Plant's defense steps up, snares top seed

By ROD GIPSON, Times correspondent
Published January 23, 2008

TAMPA - If anyone in the Plant gym Tuesday night thought a 14-point halftime lead against district foe Chamberlain was foreshadowing a blowout win, Panthers coach Mike Phillips wasn't among them.

After Chamberlain limited the Panthers to four third-quarter points, Plant was forced to regroup and clamp down on defense for a tough 48-42 victory in Class 5A, District 10 play.

Plant secures the top seed in next month's district tournament.

Tied at 9 midway through the first period, the Panthers' outside shooting helped them build a nine-point lead by the middle of the second period. Three-point shots from Sheldon Cooley and Becker Archerd highlighted a 12-5 Panthers run. Plant (19-3) stretched that lead to 30-16 by halftime.

But Chamberlain (14-5), especially Dontae Aycock, had other ideas as the second half started. Aycock scored six straight points and a total of eight in the third period as the Chiefs bounced back to outscore the Panthers 12-4 and close the margin to 34-28.

Just as the Chiefs seemed poised to take their first lead, Plant's defense made its return.

The Panthers were able to slow the Chiefs' run long enough to get key baskets from Cooley and Kevin James, regain a sizeable lead and then hold on as Chamberlain scored late baskets.

Cooley didn't reach his average of 22 points but did lead the Panthers with 12. Aycock led all scorers with 16 points while Mike Plummer added 12 for Chamberlain.

"This was all about our defense," said Phillips, whose team has beaten the Chiefs twice this season. "We knew they wouldn't quit. They were able to hit some 3s and we made a couple adjustments.

"But this win is huge. We get the No. 1 seed and that's what it's all about."

[Last modified January 23, 2008, 01:38:33]