Nature Coast couldn't make an outside shot, and in the end Cady Lalanne had all the answers for Orlando Oak Ridge in Saturday's Class 4A-Region 2 final. The Pioneers built a 20-point lead against the Sharks, then got nine fourth-quarter points from the University of Georgia-bound Lalanne to hang on for a 56-48 victory.
After a sluggish first half for both teams marred by a bevy of turnovers and a combined 29 fouls, Oak Ridge (23-8) knocked down three 3-pointers in the third quarter, opening up as much as a 42-22 lead.
Nature Coast (27-4) fought back to within seven points twice in the final period, as the predicted battle in the post between Lalanne and Sharks sophomore Tyler Bergantino began to materialize. The 6-foot-9 Bergantino scored 18 of his 19 points in the second half, while the 6-9 senior Lalanne had 15 of his 20 after the intermission.
It seemed every time the Sharks tried to cut into the deficit down the stretch, Lalanne answered on the other end. He also had 16 rebounds and two blocks, carrying the Pioneers to their first regional title since 2001.
The Sharks were plagued all night by poor perimeter shooting, knocking down just two 3-pointers in the game compared to six by Oak Ridge.
"When you look at the shot selection, we got the shots we wanted," Nature Coast coach Dave Pisarcik said. "When they double down on Tyler, some guys have got to step up and make plays. I thought we did a good job of battling and competing."
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