Class 1A completed its state tournament last week with Weston Sagemont hoisting the championship trophy. Here are our picks for the All-Tournament Team.
Matthew Able, Weston Sagemont (MVP): The 6’4 national top 30 senior capped off a stellar season with his play in Lakeland. Able put up a double-double in the semis with 25 points and 11 rebounds. He followed that up with 20 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 steals in the title game triumph. Able recently re-opened his college recruiting after getting released from his Letter of Intent with the University of Miami due to the uncertainty of the coach staff. Able has stated that Miami is still in the mix.
Patrick Liburd, Weston Sagemont: The 6’5 senior and Coastal Carolina signee contributed 7 points, 8 rebounds and 4 blocks in the team’s semi-final victory. His performance elevated significantly on the biggest stage with 29 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 blocks in the championship game. It was a tremendous finale for Liburd as he missed much of the season with a hand injury, returning just in time for the playoffs.
Tucker Fox. Lakeland Victory Christian: People will remember the 5’10 junior for draining a three-pointer just before the horn to give Victory Christian the victory in the fourth overtime of the semi-final game over favored North Tampa Christian. That wasn’t all he did. In that semi-final, Fox tallied 17 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists and 5 steals. He continued his fine play in the title game, dropping in 16 points.
M.J. McCalla, Lakeland Victory Christian: The 6’4 junior was highly successful in battling bigger opponents in both the semis and the title game. McCalla had 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 blocked shots in the four-overtime game vs North Tampa Christian in the semis and followed that up with a double-double of 16 points and 12 rebounds in the finals vs. Sagemont.
Caleb Sanders, North Tampa Christian: One has to wonder what would have been if the 6’7 senior hadn’t fouled out prior to the fourth overtime against Victory Christian in the semi-finals. He finished that game with 19 points and 14 rebounds.
Honorable Mention
Anthony Knowles, Weston Sagemont
Jozia Scott, Lakeland Victory Christian
Sterling Moody, Jacksonville Impact Christian