Winter Haven Holds Off Lake Gibson

By RICK BROWN

THE LEDGER

LAKELAND | For four years, everyone in Polk County knew that Winter Haven's DeVon Walker was one of the top scorers in the county. 

But still a title was missing from his resume. No more.

Walker scored a game-high 30 points, including 4 of 6 free throws in the final 44 seconds to help the Blue Devils hold off the Lake Gibson Braves 58-52 and capture the Class 6A, District 9 Championship.

"It's an amazing feeling," said Walker, who was still clutching the trophy. "This is a breath of fresh air. It's been four years. This team said it wanted it and now we got it."

Chance McSpadden had 16 points as Winter Haven (18-8) will play at home against New Port Richey Mitchell on Thursday.

Lake Gibson (11-14), which will travel to Land O'Lakes, made the Blue Devils earn the victory.

Winter Haven used a 14-0 run to start the third quarter turning a two-point lead into a 41-25 advantage. Lake Gibson chipped away, and Ryan Johnson's 3-pointer at the end of the quarter cut the lead to 42-33.

Winter Haven opened the fourth on a 7-2 run to open a 49-34 lead with 4:50 left.

But the Braves used their own 13-2 run to cut the lead to 51-48 with 1:25 left.

Winter Haven was up 52-48 when Lake Gibson had a 3-point shot rim out.

The Blue Devils then missed two free throws but Walker grabbed the rebound and was fouled. He hit both free throws with 44.1 left to give Haven a 54-48 lead.

Winter Haven made 4-of-6 free throws in the final 24.4 seconds to keep Lake Gibson at bay.

Johnson led Lake Gibson with 15 points. Joe Shepard had 12, while Devon Harrison added 10.