Auburndale gave it all they could, but fall short in their attempt for a Division 4 state title, by falling to defending Division 4 State Champion Dominican in the title game 57-44.
The Apaches hung around with Dominican for most of the title game on Saturday. However, a 12-0 second quarter run helped key Dominican to their second straight title.
"When you make a mistake with those guys and it ends up in a dunk instead of an open layup or a jump shot, that gets the crowd into it, gets them going. They really enjoy playing that way. I thought our kids did a good job not letting them phase them as much, " said Auburndale Coach Chad Weinfurter.
Everytime the Apaches would make a run, Dominican would respond.
"We felt the momentum swing towards our way, we go within that one point. We just couldn't get over that hump," said Auburndale Senior Austin Hawkins, who scored 31 points and had 13 rebounds in his final game.
Auburndale stuggled to contain one of Dominican's best players in Duane Wilson, who scored 26 points.
"The only problem was, our defense, it was just Duane Wilson was just getting in the middle, and dishing out and making shots, it was hard to get over the hump, get past them and get the lead, " said Auburndale Senior Ben Bolder.
The Apaches finish the season 26-2.
