Boca Ciega can't stay with Charlotte

Nehemiah Simpkins led the Pirates (21-8) with 21 points, nine in the fourth quarter.

By SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
Published February 16, 2007

PUNTA GORDA - Boca Ciega coach Randy Shuman admitted it had been his team's pattern to get out of the blocks slowly.

Chris Stephenson and the rest of Charlotte's squad made the Pirates pay for living dangerously.

The Tarpons scored the game's first nine points and stepped on the gas from there, cruising to am 80-48 rout.

Stephenson had a banner game, with a game-high 23 points and 13 rebounds to lead Charlotte (23-6). Dago Pena had 18 points and 11 rebounds for the Tarpons.

The victory ensures there will be at least one more game for Charlotte, which will host Clearwater on Tuesday.

Nehemiah Simpkins led the Pirates (21-8) with 21 points, nine in the fourth quarter.

"That was pretty much typical for us," Shuman said of his team's slow start. "They started quick and made us pay."

Stephenson and his brother, Jordan, got the Tarpons off to a fast start, combining for eight points in the opening 9-0 run.

"We were just able to work the ball and get a lot of good looks," Charlotte coach Tom Massolio said. "We shot the ball all night."

Charlotte hit 7 of 12 shots in the first quarter, connecting on a trio of 3-pointers as it started to pull away. The Tarpons finished making 12 of 20 shots from behind the arc, with Chris Stephenson hitting five.

Boca Ciega hit only 3 of 12 shots from the floor in that span.

In addition, the Pirates were hurt by 13 turnovers in the first half, many of which Charlotte gladly turned into points.

"Their quick start was points off of turnovers," Shuman said. "You can't do that this time of year."

Charlotte Sun-Herald

[Last modified February 15, 2007, 23:08:16]