The girls basketball district tournaments ended this week. Here is the list of area champions, all of which secured a spot in the playoffs with most hosting a region quarterfinal game on Wednesday.
Class 7A, District 10
Sickles
The Gryphons have made steady progress each of the last two seasons. A year ago, Sickles had its first winning season since 2016 and made the playoffs. Now, the Gryphons are district champions. Better still, they did it by getting past one of their biggest nemesis, beating Plant 61-51 in the final. That avenged a loss in the regular season and in last year’s district title game.Jadyn Watts led the way with 24 points and seven rebounds. Kelsey Sharpe added 15 points, six rebounds and six assists and Beckham Hockley scored 11 in the championship game.
Class 7A, District 11
Sumner
The Stingrays have enjoyed a meteoric rise, going from four wins during their inaugural season in 2020-21 to winning their first district title. They got a little payback, too. After losing to Lakewood Ranch in last year’s district final, Sumner routed the Mustangs 56-17 in the championship game rematch to secure their first playoff appearance.
Class 6A, District 9
Wharton
The Wildcats’ dream season now includes the school’s first district title in girls basketball since 2009. They also have set school records for best record (22-3) and most wins in a season. As the top seed, Wharton cruised, beating No. 5 Largo 62-22 in the semifinals and No. 3 Hillsborough 57-49 in the final. Jayla Grady and Sydney Hurst each scored 13 points and Nina Green added 12 to lead the Wildcats on offense in the championship game.
Class 6A, District 10
Bloomingdale
For the past month, the Bulls have been the target as they try to keep their perfect record intact. They remained unbeaten by winning their third straight district title. But it was not easy. Against Armwood in the final, Bloomingdale trailed 9-7 at the end of the first quarter and were locked in a tight game throughout before winning 40-39. Aviance Torres scored a team-high 12 points, Izellah Kendrick added 11 rebounds and nine points and Tabitha Vega came through in the clutch with a steal and a free throw to seal the win.
Class 5A, District 6
River Ridge
Defense was the key in the Royal Knights’ title run. River Ridge has held opponents to 50 points or less in all but three games this season. During the district tournament, the Royal knights were even more stingy, beating Gulf 57-22 in the semifinals and rival Wesley Chapel 57-30 in the final.
Class 5A, District 8
Spoto
Second-year coach Asia Royster, a former standout at Seffner Christian, has guided the Spartans to consecutive titles. Spoto, the top seed in the district, was even more dominant in this year’s tournament, routing Brandon 61-19 in the semifinals and Middleton 68-39 in the final.
Class 5A, District 9
Clearwater
Despite graduating a bulk of their starting lineup, the Tornadoes still showed they are a model of consistency. They won their fourth straight district title, knocking off Seminole 58-24 in the final. Quenya Turner (15 rebounds, 14 points) and Pink Sturdivant (11 points, 10 rebounds) each recorded double-doubles while Allevia Williams added 19 points and six steals.
Class 4A, District 9
Weeki Wachee
After falling in the district semifinals as the top seed a year ago – and missing out on the playoffs – the Hornets were determined not to let that happen again. Weeki Wachee, once again the top seed, won its second title in the past three seasons by rallying from a 13-10 halftime deficit to beat rival Nature Coast 33-22 in the final.
Class 4A, District 10
Lakewood
After losing to Academy of the Holy Names in the district final and region semifinals last year, the Spartans waited nearly a year for their chance at redemption. They got it with a 66-45 victory over the Jaguars in the final. Sumiyah McIntosh finished with 20 points, six steals and five rebounds. Savannah Ferguson ended up with 16 points and seven rebounds and Alahni Lovett had 14 points, five steals and five assists to lead the way for Lakewood.
Class 3A, District 7
Seffner Christian
The Crusaders, ranked fourth in the class and 19th overall in the state by MaxPreps, enter the postseason with plenty of momentum. They had no trouble taking home the title, beating Four Corners 81-32 in the semifinals and Bell Creek Academy 83-29 in the final.
Class 3A, District 9
Tampa Catholic
In early December, the Crusaders went through a slump with three straight losses, including one to rival Tampa Prep, to fall to 4-5. Since then, Tampa Catholic has turned things around, winning 15 of its last 16 games, the latest coming against the Terrapins in the district final. Ashley Knox and Khalia Woodley each scored 16 to lead the Crusaders in a 54-44 victory in the rematch for the title.
Class 3A, District 10
Calvary Christian
Getting off to a fast start helped the Warriors get past one of their biggest rivals to win their first district title since 2020. By jumping out to a 15-11 first quarter lead, Calvary Christian had enough of a cushion to hold on for a 45-43 win over Clearwater Central Catholic in the final. Ellie Bross had a team-leading 18 points while teammates Caydn Wiebe (nine points) and Ali Sheffield (eight points) also contributed on offense for the Warriors.
Class 2A, District 5
North Tampa Christian
The Titans won a district title in their first year as a member of the Florida High School Athletic Association. They beat Classical Prep 56-20 in the semifinals and Seven Rivers Christian 77-60 in the final. Arianna Murray was dominant in the championship game, finishing with 30 points and 15 rebounds. Aliyah Harris-Green finished with 21 points, four rebounds and four assists while Adrionna Butsky added 10 points and seven rebounds.
Class 2A, District 9
Tampa SLAM
The Spartans struggled down the stretch in the regular season, going 2-5 in their final seven games. But they came together when it mattered most to win a district title as the No. 2 seed. In the final, Tampa SLAM beat Universal Academy 33-25.
Class 2A, District 10
Keswick Christian
The Crusaders, the area’s premier program in 2A, won their seventh straight district title. They breezed through the tournament, beating Lakeside Christian 66-21 in the semifinals and Indian Rocks Christian 60-25 in the title game. Ava Graham (19 points) and Robyn Cantwell (18) each reached double figures in scoring while Sophie Aust added seven to lead Keswick Christian in the championship game.
