Editor’s note: This story was updated with opponent information and times for the FHSAA Class 5A state semifinals.
The streak continues for the Gainesville High School girls basketball team.
The No. 2 seed Hurricanes defeated top-seed Booker T. Washington, 64-57, in Pensacola on Friday night in the FHSAA Class 5A-Region 1 Final for their seventh consecutive victory.
With the win, the ‘Canes advance to their first final four since 1987.
GHS (16-8), which was playing in its first regional final appearance in 12 years, was led by the backcourt duo of seniors Jamison Cardwell and Louisiana Tech signee Jayden Terry.
Cardwell scored 22 points and Terry had 18 points for the Hurricanes, who went 3-0 in regional play with wins against Lincoln (Tallahassee), 66-28, on Feb. 13 in the regional quarterfinals and a 61-38 win at home this past Tuesday against No. 3 seed Beachside (St. Johns).
The FHSAA Class 5A state semifinals will be held at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland on Wednesday, March 5. The state title game is on Friday, March 7.
The FHSAA reseeded the four teams, No. 1 seeds New Smyrna Beach and Northeast (Oakland Park) and No. 2 seeds GHS and Clearwater.
The Hurricanes are the No. 3 seed and will play No. 2 seed Northeast at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 5, followed by No. 1 seed New Smyrna Beach and No. 4 seed Clearwater at 5 p.m.
The GHS girls join the Hawthorne boys as two Alachua County schools who are headed to the final four.