Wekiva Boys Battle Edgewater in Semifinal Thriller

The Wekiva Mustangs faced off against the Edgewater Eagles in a gripping Class 6A District 5 semifinal that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

 

Despite a hard-fought game, Wekiva fell 62-57, concluding their district journey but securing a spot in the regional playoffs.

 

Head coach Gersino Lubin reflected on the matchup, stating, "This was a fun game. Two competitors. We're close area schools. They know each other."

 

The game commenced with both teams exchanging baskets, setting the tone for a closely contested first quarter.

 

Edgewater edged ahead, finishing the period with a 21-15 lead.

 

In the second quarter, Wekiva's Kenny Dieujuste ignited the offense by assisting Louvens Saint Pierre for a three-pointer, sparking a dynamic stretch of play.

 

Eric Nichols showcased his skills by driving coast to coast, executing a move that left a defender off balance, and finishing with an and-one play.

 

Jasen Francillon added to the momentum with a powerful dunk, narrowing the gap to four points.

 

Edgewater responded with a dunk of their own, but Wekiva quickly countered with a long inbounds pass leading to an open slam by Dieujuste.

 

As halftime approached, Nichols drove the lane for a layup, and Dieujuste capitalized on an offensive rebound, keeping the Mustangs within striking distance.

 

A timely assist from Nichols to Kaiden Jean Louis tied the game, but Edgewater reclaimed a narrow 32-31 lead at the free-throw line before the break.

 

Wekiva emerged from halftime with determination.

 

Saint Pierre hit a free throw and set up Nichols for an open jumper, briefly giving the Mustangs the lead.

 

After an Edgewater basket, Dieujuste continued his strong inside play with a rebound and finish.

 

Defense dominated much of the third quarter, with both teams battling through physical possessions.

 

Saint Pierre connected on another long-range shot, providing Wekiva with a temporary five-point cushion.

 

However, Edgewater responded with tough finishes in the paint and trips to the foul line.

 

Late in the quarter, Jace Moore added points from the stripe, and Wekiva held a slim 46-44 lead entering the fourth.

 

Edgewater opened the final period with a three-pointer and two free throws to regain the advantage.

 

Francillon answered by taking the ball into the post and executing a spin move into a fadeaway jumper, energizing the Mustangs' bench.

 

Nichols followed with two free throws, putting Wekiva back in front.

 

In the closing minutes, turnovers and missed free throws proved costly for Wekiva.

 

Edgewater attacked the paint on consecutive possessions, building a three-point lead.

 

They then converted a fast-break dunk after a Wekiva turnover, extending their lead to five with just over three minutes remaining.

 

Nichols split a pair of free throws, and Francillon cleaned up the miss to cut the deficit to three.

 

Edgewater responded with a layup, then controlled the tempo in the final two minutes, capitalizing at the foul line to stretch the lead to six.

 

Jean Louis connected on a late three-pointer, but the Eagles sealed the game at the stripe, securing the 62-57 victory.

 

Coach Lubin acknowledged the team's areas for improvement, noting, "The little things hurt us — free throws, missed layups. The game is never perfect, but we just have to clean up those small details."

 

Nichols led Wekiva with 13 points, six rebounds, and three assists.

 

Dieujuste added 12 points and eight rebounds, while Saint Pierre contributed 10 points, three assists, and two steals.

 

Despite the loss, Wekiva advances to the regional playoffs.

 

Coach Lubin remains optimistic, stating, "If they show up and compete like they did tonight, I can go to sleep just fine. Somebody has to win, somebody has to lose. We get to watch film and grow from it. If we get another opportunity, we just have to make better choices. I can't complain — they really competed, and I'm proud of them."