Dragons can't handle dominant Tornadoes: Girls 5A basketball

By Doug Kates
Published February 8, 2008

CLEARWATER - Clearwater shot 14-of-18 in the first quarter, breezed to a 32-10 lead over Jefferson and had the entire team gain postseason experience the rest of the way.

The Tornadoes (23-5) advanced with a 66-27 triumph over the Dragons (17-12), and the mercy clock was running at the end.

"That was a good start," coach Tom Shaneyfelt said. "That was one of the things we talked about that we thought was important. We got homecourt advantage, and we might as well come out and make use of it."

Keona Dixon shot 6-of-7 from the field in the first period and scored 15. By halftime she had 20 points and took in most of the second half from the bench.

Clearwater shot 24-of-41 from the field, and nine girls scored.

But the Dragons could not get going. They turned the ball over 17 times in the first half and were 11-of-43 from the field for the game. Laurie Beaty led the team with 12 points.

Doug Kates, Times correspondent

[Last modified February 8, 2008, 13:49:26]