JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — In some First Coast schools, the journey to Lakeland is still underway. Today, Providence had a sendoff for both the boys' and girls' basketball program. The band had people hyped at the pep rally before the big sendoff. Fans, students, staff, and parents of the players were in attendance.
"These boys have worked so hard. They're in the gym all the time. It's an emotional time, but definitely super exciting," said Dawn Long, the mother of Jackson Long, who plays on the boys' basketball team. The girls and boys basketball teams had all the light and hype around them. If you'll remember, the boys' team lost in this round last year, so consider this trip to Lakeland as unfinished business.
"They've overachieved all season. We got two more games that we have to overachieve and play Providence basketball," commented Head Coach Jim Martin. It's not every day two programs from the same sport head to the final four at the same time.
"We have incredible support from our administration, our student body, our cheerleaders, the band, everybody. I think we're very blessed," said Gigi Bistrow, the Providence Head Girls Basketball Coach.