FHSAA boys basketball 4A semifinals preview: Calvary Christian Academy comes into Final Four ranked No. 7 in the nation in SBLive/SI Power 25

We have reached the Final Four across all seven classifications in the 2022 Florida high school athletic association (FHSAA) boys 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 4A semifinals:

Class 4A semifinal No. 1: Gibbs (St. Petersburg) vs. Andrew Jackson - Thursday at 10 a.m.

The first 4A semifinal features the Gibbs Gladiators (21-7), who are making their first Final Four appearance since 2011, and a talented Andrew Jackson (28-2) squad who is back in the Final Four for the second consecutive year.

The Gladiators are led by head coach Larry Murphy who is finishing his 17th year at the helm.

How did Gibbs get here? Defeated South Sumter 56-55 in the regional quarterfinals, defeated Parrish Community 65-57 in the regional semifinals and defeated Brooksville Central 59-55 in the regional final.

Players to watch for Gibbs: Freshman guard Jacob Daniels (11.8 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game), junior forward Marcus Calvin (11.8 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game) and freshman guard Mathis Roberts (10.7 points and 3.6 rebounds per game)

Andrew Jackson is coming into Lakeland on a 22-game winning streak that dates back to December 17.

After losing in the semifinals last year, the Tigers return most of their roster.

How did Andrew Jackson get here? Defeated Marianna 63-60 in the regional quarterfinals, defeated Santa Fe (Alachua) 56-33 in the regional semifinals and defeated Bay (Panama City) 63-49 in the regional final.

Players to watch for Andrew Jackson: Senior forward Stephon Payne (10.3 points and 9.0 rebounds per game), senior forward Andre Myers (7.3 points and 5.3 rebounds per game) and senior guard Jaden Brill (6.5 points and 4.0 rebounds per game)

Prediction: Andrew Jackson

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Class 4A semifinal No. 2: Lake Highland Prep vs Calvary Christian Academy (Fort Lauderdale) - Thursday at Noon

The second Class 4A semifinal might be the best game of the week.

The No. 3 ranked team in Class 4A, the Lake Highland Prep Highlanders (25-3), take on one of the best teams in the country - the Calvary Christian Academy Eagles (22-2).

The Highlanders come into Lakeland on an 11-game winning streak that dates to January 22.

The Highlanders are led by fifth-year head coach Ben Fratrik who is making his second Final Four appearance in the last three seasons (they lost 65-54 to Tampa Catholic in 2020).

How did Lake Highland Prep get here? Defeated Cocoa 68-44 in the regional quarterfinals, defeated Pine Ridge 69-44 in the regional semifinals and defeated Satellite 76-56 in the regional final.

Players to watch for Lake Highland Prep: Senior guard Brice Sensabaugh (24.6 points and 7.6 rebounds per game), senior guard Jared Berry (13.5 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game), senior forward Jah Quinones (8.8 points and 7.3 rebounds per game)

Calvary Christian Academy comes into the game ranked No. 7 in the country in the latest SBLive/Sports Illustrated Sports Power 25 National Rankings.

The Eagles are led by eighth-year head coach Cilk McSwinney who is in the Final Four for the second consecutive year. Calvary Christian won the Class 3A title in 2021.

How did Calvary Christian Academy get here? Defeated Hallandale 70-28 in the regional quarterfinals, defeated North Broward Prep 53-41 in the regional semifinal and defeated Mater Lakes Academy 69-59 in the regional final.

Players to watch for Calvary Christian Academy: Senior forward Tayler Hendricks (15.1 points and 7.8 rebounds per game), junior guard Marvel Allen (13.6 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game), junior guard Carl Cherenfant (11.9 points and 3.4 rebounds per game), senior forward Gregg Glenn II (10.3 points and 6.1 rebounds per game) and senior forward Brenen Lorient (8.7 points and 5.7 rebounds per game)

Prediction: Calvary Christian Academy