Special to The Laker/Lutz News

 

 

By Jeff Odom

 

Steinbrenner girls basketball player Bailey Hooker worked nearly four years for a milestone she accomplished in just 10 minutes and 24 seconds.

The senior forward/guard received a cross-court pass from Olivia Unger, took one step outside the arc and swished a 3-point shot to secure her 1,000th career point in the second quarter of the Warriors’ 65-58 win at Tampa Bay Tech (TBT) Dec. 3. She is the first in the program’s four-year history to reach the milestone.

“It was just a lot of energy, and it definitely fueled me for the rest of the game,” said Hooker, who was given a standing ovation by fans. “Just the people up in the stands, my family and my team, just knowing that it was my 1,000th point and seeing (a) sign go up saying congrats, it’s just a really great feeling. … My points are from my team. I wouldn’t have gotten them without (Unger’s) assist and my point guard and the rest of my team.”

Steinbrenner coach JR Allen called a timeout after Hooker passed the mark in order for the rest of the team to relish the moment.

“I’ve never coached a 1,000-point scorer, so it’s a cool night for me too because she got those points from some of the offenses and stuff that I created,” Allen said. “She bought in and believed, and her teammates did the same thing. It’s just a special night for Steinbrenner, it’s a special night for Bailey Hooker and for (everyone) that was able to be a part of it.”

Led by Hooker’s team-high 26 points –14 in the second quarter — the Warriors (9-0) never trailed after the first five minutes, but the Titans (6-4) kept it close until the final buzzer.

Allen said the game plan wasn’t about letting Hooker get to 1,000. It was about defeating Tampa Bay Tech, which he called “one of the best wins” for the program ever.

“It wasn’t something she was talking about a lot, and it wasn’t something I was advertising either,” Allen said. “I’ve preached from Day 1 that we’re all about a team right here. One of the cool things about Bailey is at halftime she was the first to say, ‘I don’t get that without the help of my teammates.’ That’s awesome that she’s on that page mentally.”

TBT brought the score within three early in the second half, but a 13-0 run by Steinbrenner squashed any hope of a late comeback.

Lauren Shedd (12 points) and Jessica Weatherman (four points) gave the Warriors key baskets during the run, and Hooker topped it off with one final 3-pointer with five minutes left in the game.

She said getting to the milestone was on her mind all weekend after she came within 13 points of reaching 1,000 at home against Gaither Nov. 30. Her father Roy joked with her afterwards that if she averages 27 points the rest of the season, she could reach another milestone — 1,500.

The Warriors hosted Hillsborough Dec. 12, but results were not available by press time. Steinbrenner plays at home against district opponent Chamberlain Dec. 12 before a showdown with undefeated Class 7A-District 9 rival Freedom Dec. 13. Both games start at 8 p.m.

 

 

By Kyle LoJacono

 

Two years ago, the Land O’ Lakes girls basketball team had, by any measure, the most successful season in program history.

The Gators (4-2) set a program record with 24 wins, claimed a district title and made the regional finals for the first time in the school’s 37-year history.

The squad lost four of five starters to graduation or transferring and slipped to 8-14 last season.

Now, in coach Phyllis Crain’s second year, Land O’ Lakes is starting to regain some of the confidence it had during the 2010-11 season.

“Last year was a development year,” said Crain, who played at Gulf and the University of Charleston and was an assistant at the University of Tampa for nine years. “We had to get the girls to learn the game of basketball and develop their skills more.”

A near upset at the end of last season showed the Gators a turnaround was coming.

They lost by just three to the eventual Class 6A-District 10 champion Tarpon Springs in the league semifinals.

“The team together started having more confidence,” said senior small forward Sarah Nichols. “We played with a team that is really up there, and that showed us what we can do.”

Crain said she’s seen something remain because of how last season ended.

“What has carried over was the work ethic that’s needed to be successful,” Crain said. “They’ve had a little bit of success, and they want more.”

Nichols knows firsthand how quickly a team can go from below .500 to elite.

Land O’ Lakes was 4-10 the year before the regional finals run, which was her first season on the varsity squad.

“I feel like we have a lot of potential this year too,” Nichols said.

The squad is forced to replace power forward Kendra Sheets, who led the Gators in points (7.5) and rebounds (9.1) per game last year.

“Kendra was very physical,” Crain said. “She’s hard to replace, but we have some kids stepping in and playing a little more physical, but Kendra, she could jump and really get after rebounds. We’re working toward building that same fighter mentality this year.”

Nichols (16.5 points, 6.5 rebounds) has helped offset what Sheets did on the scoreboard and on the boards, as has freshman point guard Makala Canada (11.0 points, 4.0 rebounds).

“She’s been amazing,” Nichols said of Canada, who moved from New York in August. “I’m so happy she’s a part of the team. I had no idea she was coming in, and when I saw her the first time I was like, wow. She’s such a good player.”

Canada said she’s thrived in Crain’s clear-cut coaching nature.

“She’s very up-front with what she wants out of us, and when she wants it she lets you know,” Canada said. “She just wants us to do as much as we can to play as well as we’re able.”

Nichols said Crain has been a big reason why the Gators again believe they can be successful.

“She’s brought our confidence back,” Nichols said. “We lost all our players, and she had to help us rebuild again. She’s made us work hard; we’re getting better, and it’s great.”

Crain said confidence is important, but it’s just one element needed if Land O’ Lakes plans to return to the postseason.

“We have to play as a team and we have to be balanced,” Crain said. “You can’t just have one person scoring every night. If that happens then teams can just take that one person away. We have to play as a team, recognize it’s a team sport and understand that everyone is going to have their night.”

The Gators host Central Dec. 11 before traveling to Pasco and district rival Mitchell Dec. 12 and Dec. 14, respectively. All games start at 7:30 p.m.

 

 

By Kyle LoJacono

 

More than just a win was on the line when Gaither boys soccer traveled to Steinbrenner Dec. 4.

The contest will likely be critical when it comes to seeding in the Class 4A-District 8 tournament next month, but the Warriors (5-0-2, 2-2) and Cowboys (3-5-2, 1-1-2) were also looking for bragging rights over their cross-town rival.

“It’s like FSU and UF football teams,” said Gaither senior forward Tyler Helm. “It’s one of the biggest games for us each year.”

The game ended 1-1, but both teams had multiple chances for more goals. The physical, frenetic and passionate play was brought on as much by the importance of the game in the district standings, but also how connected the teams are.

Almost all the players are members of Tampa Bay United. The club’s executive director is Eric Sims, who is also Gaither’s coach.

“Every game against Gaither is good,” said Steinbrenner coach Chad Ebright. “These boys grew up playing against each other, so it’s always competitive.”

This year’s contest was even more hotly contested because it was the first time the squads have matched up since Gaither knocked Steinbrenner out of playoff contention in the 4A-8 semifinals in January.

“We’ve all played with each other throughout middle school and high school at TBU,” said Warriors senior midfielder Logan Siben. “It’s a rivalry for that, and especially because they kicked us out of districts last year. It’s always going to be a rivalry with us and them. If we’re 10 times better than them, or they’re 10 times better than us, it’s always going to be a tough game.”

Steinbrenner entered the contest undefeated and untied, while Gaither was a game below .500. Sims said he was proud how his inexperienced squad hung in against the Warriors.

“They were 5-0 and return a lot of players, so it was a good measuring stick game for us,” Sims said. “I think a lot of our young guys grew up tonight, which was important. … At the end of the day it was a tie. We didn’t win, but it’s a good result for us.”

The Cowboys lost more than half of their starters from last year’s squad that won a district championship and made the final four. Helm said they have turned the corner after losing their first four games.

“The seniors are coming together and help the younger players,” Helm said. “The first couple of weeks the freshmen didn’t know that this is completely different from club. It’s much more physical and the refs don’t call things as tight.”

Steinbrenner pushed the attack early against Gaither, but the Cowboys’ defense held tough. Sims started Jared Gremely, Justin Santos, Ricardo Rivera and Juan Moreno on the backline, along with goalkeeper Kyle Smith, all of who are seniors.

“I felt like the seniors, with their experience, would keep us in it, and they did,” Sims said. “We just had to disrupt their possession, and the important thing is we didn’t let them have that third pass. They’d get two and we’d steal it.”

The Warriors broke through nine minutes after halftime.

Freshman defender Brett Wilkosz kept the ball in on a clearing attempted by the Cowboys. Siben picked up the loose ball, sprinted down the right sideline and fired a strong cross that was buried home by senior midfielder Austin Labban.

Siben had been sidelined for nearly three weeks with a pulled hamstring and was helped to the bench after the goal.

Gaither answered in the 60th minute when freshman midfielder Nicholas Ortiz kicked forward the ball deep in Warriors territory.

Senior midfielder Jhonathan Da Silva gathered the ball and found Helm, who fired a rocket for the equalizer.

“We gave a great effort,” Ebright said. “We had about five minutes after we scored that we fell back and tried to protect the lead instead of doing what got us ahead. Give it to Gaither. They came out hard for the tying goal.”

The Warriors picked up the pace in the final minutes, but the Cowboys backline again rose to the occasion.

“We were down pat on that defense,” Helm said. “We’ve been focusing on defensive shape and team defense with a purpose these last few games, and it worked.”

Smith had eight saves, while Steinbrenner junior goalkeeper Christian Knight had six.

Gaither hosts Hillsborough Dec. 11 before traveling to 4A-8 rival Freedom Dec. 14.  The Warriors play at Plant City Dec. 11 and at district rival Chamberlain Dec. 14. All games start at 8 p.m.

 

Warriors shut out Gaither, clinch No. 2 seed

 

By Kyle LoJacono

 

The Steinbrenner girls soccer team picked up its second 4-0 victory in as many games by defeating Class 4A-District 8 rival Gaither at home Dec. 4.

The Warriors (6-4, 3-1) beat Robinson four days earlier with only two regular starters because many were out of state in various showcase tournaments.

The win over the Cowboys (3-5-1, 2-2), mixed with a 7-1 victory at Sickles Dec. 7, locked up the No. 2 district seed for Steinbrenner.

The win Dec. 4 also put the Warriors above .500 for the first time in two weeks.

“It was big, not only because it was a district game, but it starts the second half of our season,” said junior midfielder Dani Eule. “We’re getting players back from injuries, and we needed to make our mark as we go toward districts.”

The Warriors have been shorthanded by injuries throughout the year. Most of the players were back on the pitch against Gaither, which senior forward Alexis Bredeau said was a mental lift.

“We were without a lot of players to start the season, which of course isn’t an excuse,” Bredeau said. “We bonded with the players who filled in, and now that we’re getting everyone back I think it’s made us stronger. We have such great connections. With Miranda (Gonzalez) coming back, and one of our freshmen, Melissa Carroll, is back from a hip injury, so having them all on the field is a great advantage.”

Steinbrenner coach Angela Gillisse said the return of Gonzalez, who missed the first seven games with a torn hamstring, gave the team a huge confidence boost. The junior defender also played in the win against Robinson.

“All the girls who were gone when she played against Robinson were texting me saying, ‘Oh my gosh Miranda played,’” Gillisse said. “Tonight, for everyone to be here and see her play is big. She’s a huge leader. The attitude changes when she’s out there. It’s a complete 180 with her. They all want to work harder when she’s out there, so her presence is huge.”

Steinbrenner was without starting goalkeeper Stephanie Hirsch because of a groin injury. Senior Eleanor Wilson stepped into the net for the second straight game and recorded consecutive shutouts by making five saves.

“Walking away from that game against Robinson without nine starters I felt like it was the turning point,” Gillisse said. “Eleanor shut them out for a whole 80 minutes in goal, and it gave everyone confidence.”

The Warriors dominated possession for much of the first half, but the Cowboys defense held strong until the 26th minute thanks to senior midfielder Marley Opila’s second goal of the year.

Steinbrenner added another goal in the final minute before halftime when freshman forward Danielle Darius buried home a cross from senior midfielder Lauren Garris.

Bredeau scored her 12th and 13th goals of the season in the 66th and 88th minutes. She was sent on runs by through balls from Eule on both tallies.

“Dani did exactly what she’s supposed to as a center mid,” Opila said. “She distributed the ball out for our forwards to score.”

Gaither junior goalkeeper Amanda High made 15 saves.

The Warriors continued their offensive explosion with a 7-1 win at Sickles Dec. 7.

Bredeau (16 goals, 10 assists) had three goals in the contest and has put up seven in the last three games. Sophomore forward Jessica Taylor (10 goals, nine assists) also had three tallies in the contest, while Eule (five goals, six assists) found the back of the net once.

Wilson started in net against the Gryphons and recorded one save.

Steinbrenner plays at Plant City Dec. 11 and at district rival Chamberlain Dec. 14. Gaither hosts Hillsborough Dec. 11 before traveling to 4A-8 rival Freedom Dec. 14.  All games start at 8 p.m.

 

 

By Kyle LoJacono

 

The Wiregrass Ranch boys soccer team showed it is a force to be reckoned with in Class 4A-District 8 after a 6-0 dismantling of Gaither at home Dec. 7.

It is the first time the Bulls (8-3, 2-2) have beaten a district opponent besides Chamberlain since the league formed before last season, and the Cowboys (3-5-2, 1-1-2) are just a year removed from their second straight final four appearance.

“I think for our program it’s a signature win,” said Bulls coach Dave Wilson. “We beat Land O’ Lakes this year. We played well that game and Land O’ Lakes is still a very good team, but people didn’t see it as a signature win. Beating a Hillsborough County school that is always good, I mean this is a signature win.”

The Bulls dominated possession from the opening kick to the final whistle.

“We try and one and two touch all over the field, keeping shape and moving together and overlap our backs,” Dave said. “We really just clicked. Gaither plays more of a direct game than we do. They have some very dangerous players up top. We got some breaks early and they didn’t. That was the difference early on. They’re still a talented team.”

Wiregrass Ranch capitalized with a pair of goals in the first eight minutes, the opener by Sean Sourk and the second from Bryce Wilson.

“It changed the momentum in the beginning of the game to score those two goals,” said senior midfielder Robert Castillo, who assisted Sourk’s tally and added another after halftime. “Gaither is a good team, so to score first made us feel stronger.”

The Bulls looked just as dominant to start their district game against Freedom Nov. 27.

Wiregrass Ranch scored in the first 20 minutes and outplayed the Patriots throughout the first half, but Freedom connected for two late goals to win 2-1.

“The experience going through that Freedom game made us stronger,” Castillo said. “We couldn’t let them happen one more time. We had to stay 100 percent until the game is over.”

Senior defender Andres Hernandez helped create more offense by stopping a shot at an open net and sending the ball forward to Wilson, who found Jacob Spana for the Bulls third goal.

“They were keeping us on our toes, but we were doing a great job going from side to side and with communication,” Hernandez said. “We got them offside several times because we were in sync. That was one of the greatest things tonight was everyone was on the same page. We’d step and play it right to our midfielders, and they’d play it up top.”

Bryce added another goal 11 minutes after halftime for his seventh of the season and had two assists in the contest to extend his program record in a season to 20.

“This game was all about teamwork,” Bryce said. “We put a lot of good combinations together. We came out with high intensity, and it showed. … I think we knew that we could play with them. It was just a matter of putting everything together. Tonight we did.”

Spana scored again in the 74th minute, while Tristan Hart added a tally in the final seconds.

Dave said he was proud that his team closed out the contest strong.

“At practice we talked about somebody has to step up and say, ‘No more,’” Dave said. “We gave up a 2-0 lead at Mitchell and a 1-0 lead at Freedom. We were up 3-0 at Chamberlain, and it ended up 3-2. Someone needed to step up and say we’re not going to let down, and I think individually they each did that. We talked about that at halftime, and they responded really well.”

Dave also pointed out that several young players were forced into action in part because the Bulls were without a pair of starting defenders, Dakota Skipper and Doug Nolting, who missed the game because of family reasons.

“Maurice Lewis, he’s a freshman who’s never started before and played fantastic,” Dave said. “Felix Baldonato played up top, and that’s another freshman we got good minutes from, so did Brendon Duran.”

Wiregrass Ranch hosted Hudson Dec. 10, but results were not available by press time. The Bulls play at Pasco Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m. before hosting 4A-8 rival Sickles Dec. 14 at 6 p.m.

 

 

By Kyle LoJacono

 

The Wiregrass Ranch girls soccer team locked up the No. 1 seed in the Class 4A-District 8 tournament with a 1-0 win over Gaither at home Dec. 7.

The victory ended a difficult week for the Bulls (11-1, 4-0), which included a 2-0 loss to Mitchell Dec. 3 and a 1-0 win at cross-town rival Wesley Chapel Dec. 6.

“We started the season off really well, but the last week has been a little rocky,” said senior midfielder Anne Cypriano. “We were a little worried if we were going to be able to get it, but I’m so happy we were able to pull through.”

Wiregrass Ranch coach Eddy Costa said the tough week was brought on by a combination of things, biggest among them injuries.

The Bulls have four starters playing through substantial injuries, including Cypriano (back) and defender Lauren Gorden (leg), while forward A.J. Blount (12 goals) has missed the last three games with a sprained knee.

Senior forward Berlin Waters said they tried not to focus on the fact that a victory would clinch the top district seed.

“We needed to just play our game and not get distracted,” Waters said. “After the loss and the 1-0 win last night we knew we had to really step it up because it’s Gaither. We knew we had to pick it up, try our hardest and not come home with a loss.”

Neither the Bulls nor the Cowboys (3-5-1, 2-2) gained significant advantage in possession or scoring attempts in the first half.

Then Waters broke through in the 52nd minute.

Lauren Luzzi fired a free kick from 25 yards out and hit a sprinting Waters for her 12th goal of the season.

“I know she has a good foot and we’ve been practicing free kicks, so was I thinking it would be a really good chance to score,” Waters said. “When she kicked it, I could see it coming; I judged where it was going, and it was just the perfect ball for me to get my head on it.”

The Bulls defense disrupted several last ditch efforts by the Cowboys to score.

“There was a lot of nervousness coming out with the girls saying, ‘We’ve got to win, we’ve got to win,’” Costa said. “My pep talk was let’s stay focused, stay calm and try to control the game by holding the ball. In the end, 1-0 is just as good as 10-0.”

Costa said the focus in recent practices has been defensive structure, not attacking.

“We’ve had girls like Vanessa (Jordan), Taylor (Muzik) and Berlin, who have scored a lot of goals early, and we’ve been a little bit in a slump,” Costa said. He added, “The philosophy tonight was if we score six but allow seven it doesn’t matter.”

Wiregrass Ranch started the week averaging six goals while allowing 0.4. The closer-than-usual nature of the last three games forced the defense to step up its play, but senior goalkeeper Dayton Wetherby said they have just as much confidence playing tight contests.

“If we go over defensive structure and focus on that during the game, then these types of games shouldn’t be that much pressure,” said Wetherby, who had five saves. “Just knowing that our shape should be able to help control that pressure makes it easier.”

Wiregrass Ranch traveled to Hudson Dec. 10, but results were not available by press time. The Bulls play at Pasco Dec. 13 at 7:30 p.m. and at home against 4A-8 rival Sickles Dec. 14 at 8 p.m.

 

 

By Kyle LoJacono

 

The Academy at the Lakes girls basketball team has undergone a radical change the last few years.

Three seasons ago the Wildcats (7-0) went 0-15 and were looking for their first playoff berth. Now they are going for their third straight district championship and consecutive trips to the Class 2A final four.

Karim Nohra, who is in his third season coaching the academy, doesn’t let his player go too long without letting them know what the Wildcats’ new reputation is.

“Everyone wants a piece of you, you know why? Because you’re Academy at the Lakes, and being Academy at the Lakes comes with responsibility,” Nohra told his squad at the end of a recent practice.

A second regional championship and a return to states in Lakeland will fall on the shoulders of a new cast. The Wildcats graduated five seniors, including four starters.

Among those gone are their leaders in points (Amelia Oliver, 18.9*), assists (Samantha Fernandez, 8.4*) and rebounds (Yvanessa Vincent, 11.0*), all of who signed to play in college.

“Last year’s team was really special,” said senior forward Andrea Mauger, the lone returning starter. “The starting five had a lot of chemistry. We had a special bond. This year it’s more like getting to know each other. Teaching the new girls and being patient is a big thing. I’m trying to prepare them mentally to get to Lakeland. Physically we have potential. It’s can they make it through the pressure of the regional finals.”

In that way, the team is in a similar position as last year.

Oliver and Fernandez transferred from Sunlake and Oldsmar Christian for their senior season, repetitively.

“Last year breaking in a couple new girls was tough initially,” Nohra said. “We knew we’d have to wait a few weeks. I was hoping we’d be ready to break through by January, and we did.”

Mauger (21.1 points, 5.0 rebounds) is back for her third year starting with the squad. She is the Wildcats’ leading scorer and sits at 1,220 points for her career.

Two of the new starters are center Tatiana Manuel (11.6 points, 8.0 rebounds, 4.0 blocks) and point guard Timecia Cohen (13.4 points, 8.0 rebounds, 8.0 assists, 5.0 steals).

Cohen, a senior, was with the squad last year, but tore the ACL in her right knee last October.

“I was at every game last year,” Cohen said. She added, “It was very frustrating. I wanted to be out there, but I couldn’t. I pushed my girls, and this year I think we can get back to Lakeland and the final four. Got so much to prove.”

Nohra said Cohen gives the squad flexibility.

“Right now Timecia is running point, but we also play her all over the court,” Nohra said. “She can play forward, on the wing, at shooting guard or point.”

Manuel, a senior, transferred from Brooks-DeBartolo, where she averaged 11.7 points, 7.6 blocks, 7.4 rebounds and 2.5 steals last year. Her 6-foot-2 frame gives the Wildcats height it has lacked.

“It gives us more of an intimidating front,” Mauger said. “In the paint she’s unstoppable. I’m 5-9, and there’s nothing I can do when she puts her hands up. She’s an asset, and I can lob it right to her at any point. Yvanessa was very physical and worked hard. With Tatiana, the height is something you can’t teach.”

Manuel said the intensity at her new school is something she’s never experienced, especially when it comes to Nohra’s coaching style.

“He’s a tough coach, he likes to push you and I wasn’t used to that,” Manuel said. “I was like, ‘Whoa, what are you doing,’ but it’s been good for me. He cares about getting us to college and getting us to states.”

The biggest difference from last year is the starting lineup includes two freshmen: Janice Cassanello and Luz Santiago (8.7 points, 3.0 rebounds).

“The keys for this team is how well the freshmen come up, develop and play well for us in the stretch run,” Nohra said. “They’re making more mistakes, but that’s good, because every time they do we teach them and talk to them about where they should have been and what should they have done. Every game for them is a learning process. It’s like another practice.

“I think last year’s team was a better shooting team,” Nohra continued. “I think this team is a little better inside. Breaking in two freshmen is tougher than last year because last year there were some seniors in those positions, so there was a huge learning curve, but I’m hoping that they quickly learn their jobs and do them well. We can only go as far as they come to the table for us.”

The squad has shown it still has the ability to suffocate opponents defensively and run them into the court with its offense, winning games by an average of 62.9-20.9.

The academy hosts the Class 2A-District 8 tournament, with the final on Feb. 1 at 7 p.m.

The Wildcats travel to Seven River Christian Dec. 11 at 6 p.m. and hosts Hernando Christian and Sunlake Dec. 13 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 14 at 6 p.m., respectively.

 

 

By Kyle LoJacono

 

Hillsborough did something to the Freedom girls basketball team that no other squad has been able to this season.

The Terriers (5-4) couldn’t hand the Patriots (7-0) their first loss Dec. 3, but they did push Freedom like no other squad has.

Freedom defended its home court with the 76-45 win, but it was the first time this year the Patriots have been unable to force a running clock by gaining at least a 35-point lead after halftime.

“They gave us a challenge,” said senior point guard Monet Williams. “It was the first time a team really stepped up to challenge us. They came to play. We had to pull through. We made some changes, and thankfully we got it done.”

The Patriots led by 13 at halftime, the closest at the break this season. Sophomore guard Taylor Emery said the contest was exactly what the Patriots needed after outscoring teams by an average of 77.5-25.5 entering the game.

“We needed a reality check,” Emery said. “This shows what we have to work on and get better at.”

Freedom coach Laurie Pacholke said she was pleased with the way her squad reacted.

“You never know when you’re going to get that first test of the year, and I’m happy with the way the kids responded in the second half,” Pacholke said. “They were sick of them hanging around, and they said, ‘This is it.’ I think the first couple possessions of the second half looked really nice.”

Pacholke said the conversation at halftime revolved around execution.

“Talked about things like transition defense, which I thought was shaky in the first half,” Pacholke said. “We also said to keep pushing at them because they had fouls and we knew they’d get tired. We know where our conditioning is. We know what we did in the offseason and what we do every day in practice. Some teams might stick with us for a half, but with our depth and conditioning we have an edge. … They stuck to the game plan and took care of business.”

Senior Faith Woodard had a team-high 28 points and 11 rebounds. Emery added 25, 11 steals, eight rebounds and five assists. Senior forward Ashle Thompson had nine points, all in the first half, and eight rebounds.

Woodard said Hillsborough’s tough play is what slowed them early.

“They were really physical,” Woodard said. “They were fast and quick. They’re pretty much more disciplined than some of the teams that we’ve come across.”

Pacholke said that physical play put her starters in foul trouble early, forcing her to go deep into her bench.

“I knew coming in if we weren’t on our A game we’d be pushed, but our depth really showed,” Pacholke said. “How many other teams can have two starters get in foul trouble in the first quarter and still be OK? We didn’t panic, and I think that’s what is the biggest strength we have is that depth.”

Williams, who had six assists, started for the first time this year in her third game back from tearing her right ACL twice in the last 10 months. Pacholke said she did “a great job getting into the flow” of the game.

“It was a different starting lineup that we’ve had all year, so I wasn’t surprised that we started a little slow, but dang, some of the things that Monet can do defensively and offensively seeing the open person and making passes is special,” Pacholke said. “We’re trying to keep her down a little bit. She wants to go out and play 32 minutes, but in games like this that get a little bit physical I’m just not taking that chance.”

Freedom plays a pair of home Class 7A-District 9 contests this week, first against Wiregrass Ranch Dec. 11 followed by the defending league champion Steinbrenner Dec. 13. The Patriots also travel to Newsome Dec. 12. All games start at 8 p.m.

 

 

By Jeff Odom

 

The Wiregrass Ranch boys basketball team failed to capitalize on a chance to take the top spot in Class 7A-District 9, falling at Chamberlain 73-49 Dec. 7.

The Bulls (4-1, 1-1) struggled to contain Chiefs (5-0, 2-0) guard Reggie Hart, who scored a game-high 26 points.

“We matched their intensity, but then I guess we just lost all hope and took a breather,” said Wiregrass Ranch guard Larrentz Manora, who finished with 10 points.

The Bulls looked sharp out of the gate, taking a 14-7 lead midway through the first period, but things changed quickly when leading scorer Rico Kerney (20 points) was forced to the bench with two quick fouls.

Chamberlain went on an 11-0 run to take its first lead of the contest and followed it up with a 15-2 run in the second quarter to widen the gap at halftime.

“We know that Rico and (Chris) Parra are 50 percent of their points, and we like to think our bread and butter is our man-to-man defense, and I think that we have guys that take pride in that,” said Chiefs coach Chris Snyder. “Rico coming into foul trouble early obviously helped too.”

Wiregrass Ranch cut Chamberlain’s lead to nine with a 13-2 run in the third, but the Chiefs responded by shutting down the Bulls’ offense completely in the final period, holding them to just one point.

Manora said the team needs to keep up its positive attitude going forward.

“This game’s over; we’ll shake it off,” Manora said. “We feel like we can go undefeated from here and have a positive attitude all the way.”

The Wiregrass Ranch girls (7-1, 1-1) took care of business as sophomore forward Amanda Melosky helped lead her team to a 68-30 win against Chamberlain (2-5, 1-2).

Melosky, who finished with 23 points, said it felt good to get a district win after falling at home to Steinbrenner by four points Dec. 4.

“It’s a big confidence booster,” Melosky said. “It was a close one with Steinbrenner, but now that we evened up the district (record), it gives us some more confidence to play and maybe beat Steinbrenner this time.”

The Bulls caught their stride in the third quarter after struggling to score in much of the first half. Junior forward Logan Seoane (14 points) and Melosky combined to outscore the Chiefs 26-8 to force a running clock.

“It’s definitely nice to get back into the win column in the district and I thought we played a poor first half, but maybe we were still spent from playing Steinbrenner,” said Wiregrass Ranch coach John Gant. “Overall, it’s selfish of me to be upset about winning by 38, so we’re happy with it.”

Gant said he could tell Melosky was ready to go before the game.

“When you see the look in her eye, she puts her head down, and you know what’s going to happen. … She’s a blue collar worker.”

The Bulls played at Academy of the Holy Names Dec. 10, but results were not available by press time. Wiregrass Ranch travels to district rival Freedom Dec. 11. The boys start at 6:30 p.m. and the girls tip off at 8 p.m.