Preps

Pirates fall apart late

By JEREMY WRITT
Published December 17, 2004

GULFPORT - Boca Ciega's youth served notice for three quarters against Seminole before losing focus in the final frame, falling 67-59. The talented Pirates dominated the boards and led by as many as 15 in the fourth quarter before collapsing.

"We can play with anyone if we just stay within what they are coached," Boca Ciega girls basketball coach William White said. "I've tried everything I can to motivate them to do things right but when the pressure is on they fold."

Seminole's leaders, Alli Fogle and Chelse Patterson, spent the first half in foul trouble, contributing heavily to a Warhawks' nine-foul first half. Things turned around in the fourth, with Seminole scoring 31 after managing just 36 points through three quarters.

The score was tied at 54 with 3:22 remaining when the two took over. Fogle hit a 3-pointer to break the tie and completed a three-point play on Seminole's next possession to give the Warhawks a 60-54 lead. She and Patterson added three big free throws in combining for 11 of Seminole's final 13 points and tied for the game high with 25.

"They're all like, "Hey, give me the ball and I'll take you there,' " White said of Fogle and Patterson. "We don't have anyone like that. We've tried to instill that in them and it just won't take. I only have 14 losses in the last two years and nine of them are to Clearwater and Seminole. We cannot get over the hump with them and it's because of leadership and believing in their coach and I don't think our girls believe in me."

[Last modified December 17, 2004, 00:07:19]