Bloomingdale passes tough test from Gaither

Not a one-sided affair

By BRYAN BURNS Times Correspondent
Published December 21, 2006

TAMPA - The Bloomingdale-Gaither girls semifinal at the Leto Holiday Classic figured to be a one-sided affair.

Bloomingdale, with playmaking guard Paris Moore leading the offense, is one of the county's more experienced teams; Gaither picked up its second victory of the season Tuesday in the tournament's opening round.

The game proved closer than the team's records indicated. Gaither held Moore in check - the junior led her team in scoring but had a quiet 12 points - and battled to a 19-19 halftime draw before Bloomingdale made a few more plays down the stretch to win 39-33 and advance to today's final against IMG Academy.

"We were sluggish," Bloomingdale coach Michael Kiser said. "We just came from a 10-day layoff, and Paris Moore, our best player, had pneumonia - she missed a week of practice. So, we're not back in synch yet."

Bloomingdale (8-3) had better find its rhythm before tonight's final. IMG Academy routed Durant 53-14 in the other semi.

"We didn't play real well tonight," Kiser said. "We'll have to (against IMG) for sure."

Gaither (2-9) plays Durant at 1:30 p.m. for third place.

In the boys' bracket, Bloomingdale held strong with Concordia Prep (Wis.) for two quarters -the Bulls trailed 37-35 at halftime - but were outscored 44-19 in the second half to fall 81-54.

Bloomingdale (6-5) shot just 26 percent (7-for-27) from the field in the second half and was dominated inside by Concordia Prep big man Freddy Asperilla, who finished with 25 points and 21 rebounds. Bloomingdale was outrebounded 40-14.

"Their big guy was a tough kid to try to keep out of the paint," Bloomingdale coach Josh Chapin said. "He got second- and third-chance opportunities all night."

Concordia Prep (9-1) takes on Wesley Chapel, a 71-55 winner over Palm Beach Central, in the boys final today. Bloomingdale faces Palm Beach Central for third place.

In the girls consolation bracket, Robinson defeated Leto 36-31 to pick up its first victory of the season and plays Wharton today for fifth place.

[Last modified December 21, 2006, 00:37:52]