Boys basketball: Tornadoes roll; Rams earn win

Clearwater can't enjoy its easy victory, while Ridgewood puts away St. Petersburg.

By Peter Pupello
Published December 23, 2007

CLEARWATER - After Clearwater's 70-45 win over Alonso on Saturday, one might expect that the mood in the Tornadoes locker room would be characterized by jubilation.

But because of controversial officiating, it was the Alonso players, coaches and fans who displayed more emotion, even after a 25-point loss.

Despite its margin of victory, and extending its perfect season, the atmosphere within the Clearwater locker room was marked by silence and disappointment.

"We just came out flat tonight, and I didn't step up as captain to help our team," senior guard Luke Loucks said.

Also Saturday, Ridgewood defeated St. Petersburg 63-55, and Gaither fell to Palm Harbor University 64-56.

The first quarter of the Clearwater-Alonso matchup ended with a combined point total of 13, with both teams starting slowly.

However, led by Okaro White, who finished with 23 points, Clearwater 11-0 found its rhythm early in the second quarter and went into halftime with its biggest lead at 13.

As the second half began, Alonso cut its deficit to eight with strong play in the paint from Demonte McAllister.

But Clearwater countered after every score, as Regan O'Rourke (12 points) and Adam Pegg (11) helped the Tornadoes inch away on each possession.

Detonio Richardson and Eddie Taylor proved to be the playmakers for Alonso, finishing with 15 points apiece.

Unlike Clearwater's victory, Newsome's 60-45 win over East Lake was marked by pleasing sentiments. Newsome featured a talented duo that used its height to score often inside the paint. Joe Raga (19 points) and Dylan Fugate (15) frustrated East Lake defensively. They were tough to stop not just from scoring, but also under the boards, as the pair came down with numerous rebounds.

Matt Moore led East Lake with 15 points, and got outstanding play from Kendall O'Neill and Dalorion Carter.

"I think we played well, but more importantly I'm pleased that we played consistently," Newsome coach Jon Mackey said.

[Last modified December 23, 2007, 00:05:29]