Braves Slip Past Red Devils

Wed. February 08, 2012 at 4:57 a.m. | By Polk Preps Staff

By RICK BROWN

THE LEDGER

Boys Basketball: 6a-9

LAKELAND | It has been a while since the Lake Gibson Braves boys basketball team has been to the playoffs. It hasn't been 25 years as an excited coach Warren Johnson misspoke following his team's 40-39 victory over Kathleen in the Class 6A, District 9 semifinals on Tuesday. But his point was understood. It hasn't happened too often, but the Braves are back in the playoffs.

With the victory, Lake Gibson (11-13) advances to the district final where it will take on top-seed Winter Haven. The game will be played Friday at Kathleen High School.

Jason Oliveras scored a game-high 13 points, including four 3-pointers, while Joe Shepard added 11 to lift the Braves.

"That's what they've been doing all year," Johnson said. "They've brought respect back to Lake Gibson."

It will be Lake Gibson's fourth playoff appearance overall and first since 2005.

It didn't come easy.

Leading 40-39, Kathleen had one final chance but had to force a desperation shot after the ball was knocked out of bounds with 0.9 seconds remaining.

"I was real nervous," Shepard said of the final sequence. "But we kept playing defense and trusted each other. Everyone doubted us, but we had to show them."

Kevin Wilson led Kathleen with eight points.

The Red Devils' season ends at 6-18.

Lake Gibson (40): Devon Harrison 4, Ryan Johnson 8, Jason Oliveras 13, Joe Shepard 11, Gio Baez 2, Trevor Jackson 2. Totals 12 10-19 40.

Kathleen (39): Greg Abrams 4, Kevin Wilson 8, Alsean Evans 1, Will Brown 6, Deric Taylor 5, Javon Harrison 6, LeCarey Newkirk 7, Terry Bentley 2. Totals 15, 9-18 39.

Lake Gibson 8 11 12 9 — 40

Kathleen 8 11 9 11 — 39

Halftime: Tied at 19. 3-pointers: LG 5 (Oliveras 4, Johnson). Kathleen none. Records: Lake Gibson 11-13. Kathleen 6-18.