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Terps On To State Semis

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By DAN DELUCA

Tribune correspondent

Published: February 28, 2009

NAPLES - After an atypical first half in Saturday's Class 2A-Region 3 final at the Community School of Naples, the Tampa Prep boys basketball team finally started looking like itself.

The turnaround earned the Terrapins a familiar, yet unexpected, reward - a berth in this week's final four in Lakeland.

Junior Jay Bowie scored 13 of his game-high 15 points in the second half to lead Tampa Prep past the host Seahawks, 58-42, clinching the program's fifth state semifinal appearance.

"We didn't expect to be in this position at all," said Terrapins coach Joe Fenlon. "We've got two seniors in our rotation, but we're lucky that we do have some experienced basketball players."

That experience was crucial, especially after a first half that saw both teams struggle. Tampa Prep led 18-16 at halftime.

"We shot four of 20 in the first half," Fenlon said. "That's not like us. We hadn't played with nerves in the playoffs yet, but you can't help it in a regional final game."

The Terrapins (26-4) settled down in the third, and Bowie scored seven in the quarter to ignite a 17-7 run that gave Tampa Prep a 12-point advantage.

Community School (23-5) crept within eight at 44-36 on a 3-pointer by junior guard Mitch Woods with 3:04 left.

The Terrapins made 14 of 16 free throws down the stretch to seal the victory.

Tampa Prep will face West Palm Beach Summit Christian (27-4) at 10 a.m. on Thursday.

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