FHSAA 1A Championship Preview: Hawthorne vs Wildwood

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Friday, February 24, 2023, 7:00 p.m. (RP Funding Center: Lakeland, Florida)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Hawthorne Hornets (14-5) are making their third state championship game appearance in the last four seasons, after winning it all in 2020 and finishing runner-up in 2021. In 3 playoff games, the Hornets are averaging 63.7 points per game while allowing just 50 points per game. The Hornets come into play on an 8-game winning streak that dates back to January 20 where they lost to North Florida Educational Institute, 57-44. The Hornets have been led by 5'6 sophomore combo guard De'Mya Adams who is averaging 18.8 points per game and 5'9 senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='223867' first='Jaz'lyn' last='Jackson'] has been no slouch for the Lady Hornets as she comes into play averaging 17.2 points, 10.3 rebounds and 5.2 steals per game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Wildwood Wildcats (24-1) come into the championship game, on a 15-game winning streak that dates back to December 16 where they lost to 6A Gainesville, 62-44. The Lady Wildcats have also had a stifling defense all postseason allowing just 29.3 points per game. The Wildcats are seeking their third state championship in school history. Keep an eye on 5'4 sophomore point guard [player_tooltip player_id='400803' first='Trinidy' last='Harris'] who is averaging a team-high 22.3 points per game this season for the Lady Wildcats. Another name to keep an eye on will be 7th grader [player_tooltip player_id='514905' first='Zoey' last='Brown'] who eclipsed for 14 points, 3 rebounds and 6 assists in their 66-45 semifinal win over Graceville. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Players To Watch For Hawthorne: De'Mya Adams, [player_tooltip player_id='223867' first='Jaz'lyn' last='Jackson'], T'Myrah Carter</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Players To Watch For Wildwood: [player_tooltip player_id='400803' first='Trinidy' last='Harris'], [player_tooltip player_id='514905' first='Zoey' last='Brown'], Zaria Weaver</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>How Did Hawthorne Get Here? Defeated Madison County 61-50 (Regional Semifinals), Defeated Newberry 80-55 (Regional Finals), Defeated Ponce De Leon 50-45 (State Semifinals)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>How Did Wildwood Get Here? Defeated Glades Day 78-7 (Regional Semifinals), Defeated Trenton 61-36 (Regional Finals), Defeated Graceville 66-45 (State Semifinals)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prediction: Wildwood </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->