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© St. Petersburg Times, published December 14, 2001
Games to Watch
Palmetto at Lakewood
WHEN: Tonight, 7:30
OUTLOOK: The Spartans, ranked No. 2 in Class 4A, are crushing opponents, averaging 100 points in their past three games and winning by 78, 64 and 51. They need a test and might get one in this matchup. The Tigers are led by Jermaine Johnson and Sirdarean James, and overcame an 11-point deficit with 6 minutes remaining to beat Bradenton Southeast in a district clash Wednesday. Marcus Morrison and his crew are the team to beat in Class 4A, District 11, but are the Tigers the team to do it?
WHEN: Saturday, 7
OUTLOOK: Maybe we should put the Mustangs, ranked No. 1 in Class A, in a room with Lakewood and see what happens. Like the Spartans, Northside is scoring at a mind-boggling clip, with 122- and 114-point outings so far. Deon Troupe and his 25.6 scoring average lead the Mustangs into this big district game with Sarasota Christian (6-1), which knocked off previously unbeaten Keswick in double overtime Monday. Class A, District 11 is going to be a dogfight, and the winner here takes the first bite out of that No. 1 seed.
WHEN: Tuesday, 7:30
OUTLOOK: East Lake is atop the PCAC North Division standings, but that could change. The Eagles have been playing without suspended star Jeremy Howard but getting nice production from Dalen Cuff and Greg Cummings. The Tornadoes aren't all the way back just yet, but they look to be getting there.
1. Lakewood (5-0) -- Who made these guys mad? Wins by more than 50 points in last three games is crazy.
2. Largo (6-0) -- Ranked No. 1 in first Class 5A state poll, but still just No. 2 in Pinellas.
3. Northside Christian (7-0) -- We're not sure if the Mustangs can hang with the bigger schools, but it would be fun watching them try.
4. Boca Ciega (4-2) -- Only losses are to Largo and Bradenton Manatee by a combined 10 points.
5. East Lake (4-1) -- If it ever gets its best player back from suspension, look out.
6. Countryside (3-1) -- Shooting is not what it should be, nor is the defense. But it's early.
7. Seminole (5-0) -- Combined record of opponents is 9-21, so jury is still out on Warhawks.
Because the initial basketball ballot sent to reporters didn't include any information on Miami and Tallahassee teams, it's hard to say how seriously the first rankings should be taken. But it looks pretty nice from Pinellas County's perspective as Northside Christian (Class A) and Largo (Class 5A) are ranked No. 1, and Lakewood is No. 2 in 4A behind Tampa Plant. Indian Rocks Christian is ranked No. 3 in Class A, and St. Petersburg Catholic (2A) and Admiral Farragut (A) received votes.