FHSAA girls basketball 7A semifinals preview: Will Dr. Phillips and Colonial advance to championship game?

We have reached the Final Four across all seven classifications in the 2022 Florida high school athletic association (FHSAA) girls’ basketball playoffs.

Starting Wednesday and continuing through Saturday, 21 games will take place at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland (Home of the NBA G-League’s Lakeland Magic). SBLive is previewing all seven semifinals matchups.

Here’s a look at the Class 7A semifinals:

Class 7A semifinal No. 1: Vero Beach vs Dr. Phillips - Friday at 12:30 p.m.

The Vero Beach Lady Indians are rolling unlike any other, currently on a 19-game winning streak and stand with a 23-3 overall record heading into the Final Four.

The Lady Indians are led by first-year head coach Kayla Woulard.

How did Vero Beach get here? The Lady Indians defeated Coral Springs 51-17 in the regional quarterfinals, defeated Santaluces 61-46 in the regional semifinals and defeated Spanish River 70-61 in the regional finals.

Players to watch for Vero Beach: Freshman guard Jaida Civil (Team’s leading scorer, averaging 16 points per game), senior guard Ella Cone (Team captain, averaging 11 points per game) and junior guard Savannah Arroyo (Averaging 13 points per game)

The Dr. Phillips Panthers (24-6) are known for their nationally ranked boys basketball program, but the girls are no slouch either. The Lady Panthers are currently on a 5-game winning streak.

The Lady Panthers are led by 13th year head coach Anthony Jones who has recorded over 200 wins for his coaching career.

How did Dr. Phillips get here? Defeated West Orange 72-39 in the regional quarterfinals, defeated Sarasota Riverview 88-53 in the regional semifinals and defeated Gulf Coast (Naples) 59-40 in the regional final.

Players to watch for Dr. Phillips: Sophomore guard Trinity Turner (Averaging 15.6 points, 8.6 rebounds and 6.6 assists per game), senior guard Kalea Rainey (Averaging 11.8 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game)

Prediction: Dr. Phillips

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Class 7A semifinal No. 2: Miami vs Colonial - Friday at 2:30 p.m.

The Miami High Stingarees are back in the Final Four for the fourth consecutive year and are the reigning Class 7A runners-up.

The Stingarees come into the Final Four on an 11-game winning streak that dates to January 14 where they lost to St. Thomas Aquinas.

How did Miami High get here? Defeated Coral Gables 84-3 in the regional quarterfinals, defeated Doral Academy 55-23 in the regional semifinal and defeated South Broward 52-36 in the regional final.

Players to watch for Miami: Senior guard Janay Quinn (11.9 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game), senior guard Cameron Araujo (10.6 points and 4.9 rebounds per game) and junior forward Joelle Wilson (Team’s leading rebounder at 9.8 rebounds per game)

The Colonial Grenadiers may have the quickest backcourt in the state, with senior guard Carmen Richardson and junior guard Sophya Barreiro.

The Lady Grenadiers are led by head coach Cindy Richardson, who is in her 21st season as the head coach. Richardson has picked up over 300 wins as head coach of the Lady Grenadiers.

How did Colonial get here? Defeated Timber Creek 46-31 in the regional quarterfinal, defeated Oakleaf 44-36 in the regional semifinal and defeated Spruce Creek 41-37 in the regional final.

Players to watch for Colonial: Sophomore guard Carmen Richardson (14.3 points and 5.7 rebounds per game), junior guard Milan Santos (10.4 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game) and junior guard Sophya Barriero (Team’s leader in assists; 2.8 per game)

Prediction: Colonial