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Boys Basketball Regional Finals Capsules

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 23, 2008

Class 6A-Region 2

PLANT CITY (17-9) VS. ORLANDO EVANS (23-7) AT APOPKA WEKIVA

The game was moved because Evans does not have required capacity for a 6A game. According to the FHSAA, the minimum capacity needed for 6A is 1,300. The Raiders, who haven't advanced this far in more than a decade, have relied on 6-foot-2 senior guard Channing Woodall through the postseason. Woodall is averaging 16.5 points, 3.7 assists and 3.1 rebounds per game. Senior guard Rod Henderson and senior forward Steve Hardnett add versatility and 11.6 and 11.0 points per game, respectively. Plant City, who was 0-3 against district opponent Lakeland this season, upset the Dreadnaughts 77-68 in the regional semifinals to advance. Led by guard Kedric Taylor's game-high 22 points, the Trojans defeated Orlando Edgewater 54-42 to advance. Evans coach Tyrhon Crawford was welcomed back in the region final game after being suspended with pay by the Orange County Public Schools system, according to The Orlando Sentinel. Crawford was arrested in Orange County on Feb. 6 on domestic-violence charges.

Class 5A-Region 2

LAKE HOWELL (21-6) AT BRANDON (23-4)

Brandon has four players averaging in double figures, led by 5-foot-11 guard Blake Allen with 18.1 points per game. Six-foot guard Tarron Stewart adds 16.3 points per game. In the post, University of Tampa commitment and 6-6 forward Marcus Morrison is averaging 16 points and 10.0 rebounds per game while Boston College signee and 6-8 power forward Evan Ravenel is adding 14 points and 10.8 rebounds per game. Lake Howell, ranked No. 6 in the 5A state poll, graduated a trio of college-level players (Nick Calathes and Chandler Parsons went to Florida, and Joey Rodriguez went to Virginia Commonwealth) that led the program to a 5A state championship last year. The Silver Hawks will try to make their sixth consecutive state tournament appearance. Senior guard Brett Chance is the lone returning starter from last year's team and is their leading scorer this season.

Class 5A-Region 3

LAKEWOOD (24-3) AT PINELLAS PARK (25-4)

This will be the third game between the teams this season. Lakewood won the first meeting 59-56 in January, while Pinellas Park beat Lakewood for the Pinellas County Athletic Conference championship earlier this month 53-44. Pinellas Park is a relative Cinderella, as it is playing for its first state semifinal appearance in 17 years. Lakewood is one of the dominant programs in the state. Lakewood, which likes to run and gun, is led by 6-foot-9 center Mike Morrison (14 ppg) who signed with George Mason. Pinellas Park runs a diversified offense that is proficient in a half-court offense but can also run with the best of teams. The host Patriots are balanced, with a very good guard in Stetson-bound Cam Carden and a solid post man in 6-9 Jacob Troyli.

Class 1A-Region 3

SEFFNER CHRISTIAN (18-12) AT BRADENTON CHRISTIAN (25-4)

Seffner Christian is coming off a 64-58 win against district rival Bayshore Christian in the region semifinals. The win advanced the Crusaders into the final, the farthest in program history. Sophomore guard/forward Devin Paularinne leads the team in scoring with 14.1 points per game while 6-4 senior center Matt Sentovich (8.7 ppg, 6.0 rpg) and 6-3 senior power forward Steven Short (7.0 ppg, 6.3 rpg) provide scoring and rebounding in the post. Senior guard Jameson Self, a 28 percent 3-point shooter, gives the Crusaders a perimeter threat. Bradenton Christian, which defeated Seffner in the region semis last year 51-48, is ranked No. 5 in the 1A state poll. The Panthers defeated the Crusaders earlier this season 94-87 and are led by Western Kentucky-bound guard/forward Jameson Tipping. Nick Williams, Lee Diekemper

BOYS BASKETBALL REGIONAL FINALS

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