SEBASTIAN — The Sebastian River girls’ varsity basketball team made history Saturday night by defeating Clearwater High School 67-52 and advancing to the class 7A state semifinal in Lakeland – a first for the Sebastian team.
Sebastian River (23-3) got off to an unusual start by scoring the first two points for the Tornadoes (22-7) on a confusing opening tip but took total control of the game from that point forward. Sebastian led 22-10 at the end of the first quarter and never looked back.
Clutch three-point shooting combined with an aggressive three-two zone defense were the formula for success for the Sharks. Sebastian junior center K.P. Pound led all scorers with 18 points.
Pound hit four three-pointers in the game and is excited about the historic victory.
“It feels so good because this is our third time and now we finally get to go to Lakeland,” Pound said.
Shark guards, freshman Katie Taylor and senior Brittany James, each scored 16 points on the night.
James who will be playing for Georgia Tech next year said everyone stepped up and played their role.
“Clearwater tried to use a box in one on me but we recognized it and everyone on the team made the right adjustments,” James said.
James was also playing with an injured left foot that sent her to the locker room before halftime.
“My foot was bothering me a little bit tonight,” James said, “but now I’m going to ice it down and I will be ready to go at it Friday night in Lakeland.”
Aja Jenkins and Alexandria Alford were the leading scorers for Clearwater with 16 points each.
Sebastian River led 36-15 at halftime and 50-31 at the end of the third quarter on their way to the 67-52 win.
Sebastian River Coach Terri Amy praised the effort of her players.
“We have been working for this opportunity for a couple of years now,” Amy said. “Our seniors stepped up, a freshman stepped up big and you can’t ask for more than that – we love playing at home but we can’t wait to go to Lakeland.”
Sebastian River will play Nova in the class 7A state semifinal game on Friday at the Lakeland Center.
