Today is March 1, 2026, and the excitement in New Smyrna Beach is palpable as the local girls’ basketball team wraps up an intense season. The New Smyrna Beach Barracudas, the defending state champions, saw their title defense come to an abrupt end with a 61-51 loss to Gateway in the Region 2-5A girls’ basketball final. This defeat not only concluded their season, which ended with a record of 19-9, but also dashed their hopes of repeating as champions.
Gateway entered the game as the top seed, and they proved their worth on the court. The Barracudas managed to take the lead just once during the game, scoring first, but it was Gateway that quickly took control, scoring 14 consecutive points to lead 14-5 after the first quarter. By halftime, Gateway had built a solid 26-16 lead. Although New Smyrna Beach put up a fight in the second half, scoring 35 points, they could never close the gap, as Gateway maintained a 10-point advantage throughout much of the game.
Gateway’s Road to Victory
Gateway’s success this season has been remarkable. With a record of 26-3, the Panthers have showcased their skills and determination, securing regional playoff victories that keep their state tournament dreams alive. They will now advance to the FHSAA semifinals on March 11 at UNF Arena, facing an opponent that has yet to be determined.
Ashlynn Day led Gateway in scoring during the final match against New Smyrna Beach, contributing 17 points. Other key players included Andrea Suazo, who came off the bench to score 14 points, and Evana Rivera, who added 12 points. The Barracudas were led by Iniya Reddicks, who scored 18 points, while Zoe Haywood made a notable contribution with nine points in the fourth quarter.
The Season’s Context
The Barracudas’ loss marks the end of an era, as they were the last remaining girls’ basketball team from the Volusia-Flagler region in the state playoffs. Their journey this season included a previous matchup against Gateway, where they lost 51-46 in the District 5A-7 championship on February 6. In that game, Riddicks shone brightly, scoring 21 points and helping to tie the game at 36-36 after three quarters.
Gateway’s coach, Marino, acknowledged the challenges posed by New Smyrna Beach and praised Riddicks’ performance, making it clear that the competition was fierce. In their regional semifinal victory against Leesburg, Gateway dominated with a score of 67-34, showcasing their offensive prowess and defensive strength by limiting Leesburg to just five field goals in the first half.
Looking Ahead
With the state championship game scheduled for March 13, all eyes will be on Gateway as they continue their quest for glory. Their performance this season has not only been impressive but also inspiring for the basketball community in Osceola County. As the only team remaining with a chance to reach the FHSAA state tournament in Jacksonville, the Panthers are poised to make their mark.
For more details on the recent games and the upcoming matches, you can check out the full coverage on News Journal Online and Around Osceola. The excitement is just beginning, and we can’t wait to see how the season unfolds!