King’s Academy Makes History with First State Volleyball Championship
Winter Haven, FL – In a thrilling display of skill and determination, the King’s Academy boys volleyball team clinched its inaugural state championship on Saturday, defeating SLAM (Tampa) 25-14, 25-14, 27-25 in the Class 1A state final at Polk State College. This victory marks a historic moment for the Lions, who finished the season with a commendable 22-5 record.
The Lions set the tone early, establishing a commanding 7-1 lead in the first set and cruising to an 11-point win. They maintained momentum in the second set, ultimately executing a strong 10-2 run to seal another set victory. The decisive third set saw King’s Academy battle back from a 25-24 deficit, scoring the final three points to secure the championship.
Key performances came from junior middle blocker Isaiah McCoy, who delivered 10 kills and four digs, and senior outside hitter Ryan Huff, who added 10 kills, 12 digs, and three aces, including the championship-winning kill. Coach Danielle McCoy praised her team’s resilience and chemistry, stating, “We had a lot to prove at states and played well. It’s a great feeling.”
Earlier in the tournament, King’s Academy dispatched J.C. Bermudez in the semifinals and showcased impressive growth and teamwork since the program’s inception in 2021.
In contrast, Seminole Ridge and Suncoast faced tougher ends to their respective seasons. Seminole Ridge lost a nail-biting five-set match against Southwest Miami in the Class 3A semifinals, while Suncoast bowed out in the Class 2A semifinals against Lake Howell.
Despite the losses, both teams displayed remarkable talent and promise for the future, setting the stage for a competitive next season.
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