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Mar, 2022

AGAINST ALL ODDS!! OPPORTUNITY CLOSED

Often times, the best restoration comes when one is alone. The essence of the game is played out in public, but the actual plan is honed in private. Finding strength in the midst of weakness is what constitutes true winners. The Cardiac Cats found confidence by trusting in themselves when others doubted. How do you spell RELIEF when the unexpected happens? Dealing with adversity is nothing new to the 2021-22 version of the Lady Panthers. You just continue to SHOW UP, show up and play with heart that surpasses talent.

Nease went into the 6A State Semifinal poised to do battle with the defending State Champions (St. Thomas Aquinas). the Lady Panthers familiarity with their opponent goes back to 2019. The close-contested loss to St. Thomas Aquinas, was the lone loss for Nease, before losing to Dillard in the State Finals. On Thursday evening, the Cardiac Cats roster looked totally different than the 1999 team. Senior Allie Fifield was the only roster holdover from the State runner-up team. On the other hand, St. Thomas Aquinas came in fully loaded with a #1 State ranking to boast. Nease is defined by grit and has embellished the underdog role. The team worked extremely hard to prepare for the ultimate challenges presented by St. Thomas Aquinas (Lady Raiders).

After winning the opening tip, the Lady Raiders would knock down consecutive corner treys to capture the early momentum. Aquinas relentless, full court press would pay dividends throughout the contest. Nease first points came by way of 2 successful free-throw attempts from Cami Robinson. Aquinas would extend the lead (9-2) before Fifield converted 2 more free throws. Trailing by four, Sav Gomes knocked down a left corner three-pointer, cutting the deficit to two (7-9). A driving layup by Cami pulled Nease even (9-9) with 5:15 remaining in the period. After a slow start, Syd Gomes made two driving layups at the front and back end of baskets from Aquinas and after the first eight minutes of play, Nease trailed 13-15. Keeping the score within six-eight points would provide a window of sorts to close and possibly pull off the upset.

The Lady Raiders opened the second quarter with a layup to push the lead to four (17-13). No one could predict or expect the turn of events to follow. On the next possession, the Lady Panthers heart-beat and soul, Syd Gomes attempted to maneuver around a screen set by Kendyl Ryan just pass half court. An awkward step followed by Aquinas player falling on her leg, Syd fell to the floor agonizing. The building grew silent and the energy appeared to leave. Obvious concerns turned into utter despair, when Nease do-everything guard, did not get up. The team had grown accustomed to Syd falling and bouncing right up. However, this time would be different. After being helped to her feet, Syd was carried to the bench and the hopes of an upset became even more surmountable.

The delay seemed like it lasted an eternity before play could resume. Nease would need to regroup quickly and be prepared to continue battle without their sure-fire power and leader. The road became tougher when the Lady Panthers committed five consecutive live-ball turnovers trying to combat the Lady Raiders relentless press and aggressiveness. Nease trailed by eight (15-23) midway through the quarter. Aquinas lead would swell to double digits (30-17), before Sav connected on left corner trey to close out the second period scoring. The Cardiac Cats limped into intermission trailing 20-30.

Nease faced the second half challenge needing to find some consistent offense, while limiting the turnover bug (20 registered in the first half). Just as they had done to open up the previous quarters, Aquinas scored. A trey by Aliie was sandwiched between consecutive baskets by the Lady Raiders before play was halted at 6:42. Fifield made 2 free throws and Aquinas connected on a trey to bring the score to (34-25). With five minutes on the clock, Cami scored on a driving layup and responded with a big three following baskets from Aquinas. Nease trailed by nine (32-41) with 2:05 left in the period. The Lady Raiders press would create multiple live-ball turnovers and a subsequent 8-0 run. Cami ended the run by making both FT attempts. Nease would enter the final quarter still trailing by double digits (34-49).

Aquinas again scored the first basket to open the quarter. Nease was unable to muster enough offense to keep pace with the Lady Raiders. Although the never say die attitude of the Cardiac Cats tried to mount a charge, their efforts would reward little. The Lady Panthers deficit grew greater (35-58), the biggest lead of the night with over four minutes remaining in the game. Two free throws by Sofia Bautiste-Ollivier would be the final points scored by Nease, closing the window and doors, as the Cardiac Cats fought to the bitter end in defeat 63-45.

Cami Robinson lead Nease (25-5) in scoring with 16 points and Allie Fifield finished her night and Nease career with a double-double (13 points/10 boards). Cami also managed to collect 4 steals, grab 4 rebounds and 2 dimes to offset 10 turnovers against the vaunted Aquinas press. Savannah Gomes (‘Lady Spice’) finished her senior campaign with 6 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals, while committing 10 turnovers. Kendyl Ryan pulled down 5 rebounds and frosh McKenna Owes showcased her quickness and overall potential. She took full advantage of the time allocated to her. McKenna scored 2 points, pulled down 7 rebounds and came up with 2 steals. Syd Gomes managed 4 points and 3 rebs before exiting with the leg injury.

Upon further review, Nease was well-prepared and confident in their abilities to combat the tremendous talent and athleticism of their opposition. Oh, what might have been if circumstances were different. The loss did not take anything away from the Lady Panthers remarkable run and season. Earned, Not Given! The team averaged over (58 ppg.). Won a Regional Championship after going on the road to take down Navarre in a hostile environment. Regained St. Johns County bragging rights by avenging losses to St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra when it mattered most. Three players averaged double-figure scoring, led by 20 ppg. from ‘The Matrix’. Cami Robinson (‘The Microwave’) and Allie Fifield (‘The Alliey Cat’) averaged 15 and 11 points respectively. Syd led the team in points, rebounds, assists, steals, free throws and overall sacrifices (7 forced charges).

So, what are we left with to say? A unique and special team to say the least. As we close the chapter on a memorable season, remember, against all odds, the team overcame height and athleticism with confidence and uncanny ability. In addition, the team possessed the overall will to outwork opponents along with the mental capacity to be the best version of themselves. What’s not to love about these young ladies. Individually and collectively, they rose to most challenges. Respect all, but fear none. Panther Nation take your bow and put a bow on the ball. Lady Panthers fight on, you are all WINNERS. Goodnight and goodby! Your statistician, in game reporter, hype man and #1 fan, today and always. Bernie Blue