Mater Lakes Academy’s boys varsity basketball team has advanced to the FHSAA’s Region 4-5A semifinal round. The Bears defeated the Key West Conchs on Thursday, February 16, 84-76 in an intense matchup.
The team was led by Cyrus Largie, who scored 31 points and had 13 rebounds. Jurik Morales had 21 points with five assists and Donovan Alvarez had 13 points.
“It’s been amazing to see our student athletes come together to build a promising program with its future brighter than it’s past. Through discipline, determination, and dedication our program has made it this far,” said Juan Urbina, Head Coach.
This was the first-ever win in a regional playoff game and the Bears advanced for the first time to the semifinal round they fell to Gulliver Prep, 81-67.
Jamal Mashburn scored 25 points, 21 of them in the second half, to lead all players.
In other action, District foes Mater Academy and Barbara Goleman boys’ basketball teams were hoping for a rematch in the regional semifinal, one week after the Lions topped the Gators in the district championship game.
But McArthur spoiled Mater Academy’s plans thanks to a clutch shot in the closing seconds of the game, ending the Lions’ season with a 56-55 win in the Region 4-8 quarterfinal.
And Nova made sure Goleman wouldn’t have the last laugh, as the Gators fell in their quarterfinal game.
Pines Charter defeated American High, 63-61, in the Region 4-9A quarterfinal.
With American leading late in the fourth quarter, Pines Charter went on a 9-2 run and was victorious.