Ridgewood dominates Dunedin

Ridgewood scored the first seven points and never looked back in 84-50 win over Dunedin.

By Steve Lee
Published December 29, 2006

NEW PORT RICHEY - Host Ridgewood scored the first seven points and never looked back in a dominating 84-50 semifinal win over Dunedin Thursday.

Palm Harbor University won the other semifinal, 77-64 over Wesley Chapel, setting up tonight's title match at 7:15 in the 18th annual William G. Hulton Jr. Ram Classic.

"Obviously, when it's your tournament you like to be in (the final)," Ridgewood coach Gary Anders said. "We always tell our kids, "Play in the 7:15 game (a time slot reserved for a winning team) as long as you can.'"

Ridgewood (10-2) advanced to the title game for the ninth time and has won twice, including last season. PHU (6-6) makes its title game debut.

Fouls were called early, late and often in the Ridgewood-Dunedin contest, as the teams combined for 56. Additionally, three players fouled out and Falcons coach Joshua Walker received a technical.

"The game got physical, but we're a competitive bunch and they are too," Anders said.

Ridgewood made 34 of 44 free throws, with Mike Lawrence leading the way. The junior guard made 13 of 16 and finished with a game-high 19 points.

Lukas Poderis, the lone Ram to foul out, scored 14 and Alvin Satram 13. Ricky Melendez, who also fouled out, led Dunedin with 17.

Wesley Chapel had no answer for the Hurricanes' 6-foot-10 center Adam Pegg, who scored 25.

"We got killed on the glass," Wildcats coach Doug Greseth said. "Their whole team got a lot of put-backs."

PHU also scored from the outside with Sam Moroff hitting six 3-pointers and scoring 19.

[Last modified December 28, 2006, 23:31:28]