Gibbs Gladiators Shine at Kingdom of the Sun Tournament
Gibbs’ ambitious quest to test itself against the nation’s elite continued at the prestigious Kingdom of the Sun tournament, where they Gladiators finished as runners-up after falling to Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas in the championship game.
Outstanding Performance by Oneal Delancy
Despite the loss, Gibbs showed its championship mettle behind Oneal Delancy’s outstanding performance. The sharp-shooting guard poured in a team-high 19 points, including three shots from beyond the arc. The balanced Gladiators attack also featured Isaiah Medina (11 points), Jacob Daniels (10 points), and Mike Broxton (10 points) reaching double figures.
Milestone Victory for Coach Larry Murphy
The path to the final included a memorable semifinal victory over nationally ranked Orlando Evans in double overtime. The win carried special significance as it marked head coach Larry Murphy’s 400th career victory, adding another milestone to his storied tenure at Gibbs.
Preparation for Postseason Run
As defending state champions returning their entire roster, the Gladiators have embraced one of the most challenging schedules in program history. Their gauntlet has included matchups against 16 teams ranked in MaxPreps’ national top 100 since the summer, preparing them for another postseason run. The Kingdom of the Sun runnerup finish follows a similar result at the prestigious City of Palms tournament, where Gibbs also reached the championship game of their bracket.
Ready for Another Championship Pursuit
Gibbs’ performance in Ocala demonstrated why it remains one of the state’s most formidable programs, combining veteran leadership with the willingness to face any opponent. As they head into this week’s Sun Bash tournament, their experiences against top-tier competition have them battle-tested and ready for another championship pursuit.
Conclusion
Gibbs Gladiators have proven themselves as a force to be reckoned with in high school basketball, showcasing their skills and determination against top-tier competition. They are poised for another successful postseason run with their experienced roster and talented players.
FAQs
Q: How did Gibbs perform at the Kingdom of the Sun tournament?
A: Gibbs finished as runners-up after a tough championship game against Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas.
Q: What milestone did head coach Larry Murphy achieve during the tournament?
A: Coach Larry Murphy reached his 400th career victory in a memorable semifinal win over Orlando Evans.
Q: What is next for the Gibbs Gladiators?
A: The team is gearing up for the Sun Bash tournament and looking to continue their success in pursuit of another championship.
