News Summary
St. Thomas Aquinas from Fort Lauderdale clinched the championship title at the 51st Kingdom of the Sun boys basketball tournament held in Ocala. The team triumphed over St. Petersburg Gibbs with a score of 80-64, showcasing an impressive performance with six players scoring in double figures. This victory marks a significant rebound from their runner-up finish last year, fueled by a determined mindset and robust teamwork. Coach Julius Sandi emphasized defense and a fast-paced style of play. As the tournament concludes, St. Thomas Aquinas looks forward to a bright season ahead.
Excitement Soars in Ocala as St. Thomas Aquinas Claims Championship
Ocala, Florida, recently played host to a thrilling display of high school basketball as the 51st annual Kingdom of the Sun boys basketball tournament unfolded at Vanguard High School. In an electrifying championship game, St. Thomas Aquinas from Fort Lauderdale emerged victorious over St. Petersburg Gibbs with a solid score of 80-64, bringing home the coveted trophy.
Historic Tournament Highlights
Dating back to its inception, the Kingdom of the Sun tournament holds the title of being the oldest basketball tournament in the Sunshine State, showcasing the talent of 28 teams from across Florida. This year, St. Thomas Aquinas, ranked 13th in the High School On SI Florida High School Boys Basketball Rankings, showcased their prowess on the court, driven by a desire to improve on last year’s runner-up finish.
Team’s Mindset: Hungry for Victory
The players approached the tournament with a renewed determination, especially after coming so close the previous year when they faced Winter Haven and lost in a heart-stopping overtime game. Head coach Julius Sandi emphasized his team’s focus on robust defense and a fast-paced style of play, which proved effective against their rivals. The players were ready to prove themselves and showed that their hard work was paying off.
A Balanced Attack
The final game saw an impressive offensive display from the St. Thomas team, with six players reaching double figures in scoring, illustrating their teamwork and depth. Key performances came from Zane Elliot and Clarence Westerbook, who both contributed 15 points to the tally. Other significant scorers included Drake Sandi with 13 points, Nate Accius with 12, Dwayne Wimbley Jr. with 11, and Kellson Sandi rounding things out with 10 points.
Dwayne Wimbley Jr. Shines
This victory was not just a team effort but a moment of personal triumph for Dwayne Wimbley Jr., who was named tournament MVP. His statement that the team plays hard against any opponent, regardless of height, perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the game. The success of St. Thomas Aquinas gives credit to the heart and hustle the players brought to the court each time they laced up their sneakers.
St. Petersburg Gibbs: A Challenging Opponent
Despite the loss, the defending state champions St. Petersburg Gibbs put up a fight. Led by sophomore standout Oneal Delancy with 20 points, the team also saw contributions from DePaul commit Isaiah Medina with 11 points and Jacob Daniels with 10 points. The defeat dropped Gibbs to a 7-4 record this season.
A Look Ahead
With the tournament now in the rearview, St. Thomas Aquinas holds an impressive record of 12-1. This victory not only adds a shiny trophy to their cabinet but also boosts their confidence as they look forward to the rest of the season. Meanwhile, Orlando Evans captured third place after defeating Williston 67-53, with standout performances from David Rushing and Arosco Dubois.
As the excitement from the Kingdom of the Sun tournament settles, the spotlight now shifts to the upcoming matches where fans will eagerly anticipate how the championship-winning St. Thomas Aquinas team continues to soar in their basketball journey. Stay tuned for more updates as this talented group of athletes aims high in their quest for greatness on the court!
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Additional Resources
- Sports Illustrated: St. Thomas Aquinas Wins Kingdom of the Sun
- MaxPreps: Celebration Storm Basketball
- News-Press: Holiday Hoopfest Schedule
- WCJB: Winter Break Hoops Showcase
- Jacksonville.com: Girls Basketball Stats
- Wikipedia: High School Basketball
