A Season for the Record Books
Wildwood girls basketball has had its fair share of standout seasons, but the 2024-25 campaign stands out as something truly special. The Wildcats have been on an incredible run, remaining undefeated through their Rural Class District 7 title campaign and earning a spot as the No. 4 ranked team in the state according to MaxPreps. This remarkable journey is about to reach a critical juncture on Tuesday, as the Wildcats face off against the Williston Red Devils in a regional title game, with a state semifinals appearance on the line.
The Unstoppable Wildcats
The Wildcats have dominated their opponents, with a particularly impressive 68-40 victory over Williston in the district finals on February 8. This win showcased the depth and talent of the Wildwood squad. Junior forward Kayla Lyde led the charge with a double-double, scoring 18 points and grabbing 14 rebounds, while also contributing three steals and two assists. Freshman guard Zoey Brown was a force on both ends of the court, contributing 15 points, six assists, and four steals, and she even hit two of her three three-point attempts. Senior guard Trinidy Harris was equally impressive, adding 15 points, four steals, and three assists. The Wildcats’ balanced attack and defensive prowess were on full display, leaving little doubt about their dominance.
The Daunting Williston Red Devils
Despite the decisive loss to Wildwood, the Williston Red Devils are no pushovers. They enter the game with a respectable 19-3 record and are ranked 23rd in the state of Florida. The Red Devils’ losses have come against tough opponents like Rickards and North Florida Educational Institute, and both games were closely contested. Williston’s ability to compete with these strong teams suggests they are capable of mounting a serious challenge against the Wildcats.
Key Adjustments for Williston
For the Red Devils to have any chance of turning the tables, they will need to make significant adjustments. In their previous meeting, Williston struggled with turnovers and missed free throws. They shot a respectable 6-10 from beyond the arc but faltered at the charity stripe, making only 6 of 18 free throws. They also lost the ball 19 times, with several more dead-ball turnovers. Additionally, their inside game was inefficient, as they managed to convert only 8 of 25 shots from inside the arc. If Williston can improve in these areas, they might stand a better chance of upsetting the Wildcats.
The Leadership of Ashlyn Young
Leading the charge for Williston is junior Ashlyn Young, who scored 11 points and dished out four assists in the district finals. Young’s performance is consistent with her season averages, as she leads the team in both scoring and assists. The Red Devils shoot 34% from three-point range as a team, so a reduction in turnovers and a more efficient offense could lead to a strong showing from downtown. Young’s leadership and the team’s three-point shooting will be crucial if Williston hopes to pull off an upset.
How to Watch the Big Game
The highly anticipated Wildwood vs. Williston game will be broadcast live on the NFHS Network. Fans can subscribe to the NFHS Network on a monthly basis or opt for an annual subscription. The game is scheduled to tip off at 7:00 p.m. ET (4:00 p.m. PT) on Tuesday, February 18, at Wildwood High School. This showdown is not just a battle for regional supremacy but a testament to the resilience and talent of both teams. Whether you are a Wildwood or Williston fan, this is a game you won’t want to miss.
