TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — The Florida High girls basketball team finished state runners up in 2017, and they've been chasing a state title ever since. The Seminoles have a young, but experienced team this season, and they're working ahrd to make sure this is the year they get it done.
"Words can't explain how bad I want it," said head coach Darryl Marshall of being so close to winning a state title.
"We don't want to feel that frustration again," added Tonie Morgan, a junior guard for the Seminoles.
Florida High has been a game away from the state Final Four twice since a loss in the 2017 State Championship game. It's a hump they're working to overcome this season.
"It's going to take everybody to step up, including our bench," said Morgan. "We can definitely do it."
It's a roster that may look young on paper, but is loaded with experience. Senior Jordan Rosier as well as Morgan were on that runner-up team four years ago, and even this teams underclassman, have years of experience.
"They're always preaching to us, even coach Marshall. We have to step our game up because we have competitive teams to play and we have to step up in order to get to Lakeland," said Laniyah Gennie, a sophomore who's been on varsity for three seasons.
"It's humbled us, it's taught us a lot of lessons," said Marshall. "We've grown a lot from me as a head coach, to the players that's been here for a while. We understand the process."
A process they've embraced.
"Getting stopped in regional semifinals and finals every year is really disappointing, but we definitely can do it," said Morgan.
"You have to relish this moment every chance you get, and that's what we're doing," said Marshall.
A moment they hope is even bigger at the end of February.
