Box Score WINTER HAVEN – After a disappointing 2022-23 campaign, Polk State Basketball opened the season in dominating fashion on Wednesday night with a 125-53 trouncing of Florida Coastal Prep Academy.

Early on, Florida Coastal Prep looked like it might be able to hang around. Just over five minutes in, the Eagles (1-0) led by a score of 10-9. To close the first half, Polk State outscored Florida Coastal Prep 42-13 and never looked back.

For Polk State, Wednesday's victory was a total team effort. All 12 players who played for the Eagles scored and six finished in double figures.

"The fact that we had a lot of guys we're expecting a lot from out tonight, it was great to see others step up and play well," Head Coach Brandon Giles said. "Our guys who weren't playing were engaged on the bench and brought great energy all night long."

As a team, Polk State shot 55% from the field and a solid 12-for-29 from deep. In his collegiate debut, Malachi Stevens led the way with 21 points on 6-for-11 from the floor and 4-for-6 from beyond the 3-point arc.

"Tonight felt good," Stevens said. "Everyone got on the board. We played well together as a team. It was nice to see the hard work pay off."

In addition to Stevens' big night, sophomores Derrick Jones Jr. and Dominick Nelson added 17 and 15 points, respectively. Jones led the way with five of Polk State's 17 steals. Karl Knighten Jr. finished with 13 points on an efficient 4-for-6 shooting.

After leading 55-25 at the half, the Eagles erupted for 70 points while shooting 64% in the second half. The 125 points is the most for Polk State in a game under Giles, now in his seventh season.

Center Nathan Andrice and guard Jaden Excell scored all of their points in the second half for Polk State. Andrice finished with 12 points, a team-high nine rebounds, and two blocked shots. Excell made each of his five field goal attempts.

Henry Dowdell led the Spartans with 18 points in the loss, which included four of the team's seven made 3-pointers. Edwin Dorbor added 14 points.

With Wednesday's victory, Polk State has now won its home opener in three straight seasons. The Eagles will remain home to take on TLAP Academy on Saturday. Tip time is scheduled for 2 p.m.