Girls 5A hoops: Pirates have Spartans' number

By JOHN C. COTEY
Published February 13, 2008

GULFPORT - Boca Ciega finally figured out a way to stop Kerah Nelson.

Lakewood is still trying to figure out a way to stop the Pirates.

Bogie captured a 50-35 victory Tuesday night, the most lopsided of the Pirates' four victories over the Spartans this season.

"Ultimately they wanted it more," said Lakewood coach Necole Tunsil. "We came in unsure. I think they had some doubt, but it's tough when you play a team that has already beaten you three times."

The Pirate defense held Nelson to five points, 20 below her season average and 27 fewer than she scored against Bogie in the district final.

Despite the stellar defense, the Pirates (26-3) led only 23-20 at halftime.

"That was scary, to hold her to five and only be ahead by that much," said coach Will White.

Lakewood's Destinea Harris tied the game with a 3-pointer to start the second half, but four Pirates scored in a 14-2 run, punctuated by Nelson fouling out with 6:19 remaining.

Lakewood (19-10) shot 1-for-11 in the third quarter and made only six of 30 second-half shots.

Bogie wasn't much better from the field, but had more points from the free-throw line (16) in the second half than Lakewood did total (15).

Tamara Taylor led Bogie with 17 points and hit three 3-pointers, and Tory Stephens (12) and Latavia Dempsey (10) also scored in double figures for the Pirates.

[Last modified February 13, 2008, 00:04:56]