Boys 4A-8 hoops: Bryant takes over for Pirates

His game-high 28 points wrap up Pasco's eighth district title and home court.

By Andy Villamarzo, Times Correspondent
Published February 10, 2008

DADE CITY - Hudson coach Jason Vetter knew Pasco guard Demetrius Larry must be contained if the Cobras wanted a chance to walk out of Dade City district champs Saturday.

But someone should have told Vetter that it would be Ulyssee Bryant who would get most of the touches, as Bryant scored a game-high 28 to lead Pasco to a 60-48 victory for its eighth district title and homecourt advantage for the playoffs, which begin Thursday.

"Those are our two guys. It is either Larry or Bryant, and they can both cause teams some trouble on any night," Pasco coach Poncho Broner said. "I think it makes these guys feel good to know they have worked so hard and with getting to this point and coming away winning a district title."

Both teams came out stiff defensively and could not seize control early.

It showed on both sides as the Pirates (20-7) and Cobras (15-13) combined to turn the ball over 18 times in the first half.

Pasco lost its composure late in the second quarter when Broner was called for a technical, which resulted in Jarrod Branco hitting four free throws to tie the game at 17.

The game would not be decided until late in the fourth quarter when Pasco started to pull away. Bryant hit a back-breaking 3-pointer with 4:35 remaining that would give the Pirates just enough to end Hudson's dream of a title.

"These guys have laid down the foundation for this program," Hudson coach Jason Vetter said. "We have some good talent coming back next year so I definitely see good things next year."

Pasco 60 Hudson 48

[Last modified February 10, 2008, 00:30:46]