching career of Harder, who announced his retirement earlier in the year.
Harder, who took over the Southeast program in 1985, ends his career with 826 wins and 216 losses at Southeast.
5In his 34 year career at Southeast, Harder leaves with three state titles (1985, 1990, 2014) and tons of respect from around the state.
Count Bishop Kenny head coach Charlsea Clark among those with mutual respect for him and his career.
“I went to a coaching clinic over the summer, this guy gives you advice about, in coaching, what are you trying to do,” Clark said. “Are you coaching for the next job or are you coaching to put your name on the floor? And that hit me. I’m coaching to put my name on the floor. So to see his name on his floor when we’re watching film, I’m shaking his hand saying, ‘I’m humbled.’ ”
Harder understandably was a bit choked up towards the end of the post game press conference as he began to realize this was it.
“It’s been a great ride, I had hoped to go out the same way I came in, would have been really special to have book end state titles, but it wasn’t meant to be, ” Harder stated.
“I’ve been here (Lakeland) seven times and won three state titles ,” Harder stated. “I have been overwhelmed by how everybody has treated me so special here. Even the Bishop Kenny coach came up to me before the game and acknowledged me, I really appreciate that.”
“The kids really wanted to win badly,” Harder said. “They’re (BK) a great team and they are No. 1 in the state for a reason.”
It’s storybook, couldn’t have been better scripted,” Harder said in summing up his career. “It’s by the grace of God that I sit here. I sat here 34 years ago and I’m sitting here on my last day of my career. Tremendous respect for the FHSAA. …
“Ever since I walked into this gym (Wednesday) afternoon, everybody, including the coach from Bishop Kenny, treated me as if I was something special. And these girls have done that all year long. It’s really hard to leave. I feel like I’m 29 starting all over, but I’m 70. The years have caught up with me.”
For a while it looked like his career would be extended one final day as the game changed leads 14 times through out the game and Southeast had a four point lead with three minutes left.
However, a 5-0 run by Bishop Kenny, gave the Crusaders the lead again temporarily.
A’moni Waiters, who scored 18 points, easily drove through the lane for a lay up giving the Seminoles the lead back at 48-47 with 29.5 seconds left.
Sophomore Jasmyne Roberts penetrated the lane and drew a foul and converted both free throws to give the Crusaders a 49-48 lead.
Southeast still had two final chances in the closing seconds including stealing the ball on an inbound play with 0.9 seconds left but was unable to get off a desperation three-pointer.
In the post game press conference, Harder was recognized by not only the FHSAA for his lengthy career by also by several media for his growth of the game and being a good ambassador for the game.
“We just wanted to make it a great experience for him, because he’s retiring,” said sophomore Perryauna Youmans, who had a team-high 19 points. “I think he’s one of the best coaches we’ve ever had. He’s known worldwide, so he was a pleasure to play for.”
