Local Sports

Red Devils thrash Bulldogs

Photos

ERIKA CORD
Published: November 29, 2012

AVON PARK - Johntavia Perry scored a game-high 14 points to lead Avon Park to a 55-12 win over Frostproof in girls basketball on Tuesday night.

The lopsided Class 4A-District 10 victory improved the Red Devils to 4-1 overall and 1-0 in district play.

"An important part about this game was to keep up our intensity," said Perry.

Toryana Jones and Connie Dewberry had solid games in points and assists to help the Red Devils roll past the Bulldogs.

"There were a few 'iffy' points that we need to work on," said Avon Park coach Paulette Daley. "We were missing layups and rebounds, but we definitely played a great game.

"We need to make sure we're playing as a team and anticipate what's going to happen next so we're ready."

The Red Devils didn't waste much time in jumping out to a big lead in the first quarter behind the strong play of Imani Tate and Kennedea Jones.

Though Frostproof showed an improved defense, its offense was no match against the Avon Park defense.

The Red Devils were already in double digits before the Bulldogs were able to put their first points on the scoreboard.

Avon Park led 14-3 after the first quarter and Perry scored 12 of her 14 points in the second period as the Red Devils went into the half with a 28-4 lead.

"This is a good district win," Daley said. "Frostproof struggled, but we know they'll be better the next time we face them."

Frostproof doubled its output in the second half with eight points, but Avon Park remained consistent throughout the game adding 27 points to its total as the Red Devils cruised past the scrappy Bulldogs.

"We got sloppy at times," Daley said. We need to play at a high level for the entire game because we still have a tendency to play down to our opponent's level."

Throughout the one-sided contest, Daley consistently rotated players in and out of the game. A few times, she substituted all five players at once as they continue to work on different things while giving players game experience.

Defensively, the Red Devils allowed only two baskets for the game. The other eight Bulldog points came on free throws.

At the same time, all 10 players on the Avon Park squad scored at least two points. Dewberry tallied 10 points and Toryana Jones added eight to the Red Devil cause.

Leonsha Howard led Frostproof with three points.

The Red Devils will be road warriors for the next three games. They travel to Tenoroc tonight and play at Palmetto on Friday night.

Avon Park travels to DeSoto on Tuesday and the Red Devils host district rival Mulberry on Dec. 7.

"We have a lot of room for improvement," Daley said. "This is a good group of girls who work hard because they want to get better."