Boys hoops: Not your everyday matchup

Lakewood and Brandon finally meet - to play for a state final berth.

By BOB PUTNAM
Published February 26, 2008

From left, Brandon's Blake Allen, Shawn McDuffie, Evan Ravenel, A.J. Sicignano and Ronnie Martin celebrate their win, which ended Lake Howell's streak of four straight state semifinal appearances.
	[Daniel Wallace | Times]

ADVERTISEMENT [Photo by Michael C. Weimer] Lakewood players celebrate their 60-34 win over Pinellas Park in the region final Saturday night, as the Spartans advance to the state semifinals for the fifth time since 2000. [Daniel Wallace | Times] Brandon coach Mark Hermann, cutting down the net after beating longtime foe Lake Howell 78-65 in the region final Saturday, says there's more at stake for Wednesday's game than just a trip to the state championship game. "It's Pinellas County vs. Hillsborough County in boys basketball," he says.

Lakewood has a great tactician and master motivator in coach Dan Wright. The Spartans have a highly skilled, ultra-competitive leader in forward Mike Morrison. They have loads of talent, including Reggie Reed, Shamon Cox and Iraz Grey.

Brandon has a veteran coach in Mark Hermann. The Eagles have stars such as Marcus Morrison, Evan Ravenel and Blake Allen.

Now, two of the dominant programs in the area have something else: a game against each other.

For the first time, Lakewood and Brandon will square off in a boys basketball game.

Not just any game.

They meet in Wednesday's Class 5A state semifinals in Lakeland.

"I've always thought it would be nice to play Lakewood at some point," Hermann said. "After all, you want to face the best, and they're doing something right over there."

The Spartans have been a force in boys basketball this decade. They are making their fifth appearance in the final four and are trying for their third state title since 2000.

Lakewood got here during a season that was supposed to be rebuilding. The Spartans lost three starters from last year's team that lost to Winter Park Lake Howell in state final.

"We were motivated since the beginning of the season to prove that we could get back," Gray said. "We did it by being consistent, dedicated and working hard."

The Spartans' success provokes a strong emotional response - similar to the passionate feelings expressed toward baseball's New York Yankees - that range from envy to jealousy to adoration.

"I respect what that program has been able to do," Hermann said. "It's hard to get to the final four, much less win."

Hermann knows from experience. He led the Eagles to the state championship in 2000.

Brandon has not been back since.

The Eagles have dominated Hillsborough County competition, winning 62 straight games against county foes from 2002 to 2005. But they've always had the misfortune of being in the same region as Lake Howell, which went to four straight state semifinals.

Brandon ended that streak this season, thanks to a veteran team that returned every critical piece in its lineup.

"Going into the season, I thought we had a legitimate chance to compete for a state title," Hermann said.

Although they are playing for the first time, both coaches express deep respect for each other's accomplishments.

"You have to like what Brandon has put together," Wright said. "There are no flukes in the state tournament."

With a late start tipoff is at 8:30 and proximity of both teams, a big crowd is expected.

Hermann said he believes there is more at stake than just a trip to the state finals.

"It's more than Lakewood-Brandon," he said. "It's Pinellas County vs. Hillsborough County in boys basketball."

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

FAST FACTS

State boys basketball

All games at the Lakeland Center. Admission is $7 per session, plus $5 per parking.

Wednesday's semifinals

Class 5A: Gainesville (22-8) vs. Fort Lauderdale Dillard (27-2), 7 p.m.; Brandon (24-4) vs. Lakewood (28-2), 8:30 p.m.

Class 3A: Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest (26-4) vs. Marianna (26-3), 2:30 p.m.; Gainesville P.K. Yonge (24-6) vs. Fort Myers Dunbar (21-7), 4 p.m.

Class A: Tallahassee FAMU (20-10) vs. Boca Raton Grandview Prep (27-1) 10 a.m.; Orlando Christian Prep (24-2) vs. Bradenton Christian (26-4), 11:30 p.m.

Directions: Take Interstate 4 East to Exit 31 (Kathleen Road). Turn right on Kathleen Road and continue on Sikes Boulevard. Bear right at the yield sign and turn right at the second traffic light (Lime Street). The Lakeland Center is on the right.

[Last modified February 26, 2008, 00:16:15]