Leesburg's Yellow Jackets fall in 5A basketball semifinals with 59-58 loss to Choctawhatchee

LAKELAND – The Leesburg High School boys basketball team’s hopes for a third state title in five years ended Thursday with a 59-58  loss to Fort Walton Beach Choctawhatchee in the FHSAA Class 5A state semifinals at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland.

With the loss, Leesburg closed out its season with a 16-5 record, while Choctawhatchee improved to 26-2 and will play at 3 p.m. Saturday for the state championship.

In the second half, Leesburg made multiple runs at the Indians, closing the deficit to one point at 43-42 early in the fourth quarter. After the Indians rebuilt a five-point advantage, the Yellow Jackets to within one again at 47-46, this time on a putback by Charles Hill.

Analysis:Leesburg and Choctawhatchee face off in Class 5A state semifinals

Camerin James gave Leesburg’s only lead of the game at 55-54 on a layup with 1:06 to play.

Jamil Bowles then scored on a layup and free throw on the Indians ensuing possession for a 57-55 lead with 48 seconds left.

From there, an offensive foul against the Yellow Jackets on a drive by Justice Robinson gave the ball back to Choctawhatchee with 36 seconds to play. A pair of free throws for the Indians down the stretch was enough to seal the win.

Leesburg struggled to score from the field, particularly in the first half. The Yellow Jackets missed their first seven shots and finished first quarter shooting just 21% (3-of-14) – Leesburg’s only baskets were a trio of 3-pointers in the final two minutes by Andre Carter.

Still, combined with their trademark defensive pressure, the Yellow Jackets were able to stay within striking distance. Choctawhatchee committed 18 turnovers through the first three quarters, largely due to Leesburg’s defensive pressure.

Carter led Leesburg with 17 points.