Compiled by Rod Gipson
MaxPreps.com
Boys Top 5
1. Tampa Berkeley Prep (23-4) – Vanderbilt football signee Archie Barnes scored 35 points to lead the Buccaneers to a 74-54 thrashing of St. Petersburg Catholic in the Class 3A, District 11 title game. Open the regional playoffs against Fort Myers Dunbar.
2. Tampa Plant (24-4) – Up three spots after strong district tournament performance, including 71-61 win in title game against Tampa Middleton. Open regionals by hosting tough Clearwater squad.
3. St. Petersburg Lakewood (24-2) – Got by rival St. Petersburg Gibbs 46-44 in Class 5A, District 11 title game. Hosting Venice in regional quarterfinals.
4. Tampa Prep (24-4) – The Terrapins overcame slump at end of regular season with solid district tournament. Beat Clearwater Calvary Christian 67-45 in 2A-9 district final. Up next: Winter Haven All Saints Academy.
5. Pinellas Park (23-4) – Nipped Clearwater 38-37 with free throws in the 5A-9 final. Hosting Middleton in region opener.
Honorable Mention – New Port Richey Ridgewood (23-3), Clearwater (22-4), Tampa Sickles (21-6), Brandon (21-4), Land O’ Lakes (21-6).
Girls Top 5
1. St. Petersburg Catholic (26-1) – The Barons’ machine continues to roll on towards the state finals. Opened regional play with a 71-47 thrashing of Sarasota Cardinal Mooney. Next: Fort Myers Dunbar.
2. St. Petersburg Boca Ciega (24-2) – Beat North Port by 25 points in region opener. Face a familiar opponent in region semifinals: St. Petersburg Lakewood. Bogie defeated Lakewood twice in the regular season and in the 5A-11 title game.
3. Tampa Sickles (25-2) – Smashed Sarasota 53-25 in region quarterfinals. Will host Sarasota Riverview next.
4. Tampa Plant (24-4) – Quietly working way towards possible state tournament berth. Must get past No. 5 Clearwater next.
5. Clearwater (23-5) – Destroyed Tampa Jefferson 66-27 in region opener. At Plant in region semifinals.
Honorable Mention – Land O’ Lakes (25-3), Wesley Chapel (23-4), St. Petersburg Lakewood 19-9, Tampa Freedom (20-8), Tampa Bay Tech (25-3).