TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Highlands Today

Streaks Slip Past Pirates

ADVERTISEMENT

Highlands Today staff report

Published: January 20, 2008

BRADENTON — Sophomore forward Joe Young scored a team-high 21 points and pulled down 13 rebounds to lead the Sebring boys basketball team past Braden River 54-51 in Class 4A-District 10 action. Senior point guard Javier Medina added nine points to go along with seven assists as the Blue Streaks improved to 7-3 in district play.

"I'm happy with the win," said Sebring coach Princeton Harris. "The gym was packed and it was great to win in that kind of hostile environment.

"We stayed composed and executed down the stretch. Each district win is huge this time of the season."

Defense played a vital role in the Blue Streak win.

"Our defense really stepped up tonight," said Harris. "We were aggressive, but smart, and we hit some big shots down the stretch to hold off a good Braden River squad."

Sebring led for most of the game, but the Pirates rallied to take a one-point lead in the third quarter.
The Blue Streaks refused to lose and rode the strong inside play of the 6-foot-7 Young to victory.

"Joe had a big game for us," said Harris. "He came down with some key rebounds and hit some tough shots late in the game."

Sebring has two key District 10 games remaining.

The Blue Streaks host Palmetto on Tuesday and DeSoto on Thursday night.

"Those are huge games," said Harris. "If we win both games we'll be the No. 1 seed for the district tournament.

"Our goal is to win the district championship and that would put us in good shape, but we've got to take care of business on the court."

BOYS SOCCER: Lake Placid 8, Avon Park 0

AVON PARK — Kyle Thompson and Jose Resendiz each had hat tricks Friday night as the Lake Placid boys soccer team cruised to an 8-0 victory over Avon Park.

Jugo Medina and Vicente Ramos each added goals for the Dragons in their final tune-up before they open Class 3A-District 8 tournament play at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday at Frostproof.

"We actually like that match-up," said Lake Placid coach Josh Virkler, noting the Bulldogs edged the Dragons 2-1 in double overtime in last year's tourney and most recently escaped with a 1-1 tie last month at Frostproof. "We have a history of close games, and we feel like if we can keep it within a goal late, anything can happen."

Avon Park, meanwhile, opens Class 4A-District 10 tournament play at 7:30 p.m. on Monday against Braden River on Firemen's Field.

BOYS SOCCER: LaBelle 2, Sebring 0

LABELLE — The Sebring boys soccer team hit the post four times on Friday night, but LaBelle found the net twice as the Cowboys scraped past the Blue Streaks with a 2-0 non-district victory in Sebring's final tune-up before the Class 4A-District 10 tourney.

"I was really pleased with how we played, but we hit the woodwork four times," said Brown, referring to Sebring's two shots that hit the cross bar and two shots that hit the posts. "It was the best game we've played since Christmas break."

Sebring dominated possession in the first half, but LaBelle's marksmen were in full effect, scoring on goals from 20 and 25 yards to take a 2-0 lead at half. The Streaks put pressure on the Cowboys, but missed opportunities late.

"I hate losing, but I'm happy with how we played," Brown said.

The Streaks host their district tournament, which begins Monday at Firemen's Field. Hardee and DeSoto kick off at 6 p.m., followed by Avon Park and Braden River at 7:30.

The Streaks host the winner between the Red Devils and Pirates on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. For full coverage, see Wednesday and Thursday's Highlands Today.

GIRLS BASKETBALL: Frostproof 42, Lake Placid 30

LAKE PLACID — The Lake Placid girls basketball team played well, but Frostproof again had all the answers Friday night as the Bulldogs rolled past the Green Dragons 42-30.

The teams' previous meeting was an 18-point Frostproof victory, and LP coach Shonda Legree said her team played much better this time around.

"We played excellently," Legree said. "We had teamwork, we moved the ball and were being patient. I think we just ran out of gas at the end."

The Dragons get ready for their upcoming district tournament with three road games next week. LP travels to Fort Meade on Tuesday, Hardee on Thursday and LaBelle on Friday. Each game tips off at 7:30 p.m.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT