LAKELAND, Fl. (WTXL) - For the St. John Paul II boys basketball team, this season is already history making. The Panthers were crowned District Champs for the first time since 2007, they made it to the Final Four for the first time, but how sweet would a State title be? To claim the Class 3A State Championship on Tuesday, the Panthers had to get by two time defending State Champion Orlando Christian Prep.
St. John Paul II, started off strong, leading OCB by one after the first quarter before entering halftime up 13.
.@CoachNixonJPII told me before the game they saw this state championship as David V Goliath. At the half, the Panthers lead OCP 29-16. Safe to say David came fully loaded. @abc27
— Kyle Logan (@Kylelogan24) March 6, 2019
The defending State Champs would chip away at the Panthers lead, sending this one to overtime.
Second OT game for us today. We’re tied 43-43. @abc27
— Kyle Logan (@Kylelogan24) March 6, 2019
It was in overtime where the Panthers showed their grit. Senior Allan Jeanne-Rose dunked at the buzzer to win it 50-48, sealing up the Panthers first State Championship.
Here they are, your Class 3A state champions! @abc27 pic.twitter.com/pBCQZmqXA1
— Kyle Logan (@Kylelogan24) March 6, 2019
