Kowboys outmuscle Streaks

Going into Friday night's boys Class 5A-District 5 basketball semifinals against Osceola, Sebring knew it would have to play a near-perfect game to beat the top-seeded Kowboys.

Unfortunately, that didn't happen as Osceola senior guard Brenton Williams torched the nets for a game-high 30 points and the Kowboys used a swarming full-court press to force the Blue Streaks into 18 turnovers en route to a 73-60 win.

The victory advanced Osceola, which went undefeated in district play during the regular season, to Saturday night's district championship game against Lake Wales, which stunned Ridge Community with a basket at the buzzer to move on to the finals.

"It was a physical, fast, up-tempo game and we knew that's the way it would be against Osceola," said Sebring coach Princeton Harris. "Offensive boards, turnovers and missed free throws were the difference in the game.

"The kids fought hard, showed a lot of heart, didn't quit and as a coach you can't ask for more than that."

Osceola started quickly in the opening minutes of the game as Williams buried a 3-pointer and the Kowboys quickness and athleticism was evident, as their suffocating press forced several Sebring turnovers, which were converted into easy baskets for an 11-2 lead.

Sebring hung tough and battled back with strong inside play by Tevin Toney, who scored four of his team-high 15 points to pull the Blue Streaks within 17-8 heading into the second quarter.

Sebring got into an offensive rhythm in the second period, as Marcus Dewberry nailed a 3-pointer and Devin Clarke scored six of his 12 points to give the Blue Streaks a 31-27 lead at the half.

"We knew we could play with Osceola," Harris said. "We lost by two points at home to them and we just had to play better defense and do a better job of boxing out and rebounding."

Williams got hot in the third quarter from behind the 3-point arc and the Kowboys utilized their full-court press to harass the Blue Streaks into bad passes, which resulted in easy buckets.

Osceola's Michael Sanchez scored eight of his 15 points and Jedarian Jackson added six of his 14 points to give the Kowboys a 46-44 lead heading into the final eight minutes.

Williams hit a pair of 3-pointers and Osceola continued to run its offense effectively to keep the Blue Streaks from making any kind of late run.

The Kowboys converted their free throws down the stretch to seal the district semifinal victory.

"I'm proud of our kids because they never quit," said Harris. "We missed 15 free throws and had way too many turnovers to beat a team like Osceola.

"They are a very skilled and disciplined team and you have to give them credit."

GAME HIGHLIGHTS

Osceola 73, Blue Streaks 60

Sebring turnovers: 18