- March 28, 2025
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For the second time in program history, Windermere High boys basketball has won the FHSAA Class 7A, Region 2 Championship and advanced to the state semifinals after topping district rivals Oak Ridge High, 62-58, Feb. 21 at home.
"Really proud of this team," said coach Mark Griseck. "I feel like since Day 1, they have all been bought into the team and have worked really hard to get to this point. All season, we talked about the goal being to play in March and that's been the focus. We just have to keep getting better every day."
Leading the Wolverines was its backcourt trio of A.J. Smith, who scored 19 points, Sean Owens, who added 16 points, and Korvontae Hatter, who had 11 points and 9 Rebounds in the game.
"The game was kind of a wild one," Griseck said. "Oak Ridge is such a great team and we knew it was going to be a battle. I thought our defense was pretty good. It's kind of what we have hung our hat on all year. We were able to hold them to almost 20 points below what they were averaging on the season. They forced some turnovers late to tighten the game up but we were able to get a big stop late and make some timely free throws down the stretch."
The win means the Wolverines (25-5) will face Sarasota High (28-2) at 3 p.m. Friday, March 7, at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland for a spot in the state title games against the winner of the other final four matchup — defending 7A state champions and MaxPreps' No. 1 ranked team in the nation, Columbus High (25-3) or Seminole High (16-11).
"Going into the Final Four, we will continue to work to get better each day and throw in a few new things since we don't play until March 7th," Griseck said. "Sarasota is an outstanding and well-coached team. They are 28-2 and have beaten some really good teams. It should be a great match-up. If we are fortunate enough to get by them, the No. 1 team in the country would most likely await us. It would be an awesome opportunity for our guys, but right now, we are solely focused on Sarasota."
