Gainesville High School boys' basketball got off to a strong start in the 2024 season, winning three straight games to open play. However, the Hurricanes knew they would face a tough test when defending two-time state champions Williston High School came to town.
The Red Devils also started the season 3-0 but suffered their first loss to The Villages High School last week. In a double-overtime thriller, Gainesville handed Williston its second defeat in a back-and-forth game, winning by two. Led by senior Cordarius White, who scored a career-high 21 points, GHS stayed undefeated. With three clutch 3-pointers in overtime and eight rebounds on the night, White was named the UF Health Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Athlete of the Week for his performance.
"It was a great win for us, knowing it would be one of our toughest games of the year," White said. "This is a team that understands how to play their role, and we executed how we needed to in pulling out the win."
After dropping its first game of the year to Vanguard on Tuesday night, GHS will now take on Buchholz High School in a highly anticipated cross-town showdown on Friday night. White, who grew up in Gainesville and went to Buchholz as a freshman, is especially excited for the matchup.
"I have played with a lot of those guys over the years, and growing up here, I know the importance of this one," White said. "Hopefully, we can go out and play the way we are capable of and keep adding to the win column."
White credits much of his success to his head coach, Mike Barnes, who provides him with the support and freedom to succeed. Barnes, along with athletic trainer Aijha Clark and White's teammates, consistently praises White's work ethic and importance to the team.
"Darius is a pleasure to coach," Barnes said. "He is always respectful, has a great attitude, and loves to learn. He sets a great example for the younger guys in our program, both on and off the court."
Although White typically lets his play do the talking, he isn't afraid to stand his ground when necessary.
"I don't say much until I need to," White said. "If someone wants to talk, I'll give it right back and back it up."
A lot of people around town are already talking about the Hurricanes, and after an 18-12 season last year, including a 6A District 2 title, White and his teammates are aiming for an even deeper run this season.
Each weekly winner is eligible for a $2,500 scholarship, with the UF Health High School Athlete of the Year to be announced at the conclusion of the 2024-25 academic year.