SLAM girls basketball team’s return to state suffers painful end after close loss
The SLAM girls basketball program was at rock bottom just after the COVID-shortened season.
Four seasons later, the Titans were playing a state final four game in Lakeland for the first time since 2017.
While SLAM had a lot to be grateful for, the tears in Jim’miyah Branton and her teammates’ eyes told the story of a team that was left wanting more.
“I feel like we had pregame jitters,” Branton said. “Everyone was so excited that we didn’t come in and play how we regularly play. We always have to come in strong and play how we regularly play.”
Despite battling back from an early deficit, the Titans were unable to make the plays needed down the stretch to hold Jacksonville Bishop Kenny and dropped a deflating 46-43 decision in a Class 4A state semifinals at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland.
“We had to come out and play our game and block everything else out,” SLAM’s Adaya Montalvo said. We have to be thankful that we made it this far. It’s sad that we lost this way, but we made it this far and we’re gonna be back next year.”
The Titans (23-4), who waited a little longer than expected to start their game on Thursday after the boys semifinal before them went to triple overtime, struggled in the first quarter falling behind 9-2.
Branson and Montalvo helped SLAM battle back and tie the game at four by halftime.
But inconsistency, and an inability to slow down Bishop Kenny in the paint (26 points), ultimately doomed them to defeat.
Branton put SLAM ahead 43-42 with three minutes left. But the Titans would not score again. Branton was called for traveling with 1:21 left and Bishop Kenny took the lead moments later. Branton then put a tough shot that fell short and Bishop Kenny fired a long outlet pass to Clare Coyle who converted the fast break to stretch its edge to three points.
SLAM’s last offensive sequence ended with another giveaway, ending any hopes of a last-minute comeback.
“They played man-to-man most of the game, but switched to 2-3 late to protect the basket,” SLAM coach Krystal Cabrera said. “Unfortunately it didn’t go our way but the girls played their hearts out and gave it all they got and this experience will definitely teach us for the future.”
Cabrera and her players kept their eyes on a potentially bright future for their program. They were able to break through and become one of the state’s top teams this season.
After two losses to open the season against Somerset Prep and Blanche Ely, The Titans won 23 of their next 24 games, dropping only one game against Class 5A semifinalist American Heritage. The stretch included over teams, such as Westminster Academy, Doral, Southridge, Western, Miami Christian and even Bishop Kenny on January 5.
“I think our girls had a hell of a year and this game doesn’t define us,” Cabrera said. “It’s definitely another lesson for us as we continue to grow and build towards the next season. Luckily for us, we return the strong core that ultimately led the team throughout the season. With these experiences, in addition to others in travel ball, etc., I think we’ll have even more of an edge going into the 2024-25 season.”
