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Home advantage and chance at redemption

Ridgewood hopes for success in hosting tournament.

By STEVE LEE
Published December 27, 2006

NEW PORT RICHEY - Ridgewood coach Gary Anders is counting on his team's second winter tournament turning out better than the first.

The Rams 8-2 entered last week's Bright House Shootout at Clearwater with an unbeaten record. The 18th annual William G. Hulton Jr. Ram Classic begins this afternoon.

"I would hope that it would make our kids a little hungrier," Anders said of last week's results. "I would kind of like to see us bounce back after those games in Clearwater."

Ridgewood had a solid shot at extending its season-opening win streak in the first game at Clearwater. But poor foul shooting (12-of-27) factored into a four-point loss to East Lake. The Rams then lost by 15 to Boca Ciega.

"That was a game we could have easily won," Anders said of the East Lake contest. "Just make a few free throws and it's a different ballgame."

Included in today's tournament are two of Ridgewood's district rivals, Land O'Lakes and Wesley Chapel. Though the Gators cannot gain in the district standings (Land O'Lakes is 8-3, 3-1 in 5A-7 behind Ridgewood's 4-0 mark), coach Dave Puhalski is looking forward to pitting his team against his nemesis.

"I've got a funny feeling it won't be one more time," Puhalski said of facing the Rams, adding that with this tournament as well as the district series awaiting, "it could be three or four more."

Anders is in his 20th season and said the tournament, hosted by the Port Richey Rotary Club the past 18 years, is something he would not consider leaving off the schedule.

"It's a tradition, No. 1" Anders said. "It's on the calendar every year."

Land O'Lakes will compete for the fifth time. Puhalski said he often likes to have his team travel at this time of year so players can take on foes from other areas as well as spend time together on the road. In recent years, the Gators have gone to winter events in Flagler Beach, Daytona and Fort Myers. Regardless of the location, Puhalski said playing games during winter break is a must.

"You don't want to sit around and do nothing," he said.

Steve Lee can be reached at lee@sptimes.com or (352) 521-6517.

[Last modified December 27, 2006, 06:58:37]