Preps

Basketball: Pirates steadily take control from Spartans

By BOB PUTNAM
Published November 28, 2007

GULFPORT - Hannah Stenfors, who missed the first three games of the season with a broken fibula, picked an opportune time to make her return.

The Boca Ciega center was in the lineup for Tuesday's Class 5A, District 11 showdown against rival Lakewood.

She made her presence known with two crucial baskets down the stretch to help the Pirates win 52-48.

"Hannah is probably the best true center in the county," Boca Ciega coach Will White said. "She's worked real hard at coming back and is a big part of our offense."

Early on, it was the Spartans who were in control, building an 18-12 lead after the first quarter. From then on, Boca Ciega started chipping away at the deficit, outscoring Lakewood in every quarter until the Pirates took a 45-43 lead in the fourth.

Boca Ciega (5-0) was able to hold on thanks to Stenfors, who scored 10 points, including two layups that helped pad the lead.

Kim Williams and Tamara Taylor also hit clutch free throws in the final two minutes for the Pirates.

"Kim is a senior, and she really showed leadership when we needed it in the end," White said.

The Spartans (4-2) received a scare in the final minute when Kerah Nelson came crashing down after hitting a layup. She grabbed her left leg and was carried off the floor with a sprained ankle. She finished with a game-high 25 points, 21 coming in the first half.

"It was a concern when Kerah grabbed her leg, but she'll be fine," Lakewood coach Necole Tunsil said.

"I think she showed when she was in there that she's the best player in the county."

[Last modified November 28, 2007, 00:31:41]