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11

Feb, 2022

DAWN OF A NEW DAY; FIGHT ON!

On Thursday night in the ‘Shark Tank’, the stage was set for the ‘Trilogy’. Two familiar foes, rivals and comrades with the same invested interest, would go at it again for the third time in the past thirty days. The first contest on Jan. 13th was a regular season matchup won by Nease in the ‘den’. In the District 4 tournament semifinals at Nease on Feb. 2nd, the Lady Sharks eliminated the Lady Panthers hopes for a district title, but not their season. With the stakes much higher the third time around, Nease took the quick trek to Ponte Vedra with full knowledge of what a loss would constitute. The battle lines were now drawn with the season in the wake. The question remained, which team could and would weather the storm the best? WIN and ADVANCE!

Reaching the ’Sweet Sixteen' is definitely a lofty goal for most teams. For Nease, Ponte Vedra stood in the way of such realization. Prior to game time, it was discovered that only one of the two score clocks would be operable. To succeed, the Lady Panthers would have to overcome adversity on and off the court. Nease strutted onto the hardwood in their special uniforms (Katie Strong), for reinforced unity and purpose. Although fully prepared, the team was reminded about playing with passion and not emotions. The latter would take care of itself when the final buzzer sounds. Perhaps, another thrilling, tightly contested game for the ages.

Of course, who would expect anything different. Nease took the early momentum creating multiple turnovers and opened with a 6-0 run to force an early timeout. The Lady Panthers were locked, loaded and ready, with early baskets by Cami, Kendyl and Syd. The run extended to 10 before PV got on the board by converting 1-2 free throws. Nease was unable to further capitalize on their early good fortunes, going scoreless for over the final 3:30 in the period. The Lady Sharks finished off the period on a 6-0 run and after the first quarter concluded, the Lady Panthers held the 10-6 advantage.

Ponte Vedra continued to surge ahead in the second quarter with a 5-0 run. Syd Gomes would end the cold spell for Nease, connecting on a trey from the top of the key. After two minutes had lapsed in the period, the Lady Panthers continued to lead 13-11. The score would be knotted for the first time (15-15) after 2-2 free throws by PV at the 4:20 mark. Nease answered with two consecutive 3’s by Allie and Savannah, igniting the 9-2 run to close out the half to extend the lead (24-17).

No lead is ever too safe in a rivalry with great implications. PV opened the second half on a 4-0 run to quickly cut the deficit 24-21. Nease came storming back with a 7-0 run behind 1-2 free throws from Syd and a trey. Cami knocked down a right corner shot behind the arc and the Lady Panthers pushed the lead back to double-digits (31-21) as timed ticked to the midway point of the quarter. However, putting away a gamed Lady Sharks squad, would continue to be an unrelenting task. After keeping PV in check behind the arc (usual bread and butter) for most of the night, the Lady Sharks found new life in attacking the basket. Consecutive driving layups and converted free throws (3 points the conventional way), cut the lead to four (31-27). Nothing ventured, nothing gained. When all else fails, Nease called and Syd answered. The ‘Matrix’ scored on a driving layup and followed with 2 free throws, after being fouled on another attempt at the basket. The lead now stood at 35-27 with under a minute remaining in the period. PV closed the quarter with positive vibes to win the battle(16-11). With one quarter remaining, Nease had squandered another big lead and held the two point edge (35-33).

With the home crowd roaring with approval, the Lady Sharks converted another driving layup to even things (35-35). Both teams traded treys and Nease called a timeout with 6:21 left in regulation tied 38-38. The level of play intensified and a sense of nervous energy emanated from the crowd. Cami made 1-2 free throws to give Nease the one point margin (39-38). Out of a timeout from PV, Syd found Cami in the deep left corner for a three to increase the lead (42-38). The Lady Sharks quickly answered with a basket to cut the deficit (42-40). Another basket by PV, pulled them even again (42-42), with 3:02 left in the game and another Nease timeout.. Put up or shut up time lurking for sure. Who wants IT more? The answer would definitely come with crucial possessions down the stretch and key defensive stops.

Nease regained the lead (44-42) after Allie’s timely cut was rewarded with a dime. The Lady Sharks responded off a driving layup of their own and a complimentary foul shot to complete the three-point conversion. With 3:25 remaining, the home team now held the advantage 45-44. Consecutive turnovers by the Lady Panthers, would allow PV to capitalize on another basket to increase their lead (47-44) with :30 left on the clock. Out of a Nease timeout and ball possession, a driving Cami would find Sav for a crucial layup with :23 seconds.

However, valuables seconds ticked off the clock before a PV timeout at the :18 mark. Still down by one and no timeouts left, Nease mounted defensive pressure in hopes of securing one final possession. Fifield was called for a foul and the Lady Sharks stood at the charity stripe with a 1 + 1 bonus. PV’s first attempt missed and Allie secured the rebound and quickly got the ball in Syd’s hand with eight ticks left. With a foul to give, the Lady Sharks chose not to utilize the carrot and Syd Gomes would take full advantage. The Lady Panthers leading scorer, took off driving to the hoop with conviction. At this point, I was reflecting on a comment made by Syd prior to the team leaving the Nease team room. “I am not ending my senior year/career losing twice to PV”. So, as the crowd echoed the seconds remaining on the clock, the senior co-captain, pulled out a Nease victory from the jaws of defeat with the winning layup. When the Lady Sharks desperation shot failed, the Nease supporters erupted, tears began to flow, and the realization of what just transpired became official with the DUB (48-47). Definitely EARNED, NOT GIVEN!! Yet, another MOMENT for PANTHER NATION.

Sydney Gomes continued to cement her legacy at Nease. The Florida Southern signee took game honors with 25 points, 7 rebounds, 4 steals and 4 assists. Cami Robinson provided ample support in the backcourt. The junior guard tallied 9 points, 7 boards and 4 dimes. Savannah Gomes backcourt contributions netted 5 points and 3 assists. Co-captain Allie Fifield, a Ave Maria signee, led the front court by pulling down 10 big rebounds. She also scored 5 points, while adding 2 of each (steals, assists and blocks). By virtue of the exciting trilogy win, the Lady Panthers advanced to the ‘Sweet Sixteen’) and will make the long road trip to the Panhandle. Nease will do battle with Navarre on Tuesday @ 7:00.