Remaining boys hoops teams ready for second round action — Observer Preps

Five Observer Preps coverage area programs remain alive across four different classifications after last week’s opening round of the FHSAA Playoffs. Three (Wekiva, Dr. Phillips and Windermere Prep) will play Feb. 21 for to advance to their respective regional championships, while two more (The First Academy and CFCA) will play for a trip to Lakeland.

All games tip at 7 p.m. Feb. 21.

Class 9A (Regional Semifinals)

Wekiva (23-5) at Boone (21-7)

Layups: If the Mustangs would like to host a regional championship on Friday, they’ll first have to beat a Braves squad with just one loss at home this season.

Dr. Phillips (19-9) at Oak Ridge (21-4)

Layups: The Panthers will see if the third time is, in fact, the charm, as they look to beat the Pioneers for the first time this season after two previous attempts. Dr. Phillips is fresh off an exciting, overtime-upset victory at Sarasota Riverview.

Class 5A (Regional Semifinals)

The Villages Charter (28-2) at Windermere Prep (19-9)

Layups: If last year’s champions in Class 3A are going to return to Lakeland, they’ll next have to defeat a Villages Charter squad in its first regional semifinal appearance.

Class 4A (Regional Finals)

TFA (26-1) at Seffner Christian (23-6)

Layups: For the start-studded Royals to make their third consecutive appearance in Lakeland, they’ll have to hit the road and take down a senior-heavy Seffner Christian squad led by Citadel commit Derek Webster.

Class 2A (Regional Finals)

CFCA (24-5) at Melbourne Florida Prep (23-5), Friday at 7 p.m

Layups: The Eagles are looking to secure the program’s deepest playoff run since 1997, when CFCA played for a state title. To do so, they’ll have to contend with a loaded Florida Prep team that is averaging 76.5 points per game this season.

Contact Steven Ryzewski at [email protected].