Academy at the Lakes girls state semifinal set for 2:30 p.m. Tuesday

Posted Feb 19, 2012 by Mike Camunas

Updated Feb 19, 2012 at 02:26 PM

Academy at the Lakes girls basketball will play its state semifinal at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Lakeland Center, the first of the two 2A semifinals matches.

The Wildcats (22-5), as well as veteran coach Karim Nohra, advanced to their first-ever state semifinal by defeating Winter Garden Foundation 64-28 on Saturday night. This dominating win followed two other blowouts of Winter Haven All Saints’ Academy and Avon Park Walker Memorial Academy 71-33 and 85-37, respectively. Academy is also 2A-8 district champs.

The Wildcats are led by speedy guard Samantha Fernandez, who had 17 points Saturday night, and Amelia Oliver. who scored a game-high 23 points against Winter Garden.

The news of Academy getting the early game time is welcomed by Academy’s boys basketball team, which host its own region semifinal Tuesday night at 7 against All Saints’. The girls early game time allows boys players to attend and support their female peers before returning to Land O’ Lakes for their game.

For live updates for both of Academy’s boys and girls basketball games Tuesday, follow us on Facebook here and Twitter here.