PALM HARBOR - So far, Clearwater has taken care of things locally, including a 63-45 victory at Palm Harbor U. on Thursday that left it 7-0.
Today, the Tornadoes try to handle business outside of the county when they face undefeated Miami Northwest Christian, last season's Class A state champion. The game begins at 7 at Bradenton Southeast.
Thursday, Nicole Ryan scored 17 first-half points and finished with a game-high 25 to lead the Tornadoes.
Clearwater took a 21-11 first-quarter lead and outscored the Hurricanes by 11 in the second for a 37-16 lead.
"Nicole, always," Clearwater coach Tom Shaneyfelt said. "She always makes good things happen."
PHU (6-2), helped by a 17-9 run, got as close as 13 midway through the third but failed to capitalize on its opportunities. The Hurricanes made only 9 of 27 free throws.
"We missed free throws, No. 1," PHU coach Dustin Bengston said. "Maybe it would have been a different game if we hadn't missed all of them and made a few. But we just made some silly young mistakes that hopefully by the end of January we won't be making."
Brittany Crain led PHU with 16 points, including two 3-pointers. LaToya Whiting added 10.
"This was the first time Brittany has stepped up against a real quality team," Bengston said. "It's good to see some of the girls stepping up."
