Lakeland – The Gibbs Gladiators continued a rather infamous streak for the Tampa Bay Area as the last remaining team from Pinellas and Hillsborough out of four was eliminated from the State Semifinals by Lake Wales 63-45.  In a game that was more similar to a boat race than a basketball game, Gibbs was outscored by a 24-7 margin in the 2nd Quarter, a scene that was more or less expected by Lake Wales Head Coach Billy Dee Washington.

“We think we had a psychological advantage all the way from the 1st game during the Regular Season and then again tonight once we made that run in the 2nd Quarter.” Lake Wales defeated Gibbs earlier this season by a 77-63 margin. They were led in scoring by Marcel White’s 21 points. Leading scorer Oshey Washington only had 9 points, but a 44-30 margin on the boards, coupled with 34% FG shooting by the Gladiators rendered his services nearly obsolete as Lake Wales found themselves in cruise control by Halftime.

The Highlanders (29-2) swarmed the Gibbs Guards all night long. Junior Gary Simon was harassed every time he crossed the stripe. Something that Lake Wales certainly hanged their hats on this season and so far during this playoff run to the Finals. “That’s Lake Wales Basketball. Play defense, force bad shots, out rebound opponents, and set up the transition game.” Washington said very matter of fact.

The victory marked the Highlanders 23 consecutive win going into tomorrow’s game with nationally ranked Dwyer at 4:00 in The Lakeland Center. “Tomorrow’s game is actually very exciting. We’re actually looking forward to this. We played them this summer and have a pretty good idea what they’re going to try and do.”

Gibbs finishes the season with a 23-9 record.