Site-specific editorial/photos ©2008 SWFL Hoops, Inc. All rights reserved. This website is an unofficial and independently operated source of news and information not affiliated with any school or team. Terms and Conditions Myspace Facebook YouTube Twitter Advertise with Us Contact Us About Us
North Port Uses "D" to Get the "W" in Statement Game
By: Marcus Watts
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
 | ||||
After the traditional half court stare down by the #5 Venice Indians was met by glaring cheerleaders stationed toe-to-toe by #3 North Port the game was off and “gunning”. North Port jumped out to a 10-3 lead off after three consecutive long range attempts were successful, and Larry Taylor made the final of those a four point play making good on a free throw. The early lead was most likely thanks in part to having four prior games played under their belt, while the Indians were in just their first game of the season. But Venice calmed and looked to assert themselves throughout the rest of the first half.
Behind Justin Grant and his 12 first half points the Indians they did just that . Scoring in bunches and attacking inside, Venice looked to be taking control of the game and also took a 26-23 advtantage into the halftime break.
With the start of the second half, defensive adjustments by the Bobcats showed strong. The decision to have junior wing Dauntae Johnson take on the responsibility of slowing down Grant proved the most important, as he held him without a field goal through the final 16 minutes and with only 2 points on a pair of free throws. Overall, the Indians were held to only 6 points in the second half while the Bobcats asserted themselves inside on the offensive end.
North Port made the extra effort to throw the ball inside to 6'6 junior forward, Kasey Wilson, and it paid off in a big way. Behind Wilson and his 16 points (10 of which came in the third quarter), 16 rebounds and multiple dunks, as well as Larry Taylor and his 15 points, they took control and closed out the game strong. In the end it was North Port with the 44-32 win.
Grant led Venice with 14 points for the game.
North Port improves to 5-0 on the season, while Venice drops to 0-1. Both teams are back in action on Friday. Venice travels to Sarasota in a non-district matchup, while North Port will play host to Sarasota Riverview to open up District 6A-7 action for both teams.
