TAMPA -- Pine Crest's postseason magic apparently doesn't extend north of the Broward County line.

The Panthers' unlikely run through the regional playoffs ended with a thud in the state final four Friday, as powerful Berkeley Prep dominated Pine Crest 3-0 in the Class 3A semifinals.

The Buccaneers sliced through the previously stout Panthers, and Pine Crest's scoring opportunities were few and far between.

''They had a good offense and put away their chances,'' Pine Crest keeper Wyatt Zeller said. ``It's upsetting at first, but you have to realize that I don't think this school has ever gotten to this point. But, of course, it stings.''

Berkeley Prep (29-2-0) didn't take long to draw first blood.

In the 10th minute, J.D. Post beat Zeller with a low shot that sneaked inside the left post. Eri Jacobs got the assist.

In an instant, the underdog Panthers (19-5-3) were in a 1-0 hole.

''The idea was to get up on them early,'' Berkeley Prep coach Timothy Cooper said. ``We thought they might bunker in. The key was to get that early goal. That first goal really helped.''

Ten minutes later, Berkeley Prep doubled its lead with an incredible individual effort by T.J. Roehn. The striker redirected a failed clear past Zeller with a powerful blast off his right laces.

Pine Crest's only true opportunity of the period came in the 32nd minute, when Matt O'Connor blasted a free kick to the left post. But Berkeley Prep keeper Alex Jenkins fought through a screen to make a sliding save.

The first 20 minutes of the second half were played at a near-standstill, before Berkeley Prep put the game out of reach in the 65th minute when Jacobs sent in a rebound off a blocked shot by Kevin Harvey.

For Pine Crest, which scored just three goals in three regional games, it was too much to overcome.

''They have to hold their heads up high,'' Pine Crest coach Miguel Martin said. ``This team battled all the way. This shows what this team can do if you have no egos.''

GIRLS' BASKETBALL

• Region 4-6A final preview: Miramar will try to add another notch Saturday night to what already is its best season ever.

The Patriots (19-6), who ousted defending Class 6A state champion South Broward on Tuesday, play host to Delray Beach Atlantic at 7 p.m. in the Region 4-6A final. Miramar can advance to its first state final four with a victory.

The Patriots are one of an impressive seven Broward County teams still alive in this year's playoffs.

Miramar is led by senior guard Kynesha Hepburn, who is averaging 21.8 points per game and has made 51 of 72 three-pointers this season.

Also trying to reach states for the first time are Nova (Class 5A), Archbishop McCarthy (4A), American Heritage (3A) and Westlake Prep (1A).

Heritage will have to beat defending Class 3A champion Parkway Academy, which is led by McDonald's All-American guard Erica Wheeler.

In Class 2A, Hollywood Christian is attempting to advance to states for the second consecutive season.

-- ANDRE C. FERNANDEZ

• Region 4-3A final preview: A buildup that started three months ago ends when the Wheeler leads top-ranked Parkway Academy (29-3) against No. 2 American Heritage (23-5) and 6-1 forward Bianca Lutley, the state's top-ranked player, and star center Sandra Garcia in Saturday's Region 4-3A final at Miramar Youth Enrichment Center.

''I've been waiting for this since the season started,'' said Wheeler, who is averaging 21 points, seven rebounds and six assists.

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