Hornets Stay Calm, Rustle Longhorns

As the Harmony Longhorns defense pressed Haines City in the fourth quarter, the foul-riddled Hornets didn't panic.

They trusted their coach and went to what they know, earning a trip to the state tournament following a 48-31 victory Saturday over Harmony in the girls' Class 7A regional final game.

The Hornets (29-2) return to the state tournament for the first time since 2005.

A relentless Haines City defense held the Longhorns without a field goal in the first half. The Longhorns managed just five points, all of them from the free-throw line in the game's first 16 minutes. 

The Hornets led by as many as many as 16 with 3:07 to go, but it wasn't safe as the Longhorns went to a press with Haines City starters Briona Brown, Jone Akins and Jasmine Reddick on the bench with foul trouble.

Coach Ladreda Akins and Briona Brown started working from the sidelines. 

"Our guards didn't see as much as they could have," Brown said. "We had to slow down and make better passes, see the court and communicate more."

The Hornets remained calm. 

"Honestly, I had no doubt (of the outcome)," Brown said. 

"It was just getting through it," Akins said. "We've played teams a little bit more aggressive on our end. It was just mental."

It was the Hornets' physical play that hampered the Longhorns who were 0-for-18 from the field in the first half while the pesky Hornets got every loose ball and out-rebounded the Longhorns 18-9 for a 24-5 lead at halftime. 

Brown led the Hornets with 15 points including two 3s and six boards.

Laderricka Spillman added 10 points and five rebounds. Brekia Henderson chipped in 10 points. Jasmine Reddick scored six and pulled down six rebounds. 

Marie Gilbert led Harmony with 15 points. Teammate Julia Ingler scored 10.