Warriors shoot for first playoff win

By KEITH NIEBUHR

© St. Petersburg Times, published February 22, 2001

Greg Hamilton respects The Rock.

The Seven Rivers Christian coach likes its players, fans and even its coach.

"They do a nice job with their program," Hamilton said. "They've built not only a good basketball program but an amazing fan base at their games. They're building a fine program there."

So much for hating your opponent.

Respect is one thing. Fear is something else.

When Hamilton and Co. look at The Rock, they see a team that can be had in tonight's first-round playoff game in Gainesville.

"We've already beaten them once this year," Hamilton said.

That win, which came in a preseason tournament, does not count toward either team's official record, but serves as proof to the Warriors (15-12) that winning the first playoff game in the program's four-year history is possible.

"We're confident," Hamilton said.

Confident, but not overconfident.

The 10th-ranked Lions (16-8) have a talented roster and play in one of the state's most competitive regions. In a Gainesville summer league last year, they held their own against squads with players from many of the area's bigger schools.

"They have a good shooting team," Hamilton said. "They don't have any stars, but they have many kids that step up and shoot the open shots and shoot the ball well. They work very hard. It's a great team to play against."

The Rock earned a first-round home game with an 84-38 dismantling of Orange Park Christian in the District 3 final. Because the Lions have no on-campus gym, they play home games at nearby Santa Fe Community College, which gives them a bit of an edge over other teams.

The court at SFCC is 94 feet in length. Most high school courts are 84 feet long.

"Being at home plays to their advantage," Hamilton said.

The Rock is well-blanced. Guards Andrew Brantley (15.1 points per game) and Jeff Wofford are its leading scorers. Inside, the Lions start 6-foot-10 center Anthony Morris.

"We can score from every position," Lions coach Svend Wilbekin said.

Likewise, Seven Rivers has a potent inside-outside attack.

On the perimeter, senior guard Frankie Squire, who averages a team-best 15 points, is the Warriors' leader. Inside, Seven Rivers has gotten solid production from Bob Adams, Shawn Allen and Chris Toms.

"They match up well with us," Wilbekin said. "They have good post players, a good point guard and a good shooting guard. I'm telling everyone here that it's going to be a very interesting game. I expect it to go down to the wire."

CLASS A, REGION 1 QUARTERFINAL; SEVEN RIVERS CHRISTIAN AT THE ROCK

WHEN: Tonight, 7:30.

WHERE: Santa Fe Community College, Gainesville. From Lecanto, take Lecanto Highway (491) north to FL-200, then go east to I-75. Once on I-75, go north 41 miles to exit 77 in Gainesville. Go east on 39th Ave. for 0.8 miles and turn right on N.W. 83rd Street. The school is on the right, and the gym is toward the far end of the campus.

RECORDS: Seven Rivers 15-12. The Rock 16-8.

KEY PLAYERS: Seven Rivers -- Bob Adams, F; Shawn Allen, F; Chris Roth, SG; Frankie Squire, PG; Chris Toms, C. The Rock -- Andrew Brantley, SG; Jeff Wofford, PG; Nathan Chance F.

NOTABLE: The Rock is 0-2 all-time in the playoffs. Seven Rivers is 0-1.

QUOTABLE: Seven Rivers "is a team that matches up well with us. We played them in a preseason tournament, and they beat us in overtime. I expect an extremely hard-fought game." -- Svend Wilbekin, The Rock coach.

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