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Highlands Today

Dragons Respond Big, Pound Panthers

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Highlands Today Staff

Published: January 10, 2008

LAKE PLACID — After getting drubbed in their first game back from Christmas break, the Lake Placid girls basketball team rebounded nicely on Tuesday night.

The Green Dragons, led by Ale Baker's team-high eight points, beat Mulberry 41-31 in a Class 3A-District 10 matchup after losing to Avon Park by 46 points the previous evening.

"It was a nice win after getting blown out by Avon Park on Monday night," said Lake Placid coach Shonda Legree. "I brought up four girls from junior varsity to give us some depth, and it paid off.

"We got all the girls in the game to get some experience and came away with a big district win."

Lake Placid, which improved to 2-2 in district play, trailed 17-12 at the half before mounting a second-half rally.

"We came out aggressive to open the third quarter and finally got our offense going," said Legree. "We played with more energy and enthusiasm and that's what we need to do every night."

Baker led the charge with jump shots from the outside and point guard Kaneisha Hamilton — who only played two quarters — scored all seven of her points in the final stanza to help the Dragons secure the district win.

"To get a win and get all the girls some playing time was important for us," Legree said. "We need to keep playing hard and good things will happen."

The Dragons travel to Okeechobee today for a 7:30 tip.

BOYS SOCCER: Palmetto 6, Avon Park 1

AVON PARK — Paul Calero scored on a penalty kick to give Avon Park the early lead in Tuesday night's Class 4A-District 10 boys soccer match at Joe Franza Stadium.

It wasn't enough though, as Palmetto roared back with six unanswered goals for a 6-1 win over the Red Devils.

"We had the lead, but we only had 12 players and the lack of depth caught up to us," said Avon Park coach Jocelyn Simplice. "We played with good effort and we will continue to work hard to improve."

It was the first goal Avon Park has scored all season after finding the net just three times last year. The Devils look to add to their total today, when they host rival Sebring at 7:30 p.m.

GIRLS BASKETBALL: Sebring 47, Booker 39

SARASOTA — Three Blue Streaks scored in double figures on Tuesday night and the Sebring girls basketball team vaulted itself into first place in districts with a 47-39 win over Booker.

Chelsea Davis scored 13 points — including three 3-point shots — Hannah Shoop had 12 points and seven rebounds and Brenita Grant had 10 points, four rebounds and three steals to pace the Streaks, who doubled-up the Tornadoes 12-6 in the third quarter to pull away.

"This is a very, very good win for us," said Sebring coach Mike Lee. "I told them before the game, 'this is the biggest game of our season so far.' We knew up front that if we won this, we'd be in control of our own destiny."

The Streaks host district rival Hardee on Friday night at SHS. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.

BOYS BASKETBALL: Mulberry 51, Lake Placid 33

MULBERRY — Conlin Veley scored 10 points and KJ Delbert added eight points on Tuesday, but it wasn't enough as Mulberry rolled past Lake Placid 51-33 in Class 3A-District 10 action.

"With this group, sometimes the effort's there, sometimes it's not," said LP coach Levi Williams. "I'm trying to figure out what buttons to push with these guys to get them playing with a little passion."

The Dragons return to action on Thursday, when they host Moore Haven.

GIRLS SOCCER: Avon Park 3, Lake Wales 3

LAKE WALES — The Avon Park girls soccer team exploded for three first-half goals against Lake Wales on Tuesday night.

Unfortunately for AP, the Red Devils relaxed with the big lead and the Highlanders rallied for three unanswered goals in the second half to earn a 3-3 tie.

The Devils travel to Lake Placid today. Kick-off is set for 7:30 p.m.

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