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Wildcats Looking Forward To Test

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By CRISTINA LEDRA, The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 16, 2008

Getting to the region final was a huge accomplishment for the Wesley Chapel girls basketball team, a first for the program.

Unfortunately, the reality in Class 5A in this part of the state is that all roads likely lead to Winter Haven.

The Wildcats don't have to travel anywhere, since Winter Haven lost to Lakeland Lake Gibson in its district final and Wesley Chapel won its district title a week ago, meaning Winter Haven will play on the road.

The Wildcats have no choice but to stay positive with this or any other opponent looming, especially this far into the playoffs.

"They believe," Wesley Chapel coach Warren Jones said. "They want to get to Lakeland really, really bad. I've got a lot of seniors that have never been there before, and that would be a great way to cap off their senior year by getting to the state tournament.

"It's been really uplifting to see that we're happy to get here, but we're not satisfied with just getting here, and we'd be doing Winter Haven an injustice if we just let them have it."

Ranked the No. 10 girls basketball team in the country by ESPN, the Winter Haven girls are led by Tiffany Hayes and Kiara Francisco. Hayes, 6-foot-1, is going to Connecticut on a basketball scholarship next season, and the 5-10 Francisco is going to Memphis.

"Winter Haven starts five Division I kids," Land O' Lakes coach Laurie Pacholke said following the Gators' loss to Wesley Chapel in the region semifinals Tuesday. "Tiffany Hayes is going D-I, their point guard is going D-I. You're going to have to be on your 'A' game. There can't be any room for error. They're a senior-laden team like Wesley Chapel is, but they're very tough."

The Wildcats had Wednesday off and worked a lot on transition defense and breaking the press in practices Thursday and Friday.

They also have brought in boys players to practice against for the past month to help simulate the speed and athleticism they will see from Winter Haven and any future playoff opponents.

"It gets the girls acquainted to that speed, and they try a little harder against the boys and try to prove that they belong with them," Jones said. "It gives them confidence, and what we need right now is confidence going against a team like Winter Haven."

The Wildcats haven't seen film on Winter Haven, but Jones has talked to other coaches about how the team plays, and given the talent the Blue Devils have, the keys to victory are basic.

"We've been emphasizing taking care of the ball and not making dumb mistakes that will kill you," Jones said. "We want to make them earn this."

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