In a heart-pounding showdown that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the Landmark Seahawks clashed with the Springfield Comets in a battle for supremacy in the Duval County Middle School City Championship. That makes four championships inn six years for Head Coach Antwan Lewey of Springfield Middle.
Springfield wasted no time asserting their dominance, with an early 4-0 lead courtesy of a smooth layup by #14 Sylenly, expertly assisted by Baker. The Comets continued their relentless charge throughout the first quarter, showcasing prowess on both ends of the court. Despite Landmark’s efforts, highlighted by Byers’ crucial three-pointer to close the quarter, they found themselves trailing Springfield 13-4.
Landmark vs Springfield battling for the Duval Middle School Basketball City Championship!
— Asia 📸✨ (@amaye_) February 29, 2024
Springfield #14 with an easy lay for a 4-0 lead! 4:40 left in 1st quarter @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/I9dM8rpNFs
The Seahawks refused to back down, mounting a spirited comeback in the second quarter led by #21 Adub and his scoring spree. His consecutive points helped narrow the deficit as Landmark entered halftime with Springfield leading 19-12.
Springfield with a great start on offense and defense with a 13-4 lead! Shot made by Landmark #2 to end the 1st quarter! @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/REG6R4bQkp
— Asia 📸✨ (@amaye_) February 29, 2024
As the third quarter commenced, Landmark demonstrated unwavering determination, chipping away at Springfield’s lead with Herman’s clutch three-pointer, reducing the margin to 19-15. The intensity only heightened as both teams showcased their championship-caliber gameplay, trading points in a battle of skill and strategy.
Landmark comes out of halftime with a 3 by #5. Springfield still leads 19-15, 4:30 left in 3rd quarter @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/f92BzvKwYR
— Asia 📸✨ (@amaye_) February 29, 2024
With Landmark seizing a narrow 34-32 lead late in the game, Springfield’s #10 Robinson rose to the occasion, knotting the score at 34 apiece, forcing the contest into overtime.
Springfield and Landmark going head to head right now! Landmark is now leading 27-25 to end the 3rd quarter! @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/E40HFtDXTL
— Asia 📸✨ (@amaye_) February 29, 2024
In a nail-biting overtime period, Landmark found themselves with a slim 38-37 lead with a mere 15 seconds remaining. However, Springfield’s #2 Baker refused to let his team falter, delivering a breathtaking buzzer-beater to clinch the victory 39-38, igniting celebrations among the Comets.
Springfield #2 with a buzzer beater to win the game!! Springfield Comets are the 2023- 2024 Duval County Middle School City Champions! @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/h8eZEm1kLK
— Asia 📸✨ (@amaye_) March 1, 2024
With this hard-fought triumph, the Springfield Comets claimed the prestigious title of the 2023-2024 Duval County Middle School City Champions. Baker’s (#2) exceptional performance, culminating in 10 points, earned him the well-deserved MVP honors, cementing his place as a standout player in the championship game.