For the fourth straight season, St. Andrew’s and Lakeview Academy met in the state semifinals. And once again, the game required adjustment and composure. After trailing by 13 at halftime, St. Andrew’s delivered a decisive second-half response, erasing the deficit and pulling away late for a 58–50 victory that sends the program back to the state championship game.
The first half belonged to Lakeview, and it started immediately. Lakeview controlled the opening quarter and carried that momentum into the second. A three-pointer on the first possession of the second quarter pushed the lead to 22–7, giving Lakeview a commanding early advantage.
The early margin was fueled by pressure on both ends. Defensively, Lakeview crowded ball handlers and contested perimeter looks, disrupting St. Andrew’s rhythm and contributing to a sluggish start from the field. Offensively, Lakeview attacked off the dribble, driving into the lane and forcing St. Andrew’s to defend in rotation.
By halftime, Lakeview held a 32–19 lead, and St. Andrew’s was still searching for answers.
Those answers came in the third quarter.
St. Andrew’s tightened its defense, cut off driving lanes, and began to control the glass. The offensive approach shifted inward, and the deficit slowly shrank. Midway through the quarter, the game was tied. Minutes later, St. Andrew’s had the lead — and the momentum.
Ja’Cari Glover anchored the turnaround. The forward was perfect from the field, finishing 7-for-7 and scoring 18 points, 14 of them in the paint. His efficiency stabilized the offense during a stretch when perimeter shots were inconsistent and provided a reliable scoring option against Lakeview’s pressure.
Page Getter added 17 points, including key free throws in the final minutes, to extend the margin. Amari Cook contributed 12 points and helped spark several defensive possessions that shifted the pace of the game, while Milos Copic added timely rebounds and assists during critical stretches.
After entering the fourth quarter ahead 41–38, St. Andrew’s gradually pushed the lead to nine. Lakeview cut the deficit to five late, but St. Andrew’s answered at the free-throw line and managed the closing possessions with control.
Neither team shot particularly well from beyond the arc, but the difference emerged in defensive execution and second-half adjustments. St. Andrew’s limited Lakeview to 50 points and held a clear edge in defensive stops over the final two quarters.
With the win, St. Andrew’s improves to 20–7, marking the fifth straight season the program has reached 20 victories and positioning it to compete for its fourth state title in five years.
|
ST. ANDREWS 58, FREDERICA 50 |
|||||
|
Team |
1Q |
2Q |
3Q |
4Q |
Final |
| Lakeview Academy | 19 | 13 | 6 | 12 | 55 |
| St. Andrew’s | 7 | 12 | 22 | 17 | 58 |
|
Halftime — Lakeview Academy 32, St. Andrew’s 19 |
|||||
|
St. Andrew’s (58)— Ja’Cari Glover 18, Page Getter 17, Amari Cook 12, Brown 6, Copic 3, Jackson 2 |
|||||
|
Lakeview Academy (50) - scorers not reported |
|||||
|
3-point goals — St. Andrew’s 4 (Getter 2, Cook, Brown) |
|||||
|
Records — St. Andrew’s 20–7, Lakeview Academy 21-8 |
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Photo credit: Courtesy of lensbyshaunce_
Follow the Prep Sports Report on X @PrepSav and Instagram @savannahsportsreport.
To share scores, stories, or corrections, email kdemasi@prepsportsreport.com or text 912-507-9158.
Optim Orthopedics supports local athletes’ health and safe return to play.
They keep Savannah’s athletes healthy and ready to compete all season.
Team physicians include Dr. Don Aaron (Bryan County), Dr. David Sedory (Benedictine, Bradwell Institute, Liberty County), Dr. David Palmer (Calvary Day, Richmond Hill, South Effingham), and Dr. Thomas Alexander (Savannah Country Day, St. Vincent’s Academy).
