Boys 5A hoops: Cox hits timely 3 to boost Spartans

By BOB PUTNAM
Published February 20, 2008

ST. PETERSBURG - When the anxiety reached its high point, when the hour grew late and Lakewood grew desperate, a new figure stepped from shadow to spotlight and put everything in its place.

Shamon Cox, a transfer from St. Petersburg, swished a 3-pointer with 4.5 seconds left in overtime to give the Spartans a 64-61 victory over Punta Gorda Charlotte 24-6 on Tuesday.

Lakewood (27-2) will play at Pinellas Park in Saturday's region final.

"I knew that it was going to go in," Cox said of his winning shot. "It just felt right from the moment I released it."

Known as a clutch shooter, Cox had to transform his game once he came to the Spartans. He had to learn how to become more of a defensive force in coach Dan Wright's scheme.

But with points at a premium, Lakewood needed Cox's production on the offensive end.

He delivered with a game-high 16 points. His teammates also came through. Reggie Reed and Irez Gray each scored 13 and Mike Morrison added 11.

"I thought as a team we were able to shoot well with some mid-range jumpers and some 3-pointers," Wright said. "We needed all of it."

Down 41-32 in the third quarter, the Spartans went on a 14-5 run to tie at 45-all. Both teams stayed even through regulation to force overtime.

The Spartans trailed 61-58 in overtime when Reed hit a 3-pointer to tie it, then Cox hit his winner.

"It's been rough for Shamon at times," Wright said. "But he hit that big shot when we needed it."

Bob Putnam can be reached at putnam@sptimes.com or (727) 445-4169.

[Last modified February 19, 2008, 23:09:35]