By Staff Writer
LAKELAND, FL — Miami Norland’s boys basketball team of Miami Florida secured their seventh FHSAA state championship title in school history on Friday, defeating Tampa Blake 61-48 in the Class 5A state championship game at the RP Funding Center.
This victory marks a triumphant return for head coach Lawton Williams III, who last led Norland to a state title in 2015 as part of a four-peat in 6A. Williams, who also coached the team to state championships in 2006 and 2008, expressed his joy at finally achieving another title after a nine-year hiatus. “It’s incredibly sweet to be back on top,” he said. “We put in the hard work, often practicing at 5 a.m., and it paid off.”
Tampa Blake took an early lead, 25-22, at halftime, but Norland dominated the third quarter with a 17-5 run, taking a 39-30 lead into the final quarter. Coach Williams attributed the turnaround to their defensive strategy, saying, “We really got up and guarded them, ran and jumped and pressured the ball. We rattled them.”
Presbyterian signee Triston Wilson led Norland with 23 points and seven rebounds, while Missouri signee Marcus Allen scored seven points with eight rebounds. Wilson expressed his relief and joy at finally winning a state title after three consecutive regional final losses. Allen, who returned to Norland for his senior season after spending his junior year in Arizona, described the feeling as “unreal” and a testament to the team’s hard work and dedication.
With this victory, Norland finishes the season with a 21-10 record, while Blake ends with a 26-6 record.
Let’s Congratulate Miami Norland.
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