Tornadoes one giant Tigers can't topple

The Tornadoes neutralized the Tigers' perimeter game in a 62-36 romp.

By JOEY KNIGHT
Published February 16, 2007

TAMPA - After upsetting two higher-seeded district tournament foes on consecutive nights last week, Middleton entered the Class 5A playoffs in the proverbial "zone."

But it had nothing on the one Clearwater imposed Thursday.

Employing a 1-2-2 look most of the night, the Tornadoes (25-4) neutralized the Tigers' perimeter game, not to mention district tournament star Khiry Anfield (two points, no field goals), in a 62-36 romp.

"We thought we were going to go with the zone as long as we could, and it ended up being the defense we stayed in," said Tornadoes coach Jack Coit, whose club travels to Punta Gorda Charlotte (23-6) for Tuesday night's region semifinals.

"What we thought we saw (on tape), I thought we could play zone and the kids did a great job. You've got to give the credit to the kids."

The Tornadoes led 29-11 at halftime, denying the Tigers quality perimeter looks or offensive boards. Middleton didn't hit an outside shot until Stephon Morrison's jumper with 6:20 to play in the half.

Anfield, a 6-foot-2 forward who scored 42 in tournament upsets of Plant and Chamberlain, didn't score until a pair of free throws with 2:51 to play.

Junior Luke Loucks led the Tornadoes with 13 points; senior Nick Nickerson had 12.

Joey Knight, Times staff writer

[Last modified February 16, 2007, 00:00:45]