Tritons, Lightning headed to state finals
It’s three down and two to go for the Mariner Tritons in the boys’ basketball playoffs. It’s also their first trip to Lakeland since the 1995 state runner-up season.
Lehigh punched its ticket to the Class 7A semifinals in Lakeland for the first time in school history in the first season under coach Greg Coleman, who previously coached at Ida Baker and Island Coast.
The Tritons (22-7) are the designated home team for Thursday’s FHSAA Class 6A State Semifinals at Lakeland, but it matters little to them that the playoff game is far from home and the distractions they put behind them in winning three road games in the regional round.
“It’s our first state semi in a long time,” said coach Jeremy Dearinger, who was asked to lead the team after James Harris was arrested on the eve of their district championship game against Lely, which the Tritons lost. “I am pleased to see the kids bonding together, it’s really awesome. This is good for the school and good for the kids. Setbacks are hard to overcome. The kids coined a phrase – Bounce Back. That’s pretty much sums up our season.”
As district runner-up, the Tritons had to hit the road for all three regional games. Dearinger said after the Tritons beat St. Pete Gibbs in the quarterfinals that getting out of the area had a tremendous effect on the kids. He saw no lingering effect after districts.
Dearinger still contends the Tritons are extremely balanced, having Jahmel Myers, Amari Haynes and Nehemiah Darrett all standing over 6-foot-7 for a formidable inside game and sharpshooters Brandon and Sean Kostyk on the perimeter.
The Tritons square off against Palatka at 1 p.m. on Thursday after Lehigh faces Edgewater at 11 a.m.
“Palatka is quick, but with our size it is difficult to stop two or three guys,” said Dearinger. “Sebring gave up a bunch of threes by Sean and Brandon Kostyk. Our defense will have to be extremely aggressive and we have to protect the ball.”
Dearinger believes Myers must have a huge game on Thursday.
“He’s done that the last few games,” said Dearinger. “He has led us in all categories and nearly had a couple of double-doubles. He’s not a point guard, but he will draw their big defenders out to guard him.”
Coleman has had to overcome a distraction at Lehigh after arguably its best player was tragically shot and killed last year.
“It was a bit rough early in the season,” said Coleman. “Under tragic circumstances you either come closer because of it or it breaks you apart. We came closer and put it behind us. We became very resilient.”
While it’s the first trip to the basketball state semifinals for the Lightning, it is for Coleman as well.
“Baker and Island Coast weren’t so much a training ground because certain years I had talent,” said Coleman. “I had to find different ways to win. We win differently here with a different type of team. I learn more every year as a coach and my style has changed. I have to adapt to what the guys do well and what they don’t do well.”
Coleman expects a dogfight from Edgewater, but remains very optimistic of the Lightning’s chances to advance to the finals on Saturday.
“We’ve played on the big stage all year,” Coleman said. “Our regular season schedule got us here. We played a tough non-district schedule, faced the best teams in the area and throughout the state.”
On film, Edgewater appears similar to Lehigh as they like to push the ball up the court and use a half-court and full court defense.
“Our schedule got us ready,” said Coleman. “We just have to do what we do and hope we score more points than they do.”