L.E.A.D. Academy’s girls basketball team saw its season end in gut-wrenching fashion as the Lions fell 62-59 in overtime on Friday at home to 2025 state runner-up North Florida Educational Institute.

Jay head girls basketball coach Jorey Diamond needed a moment before answering a question about what this season has meant to him.


He fought back getting choked up, pausing before speaking, the sting of a 66-49 loss to Williston in the FHSAA Rural state championship game on Friday night still fresh and cutting deep.

Jay’s girls basketball team is 32 minutes of hoops away from ending a 30-year wait for a state championship.


The Royals face Williston on Friday night in the Rural title game, taking aim at the program’s first state crown since 1996.

L.E.A.D. Academy’s girls basketball team has enjoyed a historic season. The Lions hope to keep it going on Friday night when they host North Florida Educational Institute in a 1A Elite Eight showdown. 

Pace’s baseball team is used to playing with high expectations.


And though the Patriots lost key seniors from last year’s team, they have continued to find ways to win.

Milton hoops standout Mateo Robinson has been named the Florida Athletic Coaches Association District 1 Player of the Year.

Pace and Milton competed in the Eagle Invitational at Pine Forest on Feb. 21.

Presley Hawthorne went into the locker room at halftime of Tuesday’s Rural state semifinal and laid on the floor.


She needed a moment to catch her breath, even if the Jay Royals did hold a 30-18 lead over Hilliard here at the University of North Florida Arena in Jacksonville.

Jay led from start to finish in a 53-39 win over Hilliard in a Rural state semifinal Tuesday afternoon at the University of North Florida Arena in Jacksonville.


Three players scored in double figures in a victory that punches a trip to the state championship game on Friday night.

Jiavers Yacinthe will compete in the NJCAA indoor track meet March 6-7 at Washburn.