Miami Christian girls’ basketball advances to state for third time in four years

Miami Christian’s defense was a stubborn current, denying penetration and forcing more than 20 turnovers in a Region 4-2A final girls’ basketball victory Thursday over West Palm Beach Berean Christian.

With the 67-45 win, the Victors clinched a trip to the state tournament for the third time in four years. They won titles in their two previous visits.

“It was very emotional,” said Isabella Aversa, who scored 16 points for the Victors. “I’ve been in the gym all week trying to get extra shots. I had a lot of expectations and want to play for the state championship as a sophomore.”

Jazlyn Laguna and Maria De Gracia scored 11 points apiece for the Victors (14-13), who will be a No. 4 seed and play a Class 2A state semifinal against top-seeded Ocoee Central Florida Christian Academy on Tuesday at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland at a time to be announced.

“It’s very exciting,” Laguna said. “I’ve never had this before. I have a coach that believes in me and great teammates.”

The Victors allowed a 3-pointer for the first points of the game, but responded with an 11-0 run and never looked back. They outscored the Bulldogs 20-4 in the second quarter and pushed their lead to as many as 26 points in the blowout.

Jaylyn Laguna chipped in nine points in the win. Bianca Galagarza scored eight for the Victors. Ashley Hendricks scored 22 points for the Bulldogs (15-5).

“We prepared,” Victors coach Chanel Davila said. “We watched film on them. … It’s a blessing. I keep telling them it’s nothing like you’ve experienced in your whole life.”