Coral Springs continues hot streak, clinches first ever BCAA Big 8 boys’ basketball title

When the 2024 BCAA Big 8 boys championship concluded there was a newcomer in the boys’ winner circle in Coral Springs.

Behind the 21 points from senior forward Matthew Curprew-Elsy and 17 points by junior guard Alex Pierre-Louis, the Colts defeated South Plantation 53-42 for the school’s first BCAA boys Big 8 title.

Coral Springs (19-3) becomes the first boys’ team to win the Big 8 in its first appearance since Douglas in 2002.

For South Plantation (22-4), it was their second straight loss in the Big 8 final after losing to Cardinal Gibbons in last year’s championship.

“I give a shutout to my team, because without them I couldn’t do anything,” said Pierre-Louis, who was named the tournament MVP. “I’m so glad we were able to win.”

The victory was the Colts’ 13th in a row, including 12 straight by double-digits.

“I’ve been telling the kids we have the opportunity to be the best team in the county,” said Coral Springs coach Devin Barta said. “The Big 8 win cements those comments.”

A pair of technical fouls called on both teams late in the fourth quarter completely altered the momentum for both sides.

Kaiden Francis, who led the Paladins with 16 points, converted four free throws that cut the Colts lead to 42-41 with 2:56 remaining.

Then South Plantation was called a for a tech with 1:23 left due to a missing number in the official scorebook.

When it was all said done the Colts ended the game with an 11-1 run earn the victory.

The Colts’ smothering defense only allowed four Paladins points from the paint in the first half. South Plantation managed to stay within three points of the lead as they were able to convert five 3-pointers.