Miami Dade Falls to Chipola in Hard-Fought State Tournament Battle

The Miami Dade College women's basketball team saw its season come to an end in a hard-fought 74-70 loss to Chipola College in the state tournament. Despite a strong effort from the Sharks, a late push by Chipola sealed their fate in a game that remained tight from start to finish.

The first quarter set the tone for a competitive matchup, with Chipola leading 12-11 after a defensive start. Miami Dade responded in the second quarter with a 22-point effort, but Chipola edged them by two to take a 36-33 lead at halftime. The Sharks put together a strong third quarter, outscoring Chipola 20-18 to make it a one-point game heading into the final frame. However, Chipola's clutch free throws and key defensive stops down the stretch helped them close out the game.

Shameir Quimby led the Sharks with a game-high 23 points, shooting 10-of-22 from the field while adding 11 rebounds and seven assists in an all-around performance. Kiara Harris and Clearia Peterson each contributed 12 points, with Peterson grabbing a game-high 16 rebounds to dominate the glass. Jazmyne Bynum also reached double figures with 12 points and eight rebounds.

Miami Dade controlled the rebounding battle with a 57-59 edge and forced 12 turnovers, but struggled with efficiency, shooting just 31.8% from the field and 21.9% from beyond the arc.

While the loss ends Miami Dade's state tournament run, the team showcased resilience and determination throughout the season. Their ability to compete at a high level, highlighted by Quimby's leadership and Peterson's dominance inside, reflects the hard work put in all year.

With a strong core of talent and a competitive edge, the Sharks will look to build on this experience as they prepare for the next chapter.