The Bolles girls’ basketball team is headed to the Final Four for the first time in the historic school’s history! Known for their state championships in many sports, girls basketball is one that has yet to make a state semifinals, until now. The Bulldogs took down Rutherford 52-38 in the Elite 8, proving why they are one of the top teams in the state this year.
Leading the charge was Evie Freeman, who finished the game with 14 points. Terrell McCoy added 13, while Leila Goll contributed 10 to help secure the victory. With the win, Bolles improved to an impressive 24-5 on the season. Freeman has an offer from Airforce.
Great season opener win to a competitive Ribault team last night!! Love to see our off season work pay off
— Evie Freeman (@Evie_Freeman5) November 21, 2024Checkout my highlights from the game: 29pts, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, + 4 steals@_PrettiSWEET @hunterkeithl @Repsonreps__ @PGHFlorida @BollesHoops pic.twitter.com/6hwTK16IE7
A Championship Staff
Bolles has been strong all year under Head Coach Kelly Stevenson. She is no stranger to state titles. Stevenson graduated from Nease High School in 1999, where she guided the Panthers to the Class 5A state title as a senior. She was named Most Valuable Player of the state tournament and to the 5A All-State team that season as well. As a USA Today All-USA Honorable Mention, and Florida Times-Union Player-of-the-Year from Nease, it was only fitting that her former coach, recently retired HOF’er Sherri Anthony join her.
Anthony joined the coaching staff in 2024, bringing with her one state title, a state runner-up, and three Final Fours. She reunites with one of her former players in Stevenson, forming one of the best staffs in the state.
The team put together an outstanding regular season, picking up big wins against Bishop Kenny, Ribault, and Beachside—three tough opponents. Their size, ability to play as a team, and score from multiple positions has made them difficult to stop.
One of the Bulldogs’ biggest strengths is their balanced scoring. Four players average double-digit points per game, making it hard for defenses to focus on just one player. Abby Knauff leads the team with 15.6 points per game, followed by Freeman at 13.1, Presley Norman at 12.3, and McCoy at 12.2. With an average of 65.3 points per game as a team, Bolles has one of the most explosive offenses in the state.
In the playoffs, Bolles won 65-43 against South Walton in the Sweet 16. Knauff scored 22 points including three 3-pointers to lead Bolles, while McCoy chipped in 17 points. Ari Walker registered an eye popping 5 blocks in that game. Bolles defense shut down Episcopal in the first round of the playoffs 62-18, as everyone got in on the scoring in that contest.
Can They Bring A Championship Back To Duval
With their latest win, the Bulldogs now turn their attention to the Class 4A State Semifinals. They will take on Somerset Academy on February 28 at 9 a.m. in Lakeland, Florida. Somerset will be a tough test, much tougher than their previous playoff opponents. Led by head coach Anthony McCutcheon.
Somerset Canyons' @alana_pinnock1 picks up a steal and scores on the fast break during the Cougars' regional semifinal victory against Bishop Verot.
— Alex Peterman (@Alex_Peterman) February 19, 2025
They will face King's Academy in yet another rematch on Friday — this time, with a trip to the Final Four on the line. pic.twitter.com/PuuSCaBhyA
Freshman Alana Pinnock leads them in scoring at 15.6ppg. She eclipsed the 1,000 point mark as a 9th grader and already has an offer from Texas A&M and USF. Then there’s Delanie Doty who averages 12.7ppg. but Bolles has proven all season that they are up for the challenge.
With a balanced attack, strong defense, and great coaching, Bolles is just two wins away from a state championship. Many great teams have tried but none have been able to bring a girls basketball championship back to Duval County since the Ribault Lady Trojans in 2016-2017. If they continue to play at a high level, they have a great shot, potentially the best shot of any Northeast Florida girls basketball team at bringing home the title. The Bulldogs are on a mission, and they won’t back down now!
