For the eleventh time in the past twelve games Nease has come up victorious. Since losing the second game at the Elite Christmas tourney in Tampa, the Lady Panthers have reeled off six wins in a row. Nease now remain undefeated in the Den (10-0) and have yet to taste defeat on ‘KATIE STRONG NIGHT’. A full moon cast its shadow on a cool, brisk night. Calling all PANTHERS to the floor! Yes Panther Nation is alive and well.
With Katie’s parents in attendance on 'Katie Strong Night’, Nease set out to play for something much greater than themselves. Remembering the loss of one of their own (Katie Sullivan), who suffered a tragic death from an ATV accident several years ago. No one left disappointed, as the Lady Panthers led from wire to wire, easily throttling the Lady Buccaneers from First Coast High School. Nease (17-3 overall and 2-1 in league play) and ranked #9 (6A) in the MaxPreps power poll, put together a whopping THIRTY points in the first quarter alone, building what proved to be an insurmountable lead at the end of the period (30-4).
Cami Robinson scored 19 of her game high 21 points in the period to set the pace for an overwhelmed Lady Bucs squad. The discouragement for the visitors would continue into the second period. A 14-5 quarter extended the Nease lead (44-9) by half. Although the final outcome was never in question, Coach Anthony utilized the time and substitution patterns to work on specific offensive sets and concepts, while restricting minutes for the starters. The effort by Nease on defense raised some eyebrows, as the Lady Panthers were whistled for only 4 total fouls on the night.
A running clock to symbolize the ‘mercy rule, was in full effect during the final 16 minutes. Cami almost had a perfect night offensively. She went 7/8 from the field, including 2 treys. In addition, the ‘Microwave’ connected on all five shots from the charity stripe, while collecting 6 steals on the defensive end. C. Robinson received substantial support from the sister-sister backcourt of Sydney Gomes and Savannah Gomes.
The senior guards combined for 18 points. Savannah scored 11 points, connecting on 3 from behind the arc. All of Sav’s points came in the third quarter all coming, while Syd finished with 7 points to continue her ascension on the St. Johns County career points total. Deferring to her teammates on the night, the ‘Matrix’ just missed out on another double-double (7 points and 10 dimes). Kendyl Ryan just missed out on a double figure night, scoring 9 points during her stint.
The five resrves all scored and Maci Robinson led the way with 6 points. Ella Harrison and Madison Crawford added 4 points each and Tika Kondabrolu dished out 5 assists. Ella and Tika pulled down 4 boards each. Nease will now welcome the Fletcher (Lady Senators) on Thursday at 7:30 in league play. Ease on down, Ease on down the road. Doing It right, one game at a time. A tribute to the late Civil Rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., "How Long,Not Long”. An array of opportunities do exist for sure. Time to truly be accountable. Everything we aspire to have and want, still lies ahead. Yes, just over the hill. Coach Bernie Blue