CLEARWATER - With only five players taller than 6 feet, first-year Countryside coach Bob Marinak knew his team would have to play an up-tempo game and force turnovers.
Only problem was the turnovers the Cougars created Friday against Clearwater were their own.
Playing their first home game of the season, the Tornadoes played relentless defense and took advantage of their height to cruise to a 71-32 victory.
"Our guys are still adjusting to a new system," Marinak said. "We had a couple of opportunities early but had some turnovers and couldn't get many rebounds."
Clearwater set the tempo from the opening tip, getting three steals and blocking three shots. That led to easy baskets and a 12-0 lead. "It was our first home game, and we were a little wound up," Clearwater coach Jack Coit said. "But I thought we did a lot of nice things defensively that helped get us going."
Tornadoes guard Luke Postorino applied in-your-face pressure, and 6-10 center Cruz Daniels camped underneath the basket to cause the most disruption for Countryside.
"Cruz is an intimidating presence even when he's just standing by the basket," Coit said.
Postorino, Cruz and forward Jonathan Thomas also contributed on offense. The three have provided a spark while the team waits for Admiral Farragut transfer Bennie Clyde to make his debut. Clyde has missed the first two games waiting for paperwork to clear.
Clyde's absence allowed Coit to showcase his depth, and by the second half, the reserves had entered the game.
Nine of Clearwater's 11 players scored. Postorino was the leading scorer with 16.
The game was so lopsided that when the Tornadoes ended the third quarter with a 63-26 lead, the referees used a new Florida High School Athletic Association mercy rule that allows for a running clock during the final quarter.
"All the guys on this team can play," Coit said. "And it shows."
