It has been a memorable season for the Ponte Vedra High School’s winter sports programs, with girls soccer, boys basketball and girls basketball all advancing to the final four of their respective state tournaments.
For most schools, one run to the final four would be an amazing achievement and one that will go down in that school’s history forever.
Which is what makes what the Sharks have accomplished even more astounding, with not one, not two, but three teams positioning themselves just two wins away from a state title.
For girls soccer, their final four appearance is something that has been appearing more and more realistic with each game that passes, as they enter the state semifinals having lost just one game all year with a record of 20-1-1.
Their prowess throughout the season has been obvious, as they have not just advanced, but they have dominated their opponents in the three playoff rounds they have had, having yet to surrender a goal and outscoring opponents 14-0, including a commanding 7-0 victory over rival Nease in the regional final.
All their success has earned them the No. 1 seed following the re-seeding process that takes place prior to the final four.
The Sharks will take on St. Thomas Aquinas on Feb. 28, who have also looked the part and defeated No. 1 seeded Lourdes Academy 3-1 to win their regional final matchup.
If the Sharks win, they will play either Viera or East Lake in the Class 6A state championship at 10 a.m. on March 2 at Spec Martin Stadium in DeLand.
The Girls basketball squad proved that they are mentally tough enough to win a state championship after going on the road and defeating top-seeded Niceville 58-47 in the regional final.
Prior to that contest, Niceville had scored more than 60 points in both its postseason games, but the Sharks (22-8) defense came to play and held them way beneath their average, with only 47 points on the night.
They proved that defense travels and that will come in handy when they face off against Bloomingdale at 5 p.m. on March 7 in the state semifinals.
Because they are the second semifinal game to be played in Class 6A, they will know who they will be playing for the title on March 9 at 12:30 p.m., and whether it’s St. Thomas Aquinas or Wekiva.
The Sharks boys basketball team (23-7) have not spoiled the momentum they had built up with their strong finish to the season, by proving that they deserved a trip to the final four with no doubt, as they defeated Wiregrass Ranch thanks to an explosion of offense en route to a 69-52 win.
They have won all three of their postseason games by double digit margins and have proven they can hang with some of the best the state has to offer.
The Sharks will matchup against Pembroke Pines Charter at 7 p.m. on March 7 and if they were to advance, would play the winner of Edgewater and Charlotte for a state title on March 9 at 3 p.m.
