Terrapins adjust at halftime for win

Tampa Prep's strong execution in the second half leads to a 55-39 win over Middleton.

By KEITH NIEBUHR Times Correspondent
Published January 14, 2007

TAMPA - Tampa Prep coach Joe Fenlon was happy with the effort.

And the defense. And the rebounding.

But because of his team's poor offensive execution, the Terrapins entered the half with just a five-point lead against Middleton. And that, as you might imagine, had Fenlon concerned.

"I knew coming in a key for us was to have good spacing offensively because Middleton gambles a lot," Fenlon said. "In the first half, we didn't have that. But we knew if we could get better spacing, things would open up inside."

He was right.

In the second half, the Terrapins executed their coach's game plan well, which resulted in better rhythm, crisper passing, open layups and a comfortable 55-39 win Saturday in the Tampa Prep Shootout, a one-day event at the school featuring five games between bay area teams.

"At halftime, coach just told us to stay focused," Terrapins forward Walter Perkins said. "We just ran our offense and continued to rebound."

Middleton had no answer for the 6-foot-7 Perkins and 6-foot-6 forward David Waller, who combined for 31 points and snatched seemingly every rebound between them. Perkins had eight points in the fourth quarter to help Tampa Prep (14-3) win it.

Further aiding Tampa Prep was a simple defensive adjustment Fenlon made at the half. To counter the Tigers' athleticism, Tampa Prep employed a halfcourt trap in the third and fourth quarters that effectively took Middleton out of its offense and forced a handful of turnovers that led to easy transition baskets.

"That really slowed them down," Fenlon said. "We didn't want it to be a horse race."

Although Middleton's final lead came at 3-2 in the opening minutes, the Tigers hung tough for the better part of three quarters. For that, they can thank their defense - and guard Corey Thomas, who scored a game-high 22.

"They were ballhawking in the first half," Waller said. "They made us play at a faster pace, and that's exactly what we didn't want to do."

Tampa Prep Shootout

Admiral Farragut 62, Hillsborough 60 (2 OT)

Seffner Christian 53, St. Petersburg Catholic 42

Berkeley Prep 57, Wesley Chapel 45

Tampa Prep 55, Middleton 39

Ridgewood 73, Tampa Catholic 56

[Last modified January 13, 2007, 23:17:57]