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Free throws almost cost Bears

By GREG AUMAN

© St. Petersburg Times, published January 13, 2001

BROOKSVILLE -- Three nights ago, Central missed 14 free throws in a one-point overtime loss at Pasco. Friday against Hernando, each whistle in the closing minutes served as a reminder. With a victory over a rival on the line, the Bears hit just enough free throws to eke out a 60-57 win, splitting the season series and handing the Leopards only their second district loss.

"This probably should have been an eight-point game," said a relieved John Sedlack, whose Central team entered the contest hitting a county-best 60 percent from the line. "We missed several down the stretch. We've got to make them."

The Bears (7-10, 4-4 in Class 4A, District 8) hit 6 of 14 free throws in the final four minutes, just enough to offset two late three-pointers by Hernando's Jerrell Graham, who fouled out with a game-high 26 points. Donnie Pelham hit 1 of 2 shots at the line to give Central a three-point lead, and Jeremy Balogh didn't get off his half-court shot in time at the buzzer.

Both times Hernando took the lead in the final period, the Bears answered on their next possession, getting a three-pointer from David Egan and a slashing layup by Pelham.

Hernando (8-10, 6-2) committed 12 fourth-quarter fouls and coach Charlie Williams took exception to several late calls, including Graham's fourth foul with two minutes remaining that allowed Egan to extend Central's lead to five. "I think there were inconsistencies all around," Williams said. "Not only with my players, but with others as well. ... We didn't play well. We can't put that on the officials. The officials didn't lose the game for us."

Central, which lost to the Leopards by 11 in December, had a balanced effort led by forward Josh Smith, who had 11 of his 13 points in the first quarter.

Willie Winslett Jr. had 11 points and 11 rebounds and Pelham (11) and Josh Scott (12) joined him in double figures.

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