Lady Sailors capture second consecutive district title

The Sarasota High girls basketball team had something to prove.

After falling to Lakewood Ranch twice during the regular season, the Lady Sailors knew it was going to take a valiant team effort to top the Lady Mustangs on their home court.

But, having played in a number of big games before, including five straight district championships, Sarasota wasn’t about to back down.

With her team trailing by eight points in the final seconds of the first half, Camille Giardina sank a 3-pointer as time expired.

The basket gave Sarasota the momentum it needed, and the Sailors went on a 17-4 run en route to a 57-47 victory in the Class 7A-District 10 championship Jan. 31.

“I can’t say enough about the girls’ focus and their heart,” says coach Rob Jutras. “I’m really proud that they understand the tradition that we have put in place at Sarasota.”

Giardina finished with a team-high 24 points. Zharia Grable added 17 points, and Shelby Miller finished with 12 points for Sarasota.

With the win, the Lady Sailors captured their second-consecutive district title and will host St. Petersburg Northeast in the regional quarterfinals Feb. 6. If Sarasota wins, the Lady Sailors could face Lakewood Ranch for the fourth time this season in the regional semifinals Feb. 11.

“We’ve been there,” Jutras says. “We know what big games are about. We know how to handle it. We don’t get rattled when the scoreboard’s not in our favor. They earned it.”

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected].