Sickles loses early lead, recovers to secure win

Seemingly on its way to a blowout win, Sickles suddenly found itself in a game Thursday in the second half of its region quarterfinal matchup against Sarasota.

By ROD GIPSON
Published February 16, 2007

TAMPA - Seemingly on its way to a blowout win, Sickles suddenly found itself in a game Thursday in the second half of its region quarterfinal matchup against Sarasota.

With leads of 18-2 and 23-10 long gone, the Gryphons were nursing an eight-point advantage midway through the fourth period with momentum slipping away. But that's when Sickles (19-7) found its composure, tightened its defense and used the free-throw line to go on to a 44-27 victory.

The win sends Sickles to Tuesday's region semifinals for the first time since the 1999-2000 season.

"The game was played like I anticipated," Sickles coach Renaldo Garcia said. "They (Sarasota) are a great coached, physical team, just the type of team that gives us trouble because of our youth."

The Gryphons rushed out to a big lead in the opening period as the Sailors (17-10) struggled to move the ball.

Sickles couldn't maintain that pace however, and after scoring just 14 combined points in the second and third periods, the Gryphons' lead had dwindled to eight. But Sickles made 9-of-12 free throws in the fourth period to hold on for the victory.

Sickles was led by senior Matt Johnson and freshman Jordan Davis, who hit six free throws in the last four minutes. Davis scored 10 while Johnson had 11.

[Last modified February 15, 2007, 22:52:02]