The North Florida Educational Institute girls basketball team made its first trip to the state semifinals count.
The Eagles pulled away in the second half and scratched out a 50-46 win over Central Florida Christian Academy on Tuesday at the RP Funding center in Lakeland. Beyonce Jedinie had 13 points for NFEI.
Recommended Videos
NFEI (20-12) had never been past the regional round before this season. Now, the Eagles are one win away from a state title. They’ll face powerhouse Grandview Prep on Thursday at 5 p.m. in the title game. Grandview is lead by four-star guard Lena Girardi, an Oklahoma State signee who is averaging 30.6 points per game.
For NFEI coach Tony Bannister, it was his first trip to Lakeland since 2006 when he led a young and hungry Shekinah Christian to the Class 1A state championship. Bannister then went on to lead the Potter’s House team for years and building it into a national program with his daughter, Antoinette, leading the way. Both Tony and Antoinette coach together now with NFEI.
CFCA erased a 10-point deficit midway through the third quarter to briefly tie NFEI at 46-all in the fourth. The Eagles knocked down four consecutive free throws and locked CFCA down on defense to emerge with the win.
