Clearwater High hoops teams storming through the postseason

The way things are going right now, Clearwater High could have a pair of basketball state finalists if both the boys and girls teams continue to win like they have been recently.

The Lady Tornadoes destroyed an overmatched Gibbs squad, winning 65-29 at home to advance to the 5A regional semifinals Thursday night.

Tyra Bolden led the Tornadoes with 23 points, while Emma Loucks added 14 and Alex Alford scored a dozen, as Clearwater (24-4) beat the Gladiators handily for the second time this season.

Up next for the girls is a trip to Boca Ciega for the regional semifinals Tuesday night.

Meanwhile, the Clearwater boys team is on a roll as well, wrapping up another district title Friday with a 78-58 win over Tarpon Springs.

Joey Nungester, our Clearwater Patch, scored 32 points and played stifling defense on the Spongers’ all-time leading scorer CJ Bargman as Clearwater won its 36^th district title and seventh in the past eight seasons.

The Tornadoes will host Northeast in the regional quarterfinals Thursday.

Though recent editions of the boys and girls teams have had their share of regular and post season success over the decades, including numerous state final appearances, neither team has captured a state championship since the 1981 boys squad.

Should both teams win their games next week, they will be one step closer to playing for that elusive state title again.