ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Gibbs High boys basketball is one step closer to its goal — going back-to-back as state champions in class 4A.

Something no other Pinellas County public school team has done since Gibbs did it back in 1966 and 1967.

“We’ve been to states four years in a row, and nobody ever did before and we won last year and we got a chance to make history again going back-to-back,” senior Jacob Daniels said.

They won their fourth consecutive district and regional titles to reach their fourth straight final four. 

On Tuesday, Gibbs defeated Eustis 65-50 to advance to the finals. Gibbs will face Ft. Lauderdale Stranahan on Thursday at 7 p.m. 

Head coach Larry Murphy says senior point guard Jacob Daniels has been a key part of each of those playoff runs.

“I mean over the years he’s been a leader for us for four years and over the years we’ve had some different teams that come along and he’s been able to take whatever we’ve had on the roster and continue the success that he started as a ninth grader,” Murphy explained.

Murphy says Daniels is a true team player and a leader on the court.

“I think the thing with Jacob is that is he does whatever it takes for his team to win, it’s not about his individual statistics. I mean, he’s scoring less points this year than he did last year, but you know his role on the team is still the same. He’s still the leader. He’s still the guy that makes us go,” Murphy said.

Daniels is a big reason why the Gladiators are on a 20-game winning streak.

“I can’t say enough about him,” Murphy said. “For four years, he’s been the perfect guy to give your keys to the program to.”

Daniels says his teammates drive his success.

“Being around my teammates and having fun with each other and playing with each other and winning games," Daniels said. “Goal: back-to-back again, state champs, trying to win it again. I’ve got to stay focused, but the main goal is to win it again, back to back.”

Daniels hopes to cap off his high school career by helping Gibbs make history.