Weather | Sports | Forums | Comics | Classifieds | Calendar | Movies
By MIKE READLING and SCOTT PURKS
© St. Petersburg Times, published February 27, 2001
All games start at 7:30 p.m.
CLASS 6A, REGION 2
Orlando Boone (29-2) at Gaither (19-8)
THE SKINNY: Gaither brings with it the Big Three: Kenny Huebner and Marcus and Antonio Russell. Against Sarasota Riverview in the region quarterfinals, Marcus Russell scored 21 points, Antonio added 14 and Huebner recorded a double-double with 11 points, 10 rebounds and 7 steals. That might not be enough against Boone, which comes in with only two losses and is one of Orlando's top teams. Against Riverview, Gaither scored almost half of its points from the free-throw line, hitting 30 of 44 in a 65-51 win.
Countryside (20-7) at Plant (25-4) at Coleman Middle School
THE SKINNY: Plant features one of the county's top point guards in Tyler Azzarelli, who scored 21 points in Thursday's game against Brandon. Besides Azzarelli, the Panthers also bring with them forward Mike Williams, who is a force on the boards but can also run the floor on the Panthers' fastbreak. Countryside limps into this game after barely escaping Land O'Lakes with a 54-51 victory. Plant's balanced attack makes it a favorite and a strong contender for the final four.
DIRECTIONS: Take Interstate 275 south to the Lois Avenue exit. Head south on Lois Avenue for 2 miles and make a right on Estrella, just past Dale Mabry Middle School. Coleman will be on your left.
Bayshore Christian (31-3) at Fort Myers Evangelical Christian (18-12)
THE SKINNY: Bayshore is looking to continue its devastation of any opponent -- Class A especially -- it faces. The Faith Warriors are averaging 92 points per game and won their region quarterfinal against Canterbury 134-52. During that game, Bayshore, which holds a 21-0 home record and has not lost to a Class A opponent this season, had six players score in double figures led by Brandon Harrison's 35 points. The Faith Warriors also hit 11 three-pointers and 21 of 37 free throws.
DIRECTIONS: Take I-75 south to exit 22 (State Road 884) and head west, merging onto Colonial Boulevard. Take Colonial to Fowler Street and turn left. Make a left on South Cleveland Avenue and then make another left onto Beacon Manor Drive. The final turn will be a left onto Beacon Boulevard. The school is located at 8237 Beacon Blvd. SE. The phone number is (941) 936-3319.