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15

Feb, 2022

CARDIAC CATS ELITE RAID!!

Oh yes, it is happening. No matter how you slice it, the manner in which a dream is revealed or the circumstances surrounding the process, the most important thing is the reality of it all, ELITE EIGHT BABY!!. If music expresses that which cannot be put into words, or that which cannot remain silent, Panther Nation, it is time to dance and sing a happy song. Although there is still much work to be done, the Lady Panthers intend to use all of their resources (‘nine lives’) associated with Cats in pursuit of a bigger prize.

The Lady Panthers are thankful for all the many blessings received in preparation for the formidable task at hand. First, the Nease administration Lisa Kunzel and athletic director Charles Gomes, for providing the school exemptions and financial assistance to put the girls and coaching staff in the best possible mental and physical frame of mind to 'survive and win'. Definitely, something unaccustomed to during past, unsuccessful trips to the ‘Black Hole’. Shout out to Florida State University for the use of their basketball facilities for a shoot-a-round to break up the travel on Monday. To former player Sarah Gray for picking up lunch, and to the many well wishes from Panther Nation alumni via phone, text or face time. a special thanks to the local YMCA for their considerations and use of the gym at Tuesday morning walk through and additional shoot-a-round. Last, but not least, the loving support from parents, business partners and loyal friends.

With that being said, Nease went into a hostile environment at Navarre. The game time was scheduled for 6:00 pm (Central time) and not the normal 7:00 EST. There also was no availability to streamline the game for loyal Nease patrons. The crowd was loud and boisterous aboard the Lady Raiders ship. If the long trip to the Panhandle was not enough, the officiating crew would present adverse circumstances within the game to contend with. Dolly Parton once said, “If you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain”. The Lady Panthers holiday bonding, road trips, not to mention the level of competition faced throughout the season, prepared Nease (23-4) for whatever may come. Navarre (23-3) featured one of the most prolific players faced all season.

However, the 2021-22 version of the Lady Panthers, never backs away from a challenge. And if looks are deceiving, the Cardiac Cats do not invoke fear in the hearts of most opponents. Nevertheless, the team has embraced the underdog role behind their mantra, “Earned,Not Given. Tuesday night would prove to be no different than previous battles on the hardcourt. During the team”s pregame shoot-a-round, Navarre players sat on their bench undressed and stalking their opponent. Unfazed by any means of intimidation, Nease focused on what stood in front of them at tip off. The home crowd booed throughout, from opening warmup, pregame introductions and throughout the game's entirety.

Navarre imposed their will early using the post position to easily score inside. Trailing 7-2 at the 4:45 mark, Cami would connect on a big shot behind the arc and followed on the next possession with a driving layup to knot the score (7-7) with 3:45 left in the quarter. Allie would score on a follow up rebound to complete the 7-0 Nease run. Navarre closed the period converting 2 free throws, as both teams played to even terms (9-9) in the period. The suspect officiating would have the host team shooting free throw bonuses midway through the period, with the scoreboard indicating Nease with 8 fouls committed to 1 for Navarre. Of greater concern and affter closer observation, it was noted that Nease leading scorer Syd Gomes, did not register a basket in the opening eight minutes of play.

The Cat Call would be answered in the next quarter. The ‘Matrix’ responded with a driving layup to ignite a personal pouncing of a 12 point period to lead the Cardiac Cats. With the downhill aggressiveness by Syd, the action became fast and furious, as both teams exchanged one basket after another. Navarre trailing 17-15 called a timeout and out of the delay in play, answered with a trey to take a brief lead (18-17). Syd quickly responded with a driving layup and a rebound layup on consecutive offensive trips. Nease led 21-18 when Navarre attacked the basket for a layup, as 1:10 remained before intermission. The score now stood at 21-20 in favor of the Lady Panthers when Fifield was fouled at the basket. Allie made the first free throw and after missing the second one, she secured the offensive rebound for a put back to increase the lead by four (24-20). The Lady Raiders converted 1-2 free throws and followed with a layup of their own to close within one point (24-23). Allie would find Syd on a quick inbounds layup under the basket as time expired and Nease holding the 26-23 advantage.

In the locker room, the team gathered and the coaches continued to implore positive vibes, knowing that the next sixteen minutes would be a battle to the end. The Lady Panthers came out of halftime supported, challenged and inspired to stay committed to the task at hand. The actual concrete recognition would come at the end of the journey not the game. So, let’s keep the music playing. Both teams continued to throw body blows in the third quarter. Navarre opened up the second half with a basket , which was countered by a driving layup from C. Robinson. A three from the left corner by Syd Gomes helped Nease to maintain the lead (33-27). No time to rest, as the Lady Raiders used back to back layups, in addition to capitalizing on a Lady Panther turnover to compile a 6-0 run. Nease lead quickly evaporated and both teams were tied at 33-33. With 2:24 left in the period, the Lady Panthers utilized a timeout to regroup.

Syd connected on a trey to retain a short-lived lead (36-33). Navarre scored off a Nease turnover and a loose ball basket to surge into the lead (37-36) with the final eight minutes left to secure an ‘Elite Eight’ spot. The Lady Raiders opened the final period with a driving layup, only to be countered by Syd. Navarre made both free throws to increase their lead to three (41-38). A conventional 3- point play by the ‘Matrix’ drew Nease even (41-41) with 6:19 and counting. A right corner deep shot from the ‘Microwave' gave the Lady Panthers the lead again (44-41). Ella Harrison would score a layup off a nice dime from Cami to increase the advantage to five (46-41). Spurred on by the home crowd, Navarre put together a 5-0 run behind a trey and a layup on consecutive possessions. The teams were all squared again (46-46) midway through the final quarter.

Time to take a deep breath down the stretch. Fifield assisted on a layup to C. Robinson as Nease again regained the lead (48-46) and used a timeout with 2:15 remaining. The Lady Panthers extended the lead (50-46) behind 2 free throws from Syd and 1:19 showing on the clock. Navarre came up with a steal on a questionable no foul call, to trail by two with :34 ticks left to play. Nease melted the clock and used their final timeout with :14 seconds to go. With the ball secured in Syd Gomes hand, Navarre committed a foul, thus creating a bonus opportunity to make the game a two possession climax. The ‘Matrix’ with ice in her veins, made the front end to secure the bonus attempt, which was also true. The score stood at (52-48) in the waning seconds. After a couple of failed attempts to score by Navarre, Savannah Gomes secured a big rebound for Nease and was fouled. Sav was unable to make the front end of the 1+1 and the Lady Raiders desperation attempts came up empty as the home crowd grew silent. Panther Nation went into celebration mode, as the 'Cardiac Cats' prevailed again, advancing from the ’Sweet Sixteen' to the 'Elite Eight’.

After a scoreless and quiet first quarter, Syd Gomes erupted and finished her night with 27 points, converting all five free throws in the pivotal minutes of the final quarter. Backcourt mate Cami Robinson also came up big, netting double figures with 14 points on 6/8 shooting, including two big treys and 4 complimentary rebounds. Allie Fiifield held her own, giving Nease the inside presence needed. The senior forward-center tallied 7 points, but secured 10 big rebounds, while leading the team in assists with 4. Although she only scored 2 points, senior guard Savannah Gomes came up big on the boards, securing 6 along the way.

Fifteen minutes away, county nemesis St. Augustine did battle with Fort Walton Beach. The Yellow Jackets pulled out the 43-37 victory to set the stage for a Friday showdown at their place. Nease (24-4) and ranked 9th in 6A will travel to the Ancient City for the long-awaited rematch between county foes. St. Augustine (23-1 and ranked #7 in 6A), suffered their only loss of the season in the District Finals, an overtime setback to Ponte Vedra. Nease has been waiting all season for redemption in an early season loss to St. Augustine where their shooting was abysmal to say the least. Time generally heals all wounds. The Lady Jackets are the antithesis of Nease in size and manner of play. Both teams contrasting styles will be on full display for all to see. Time generally heals all wounds, but the Friday night affair @ 7:00 pm, will constitute a bigger stake. The winner will earn county bragging rights, while advancing to the prestigious Final Four in Lakeland next week. Time to put on the ‘Big Girl’ Pants and get it on. Earned, not Given! Nease, Stand Up!! Shots have already been fired…….. All hands on deck. Coach Bernie Blue