Versatile forward exemplifies Aquinas boys’ depth as they advance to state final
St. Thomas Aquinas boys’ basketball coach Julius Sandi calls Nate Accius his “swiss-army knife” for his versatility.
While that’s certainly applicable when describing Accius, a 6-5 junior wing, it can also apply to the Raiders as a whole.
Aquinas’ ability to shoot, pass, defend, and quickly overwhelm an opponent was on full display on Thursday afternoon as it took apart Tampa Sickles on its way to a 73-27 victory in a Class 6A state semifinal at UNF Arena.
And it’s way they are now one victory away from securing back-to-back state titles.
Aquinas (27-4) will try to achieve this when it takes on Orlando Evans (23-7) in a rematch of last year’s 6A final on Saturday at noon.
“When you have time to prepare for a team the way we did, we had to cross all the T’s and dot all the I’s and we were ready,” Sandi said. “When you have kids that have been there before and have chemistry, what more could you ask for? I’m glad we have an opportunity to repeat as state champions.”
On a team of stars, Accius stood out on Thursday.
Accius led the onslaught with 26 points and seven rebounds. He was a force in the paint. He was solid shooting from outside (8 for 13 from the field, including 3 for 6 from 3-point range). And he was an effective finisher on fast breaks in the Raiders’ up-tempo attack. Aquinas finished with 16 fast break points.
“It feels great to get a win with my teammates and a chance to go back-to-back,” Accius said. “I love being the ‘swiss-army knife’ and doing anything I can to help my team win. I love these guys and our chemistry is great and that’s what allows us to go do what we do.”
Clarence Westbrook Jr. also finished with 18 points and three steals as Aquinas took control of the game with a 17-2 run that followed a game-opening three-pointer by Sickles’ OV Nicholson.
KJ Sandi had 10 points and Zane Elliott had eight points and eight rebounds.
The Raiders led 55-21 at halftime, and prompted a running clock to start the second half after KJ Sandi hit a pair of free throws following a technical foul on Sickles (26-5).
The Gryphons were called for technical fouls three times in the game.
“We have a bunch of guys that can beat you and tonight was Nate Accius’ turn to make them pay,” Sandi said. “He was ready to play and having the same type of looks he’s had all season. People look at us and I think of Westbrook, my two kids (DJ and KJ Sandi), or Zane Elliott. But Accius had a game today, and I’m proud of him.”
