An Orlando high school boys basketball team is getting closer to the state championship, where it could play for its second state title in a row — and it’s just Treig Burke’s second year as a head coach.

But first — they have to win Monday's semifinal game. 

  • Orlando Christian Prep basketball to play semifinal 
  • OCP boys basketball has won 6 state championships
  • Watch OCP play Florida A&M Monday at 6 p.m.: watch live stream.

“To maintain the standards the previous teams and previous kids have set is definitely difficult,” Burke said.

Orlando Christian Prep plays for a state title just about every year. They’ve won six state championships.

Coach Burke said the sustained success of the program puts pressure on him and the players to keep it going every year.

“I think the guys welcome the challenge and relish the challenge, and every day they bring it and give their best effort,” Burke said.

In practice, Burke pushes his players to improve.

“Some days they need a little more motivation and a push, but for the most part they know what they want to accomplish and what it’s going to take to do that,” Burke said.

This year, the team traveled all over the country playing some of the best teams in the United States. They suffered a few losses, but the team has now won six straight games and are among the final four teams left standing in Class 3A.

“There’s a bunch of kids all over the state that wish they had a practice today, so don’t take that for granted,” Burke said. “Take advantage of every opportunity to practice, to get better, so you’ll be ready to play in these games, because you don’t get a second chance.”

Coach Burke’s players are now just two wins away from winning a second championship in a row. He’s confident all of the hard work will pay off.

“I feel good,” said Burke. “Anything can happen when we get to Lakeland, but we’ve been gradually playing well and improving.

Orlando Christian Prep plays Florida A&M Monday night at 6 p.m. for a chance to go to the championship game.

The state championship games are played in Lakeland, but you can watch them all streaming live on mynews13.com/sports. Just click on the ‘Stream FHSAA State Championships’ box on the right side of the page.