Dr. Phillips girls hoops heading back to state title game

For the fourth consecutive season, the Dr. Phillps High girls basketball team is headed back to the Class 7A state championship game, after topping Doral Academy, 72-54.

The Lady Panthers are now one win away from winning their fourth state title in a row. 

"We're here now, so now we just have to try our best to see if we can pull it off," said coach Anthony Jones. "In the highest classification in the state, it's almost impossible to four-peat because it's all the largest schools in the state, so the talent is pretty balanced and it's very competitive. That's why it's never been done before. ... The girls are definitely confident we can do it. All we wanted was a shot at it, and now that we have it, we're gonna give it all."

Dr. Phillips (20-9) was led by transfer guard Ciara Hayes, who scored 24 points, and backcourt mate Kendall Perry, who had 9 points, 9 rebounds, 3 steals, 3 assists and 3 steals.

"It feels good reaching this point only coming in halfway through the season," Hayes said. "The points didn't come from just me; everybody contributes to it. If we didn't rebound and pass the ball, then the points wouldn't have come. We played together as a team, moved the ball well, and we came out with the win."

The Panthers await the winner of the other semifinal matchups between Ocoee High and Winter Haven High in the 7A state championship game at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 8.