Seffner Christian Ends McKeel Academy's Year
Tue. February 12, 2013 at 9:00 p.m. | By Polk Preps Staff
RYAN T. BOYD
LEDGER CORRESPONDENT
SEFFNER | As the horn sounded, McKeel Academy quickly made its way to the visitor's locker room. There wasn't a lot of talking, just somber looks. The sadness was a result of a 75-40 loss to Seffner Christian on Tuesday in the Class 2A regional semifinals.
"They got most of the loose balls. They were willing to do what it takes to win the game," Wildcats coach Caleb Marcelin said. "In the second half, we were trying to press, and it left some gaps in the rotation, and they were able to take advantage of it."
McKeel Academy came unglued in that pivotal third quarter.
The Wildcats committed eight turnovers, which allowed the Crusaders (28-2) to go on a 17-4 scoring spurt. With that scoring run, SCS held a commanding 46-25 lead. McKeel turned the ball over 21 times in all. The Crusaders also had 17 offensive rebounds.
"We can't give up 17 offensive rebounds and expect to win," Marcelin said.
"They got some good players down low," added McKeel senior forward Kaliyah Gibson said. "And they played really, really good defense, and they pressed us and we could barely break it."
Kayla Wilson paced the Wildcats with 11 points, while Gibson and Summer Alammy chipped in with 10 points apiece.
Jaitesha Hanson led the Wildcats with 25 points and Peyton Walker added 18.
The Wildcats are taking steps forward in the quest to compete with teams like Seffner Christian. McKeel advanced one round farther this season and returns six players to next year's team as well as a couple junior varsity players.
"I want next year's team to work hard," Gibson said. "They shouldn't let nothing get them down, and play until the end (of the games), because you never know what can happen."
Seffner Christian (75): Asia Weaver 2 points, Sam Plager 6, Ally Parimore 8, Kelly Cunningham 2, Rebekeh Wallen 0, Sara Deny 2, Jaitesha Hanson, 25, Sabrina Whiting 12, Peyton Walker 18. Totals 32 9-9 75.
McKeel Academy (40): Karissa Maze 0, Tanner Esposito 0, Avree Carpenter 0, Kayla Wilson 11, Summer Alammy 10, Kaliyah Gibson 10, Mia Corbin 4, Jasmine Jackson 2, Madison Caffey 3. Totals 14 8-13 40.
McKeel Academy 15 6 12 7 —40
Seffner Christian 19 10 24 22 — 75
Records: McKeel Academy 20-8 , Seffner Christian 28-2.
