Feb 8,
2001 - 03:34 PM
Area teams making run at playoffs
TAMPA - The girls kicked
off the state playoffs on Tuesday and tonight the boys follow suit with
regional quarterfinal play.
Here is a quick glance at
tonight's matchups.
Class 4A-Region 2:
Bloomingdale at Bradenton Manatee - The Bulls have been playing very physical
of late, trying to take opponents out of their game. The strategy worked
against Palm Harbor in the district semifinals, but Gaither didn't back down on
Friday in the championship game. If Bloomingdale employs the same strategy
tonight and takes away Manatee's offensive threat of Hunter West, the Bulls
have enough offense with Brandon Hancock and Josh Garbee to pull out the win.
Sarasota Riverview vs.
Gaither at Pepin/Rood Stadium: Gaither has had a topsy-turvy week after its
stadium was vandalized over the weekend and have had to train at an off-campus
site. Riverview, meanwhile, has some confidence knowing that it beat the
defending state champion Cowboys in November in a tournament game. But Gaither
is stronger now than it was then and should be pumped to defend its Class 4A
state title.
Class 3A-Region 3: Land O'
Lakes at Plant: Should be the matchup of the night. The Gators are looking to
reach the state semifinals for the third consecutive year while Plant is out to
prove its season is no fluke. Panthers' coach Dennis Derflinger shied away from
holiday tournaments so as not to tip his hand and gets to see if the strategy
pays off starting tonight.
Seminole at Brandon:
Brandon was supposed to be rebuilding this year but ended up winning its second
consecutive district title and set a school record for wins (19) along the way.
Seminole should be a good matchup for the Eagles, who are solid all over the
field.
Riverview at Clearwater:
Riverview advanced to the playoffs for the first time in the school's
three-year history, but isn't happy to just be around. Tonight's matchup,
however, will be tough for the Sharks. Clearwater can be a finesse or physical
team and if the Tornadoes choose the latter, Riverview could be taken out of
its game.
Wharton at Countryside:
Wharton wants to prove the first playoff berth in school history isn't the
highlight of the season. The Wildcats want to add a playoff win to the resume,
but to do that will need to shut down Brian Vroman, who scored the game-winner in
Friday's upset of Land O' Lakes.
Class 2A-Region 3: Bartow
at Jesuit: The Tigers begin their quest to qualify for a state record seventh
consecutive appearance in a state championship game. Along the way Jesuit has
captured four state titles and has a 27-2 playoff record since 1995. They
should add another win tonight and move one step closer to the finals as Bartow
is in uncharted waters with its first-ever playoff berth.
Class A-Region 2: St.
Petersburg Catholic at Tampa Catholic: St. Pete Catholic was in the state
championship game two years ago while Tampa Catholic lost to Miami Gulliver
Prep in the finals last year. One of the two will be out after tonight. The
Crusaders have played well down the stretch, led by leading scorer David Smith.
Berkeley Prep at Clearwater
Central Catholic: Berkeley has persevered despite a series of rash injuries
that have hampered the Buccaneers this season. Goalkeeper Dean Aranoutakis has
missed all but two games with a back injury and sweeper Brice Strickland missed
most of the season with a leg injury.