Slow Stretches Hamper Sebring's Win Over Hardee

SEBRING - Sebring coach Mike Lee said it best following the Blue Streak girls basketball team's not-so-pretty victory over Hardee.

"It's a district win, so I guess I'm happy," Lee said.

He had good reason to be on the fence.

Sebring went on two five-minute scoreless stretches, but made up for a slow offensive night on the defensive end, holding Hardee to a combined seven points in the second and third quarters to maintain their Class 4A-District 10 lead with a 37-20 victory over the Wildcats.

"It's a mental thing," said Sebring's Whitney Lee, who led the Streaks with 12 points. "We had a big game against Booker (earlier this week), and I think we kind of settled in tonight. And that's something we shouldn't do."

The Streaks scored in single digits for the first three quarters and didn't need much more, as Hardee - which has just one win on the season - struggled to score.

Hannah Shoop added nine points and Whitney Wells pitched in six points for the Streaks, who got solid play off their bench late to keep the Wildcats in check. Max Copley led the team with eight rebounds, while Shawonda Holdman added five boards.

"We were playing too much on the perimeter," said Copley. "We shot a lot from the outside at the beginning, but once we showed some patience, we worked it inside."

Sebring led 9-6 after the first quarter and didn't find the hoop until the 2:57 mark in the second. They upped their lead to 27-13 after three periods and pulled away when Hardee's Andrea Parkinson went down with an injury and spent the fourth quarter on the bench.

"We were flat and maybe a bit tired," coach Lee said. "We had plenty of good shots, they just weren't falling tonight."

Hardee was led by Sabrina Holmes' 11 points, and three points each from Paige Avery and Gloria Solis.
"I'm pretty happy holding them to 37," said Hardee coach Don Gray. "But I'd be happier if we didn't score 20."

Whitney Lee said the Streak defense did a good job stepping in front of passes and focusing on Hardee's biggest scoring threats. She said her team's bench play was particularly good, and that with the district playoffs looming, it was good to see everyone contribute.

"We need to play our game and stay calm," Whitney Lee said. "We have a lot of experience, we just need to use that and play together."

The Streaks are back in action on Monday, when they travel to DeSoto. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.

"We have to keep working and showing up every day," coach Lee said. "I hate saying that, but it's true. Nothing's guaranteed, if we don't show up for districts, you won't be there long."