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Terriers, Terrapins Make Final

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By NICK WILLIAMS

nwilliams@tampatrib.com

Published: December 23, 2008

TAMPA - During the program's seven-year participation in the City of Tampa Championships, Hillsborough High's boys basketball team never advanced to the tournament championship.

With a 66-58 come-from-behind win against Chamberlain in the semifinals Monday night, the Terriers ended the streak to advance to tonight's final at Tampa Prep at 7, when they will meet defending champion Tampa Prep, a 55-50 victor against Blake.

Hillsborough trailed 49-40 going into the fourth quarter, but outscored Chamberlain 26-9 for the win. The majority of the points came off Chamberlain turnovers.

"Turnovers became fast-break points," Hillsborough coach Andre Lewis said. "Their zone defense slowed us down in the first half. We're an up-tempo team."

Junior guard Alvon Woodard led Hillsborough (6-2) with 16 points and three steals. Sophomore guard Eric Storts led the Chiefs with 23 points.

Tampa Prep needed a rally of its own to overcome a six-point deficit late in the third quarter. The teams exchanged baskets throughout the final quarter, and with 1:30 left, Blake sophomore Andre Smith sank a 3-pointer to give his team a 50-49 lead. Tampa Prep regained the lead with just more than a minute left on a basket by junior Jamal Cherry, and Blake couldn't score in the final seconds as Prep sealed the game at the free-throw line.

"I think we were a little fresher at the end," Tampa Prep coach Joe Fenlon said.

Smith led Blake with a game-high 23 points. Cherry led the Terrapins (9-0) with 15 points while junior forward Jay Bowie added 12 points and 13 rebounds.

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