Six freshman, a pair of sophomores, a seventh grader and an eighth grader - the magic combination for first-year head coach Karim Nohra and Tampa’s Carrollwood Day (28-2) - as the school clinched its first-ever state championship appearance Tuesday night.
The starting line up, made up of all freshmen, handled Bradenton Christian early in the 3A semifinal game at the Lakeland Center jumping out to a 21-point advantage at half.
Poised, under control and potent was the theme as the Patriots forced a running clock late in the third quarter - making a statement in the program’s first semifinal appearance.
Carrollwood Day ultimately finished off the Panthers, 73-37.
"I told them before the game today, it's just a game, its still a ten-foot basket, just go out there and play hard and the rest will take care of itself," Nohra said after the game.
The Patriots finished with three scorers in double digits, led by Tiasia McMillan with 22 points. Cairah Mays added 16 points, eight assists and eight steals.
"I was dancing in the locker room with them. I told them I was so proud of what they've accomplished this year," Nohra explained. “I don’t know that there’s been a team like this – all freshman - getting into the state tournament, the state final championship game. It's amazing.”
And the journey continues on Thursday for the fraternity of freshmen who will play defending 2A Champion FAMU in the 3A title game Thursday at 7 p.m.
The game will be televised live on Spectrum Sports Channel 1147.