Bacon Sizzles Late As McKeel Prevails
Sat. February 11, 2012 at 2:12 a.m. | By Polk Preps Staff
McKeel's Dwayne Bacon goes up for a shot as Lakeland Christian's Lance Brock gets a hand up on Friday night. (Photo by ERNST PETERS | THE LEDGER )
By BLAKE HASENZAHL
LEDGER CORRESPONDENT
LAKELAND | In his first ever district championship game, Dwayne Bacon grabbed a clutch steal then followed it with a crowd-thrilling dunk to help end any chance of a Lakeland Christian comeback in the Wildcats' 49-44 Class 3A, District 7 championship victory.
Bacon's dunk came off a missed lay-up by teammate Corey Sanders with 46 seconds left to help put the Wildcats lead and dismiss any hopes Lakeland Christian had of a comeback.
"That was the biggest highlight of our season because of what was at stake," Bacon, a 6-foot-6 freshman said.
Sanders didn't even get to see what happened as he was still recovering from the shot.
"I turned around and saw Dwayne in mid-air and heard everyone getting crunk," Sanders said. "I'm glad he was there to follow it up for me though."
Sanders, who led all players with 20 points, may have been forgiven for his missed opportunity thanks to his performance early in the contest.
The freshman guard had six baskets, two 3-pointers, in the first half that featured 11 total 3-pointers.
Sanders also helped his team go into the half on a high note.
With time winding down Sanders was left one-on-one against Lakeland Christian point guard Phil Wilsman. Sanders juked around the top of the key for a moment then nailed a buzzer-beater.
However, Sanders went cold late in the game hitting just two free-throws for two points and missing a couple of shots in the fourth quarter.
But again Bacon stepped up for McKeel.
He scored six of his 15 total points in the fourth quarter and was one of two Wildcats to hit a basket in the closing minutes. Bacon also dominated the boards bringing down eight rebounds.
The loss was the Vikings' third to McKeel this season.
The Wildcats trailed just once early in the first half and led by as many as nine points. But the Vikings wouldn't go away.
They took the lead with 3:57 left in the opening quarter after Bacon nabbed a steal, then missed the lay-up. Jake Gandy was there to get a put-back for McKeel.
Portlock helped charge Lakeland Christian's late rally. He grabbed four rebounds and had five points for the Vikings in the fourth.
Phil Wilsman and Lance Brock each had nine points for Lakeland Christian. Brent Brennemean led the team in points with 12.
Lakeland Christian will play the winner of the Tampa Prep and Seffner Christian. McKeel will play the loser of that game at home.
