Lakeland- Andrew Jackson was a team appearing it’s first state title game in 26 years. University was appearing in it’s second title game in consecutive years. So the route to the Class 5A State championship was a familiar one for the Sharks from Ft. Lauterdale. While the route for the Tigers from Jacksonville would be unfamiliar territory. That difference was abundantly clear on Thursday afternoon at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland, as University sailed to an easy victory over Jackson 72-46 in the Class 5A state championship game.
Early on Jackson struggled to navigate their way through the suffocating defense of University. Guard Roger McFarlane (13pts) had two of his game high three steals in the first two minutes of the game. Those turnovers turned into points as University scored 9 points early on in the first.
Yet the turnovers didn’t seem to hamper Jackson early on as they got 7 points from forward Josh Knox and guard David Daniels. Daniels hit a three pointer and Knox hit a acrobatic shot in the paint to keep it close early. Jackson also shot 4 of 6 from the 3-point line in the first half. Unfortunately for them, the 9-7 score was the closest the game would get on the afternoon.
University went on an 18-3 run from 2:45 remaining in the first quarter to 3:15 remaining in the second. Jackson, a very gifted defensive team, had no answers for the athletic play makers of University. The Tigers found themselves in early foul trouble, as University converted 7 of 9 free throws in the first half. Jackson on the other hand, was at the line just once in the first half going 1 for 2. This would foreshadow of what was to come.
The combination of junior guard Jace Howard and junior forward Scottie Barnes( #4 ranked played in the nation by ESPN & 247 Sports) led University with 8 points a piece at halftime. Jackson’s David Daniels had 7 points to lead the Tigers, as the Sharks took a 35-21 advantage into the locker room.
More of the same plagued Jackson in the second half as they were careless with the basketball. They committed 10 turnovers in the third quarter, and cooled off from the field. By the end of the third, Jackson was just 10 of 32 from the field shooting just 31.3%. University on the other hand shot nearly 53% from the field on 19 of 36 shooting.
Contrasting styles of play were a key factor in this glaring third quarter stat. Jackson’s scrappy play that led them to out rebound Tampa Catholic in their semifinal contest was a non factor against the bigger, and better shooting University team. Jackson usually out rebounds their opponents piling up second chance points, however University held the edge even in that category out-rebounding them 32 to 31 in the game.
Being down late in the game forced Jackson to attempt 3-pointers in an attempt to make up ground. Their inability to hit it from the 3-point line sealed their fate in the second half. The Tigers shot 36% for the game, going 0-5 from 3-point land in the second half. It was a perfect storm if there ever was one for Jackson. Free throws, 3-pointers, rebounds, and field goals all saw University hold decided advantages. It’s the reason the Tigers could never cut into the lead, and the reason the Sharks hoisted their second straight state championship.
Even though Jackson has a senior heavy starting lineup, they were fairly inexperienced on the big stage. Seniors forward Randolph Myers, guard David Daniels, guard Brandon Fleming, guard Sidney Parks, and forward Joshua Knox, were all instrumental in the Tiger’s success this year. Knox high flying dunks, Randolph’s versatility, Daniel’s distribution skills, Fleming’s energy and hustle, and junior Logan West’s power were evident all year. Yet none of them had ever won a playoff game previously.
They were pitted against a team in University led by head coach Jim Carr, with four of the top players in the state, and two of the top four players in the country including Duke Commit Vernon Carey Jr (DNP injury). All ready to defend their ring. This was head coach James Collin’s best team and season since taking over the program nearly ten years ago. He has Jackson back to their winning ways with hopes of returning to Lakeland finish their championship quest.
Game Stats:
University:
Jace Howard 17pts
Scottie Barnes 13pts
Roger McFarlane 13pts
Jackson:
Davin Daniels 9pts
Randolph Myers 7pts
David Daniels 7pts
