Gryphons are bound for Lakeland

Posted Mar 3, 2010 by Joey Johnston

Updated Mar 3, 2010 at 02:16 PM

The Sickles Gryphons, two victories away from the Class 5A boys basketball state championship, are bound for Lakeland this afternoon.

After enjoying a pregame meal from the Sickles High School culinary arts department, then getting a rousing sendoff from the student body, the Gryphons boarded a charter bus at 12:20 p.m. and headed for the Lakeland Center.

Sickles, appearing in its first final four, meets the Niceville Eagles in the Class 5A state semifinals this afternoon at 4. The winner faces either Bartow or Palm Beach Gardens Dwyer on Thursday night at 7 for the state title.

“We’re just trying to get focused and not get overwhelmed by the stage we’re putting ourselves on,’’ Gryphons senior point guard Jordan Davis said. “We’re trying to keep it as normal as possible, even though for the past week or so, every game could be our last.

“We’ll probably be a little nervous at first. That’s normal. Once the ref throws the ball in the air, we’ll settle down. Then it’s just a game.’’

Another Sickles senior, guard Jack Holland, said he knows his basketball career is winding to a close. Holland is seeking an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy.

“We’re living in the moment,’’ Holland said. “You want to enjoy it, soak it all in. But you want to give it everything you possibly have, so you can look back with no regrets.’’

Sickles coach Renaldo Garcia participated in the state final four as a player. He was a sophomore guard in 1985, when Tampa Catholic lost against Riviera Beach Suncoast in the Class 2A semifinals.

“It went by fast,’’ Garcia said. “I was too young to even realize what it was all about. I just want us to value every possession, to play with the same style that got us here. If we can do that, I think we’re going to be just fine.’’