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The basketball guide
A quick look at the trends, teams and names to keep an eye on.
By Bob Putnam
Published December 21, 2007
BOYS
Player of the year watch
1. Mike Morrison, Lakewood
Although the Spartans have plenty of depth, Morrison still is the go-to guy, evinced by his 22 points against Boca Ciega last week.
2. Adam Pegg, Clearwater
The PHU transfer has been a force inside, averaging a team-best 16.1 points per game.
3. Cam Carden, Pinellas Park
The senior has come through with lights-out shooting 30 3-pointers and deft passing (4.9 assists per game).
4. Luke Loucks, Clearwater
The Florida State signee is scoring 13.8 points a game.
5. Chris Perez, Oldsmar Christian
The senior is averaging a county-best 30.4 points per game, including 28 against Montverde Academy.
Can't-miss games
Tonight, Ridgewood atClearwater
A battle between two undefeated teams in the bay area.
Wednesday, Christian Life (Texas) vs. Pinellas Park
The Patriots get a tough test in the opening round of Tampa Hoops Classic.
Super seven
1. Clearwater (10-0): How dominant are the Tornadoes? Six of their wins have been by 30 or more points.
2. Lakewood (10-0): The Spartans continue to roll after a big win against district rival Boca Ciega last week.
3. Pinellas Park (9-0): The Patriots have breezed through the easy part of their schedule.
4. Boca Ciega (7-2): The Pirates' two losses have come against Clearwater and Lakewood.
5. Gibbs (7-3): The Gladiators are winning the easy games and keeping the tough ones close.
6. St. Petersburg (6-3): The Green Devils have rebounded from a 1-2 start with some big district wins.
7. Oldsmar Christian (12-3): The Eagles have an impressive win against defending state semifinalist Calvary Christian.
GIRLS Super seven
1. Boca Ciega (13-0): The Pirates got a huge momentum boost with their first win against Clearwater in more than 15 seasons.
2. St. Petersburg Catholic (10-0): The Barons are No. 3 in the Class 3A state poll, the highest ranking of any county team.
3. Clearwater (11-2): The Tornadoes' two losses have come against two ranked teams.
4. Lakewood (12-3): The Spartans have won four straight, all by 12 points or more.
5. St. Petersburg (10-3): The Green Devils are surging with seven straight wins.
6. Northside Christian (8-1): The Mustangs, No. 8 in 2A, have won seven straight.
7. Dunedin (10-3): Two losses last week drop the Falcons in the poll.
Player of the year watch
1. Sasha Chaplin, SP Catholic
The Indiana recruit is averaging 18 points and nine rebounds per game.
2. Kerah Nelson, Lakewood
The senior is providing points (23.7 per game) and leadership for the Spartans.
3. Latavia Dempsey, Boca Ciega
Although the Pirates have a slew of scorers, Dempsey has stood out with 30 3-pointers.
4. Keona Dixon, Clearwater
She has become a scoring threat with 16.5 points per game.
5. Tamara Taylor, Boca Ciega
The freshman leads the Pirates with 14.9 points per game.
Can't-miss games
Thursday, St. Petersburgvs. Northside Christian:
A battle between two teams in the super seven in the opening round of the tournament at Academy of the Holy Names.
Thursday, St. PetersburgCatholic vs. Freedom
Another strong matchup in the first round of the Academy tournament.
Bob Putnamc an be reached atputnam@sptimes.com or (727)445-4169.
[Last modified December 21, 2007, 00:25:18]
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