Men's Basketball (23-5) took to the floor on Saturday night knowing they were playing for a championship in arguably the states toughest basketball district.  As been the theme all tournament the Panthers used suffocating defense and relentless hustle to gain a 58-41 victory over tournament host Wekiva. In the first half the game's momentum swung back and forth with each team keeping things close. Damani Cade put down a monster dunk with seconds left in the first quarter to put the Panthers ahead 15-11.  Quarter two saw much of the same action as DP outscored the Mustangs by two points to take a 24-18 lead going into the half.

As the third quarter fired up so did the Panther defense, only allowing Wekiva to score nine points.  "Like we've said all tournament defense and rebounding has been the key" said head coach Anthony Long.  Although the Panther's outside shooting game went unusually cold, they took to the boards and paint and  physically outplayed the Mustangs inside. Wekiva tried to post a valiant comeback in the fourth quarter but DP was just to much and cruised to the 58-41 victory.

Damani Cade was the difference maker on Saturday night with 13 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, three steals, and two blocks.  Pat Ryan led all scorers with 15 points and nine rebounds.  Shane Larkin had 13 points and five rebound and Kirby Lubin continued his great play with 11 points, eight rebounds, and seven steals.  Keenan Green and Chris Thomas performed awesome in the paint stifling the tough Mustang inside game. 

The win marks the program's third district title in four years and guarantees a home playoff match up against Treasure Coast next Thursday in the 'House of Payne' starting at 7 p.m.