Four high school teams have advanced to the Final Four for the PNJ Team of the Year, narrowing from an initial pool of 17 nominees. The contenders are Booker T. Washington boys soccer, Jay girls basketball, Jay boys weightlifting, and Pensacola Catholic girls volleyball. A total of over 40,000 votes in the previous round helped separate these teams, with significant achievements such as regional and district titles to their names. Voting is now open to determine which two teams will move to the championship round, set to close at 11 a.m. CT on June 27.

By the Numbers
  • Jay boys weightlifting received 20,979 votes (52.03%) in the previous selection round.
  • Pensacola Catholic girls volleyball garnered 8,353 votes (20.72%) to secure their place in the Final Four.
  • Booker T. Washington boys soccer and Jay girls basketball obtained 6,765 votes (16.78%) and 2,137 votes (5.3%) respectively.
Yes, But

While these teams shone in their respective seasons, it's important to note that all four were eliminated in state championships. This raises questions about their overall dominance compared to teams that made deeper tournament runs.

State of Play
  • Voting for the top two teams is happening until June 27, 11 a.m. CT.
  • Each team has significant successes, like Jay boys weightlifting achieving regional titles.
  • Although no state champions remain, these squads mark strong performances across their seasons.
What's Next

The next step involves voters deciding which two teams will progress to the championship round. This decision will be made before the voting deadline, influencing fan engagement and local support for the chosen teams.

Bottom Line

The PNJ Team of the Year voting not only showcases local high school talent but also serves as a reminder of the dedication and hard work put in by these student-athletes, regardless of state championship outcomes. The community's passion will ultimately determine which teams will advance, reflecting the support for high school sports in the region.