Sebring Basketball Prepares For Pressure

They're dressed in gray, and when commanded, all three suddenly tear after the ball with intensity typically reserved for games.

To simulate the pressure-packed half-court defense it will face in its regional quarterfinal game tonight, the Sebring boys basketball team was alone in Blue Streak gym on Wednesday afternoon, quickly running through their half-court set while coach Princeton Harris barked out directions and criticisms.

Reserves Nate Orozco, Adarius Hollinger and 6-foot-7 Robert "Jewel" Campbell did their best (albeit taller) Red Devil impression, maniacally chasing down the ball, all three often simultaneously sprinting toward the ball-handler, arms flailing and voices yelling.

"I know if we can get it around them, we can get it around Kathleen," said Harris as his team prepared for its first regional home game since 2005, slated for a 7 p.m. tip tonight. "They have two or three guys on the guard at one time, and when the pressure comes, we'll have a general idea of what we want to do."

And since the District 9 runner-up Devils will be short six players (including three regular-season starters) due to suspension stemming from a district-semifinal fight in which six players left the bench, the Blue Streaks will likely want to lean on what they've done all season; controlling the pace of the game and relying on a deep bench to stay fresh.

"That's the good thing about us," said senior guard Chris Grubb. "We have two teams of guys who can play. Everyone's around the same talent level and we can put people in and not worry about anything."

Harris said the Streaks will continue to display the game they've honed all season, pushing the ball and getting the action as fast-paced as possible. With a short Devil bench, Harris is hoping Sebring's attacking style will either wear down Kathleen or force them into foul trouble. Still, Harris said, it's always tough to paint a team with back-to-back trips to the state finals and regional final appearances the two previous seasons into a corner.

"Ive been stressing that they're scrappy as heck and that if there would've been another 30 seconds (in their district final loss to Bartow), we could've been playing someone else," Harris said. "For seven kids, you have to take your hat off to them: They feel like they're still supposed to win.

"These kids know how to win championships under any circumstances, so we have to go out and not underestimate them."

Senior Jake Trussell, who scored 19 points and had 10 rebounds, five assists and five steals in the district semifinal, said the switch flipped for the Streaks at the district tournament, when the thought of elimination suddenly dawned on the entire squad.

"I don't think any one of us wants to go home," Trussell said, noting the Streaks can show a bit of pressure of their own when needed and they aren't afraid to run or slow it down. The key to victory, he said, will be staying calm calm in the face of frustration.

"They like to bring their guards up and force us into mistakes," Trussell said. "But we can apply some pressure and run them a lot.

"And I don't think we have anything to worry about the post: We have Jewel and Joe (Young), and those are some big dudes."

Sophomore Devin Clarke said Kathleen's quickness and ability to get into passing lanes means the Streaks will have to be just as aggressive on offense as they are on defense.

"We can't worry about the pressure they're bringing and stay focused," Clarke said. "We need to meet passes and not let them get into our heads and make us throw stupid passes."

Grubb said the team realized its depth and talent could be a special combination late in the season, but it happened to be just the right time for the Streaks to bring home their first district title since 2005. Should they win and host a regional semifinal, it'd be the first such game since 1999.

"It seems like we only found out we could really do something a couple of games ago," Grubb said. "We feed off our fans, and it will be good to finally have a district championship to come home with."

Harris, who noted the excellent play lately of Tevin Toney, as well as reserves Spencer Caton, Toby Solebello and JC Howard, said he's hoping for a big crowd, and that he's treating the game like the rivalry he hopes it becomes.

"Highlands County's never done anything against Polk County," Harris said. "And Polk County feels like when they step on the field or the court, they should beat us just because we're Highlands County.

"We want to send a statement because we're probably going to be in a district with them next year: See here - Highlands County's OK, too."

KEYS TO THE GAME

Sebring coach Princeton Harris on what he'd like to see from the Streaks tonight:

Win the turnover battle: "If we can make them turn it over and limit our mistakes, I like our chances with anybody."

Establish inside presence: "I'd like for them to pack it in on us. I think we can hit some shots from outside and make them have to come out."

Stay out of foul trouble: "We need to play our game and not let them dictate the flow."