Streaks Swept Up By Tornadoes

SARASOTA - The Sebring boys basketball team lacked focus early and the Booker Tornadoes blew past the Blue Steaks for a key 52-44 Class 4A-District 10 win on Tuesday.

Things went bad for Sebring from the tip, as the Blue Streaks managed to score just two points in the first quarter and 12 points in the half, making numerous mental mistakes and turning the ball over to the opportunistic Tornadoes.

"We didn't play well at all, and our guys just lacked the focus needed to win these types of games," said Sebring coach Princeton Harris. "This was a tough one."

The Blue Streaks committed a season-high 24 turnovers against Booker and shot just 32 percent from the field. Sebring's woes, however, seemed to be behind them after mounting an incredible second-half comeback.

Down by as many as 22 points, the Blue Streaks held Booker to four points in the third and battled back to get within six points with four minutes left to play, but turnovers late in the game cost Sebring a chance to play for the win.

The Streaks were led by J.C. Howard's 12 points and Chris Grubb's 11 points, but it was the underclassmen that impressed Harris the most.

"[Sophomores] Robert [Campbell] and Joe [Young] played excellent tonight," the SHS head coach said. "They helped us get back into this game, along with T.J. [Williams] and J.C. and are going to be key for us this season."

Campbell scored eight points, pulled down 10 rebounds and blocked three shots, while Young scored six and grabbed 10 boards for the Blue Streaks.

Sebring is back on the court on Friday when they host Hardee in a district match-up. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.