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Boys Basketball: King Targets District

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By NICK WILLIAMS

nwilliams@tampatrib.com

Published: January 23, 2009

The King High boys basketball team was dealt a devastating blow this season when it learned it would have to forfeit four games - three against district opponents - for use of an ineligible player.

After starting the season 6-0, King's best record in more than five years, the Lions dropped to 2-4 and would have to play the remainder of the year without a key starter.

Since then, however, the Lions (11-6) have won nine of their last 11.

With their leading scorer averaging only 13.4 points per game, the Lions have used relentless defense to overpower teams.

"We can achieve everything we want to achieve if we just keep playing the defense we've been playing," King coach Sam Lanier said. "On offense, guys have been unselfish."

King defeated Newsome, 62-28, on Wednesday night to move into second place in 5A-District 8. If Newsome loses one of its remaining three district games, it would be tied with King for first place. The Lions, who have a chance to earn the top seed in the district tournament, have not won a district title since 2003.

"We can only worry about what we can control," Lanier said. "We have to play the teams in front of us."

COUGARS SUFFER FIRST DISTRICT LOSS: With first place in Class 6A-District 8 on the line, Durant entered Thursday night's game against Lakeland with an undefeated district record and hopes of upsetting the ninth-ranked team in the 6A state poll.

The Cougars couldn't make key shots down the stretch, however, and Lakeland used an 8-0 run in the final six minutes to close out the win, 68-58.

Jordan Mitchell and Jeffrey Thomas each scored 14 points to lead Durant (15-4, 7-1). Richie Edwards led the Dreadnaughts (13-3, 7-1) with a game-high 22 points.

Durant coach Jeff Shotwell looked on the bright side after the loss. His Cougars will host the 6A-8 tournament in February and will play Lakeland again on Jan. 30. Also, Durant has defeated Sarasota Riverview, the only team to defeat Lakeland in district play.

"The ball is in our court," Shotwell said. "We just showed we can beat Lakeland. Having the No. 1 seed is crucial in this district because you get a bye. There are going to be some good teams in this district that will go home early."

SEFFNER COACH REACHES MILESTONE: With his team's 75-51 win over Keswick Christian on Tuesday, Seffner Christian coach Roger Duncan recorded his 200th career victory. During 11 years as head coach, Duncan's overall record at Seffner is 200-85.

Seffner (12-5) travels to face one of the state's top teams in Oldsmar Christian (20-4) tonight at 8:30.

FEATURED PLAYER

JORDAN DAVIS, SICKLES

JUNIOR, POINT GUARD

ABOUT DAVIS: Ranked the 35th-best point guard in the country for the Class of 2010 by ESPN, Davis (5-foot-11) leads Hillsborough County with 6.7 assists per game and is the Gryphons' second-leading scorer with 8.3 points per game.

FEATURED PLAYER

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