Tarpon Springs magical run to the Final Four ended with a 65-59 loss to Tallahassee Rickards in the Class 5A state semifinals.
Rickards, led by Javon Wooten’s 15 points and Maurice Howard’s 14, will play for the 5A title LIVE on BHSN (Channel 47/HD 1147) on Saturday at 10 a.m.
The Spongers controlled the game in the first two quarters, taking a 28-24 lead into the locker room at the half.
In the first quarter, Tarpon Springs built a 19-6 first quarter lead shooting 64% from the field. Senior Scottie James scored nine of his team-high 16 points in the first to help the Spongers cushion their lead. Rickards shot only three of 13 from the field in the first.
In the second, after committing only four turnovers in the opening quarter, the Spongers turned it over seven times in the second to help Rickards close the gap.
Rickards came out more physical and aggressive in the second half and it showed on the boards. The Raiders won the boards battle in the third (13-5) to help them take the lead for the first time.
In the fourth, Rickards held an eight-point lead with under a minute to go. Spongers junior Israel Atkins and sophomore Micah James each hit three’s to keep things interesting, but Rickards was able to close out the game with free throws.