The line is kind to Pirates

By CHRIS GIRANDOLA
Published January 15, 2006

ST. PETERSBURG - One of the most anticipated games of the season turned into a free-throw shooting contest.

Foul calls were abundant, and Boca Ciega came out on the better half, both on free-throw attempts and the scoreboard, beating St. Petersburg Catholic 63-58.

"It may have affected us a bit," SPC coach Nick Vandewalle said. "But I don't blame the officials for us losing. We just weren't as focused as usual."

Freshman guard Tory Stephens scored 17 and junior guard Ashley Williams contributed 13 points as Bogie overcame a 10-point deficit to win the championship of the MLK Tournament at Northeast High. Stephens made 7-of-8 free throws and Williams converted 5-of-7 down the stretch to seal the win.

"We've been a second-half team all year long," Boca Ciega coach William White said. "We have some really good pressure players and that will help us as we head into the playoffs."

Boca Ciega (17-3) finished the night 27-of-46 from the free-throw line and more than doubled SPC's output. The Barons shot only 21, making 12. The Pirates scored 40 in the second half, 25 off foul shots.

The Barons also failed to make the most of their scoring opportunities. Late in the second quarter and early in the third, SPC (17-2) appeared on its way to a comfortable win. The Barons finished the first half with an 11-0 run to take a 25-23 halftime lead, then opened the second half with a 15-7 run, grabbing the game's largest lead at 40-30. Both teams exchanged baskets the rest of the quarter and Bogie went into the fourth down 45-37.

The Pirates chipped away at the lead throughout the fourth, led by freshman center Missy Schmidt's two jumpers and, eventually, pulled 50-49 when SPC senior guard Shannon McElhaney appeared to strip the ball from Bogie forward Bianca Iannello.

But McElhaney was called for a foul, then was hit with a technical for questioning the call. Iannello nailed 3-of-4 free throws to give the Pirates their first lead since early in the second quarter and they never looked back.

Sophomore center Sasha Chaplin led the Barons with 18 points.

In the consolation game, Keswick Christian beat East Lake 72-40. Janelle Devaul led the Crusaders (13-5) with 23 points.

The all-tournament team included Devaul, Tiffany Williams and Stephens. SPC forward Robin Link and Northeast guard Leigh Manthohac also were selected.

[Last modified January 15, 2006, 01:48:18]