The only thing missing from Saturday's FHSAA Region 4-3A final between reigning state champion Parkway Academy and American Heritage is Beyoncé singing the Etta James classic At Last before tipoff.

A buildup that started three months ago ends when the McDonald's All-American guard Erica Wheeler leads No. 1-ranked Parkway Academy (29-3) against No. 2 American Heritage (23-5), and its star duo of 6-1 forward Bianca Lutley, the state's top-ranked player, and 6-2 center Sandra Garcia at the 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. ``We knew we had to prepare for American Heritage. Who knows the outcome? I know who I feel is going to win, but I am not going to talk through the papers. I'm just going to put it out on the court.''

The winner advances to the state semifinals in Lakeland on Wednesday, when it will face the Tampa Catholic-Melbourne Central Catholic winner.

Parkway has been the Patriots' roadblock to states in each of the past two seasons, which has only fanned what was already a heated rivalry.

Curiously enough, the teams have managed to avoid each other during the regular season, making tonight their first meeting since a 56-42 Panthers victory in the Region Final last February.

For the first time during that span, the Patriots enter as decided favorites, with Garcia averaging career highs (22 ppg, 14 rpg) and the addition of Lutley, the Florida Class 4A Player of the Year for Pensacola High School last season.

An interesting subplot developed this past week when Lutley, to the surprise of some, was left off the McDonald's All-American team. That perceived snub, said Garcia, will make Lutley, ranked No. 25 by ESPN HoopGurlz, come out with something to prove.

''I think Bianca definitely should have been All-American,'' Garcia said. ``I think Bianca is a more of an all-around player than Erica because of her height advantage. Now that we found out she didn't make it, it will push her a little bit more.''

Wheeler, ranked No. 39, believes Lutley will try to send a message to the McDonald's selection committee with her best game of the year. If that happens, Wheeler said she will be ready to put her own McDonald's credentials on show.

''It's not about me, it's about making my teammates better,'' Wheeler said. ``But I don't think Heritage is going to put Bianca on me. If they do, they can go back home. She can't play me. I know how determined I am about winning a second state title.''