Class 6A

Sumner (17-8) at Wharton (27-2), 7

Two months ago, Wildcats coach Tommy Tonelli hit a major milestone with his 500th career win. Wharton can cap off this season of superlatives by reaching the state semifinals with a win tonight. The Wildcats, ranked No. 9 in the class by MaxPreps, have won five straight. Their two losses were by a combined seven points. On offense, Wharton is led by Chandler Davis and Trevor Dyson. The Stingrays, a second-year program, are in the region final for the first time. DJ Jones, a two-sport athlete who recently picked up an offer from West Virginia in football, had 17 points and 11 rebounds in a region semifinal win over Wiregrass Ranch. 

Class 5A

King (19-10) at Orlando Jones (19-7), 7

The Lions have kept their postseason run going by showing their resolve in the past two games. Trailing in the second half, King rallied to beat Auburndale 63-62 in the region quarterfinals and to knock off Leesburg 59-51 in the semifinals. Tony Livingston, a Florida football recruit, has been dominant in the playoffs so far with an average of 33 points and 15 rebounds per game. John Ziegler also played well in the semifinals, finishing with 25 points, nine rebounds and five steals. The Fightin’ Tigers enter on a six-game win streak. 

Naples Barron Collier (20-9) at St. Petersburg (23-5), 7

The Green Devils, fortified by the addition of two key transfers, had the talent to contend for a state title this season. They are one game from reaching the state semifinals, thanks to a pair of three point victories over Bradenton Southeast, the first coming in the district final and the last in the region quarterfinals. Tristan Gross, who came from Calvary Christian, is averaging a team-high 20.6 points per game. Derrick Mitchell, a Tampa Catholic transfer, is averaging 12 points per game. St. Petersburg has won eight straight heading into the region final. The Cougars are on a roll, too. They have won six straight, all by 12 or more points.  

Class 4A

Central (25-4) at Gibbs (20-8), 7

The Bears first three losses this season were by a combined four points, including one in overtime. Falling short in those close contests paid off when it mattered most with Central getting past Port Charlotte in a 64-63 thriller in the region semifinals. The Bears, winners of six straight, are led by Tre Joyner (19.2 points per game) and DJ Brown (14.2). The Gladiators also know how to win close games. Their last five victories have been by eight points or less, including a 56-55 overtime thriller over South Sumter in the region quarterfinals that was decided on a buzzer-beater by Jacob Daniels. Gibbs has a young lineup. Two of their top three scorers – Daniels (11.8 points per game) and Mathis Roberts (10.8) – are freshmen. 

Class 3A

Berkeley Prep (20-8) at Tampa Catholic (21-7), 7 (at Tampa Prep)

This is a rematch from a regular season game last month that the Crusaders won 67-58. Tampa Catholic, ranked No. 5 in the class by MaxPreps, has won 11 straight, including eight by double digits. Karter Knox, a five-star recruit, has scored 20 or more points in five straight games. The Buccaneers have won five of their past six games. CJ Hawkins (22.1 points per game) and George Kimble (17.1) are the top two scorers.