Tornadoes not that happy in win

By PETER PUPELLO
Published December 23, 2007

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

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

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

The first quarter ended with a combined point total of 13. But Clearwater (11-0), led by Okaro White, who finished with 23 points, found its rhythm early in the second quarter and went into halftime with its biggest lead, 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 led Alonsowith 15 points apiece.

Newsome defeated East Lake 60-45 by featuring a talented duo which 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.

[Last modified December 23, 2007, 00:14:36]