Wesley Chapel, Land O'Lakes and host Ridgewood prevail, as does Central.
By LARRY BUGG
Published December 19, 2004
NEW PORT RICHEY - Three Pasco County teams took victories Saturday in the William G. Hulton Jr. Ram Classic Shootout at Ridgewood.
The host Rams, Wesley Chapel and Land O'Lakes won in the shootout format. There was no champion but most of the teams played two games.
In the nightcap, Ridgewood's Brian Hoben scored 30 points to lead the Rams (4-3) to a 66-54 win over Sickles (3-2). Hoben had 14 points in the first quarter when the Rams took a 24-9 lead.
Brandon Powell scored 16 to lead Sickles.
The Rams were grateful for the triumph.
"We needed a win," Ridgewood coach Gary Anders said. "After (Friday) night (a loss to Newsome) I think the kids were really disappointed. Even though they were not real smooth or polished tonight, they were pretty gutty. We have a lot of kids who played a lot of minutes in two days who were just fighting to hang on.
"I am pleased with their effort and their tenacity. When Brian gets off to a good start, we get off to a good start. The thing about him is he plays a lot of minutes. He stays with it. He hits free throws down the stretch. I'm very happy with the kids."
Alex Ruoff and Tim Plumadore combined for 54 points as Central (5-1) beat Clearwater Central Catholic 71-62. Ruoff had 35 points and 11 rebounds. Plumadore had 19 points for Central.
The Central coach enjoyed one quarter.
"I thought we had a marvelous third quarter," John Sedlack said. "We played great defense. They responded to the way they were coached. In the fourth quarter, we turned the ball over too much. It should have been a "breathe easy' game. We were up 20. We turn it over and they hit a (3-pointer). I thought we should have had better control. I was not pleased with the way we finished the game."
In earlier games, Wesley Chapel beat Bloomingdale 56-50 and Land O'Lakes defeated Newsome 58-35. Chase Bussey scored 26 to lead Wesley Chapel (3-2). Theo Smalling led the Bulls with 27 points. Jarrett Santana scored 19 to lead Land O'Lakes.
