A GREAT TEAM, A GREAT STORY

Sadly, all things must end, and so it goes for the Lake Wales Highlanders, Polk County's lone hope at the FHSAA State Boys' Basketball Championship Tournament being held at the Lakeland Center this week.

Lake Wales lost a game of run-and-gun basketball to Orlando Jones, 89-71, in one of the Class 4A semifinals. The Highlanders are a regular threat in Central Florida hoops. Jones now will take on St. Petersburg Lakewood for the 4A title Saturday afternoon at 3:30.

The Lake Wales team story is one of overcoming obstacles. Their gymnasium was damaged during the hurricanes of last year, and had to play all their games on the road. They practiced at a city recreation facility while their home court is undergoing repairs.

Congratulations to the Highlanders, and to all the teams who made it to the tourney.