Trips to the final four almost feel part of the Ponte Vedra High boys basketball team’s designated schedule at the start of the season each year after the Sharks secured their fourth straight trip to the state semifinals after a 65-51 win over Tallahassee Leon High in a regional final on Feb. 20.
The seniors on the squad will not know what it feels like to not end the season playing in the final four with a prime shot at a state title.
Those seniors made some crucial baskets down the stretch against the Lions (20-8) as the Sharks continued to wear down their opponent and eventually extended the lead for good with a dominant fourth quarter that went in favor of the Sharks, 20-10.
Prior to that, it was a back-and-forth battle with the Sharks clinging to a one-point lead at halftime and only four points separated the teams heading into the final frame.
Four Sharks scored double figures on the night, as they displayed the balanced attack that makes them so difficult to defend.
David Sanchez Barrera scored a team-high for the Sharks with 16 points and nearly had a double-double with nine assists and three steals in the game.
Performances like that have been expected by Sanchez Barrera, who has developed into a true playmaking guard for the Sharks, where he can do it all and contribute no matter which end of the floor it is.
Katsikas provides a dangerous guard tandem and made his presence felt from beyond the arc hitting four three-pointers for all 12 of his points.
Maddox Palmer and Trace Westercamp were influencers on the backboards and scored 14 and 13 points, respectively, while also giving the sharks the edge by outrebounding the Lions 22-15 on the night.
Westercamp also proved to be a rim protector with four blocks.
The combination of offensive efficiency and defensive tenacity is a unique mix that the Sharks have, and it has been a hallmark of the program during the recent run of final fours.
It is a major reason why they have made yet another deep playoff run and have their sights set on that elusive state championship. Could this be the year?
The Sharks will play in the state semifinal against Leesburg High (17-7) on Wednesday, March 5 starting at 3 p.m. at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland.
