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Suncoast Pinellas News

Midseason North County Basketball Report

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By Eric Horchy | The Suncoast News

Published: January 2, 2009

Clearwater High is where it's at for basketball in North Pinellas. It was that way before winter break, during it, and most likely will be well into the New Year.

Both the boys (10-2) and girls (15-0) squads are looking as strong – or stronger – than when their seasons began and will be clear favorites during February's district tournaments.

The girls are winning games by nearly 30 points per game and appear to have the easier path through their Class 5A, District 9 standings. Palm Harbor University (8-5) and Tarpon Springs (6-6) are the Tornadoes' closest competition, but neither can hang for four quarters. PHU was beaten by over 30 points and Tarpon was dismantled by nearly 50 in each team's first run-ins with Clearwater.

Senior center Artajah Collins (6-foot-2) has been a dominating force down low and swing guard J'beria Davis can pour it in if she gets hot. The Tornadoes size in general is formidable compared to most opponents. Four players are at least 6-foot tall and a number of other girls are nearly at that mark.

The more interesting story within the district will be who can grab the second playoff seed. The Tarpon Springs tandem of Alli Corbett and Marianna Karavokiro one-upped of PHU's Sharee Booze and Kristin Fuller during a 62-57 Spongers win in early December. They meet again Jan. 22 in what will be the last district game of the season for both teams. The outcome could very well decide who enters the tournament as No. 2.

In regards to the boy's District 5A-9 possibilities, the top of the standings is a bit tighter. Both East Lake (8-4) and Largo (6-3) have the potential to knock off Clearwater, but that is much easier said than done.

Clearwater's Okaro White (20.2 points per game) is one of the area's top prospects and containing him is practically out of the question. Teammates Julien Sargent and Regan O'Rourke both average over 12 points per game and compliment White well.

The Eagles, led by Walter Smith, Kendall O'Neill and Cornelius Rowell, played Clearwater tight earlier this year and eventually lost by nine. Smith and Rowell transferred from Clearwater last year. The opportunity to best their former school adds a little extra motivation.

Largo fell to the Tornadoes by eight points a week after the Clearwater-East Lake game. The Packers have three players averaging double digits in scoring (Breon Bostick, Patrick Kearney and Khari Armstrong) and they can typically keep up well if a game turns into a shootout.

East Lake and Largo will square off Wednesday night for the first time this year. East Lake will be at home this week and then go to Largo on Jan. 28.

Eric Horchy can be reached at 727-815-1071 or ehorchy@suncoastnews.com

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