Girls Basketball State Semifinals
All games at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland. Admission is $12 in advance, $15 on the day of the event via the RP Funding Center Box Office. Parking is $12.
Class 5A
No. 4 Clearwater (18-9) vs. No. 1 New Smyrna Beach (25-5), 5 p.m. today
How they got here: Clearwater d. North Fort Myers 59-14, d. East Bay 67-39, d. Port Charlotte 48-36; New Smyrna Beach d. Orlando Jones 66-20, d. River Ridge 63-34, d. Leesburg 69-56.
Stat Leaders
| Category | Clearwater | New Smyrna Beach |
| Points per game | Peyton Flournoy, 13.6 | Olivia Olson, 21.6 |
| Rebounds per game | N/A | Olivia Olson, 8.3 |
| Assists per game | N/A | Corrin Austell, 3.1 |
| Steals per game | N/A | Inniya Reddicks, 3.7 |
| Blocks per game | N/A | Olivia Olson, 0.9 |
Outlook
The Tornadoes return to familiar territory tonight as they make their third state semifinal appearance in four seasons, squaring off against the top-ranked Barracudas in the semifinals at the RP Funding Center. Clearwater enters boasting one of the state’s most formidable defenses, surrendering a mere 35 points per game to opponents. This defensive prowess has been its calling card throughout a season that has seen it navigate changes in leadership.
First-year head coach Hannah Kotzen, who arrived from Gibbs, has seamlessly guided the program back to the final four despite the coaching transition. Her impact was bolstered by the addition of transfer Peyton Flournoy, also from Gibbs, who has become a key contributor, leading the Tornadoes with 13.6 points per game. New Smyrna Beach presents a formidable challenge, entering the showdown as the No. 1 ranked team in 5A according to MaxPreps and riding a 13-game winning streak.
The Barracudas are powered by standout Olivia Olson, who dominates the stat sheet with 21.6 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. The statistical matchup suggests a tightly contested battle, with New Smyrna Beach averaging 60.4 points per game to Clearwater’s 57.3. However, the Tornadoes’ defensive capabilities could prove decisive in slowing down the Barracudas’ high-powered offense.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Girls Basketball State Semifinals promise an exciting matchup between Clearwater and New Smyrna Beach. With strong defensive play from Clearwater and the offensive firepower of New Smyrna Beach, this game is set to be a close and competitive one.
FAQs
Q: Where are the games held?
A: All games are taking place at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland.
Q: How much is admission?
A: Admission is $12 in advance and $15 on the day of the event via the RP Funding Center Box Office.
Q: Is parking available?
A: Yes, parking is available for $12.
