From 2012-18, St. Petersburg’s boys basketball program was a model of consistency, reaching the state semifinals four times during that span. 

Those teams had one thing in common – a superstar leader.

Dayon Griffin. Darius Banks. Serrel Smith. They were all high-profile players who led the Green Devils to Lakeland’s RP Funding Center to play on the state’s biggest stage in high school basketball. 

This year’s team made it back to the semifinals after a three-year absence. 

The similarities end there. 

St. Petersburg’s current squad got to Lakeland not because they hang on to the coattails of a talented superstar who can bail them out in key situations, but because it is a collection of hardworking players who do not mind sharing the load. 

“They’ve really embraced the team concept,” Green Devils coach Chris Blackwell said. “There is a lot of balance.”

Take Thursday’s Class 5A state semifinal against Orlando Jones, St. Petersburg had four players reach double figures in scoring. That was more than enough to offset the loss of Derrick Mitchell, who sat out most of the second half with a sprained ankle. 

The depth in the lineup was a big reason the Green Devils were able to withstand a furious rally to win 85-78 in overtime. 

St. Petersburg will face Fort Lauderdale Stranahan in Saturday’s 5A final at 3 p.m. The Green Devils are trying to win the school’s first state title in boys basketball since 1933. 

“These guys showed a lot of grit, a lot of character,” Blackwell said. “When we started to face some adversity, they regrouped and just went out and got it done.”

Early on, everything went St. Petersburg’s way. The offense was patient. The defense was relentless. 

The result was a 36-24 lead at the half. 

Mitchell, who hurt his ankle the third play of the game, exited in the third quarter once the pain became too much to bear. He is a game-time decision for Saturday’s final. 

Around that time, Jones started finding its rhythm. The Fightin’ Tigers kept chipping away at the deficit until forcing a tie at 73-all at the end of regulation. 

But there were no heads bowed. No signs of frustration. 

The Green Devils stayed aggressive on defense. They remained opportunistic on offense. 

It paid off in overtime. 

St. Petersburg took control in the extra period, outscoring Jones 12-5. 

Marquis Curry Jr. led the team in scoring with 21 points, followed by Sam Ducksworth (17), Tristan Gross (16) and Dylan Kramer (16).

“I’m proud of what they were able to accomplish tonight,” Blackwell said. “To be honest, this is what they’ve been doing all year. They just find a way.”