[size=10pt]Panthers get fifth title after 53-44 victory over Boca Ciega[/size]
Dawnn Maye Of Dillard High Celebrates The VictoryLakeland - This championship ring was for the thumb.
It took a span of three decades, but the Dillard girls basketball team has five state championships in its possession. Led by Dawnn Maye's 25 points the Panthers defeated Boca Ciega 53-44 for the Class 5A state championship Thursday at the Lakeland Center.
The Panthers, who also won titles in 1980, 82, 2004-05, became the third program in state history to win at least five championships.
"It was four long years for me and it shows hard work does pay off," Maye said. "We couldn't have got this without a team
Dillard (26-4) had the fight off a stubborn Boca Ciega team through out the second half. The Pirates Kenya Joseph made a 3-point basket to close her team within 34-33 of the lead. Dillard wouldn't fold as they finished the third quarter on an 8-1 run to lead by eight. The lead never got smaller than seven from there
"This wasn't the best looking championship we played, but we won it," Dillard coach Marcia Pinder said. "Sometimes championships look ugly, but I'll take it."
Pinder had to make some adjustments after Candace Parson went out with a left knee injury. She was also critical that the team didn't express more urgency to keep the lead and win. Dillard had six turnovers to open the fourth quarter and didn't have a basket until 4:29 left.
Maye rescued Dillard from a 9-0 deficit in the first quarter, scoring 11 for a 14-12 lead at quarters end. The Panthers never trailed again.
Dillard's Kianna Conner shoots over Boca Ciega defenders during the state championship basketball game at the FHSAA Girls Basketball Finals at The Lakeland Center in Lakeland on Thursday, February, 25, 2010. (Stephen M. Dowell, Sun Sentinel / February 25, 2010)
