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Girls 5A hoops: Panthers lead late but it's not enough
By CHRIS GIRANDOLA, Times correspondent
Published February 13, 2008
CLEARWATER - Plant coach Carrie Mahon stressed to her team before Tuesday's game that the Panthers didn't need heroes.
Just solid team play.
For a majority of the matchup against Clearwater, Mahon got what she wanted.
In the end, though, a hero is probably what she needed.
The Panthers saw a 14-point lead in the fourth quarter and their hopes for a spot in the region final disappear as the Tornadoes staged a stunning comeback for a 62-59 overtime win.
"We ultimately just ran out of gas," Mahon said. "Our legs started to go and they took advantage of it. I think we took some quick shots when we didn't need to. Clearwater is a really good team and they knew how to capitalize on it."
Midway through the fourth quarter, forward Katilyn Ostroski scored to give the Panthers a 52-38 lead. But after a timeout by Clearwater coach Tom Shaneyfelt, Tornadoes forward J'Beria Davis hit a layup to start a 12-0 run. During the run, Clearwater senior guard Keona Dixon scored her first points, including a driving layup in traffic and a long-range 3-pointer that ignited the home crowd.
"I'll admit it," said Dixon, who finished with 12 points. "We thought it would be an easy game. We were looking ahead to (Boca Ciega)."
In overtime, Dixon's hot hand continued as she nailed a 3-pointer to start the extra period and give Clearwater (24-5) its first lead. Point guard Ganice Macho hit two consecutive baskets to give Plant the lead again. But after a free throw by Rebecca Marve, the Panthers would not score again.
Dixon hit a driving layup to even the score and Davis (35 points, 11 rebounds) hit a layup to put the Tornadoes up for good.
"We had a good game plan and we prepared well," Mahon said. "Our guard play was excellent and we took advantage of the size difference inside. It worked for 31/2 quarters and we had them on their heels. Unfortunately, we weren't able to contain them."
[Last modified February 13, 2008, 01:03:00]
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