WINTER HAVEN — Winter Haven entered Friday’s game ranked first in the state by Max Preps.
For the first 15 minutes they certainly did not play like the best team in the state.
However, the Lady Blue Devils rebounded to defeat St Petersburg Lakewood 80-55 at the LeDawn Gibson Honorary Homecoming Tournament on the campus of Winter Haven High School.
Having read about Winter Haven’s ranking, Lakewood (16-3) ranked second in 6A, apparently was not intimidated.
With just over three minutes before halftime, Lakewood took a 20-18 lead.
Jakyra Champine then hit a long field goal, and with 52 seconds remaining, her 3-point basket put Lakewood up 30-24.
Enter Winter Haven Coach Johnnie Lawson’s intensity.
The Blue Devils turned up their defensive press, creating turnovers on four consecutive Lakewood possessions and the scoreboard read 31-30 Winter Haven at the half.
“We were lethargic," said Lawson. “Our first half up to the last minute was absolutely awful, but hey, you have to give Lakewood credit. They came to play and put us in situations we didn’t like. Once we got rolling, our pressure and pace were more of what we are supposed to be.”
The Blue Devils opened up a 53-41 lead after three quarters thanks to outscoring Lakewood 22-11 in the third.
In the final quarter, Dawson spread out the Blue Devils' offense a bit more, and their dribble-drive game continued to create open scoring opportunities.
The Blue Devils (19-0) had four players reach double figures as Diamond Battles and Amaya Small each scored 19, while Melijah Sullivan and Zakiyah Franklin had 15 and 14 points respectively.
“I am disappointed with our second half," said Lakewood coach Necole Tunsil. "They are a phenomenal team and we just don’t get this type of competition and intensity on a regular basis. We were doing well, and then suddenly our lack of experience caught up to us when they made that run.”
Winter Haven will face Melbourne, ranked 10th in 8A, Saturday at 6 p.m.
Kathleen fell to Daytona Beach Father Lopez, ranked 9th in 7A 55-46 in the first contest Friday.
Down 51-40, Kathleen scored six straight to close to within 51-46 but it was as close the Red Devils would get.
Shooting a disappointing 3-for-14 from the free throw line was too much to overcome for Kathleen.
Jamilah Johnson, Auzree Thomas and Dantecia Hinson led Kathleen with 13, 12 and 11 points respectively.
The Red Devils (10-8) will face Spruce Creek Saturday at 4:30 p.m.
Spruce Creek defeated Miami Norland 54-52 in overtime.
Lakewood;11;19;11;14;-;55
Winter Haven;15;16;22;17;-;80
Lakewood (55): Terache Carter 2, Paris Williams 2, Nykisa Macon 8, Jaylynn Presley 2, Diana Rosenthal 9, Jakyra Champine 10, Anarra Sadiki 0, Toi Smith 9, Macey Zeh-Arndt 13.
Winter Haven (80): Jazhya Dopson 0, Attuanya Radway 0, Shaniya Mitchell 0, Diamond Battles 19, Amaya Small 19, Trinity Hardy 4, Faith Fields 0, Zakijah Franklin 14, Shomari Phillips 0, Tyia Singleton 8, Shardajah Collins 0, Melijah Sullivan 15, Aliyah Woodside 0, Rushell Jacob 2.