It's one of Pinellas County's finest rivalries on the basketball court, as Lakewood and Gibbs has become known for the high-intensity, fast-paced and exciting battles that captivate St. Petersburg. In fact, the last six meetings between Lakewood and Gibbs were decided by a combined total of just 25 points.
It was a different story this time around though, as Gibbs dominated the Spartans in a 23-point victory, 77-54, sweeping the regular season meeting for the second straight season. The Gladiators led by 13 at the end of the first quarter and the outcome was never in doubt, behind a defense that forced 20 Lakewood turnovers and an efficient offense led by star guard Barry Brown.
It was touted as a matchup between the two top players in Pinellas County, with Lakewood's Anthony Lawrence and the Gladiators' Brown. Lawrence, a Miami signee and the 16th-best senior in Florida, finished with 29 points and 12 rebounds. Brown earned Player of the Game honors with his 25-point, 7-rebound effort. The four-year starter has signed with Kansas State and is ranked the 29th-best senior in Florida.
These two teams expect to meet again in the district championship, and if last year is any reminder, Gibbs is not guaranteed a victory in a potential rematch. Despite losing both regular season meetings last year, Lakewood won when it mattered most, defeating the Gladiators in the district championship and the Region Semifinals, on their way to a 5A State Runner-Up finish.
Lakewood falls to 12-9 on the season and will have another very tough matchup Friday at Berkeley Prep. Gibbs (12-8) closes their district schedule on Friday vs. Southeast.
Click the video link for a full recap.