Jesuit shuts out Lake Gibson in 5A-2 semis

TAMPA — Against its most formidable opponent all season, Lake Gibson found itself in a quandary against, not only the No. 1-ranked Class 5A boys team, but the 5th-ranked squad, nationally, in MaxPreps.

It was too much as Lake Gibson succumbed to the Tigers 4-0 in the Class 5A, Region 2 semifinals at Jesuit

The visiting Braves (12-4-2) found themselves down 3-0 in the first half to a more organized and solid reacting team.

“They were just too dominant in the air,” Lake Gibson coach Sage Baker said. “Their first two goals came off corner kicks.”

Coming into the match, the Tigers (15-1-2) had won nine in a row and had only one player, junior Baylen Young, with goals in double figures (11). The rest of the team’s offensive resume was a balanced attack.

Seniors Kellen Kirkpatrick-McMullen, Joseph Ringewald, Hyatt Shaw and Aris Pantzalis scored the single goals apiece and Baylen had two assists for the Tigers.

“They were very well organized in the back four (defensively),” Baker said. “But I can remember only a few times we got behind them. And their set pieces (offensively) were well rehearsed.”

Senior Armando Maldonado, the Braves’ leading scorer with 27 goals in 16 games, had his chances. 

“They just made some good saves in the nets,” Baker said.  “I don’t think he was that disappointed. … I am real proud of this group. We made a good run, made good achievements and I thank the seniors. Now we have a lot to do in the off season and am looking forward to a heavily-loaded squad of juniors and sophomores from this season.”