Local Sports

Sebring cruises by Frostproof

Photos

Mark Pinson | Highlands Today
Published: December 2, 2012

SEBRING - Shalontay Rose and Jamiese Wiley scored 14 points apiece to lead Sebring to a 62-7 demolition of Frostproof in girls basketball on Friday night.

The nondistrict victory improved the Blue Streaks to a perfect 6-0 on the season.

"We talked before the game about playing the way we're supposed to play regardless of the opponent," said Sebring coach Mike Lee. "We're off to a good start to the season, but we have to do a better job of communicating on the floor.

"It was a good win and we played intense the whole game, which is what we want to do."

Sebring came out strong in the opening minutes of the first quarter, as Rose scored eight points and Allie Mann added seven of her nine points to give the Blue Streaks a commanding lead.

Wiley was unstoppable in the paint, as the Blue Streak junior forward scored six points to give Sebring a 29-2 lead heading into the second quarter.

The Blue Streaks utilized a suffocating full-court press to force numerous Bulldog turnovers, which were converted into easy baskets.

Senior guard Mann, who had four steals, scored on a layup.

"We're able to do a lot of different things because we have some experience and intelligence," Lee said. "We have good athletes and when everybody does their job, we are a pretty competitive team."

Frostproof's Courtney Hamilton, who had a team-high three points, had the Bulldogs' only basket in the first period.

Sebring backed out of its full-court press and worked on a half-court trapping press in the second quarter.

The Blue Streaks used their size and athleticism to pick off errant Frostproof passes and converted the turnovers into points.

Christacia Dawkins scored four of her nine points as Sebring took a commanding 40-5 lead at the half.

"We want to get better with each game we play," Lee said. "That's our goal because we've got a tough schedule ahead of us."

The Class 6A Blue Streaks continued to score against the overwhelmed Class 4A Bulldogs, and a running clock was used for the remainder of the one-sided contest.

Sebring was able to get all of its players some valuable game experience against Frostproof and that will come in handy as the season progresses and the competition improves.

The Blue Streaks are back in action on Monday night with a road game against Lake Region. Sebring is back on the road on Thursday for a game at Lake Wales.

Sebring, which has four seniors, is in a very tough district with Lake Gibson, Lakeland Kathleen and Winter Haven.

"We're in a real competitive district," Lee said. "From what I'm hearing, Kathleen is as good as Winter Haven. "They are both big and their players are smart and know how to play the game at a high level. The meat of our schedule is ahead of us and that's what we're trying to prepare for.

"This is a real good group of girls and if everyone executes their role, we have a chance to be very competitive."

mpinson@highlandstoday.com (863) 386-5837