The Rock Lions came into the class 1A state final looking to win the first state Girls Basketball Title in the Gainesville area since 1997.  The Lions had to wait until the final second of the game to accomplish their goal defeating the Hollywood Christian Eagles 51-48.

The Lions were able to use their size to get off to a quick start behind the play of Juniors Paulina Zaveckaite and Virtorija Dimaite.

“They were the biggest team we played against all year.  They killed us on the boards and their posts were athletic enough to hurt us down low.”  Head coach Carlos Adamson said.

The Lions seemed as if they were going to run away with the game in the first quarter jumping on the Eagles 19-12, but Hollywood Christian was able to fight back.

Leading 29-25 at half, Hollywood Christian on a 11-0 run to start the second half taking a 36-29 lead before a Lions time-out.

“I told the players that the game is now in your hands.  They stepped up and turned the game around.  I am so proud of them for all the hard work they put in this entire season.”  Head coach Fabian Chapov said.

The game was tight throughout the fourth quarter with neither team leading more than five points.

Ariah Osceola hit a three pointer with 37 seconds left in the game bringing the Eagles with two points 50-48.  The Eagles then forced a jump ball with 19.7 seconds left in the game.

With time running out, Hollywood Christian Guard Ariah Osceola drove to the basket setting up Lorena  Spaulding for the apparent game tying lay-up.  The basket was overturn by a traveling call with only 1.8 seconds left in the game.