Mater Lakes Academy’s basketball teams celebrate district championship wins

Sports By Linda Trischitta, Editor Friday, March 18, 2022

     The Mater Lakes Academy girls basketball team set a school record for wins this season, going 16-9 and claiming a second consecutive district championship. 

     The team finished one game shy of reaching the FHSAA Class 4A Final Four, falling to state finalist Calvary Christian 64-63. 

     “I’m extremely honored to have coached this year, as we broke the record for most wins in program history. ... The future is bright,” coach Gus Pelaez said in a statement provided by the school, which also shared these photos.

  Top row, from left: Principal Rene Rovirosa; Kalia Harrington; Vanessa Vancott; Khadee Hession; Donna Green; Rianny Rigual; Kachy Colon; athletic director JC Gil and Javy Rovirosa.

     Bottom Row from left: Coach Gus Pelaez; assistant coach Freddy Bitondo; Alondra Grullon; Prema Duarte; Victoria Escribano and Aliana Davila.

   The Mater Lakes Academy boys basketball team went 22-8 this season, winning its fourth district championship and reaching the Florida Class 4A state quarterfinals before falling to eventual state champion and nationally ranked Calvary Christian. 

     “I am extremely proud of how the team competed this season. Played with a lot of heart and showed true toughness. Going to miss our seniors, but looking forward to what the future holds,” coach Eric Rodriguez said in a statement provided by the school.

      Shown in the photo, top row from left:  Michael Bradley; Alejandro Padin; Daniel Parra; Rolph Blanc; Anthony Knowles; Khalil Volel; coach Michael Marrero; coach Dylan Estock; athletic director JC Gil; head coach Eric Rodriguez and coach JB Morales.   Bottom row from left: Noah Volel; Christian Reid and Christian Campbell.