CORAL SPRINGS – Save for a stretch in the second half, it was relatively clear that the Lake Worth Trojans were not going to allow their boys basketball season to end last night (Feb. 17).
Trojans guard Calvin Sirmans led his team with 22 points, while fellow standout Marvin Golf added 18 points in their 83-75 road win over Coral Springs.
The two dominant Lake Worth players made sure to take care of business on the floor as the Trojans (19-3) got past the Class 7A-Region 3 quarterfinals and into next week’s regional semifinal round.
Lake Worth’s 43-21 halftime lead over Coral Springs (16-11 final record) was enough to withstand a second-half rally by the home team.
“Every time I got the ball, I felt like nobody could guard me,” said Golf, who had 13 points in the first half. “I did what I could to get the ball in the rim.”
Golf spoke on how his team could get each other involved in the early going of games they play.
“I just felt like we have to trust each other, work together, and play together,” Golf said. “That’s it.”
Golf spoke on how Lake Worth can overcame a late push by any opponent, including Coral Springs.
“I feel like we just gotta step on their necks and keep pushing,” Golf said. “Just finish the game strong.”
Sirmans spoke on what Lake Worth needs to do in its next game from start to finish.
Sirmans can attest to that, as his second-half effort galvanized Lake Worth in a big way.
“We came out with energy,” Sirmans said. “Last game was against Wellington. We had a bad game, so we had to get back in the groove with energy and ball pressure. We just came out and played.”
“I feel like we gotta close games out and play defense from start time finish,” Sirmans said. “Stay locked in throughout the whole game.”
Sirmans spoke on his relationship with his mother, who is a Lake Worth alum herself and played girls basketball for the Lady Trojans in her heyday.
“Ever since third grade, she has been in the stands,” Sirmans said. “I always make sure I find out where she is and make eye contact. We just know it’s go time from there.”
NOTE: Fifth-seeded Lake Worth will be hosting eighth-seeded Forest Hill (20-5) next Tuesday night (Feb. 22; 7 p.m. tip-off) in the 7A-Region 3 semifinals.
OTHER REGIONAL QUARTERFINAL RESULTS: PALM BEACH COUNTY
7A-REGION 3: No. 3 seed Wellington 52, No. 6 seed Palm Beach Central 47
Wellington (22-6) advances to 7A-Region 3 semifinal round and will play on the road next Tuesday night at No. 2 seed Osceola (Kissimmee) (19-5).
Palm Beach Central (21-5) ends its best season in school history.
7A-REGION 3: No. 8 seed Forest Hill 75, No. 1 seed Centennial 73
Forest Hill advances to 7A-Region 3 semifinal round and will play at Lake Worth next Tuesday night.
6A-REGION 4: No. 6 seed Dwyer 77, No. 3 seed North Miami 58
Dwyer (21-3) advances to 6A-Region 4 semifinal round and will play at No. 2 seed Martin County (23-4) next Tuesday night.
5A-REGION 4: No. 4 seed Belen Jesuit 50, No. 5 seed Suncoast 26
Suncoast (19-6) has concluded its season.
3A-REGION 3: No. 8 seed Cardinal Newman 43, No. 1 seed Benjamin 36
Cardinal Newman (13-11) advances to 3A-Region 3 semifinal round and will play at No. 4 seed Holy Trinity Episcopal (18-11) next Tuesday night.
Benjamin (15-8) has concluded its season.
3A-REGION 3: No. 2 seed St. John Paul II 46, No. 3 seed John Carroll Catholic 43
St. John Paul II (16-10) advances to 3A-Region 3 semifinal round and will host No. 3 seed Santa Fe Catholic (16-12) next Tuesday night.
3A-REGION 3: No. 4 seed Holy Trinity Episcopal 56, No. 5 seed Jupiter Christian 50
Jupiter Christian (15-9) has concluded its season.
3A-REGION 3: No. 3 seed Santa Fe Catholic 54, No. 6 seed St. Andrew’s 38
St. Andrew’s (18-8) has concluded its season.
2A-REGION 4: No. 1 seed Sagemont 67, No. 8 seed Atlantic Christian 39
Atlantic Christian (12-6) concludes its season.
2A-REGION 4: No. 4 seed Lake Worth Christian 61, No. 5 seed Highlands Christian 52
Lake Worth Christian (19-7) advances to 2A-Region 4 semifinal round and will be on the road at No. 1 seed Sagemont (22-6) next Tuesday night.
NOTE: All regional semifinal games will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 22 at 7 p.m.
PHOTO CREDITS: Xavon Christopher and Keith Forde
