Boys basketball: Pirates struggle at line but wrap up No. 2 seed

By IZZY GOULD
Published January 23, 2008

DADE CITY - Poncho Broner's fears of inconsistency were validated at the free-throw line.

Pasco still managed to walk out of its home gym Tuesday night with a 65-58 win in its Class 4A, District 8 finale against Hudson. The Pirates secured the No. 2 seed and will host the district tournament. But the Pasco coach was concerned after the Pirates, who are facing four road games to finish the season, squandered a 15-point third-quarter lead.

"We're still working on consistency even this late in the season," Broner said. "We're starting to play better defense and we're rebounding better, but we still have to work on free throws."

Cobras guard Chris Russo drained a 3-pointer in the fourth to cut the deficit to 49-47 with 4:32 left. Pasco 14-6, 12-3 could have put the game away with free throws but struggled, going 25 of 43 from the line (58.1 percent) and making just 9 of 17 in the final quarter. The Pirates survived thanks to a game-high 25 points by Demetrious Larry. Hudson (11-10, 9-6) answered with Jarrod Branco's 23.

Pasco has coped with the loss of sharp-shooting guard Zach Caparaso (broken right ankle) since a practice before the holidays. He could be back if the Pirates advance to the state tournament.

One bright spot has been improved defense and better shooting.

The Pirates hope to use these final four games, including back-to-back games at Land O'Lakes and Wesley Chapel, to find themselves.

"In two weeks everyone's coming here," Broner said. "This district is wide open."

Izzy Gould can be reached at izzygould@gmail.com or (727) 580-5315.

[Last modified January 22, 2008, 23:58:56]