News Summary
The St. Thomas Aquinas High School boys basketball team from Fort Lauderdale has clinched the championship title at the 51st Annual Kingdom of the Sun tournament. They triumphed over St. Petersburg Gibbs with an impressive score of 80-64, showcasing their determination and skill. Under the guidance of Head Coach Julius Sandi, the team made strategic plays that paid off, leading to a collective effort where six players scored in double figures. This victory marks a significant achievement, especially after their runner-up finish last year, and sets a promising tone for the remainder of the season.
Fort Lauderdale Triumphs at Kingdom of the Sun Tournament
Fort Lauderdale’s very own St. Thomas Aquinas High School boys basketball team has just brought home a shiny championship title from the prestigious 51st Annual Kingdom of the Sun tournament held at Vanguard High School. With a jaw-dropping score of 80-64, they triumphed over St. Petersburg Gibbs, leaving fans cheering wildly!
The Tournament Rundown
This tournament is no walk in the park. It features a whopping 28 teams and is the oldest boys basketball tournament in the state of Florida. St. Thomas Aquinas, despite being ranked 13th in the Florida High School Boys Basketball Rankings, rose to the occasion and knocked out the defending state champions in their classification.
Team Strategy Pays Off
All eyes were on Head Coach Julius Sandi, who had emphasized a strong focus on defense and an ultra-fast play style. This winning strategy made all the difference! The team was not only keenly aware of the tournament’s prestigious history but also motivated to rewrite their own.
Last year, St. Thomas Aquinas felt the sting of defeat, finishing as the tournament runner-up after a heartbreaking overtime loss to Winter Haven. This year, however, they channeled that disappointment into determination and allowed it to fuel their performance.
Players Stepped Up Big Time
In a truly collective effort, six players scored in double figures during the championship game. Leading the way were Zane Elliot and Clarence Westerbook, each netting 15 points. They were closely followed by Drake Sandi with 13 points, Nate Accius at 12 points, Dwayne Wimbley Jr. achieving 11 points, and Kellson Sandi contributing 10 points.
As if that wasn’t enough, Dwayne Wimbley Jr. took home the MVP award of the tournament for his stellar performance, even against the towering presence of Gibbs’ 7-foot player, Isaiah Medina. Looks like being the underdog just adds fuel to the fire!
Moving Forward
This incredible victory has propelled St. Thomas Aquinas to an impressive record of 12-1. They faced a tough opponent in Gibbs, who had sophomore O’Neal Delancy scoring 20 points, and Medina chipping in with 11 points on a perfect shooting performance. Let it be known, they didn’t go down without a fight!
On another note, Orlando Evans managed to capture third place by defeating Williston with a score of 67-53.
Prepping for Future Battles
Coach Sandi believes that facing a strong competitor like Gibbs is invaluable for the team’s growth, as it prepares them for potential state tournament runs in the future.
So, here’s to St. Thomas Aquinas High School’s boys basketball team for their fantastic accomplishment at the Kingdom of the Sun tournament! The hard work, teamwork, and dedication paid off, and it has certainly set a thrilling tone for the rest of the season.
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HERE Resources
St. Thomas Aquinas School Boys Basketball Team Wins Tournament
Additional Resources
- Sports Illustrated: St. Thomas Aquinas Wins Kingdom of the Sun Tournament
- MaxPreps: Celebration Storm Basketball
- Jacksonville.com: Girls Basketball Stats Jacksonville Area
- News Press: Holiday Hoopfest at Palmetto Ridge Classic
- WCJB: Winter Break Hoops Showcase
