In the Hooters Holiday Shootout, the Eagles top Pleasure Ridge, Ky., behind Zaronn Cann's game-high 21 points.
By JEREMY WRITT
Published December 31, 2003
ST. PETERSBURG - Zaronn Cann scored Brandon's first eight points and 14 of his game-high 21 in the first quarter as the Eagles beat Pleasure Ridge, Ky., 58-50 Tuesday night at the Bayfront Center.
The Eagles earned third place in the Hooters Holiday Shootout.
The 6-foot-6 junior forward was not intimidated by the Panthers' taller frontcourt. Despite giving up four inches to Pleasure Ridge's Terrance Farley, Cann had his way in the post.
"Attack the basket, go to the hole, and come out strong," Cann said of his offensive strategy. "He couldn't block everything so I just took it to him."
Cann's play was a big part of Brandon's first quarter 11-0 run that was the difference in an otherwise close game.
Cann, a member of the all-tournament team, fouled out at the 4:36 mark in the fourth quarter. The Panthers trailed 49-41 but cut the lead to a basket.
"Keep your heads, in the game don't self-destruct," Cann told his teammates.
Fortunately for coach Mark Hermann, his Eagles showed more heart than they did in the semifinals against Pittsburgh Central Catholic. The Eagles were 9-of-14 from the free-throw line down the stretch.
"I told them we needed to keep our composure and play smart," Hermann said. "They gave me everything they had and that is why we ended up winning the game."
