The 2024 Florida State High School Final Four is now upon us. We start our previews off with the 2A division. The top four teams in the state are ready to clash with 2A starting Tuesday, May 21 at 11 AM.

Watch: https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/watch-events

Game 1: No. 4 Academy at the Lakes vs. No. 1 Evangelical Christian (ECS)

Academy at the Lakes:

Key Players: Alexis Gattuso (.402 average), Molly Blackwood (4 home runs), Shannon Kendall (2.25 ERA, 130 strikeouts).
Path to the Final Four: Academy at the Lakes advanced by defeating Cornerstone Charter Academy 6-2 in the Region Final. Key contributions came from Kiana Wright and Shannon Kendall, each driving in 2 runs. Kendall dominated the circle, allowing no earned runs and striking out 13 batters.

Evangelical Christian (ECS):

Key Players: Makayla Jakubuwski (.505 average), Florida commit Kylie Shaw (30 stolen bases), Zoe Yzaguirre (0.136 ERA, 212 strikeouts).
Path to the Final Four: ECS secured their spot by defeating Moore Haven 14-0 in a dominant performance. Zoe Yzaguirre threw a perfect game, striking out 12 batters. Offensively, Kiley Davie and Jakubuwski each contributed 2 RBIs.

Matchup Analysis: This semifinal promises to be a good one. Academy at the Lakes will rely on Alexis Gattuso’s consistent hitting and Molly Blackwood’s power. However, the key to their success lies in Shannon Kendall’s arm, which has been a reliable force in the circle.

On the other hand, Evangelical Christian boasts a formidable lineup with Makayla Jakubuwski leading the charge at the plate and Kylie Shaw’s speed on the bases. Their ace, Zoe Yzaguirre, has been virtually unhittable this season, posting a microscopic ERA and showcasing her strikeout prowess.

Prediction: While Academy at the Lakes has demonstrated resilience and skill, ECS’s combination of powerful hitting and exceptional pitching makes them the favorite. Yzaguirre’s perfect game in the previous round highlights her dominance, and if she continues her form, ECS is likely to secure their place in the championship game. However, if Kendall can replicate her regional final performance and the Academy at the Lakes’ bats come alive, things could get interesting in Clermont.

Fans can expect a high-energy game with standout performances as these two talented teams battle for a spot in the championship final.

Game 2: No. 2 University Christian vs. No. 3 John Carroll Catholic

University Christian:

Key Players: Senior pitcher and USC Upstate commit Sophia Kardatzke leads the team with a stellar .667 batting average and five home runs. In the circle, Kardatzke boasts a 1.57 ERA and has racked up 195 strikeouts this season.
Path to the Final Four: University Christian secured their spot by defeating Providence School 10-0. Jaleigha Harris was impressive, going 2-3 with 2 RBIs, and Kate Dell’alba matched her with a 2-3 performance and 3 RBIs. Kardatzke was dominant in the circle, throwing a no-hitter and striking out nine batters.

John Carroll Catholic:

Key Players: Sophia Loreto leads the offense with a .463 batting average. The pitching staff is anchored by Isabella Ramirez, who has a 2.06 ERA, and Makayla Ortiz, with a 1.75 ERA.
Path to the Final Four: John Carroll advanced by defeating Miami Christian 12-3. Cristina Leschander was a key contributor, hitting a home run and going 2-5 with 3 RBIs. Ramirez and Ortiz shared pitching duties in the win, showcasing their depth and versatility in the circle.

Matchup Analysis: This game pits University Christian’s dominant pitching and powerful hitting against John Carroll’s balanced offense and reliable pitching duo. University Christian’s Kardatzke has been the cornerstone of her team’s success, excelling both at the plate and in the circle. Her no-hitter in the regional final underscores her capability to take over a game.

John Carroll’s offense, led by Loreto, provides a consistent threat, while their dual-pitching strategy with Ramirez and Ortiz has proven effective throughout the season. The team’s depth in the circle could be a crucial factor in managing University Christian’s potent lineup.

Prediction: University Christian enters the game with the momentum of a dominant regional final performance, driven by the exceptional play of Kardatzke. If she continues her high level of play, University Christian will be difficult to overcome. However, John Carroll’s balanced attack and the pitching tandem of Ramirez and Ortiz give them a fighting chance.

This semifinal is expected to be a tightly contested battle. The key to victory for John Carroll will be to disrupt Kardatzke’s rhythm and capitalize on scoring opportunities. Conversely, if University Christian can maintain their offensive prowess and Kardatzke delivers another stellar pitching performance, they are likely to advance to the championship game.