Bishop Moore too strong for Eagles

Orlando Bishop Moore pulled away late to beat the Eagles 53-41.

By DAVID MURPHY
Published February 16, 2007

SPRING HILL - Springstead made it a game, which is more than it looked like it would be early. But, in the end, it is fair to say the better team won as Orlando Bishop Moore pulled away late to beat the Eagles 53-41.

Though Springstead went undefeated in Class 4A, District 8, it didn't face a team like Bishop Moore, which featured a trio of jump-shooting guards and enough size to hang with the Eagles down low. The Hornets never trailed, taking a 14-4 lead at the end of the first quarter, thanks in large part to a four-point play by guard Danny Krazit, who led all scorers with 22 points.

Bishop Moore (15-11) out-scored Springstead (22-7) 12-2 to start the second half, taking a 36-20 lead on a 3-pointer by Sean Cary with 2:43 left in the period.

"Their guards are lightning quick," Springstead coach Craig Swartout said. "They were tough to contain."

But Springstead rebounded, scoring the last eight points in the third and outscoring the Hornets 7-2 to start the fourth. The Eagles cut their deficit to 42-40 on a 3 by senior guard Tim Hennigan with 3:23 remaining, but that's the closest they would get.

Down 46-41 with 1:08 left, Springstead center Ethan Selph blocked a shot, but Bishop Moore's Sean Holt grabbed the loose ball, hit a layup and was fouled. He hit the free throw to give the Hornets an eight-point lead and all but sealing the game.

David Murphy, Times staff writer

[Last modified February 15, 2007, 22:46:32]