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Seffner Christian Rolls To Win

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By BLAKE HASENZAHL, Tribune correspondent

Published: February 15, 2008

LAKELAND - It took awhile, but Seffner Christian finally got its transition offense rolling Thursday and Lakeland Sonrise Christian couldn't do much about it.

Devin Paularinne scored 20 points and James Self added 19 as the Crusaders cruised to a 68-39 victory in the Class A-Region 2 quarterfinal. Seffner advances to play Bayshore Christian in the semifinals.

"We played hard and James Self had a great game," Seffner coach Roger Duncan said. "The Seminoles are a very scrappy team and are lead by a great coach in Scott Skeans.

"In the second half we were finally able to get our transition offense working and making baskets. In the first half we couldn't seem to make any."

Still, the Crusaders led 32-20 at the break.

Self had two 3-pointers in each half. He was too much for the Seminoles to handle, as he was able to drive the ball in and finish or pass it out to an outside shooter.

"We have been playing hard, and by the grace of God were able to come in here and play great against a great team," Self said. "We have great coaches and they teach us well."

Chase Reid led the Seminoles with 16 points.

The matchup started with Sonrise playing scrappy ball and taking an early lead. Seffner had to make an adjustment, from playing half-court man defense to full-court pressure to close the passing lanes and limit outside shots. Seffner's pressure defense had the Seminoles playing tired halfway into the second quarter.

Paularinne created open looks for the Crusaders, forced turnovers and controlled the ball - more keys to the victory.

Many Seffner fans made the 35-mile trip to see their team play after a disappointing loss in their previous game.

The Crusaders outscored the Seminoles 36-19 in the second half, as halftime adjustments proved beneficial for Seffner.

Sonrise's Talia Bianco, the only girl on the team, came off the bench late in the game and made a 3-pointer. Bianco has won some Three-Point Shootouts in the Polk County area.

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