'It builds people.' Florida High eyes second state title in boys basketball in 59 years

Steve Moon joked at his age he’s uncertain what tomorrow might bring.

Yet, the 77-year-old knows with certainty how sports at Florida High decades ago impacted his life.

“It builds people, and you learn lessons that you carry with you,” Moon said.

Moon was a member of the 1963 Florida High boys basketball team that won the program’s first and only state championship.

The Demons – the school’s mascot at the time – beat Baldwin 62-53 in the Class B title game at the University of Florida Gym in Gainesville under coach Bob Albertson. Albertson died in 2108 at the age of 92.

Fifty-nine years later, Florida High (23-7) is chasing its second state title Friday against top-ranked Miami Riviera Prep (24-7) at 4:30 p.m. at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland.

The Seminoles beat Tampa Catholic 60-57 and the Bulldogs beat Melbourne Holy Trinity 67-40 in Wednesday’s Class 3A semifinals. Florida High rallied from an 11-point deficit, while Riviera Prep coasted and led by as many as 32 points late in the fourth quarter.

Winning connects generations

Moon and three other members from the 1963 team met Florida High coach Charlie Ward at the school three months ago. The proud players also held their title trophy that is showcased in the school’s trophy case. Moon joked "we tried to give him (Ward) advice about how to win. Hope he listened." A poster-sized photograph of the 1963 team is also at the school.

Ward knows his team faces a difficult task if it wants to return from Lakeland with a title trophy.

The Bulldogs are led in scoring (18.2 points per game), assists (4.5) and steals (2.7) by guard Esteban Lluberes. Six-foot-10 senior Edward Nnamoko averages a team-high 11 rebounds and 2.7 blocks. The only other double-digit scorer is freshman Dante Allen (6-foot-4), at 12.3 points.

"It will be a good game," Ward said. "They're the No. 1 team in the state and we'll have to try to slay the giant."

The years have faded but the memories are still fresh for Moon.

Moon was a center on the 1963 team that “did a lot of passing the ball and getting good shots” and sported white Converse high tops. He said the Demons beat Leon High twice that season and also played for the first time against a Black opponent. He recalled playoff games being played simultaneously, side-by-side, on courts in the Florida Gym.

Moon was also a two-sport player and started on the offensive line on the Demons’ 10-0 football team that won the mythical state championship in the fall of 1962. The FHSAA started its playoff series in 1963.

Moon, who earned an accounting degree from Florida State and later traveled the world as a consultant, reflects fondly on his Florida High athletic career.

“That’s the great thing about high school sports. It sets you on a path for the rest of your life,” Moon said. "And you have friends for a lifetime."

Revisiting history

Florida High last advanced to the title game in 1998, falling to Melbourne Florida Air 94-83 at the Civic Center under coach Al Blizzard.

Blizzard attended the Seminoles’ win over Tampa Catholic. He credited Florida High for its poise and ability to rally.

"In the second half they closed off the middle, starting hitting shots and handled the ball better," Blizzard said. "You realize you are supposed to be there, believe in yourself and play hard."

Blizzard’s son Brett, who starred at UNC-Wilmington and professionally in Italy, played for his father on the Seminoles’ ’98 team. Blizzard, who is married with four young children and sells real estate in the Wilmington area, says the title defeat 24 years ago still bothers him.

“I still have regrets about that game,” said Blizzard, inducted into the UNCW Athletics Hall of Fame in 2020.

“That’s the thing – it happens so fast. And anything can happen. Florida Air had a guard who didn't score a point in the semifinals, but hit like five three-pointers from what seemed like half-court against us. You can analyze and be strategic, but the key is being aggressive and attacking.

“If you don’t, they will.”

Florida High State Title Appearances

1963

Class B

First Round: Jay 64, Mulberry 53; Baldwin 56, Jay 64, Mulberry 53; Baldwin 56,

Ocoee 44; Graceville 59, Wildwood 53; Florida 72, Jupiter Ocoee 44; Graceville 59, Wildwood 53; Florida 72, Jupiter 55. Semifinals: Baldwin 64, Jay 58; Florida 61, Graceville 43. Championship: Florida 62, Baldwin 53.

1998

Class 3A

Regional Quarterfinals: Florida High 66, Union County 50; Regional Semifinals: Florida High 79, Northview 59; Regional Finals: Florida High 77, P.K. Young 56. State Semifinals: Florida High 66, Pahokee 55; Championship: Florida Air 94, Florida High 83.

- Compiled from the FHSAA Championship Record Book.

Reach Jim Henry at jjhenry@tallahassee.com.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: 'It builds people' Florida High boys basketball seeks 2nd state title