In a flash, Chiefs sent packing from playoffs

The Chiefs (22-7) managed just four second-half field goals, scoring 13 in the final 21 minutes.

By JOE SMITH
Published February 16, 2007

LARGO - Chamberlain junior guard Dantavis Adkins appeared shocked at what he had just witnessed.

"We thought we had it," he said, strolling to the team bus Thursday night. "We had it."

Against Largo, the Chiefs had a 14-point lead. They had the ball with the score tied and 30 seconds to go. Soon, they would have heartbreak.

Largo forward Mike Helm converted a three-point play after a basket inside with four seconds left to lift the Packers 37-34.

Once Adkins' half-court heave at the buzzer rattled off the rim, the defending state runnerup's fate was sealed and Packers fans stormed the court.

"We had our chance," Chamberlain coach Doug Aplin said. "We just couldn't finish."

The Chiefs (22-7) managed just four second-half field goals, scoring 13 in the final 21 minutes.

This came after Chamberlain sank four first-quarter 3s, taking a 21-5 lead on a Largo team that "played our worst quarter in four years," senior Charlie Lytle said.

But midway through the second quarter, the momentum shifted. The Packers picked up their perimeter defensive pressure, forcing several turnovers en route to a 10-0 run.

The Packers (23-5) tied it early in the fourth. Chiefs senior Carlos Figueroa (12 points) hit a big 3 to tie it at 34 with 1:41 to go. The Chiefs turned the ball over with 27 seconds left, setting up Helm's heroics.

Joe Smith, Times staff writer

[Last modified February 15, 2007, 23:51:48]