Boys hoops: North Suncoast region quarterfinals

By Izzy Gould, Times Staff Writer
Published February 14, 2008

All games tonight at 7

Class 5A: Land O'Lakes (21-7) at Brandon (21-4)

Skinny: Land O'Lakes' appeal of point guard P.J. Potts' one-game suspension was denied Wednesday by the FHSAA, athletic director Chuck Moehle said. Potts was ejected with 54.6 seconds left in the third quarter of the 66-65 loss to Ridgewood in the district final. Land O'Lakes led by two when Potts was thrown out. Without their point guard, the Gators will lean heavily on top scorers Jerome Harrison (18.6 ppg) and Kevin Burnell (14 ppg) in their bid to upset Brandon. The Eagles have four scorers in double figures, including Blake Allen (19.3 ppg) and Marcus Morrison (16.3 ppg, 10.3 rpg).

5A: Wharton (15-13) at Ridgewood (23-3)

Skinny: The Rams are undefeated at home and have not lost since Dec. 29, falling to American Heritage 76-60 in the Tampa Classic. Ridgewood has three scorers in double figures, including junior Lukas Poderis (17.8 ppg, 9.7 rpg) and senior Mike Lawrence (12.9 ppg, 10 apg). The Rams take on a Wharton team that started the season 3-11 but has gone 12-2 since, losing two of its past four. The Wildcats reached the region final last year and will look to Anthony Manuel (14.8 ppg), Derek Holmes (13.5) and Chris Jean-Louis (12.2).

Class 4A: Hudson (15-13)at Eustis (22-3)

Skinny: Hudson, which earned its first region berth, has its third winning season in school history. The Cobras are led by Jarrod Branco (21.3 ppg). Guard Tyler Hooten had a solid district tournament, averaging 13 points. And Hudson center Stephen Brom is a solid defender and rebounder. The Cobras will face a tough Eustis team that is 15-0 when forward Akeem Dunham is on the court. The 6-foot-4 wing missed several games nursing a football injury. Kenny Dale is another 6-5 inside player and Courtney Keith drives the point guard.

4A: Groveland South Lake (15-13) at Pasco (20-7)

Skinny: The Pirates quietly endured the loss of sharpshooter Zach Caparaso and rode the scoring of Demetrious Larry (18.9 ppg) and T.J. Bryant (18.4) to the district title. Pasco relies on its signature up-tempo style and full-court pressure. South Lake has a reputation for playing strong against tough teams, then struggling with weaker ones. The Eagles are athletic, quick and can shoot 3s. South Lake is led by the trio of Roy Noel, Jarvis Graham and Himmler Rene.

Class A: Deltona Trinity Christian (16-10) atHernando Christian (20-2)

Skinny: The Lions have had a great season, winning their district tournament and piecing together a 16-game win streak for their first region berth. They have not lost since Dec. 13 in a 70-54 drubbing by Seven Rivers Christian. HCA is led Marty George (19.6 ppg, 4.1 apg). Trinity Christian is making its first trip to regionals since 2000 and has not won a quarterfinal since 1997.

[Last modified February 13, 2008, 19:52:57]