Boys hoops: Hillsborough region quarterfinals

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Published February 14, 2008

All games tonight at 7

Class 6A

Plant City (15-9) at Sickles (21-6): The Raiders, under first-year coach Wardell Chambers, will try to start a Cinderella run against Sickles' young and explosive backcourt of sophomore Jordan Davis and Kelvin Daniels.

Class 5A

Wharton (15-13) at Ridgewood (23-3): On paper, this one is Ridgewood's to take. But no one wants to play Wharton right now; the Wildcats are winners of 12 of their past 14, including a victory over Brandon.

Land O'Lakes (21-6) at Brandon (21-4): Brandon boasts a core of five seniors who are starting to click. Land O'Lakes has won six of its past seven, its only blemish a one-point loss to district champ Ridgewood.

Middleton (18-9) at Pinellas Park (23-4): The Tigers' athleticism makes them a dangerous team; they take on a polished and experienced Patriots group, fresh off its first district title in nearly a decade. To complete the upset, Middleton must have a great night shooting from the field.

Clearwater (22-4) at Plant (24-4): Intriguing matchup of size (Clearwater) vs. speed (Plant). The Panthers were, at times, overwhelmed on the boards by Middleton in the district final, and the Tornadoes boast a front line of three players 6-4 or taller. Plant has more depth and will need another big night from forward Chandler Flom and junior guard Sheldon Cooley.
Class 3A

Fort Myers Dunbar (19-7) at Berkeley Prep (23-4): Give Bucs senior Archie Barnes the ball. The swingman racked up 35 points in a district playoff game last week. Berkeley, ranked No. 1 in 3A earlier this season, has the weapons for a lengthy postseason run.

Class 2A

All Saints' (14-9) at Tampa Prep (23-2): Tampa Prep is playing well after its "wakeup call" loss to Berkeley Prep a few weeks back. Led by senior swingman David Waller, the Terps will have to beat a zone defense, something they haven't faced much this year.

Class A

Seffner Christian (15-12) at Sonrise Christian (15-9): Seffner Christian will rely on its go-to-guy, forward Devin Paularinne (14 ppg), for a second straight run to the region semifinals.

Southland Christian (21-6) at Bayshore Christian (18-8): Bayshore Christian, winners of 10 of its past 11, is led by sophomore forward Fred Lewis (16 ppg).

Citrus Park Christian (7-15) at Bradenton Christian (23-4): Citrus Park Christian will have a tough time against the region favorite.

On the Web: For more insight on tonight's games, including some of the county's most underrated players, check out blogs.tampabay.com/preps/

[Last modified February 13, 2008, 19:54:51]