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Girls basketball: Calvary holds off late Lakewood charge

 
Published Dec. 20, 2015

ST. PETERSBURG — Calvary Christian's fast start Saturday created too big of a lead for Lakewood to overcome, but the host Spartans' fourth-quarter surge made for a thrilling finish in the 80-74 Warriors victory.

Getting points and disruptive defensive play from all five starters, Calvary (10-2) took less than four minutes to grab an 18-3 lead, then stretching the lead to 16 points in the first half and leading 53-34 early in the third quarter.

"We always have to come out strong, we always try to go for a big lead," said Calvary senior Carley Plentovich. "Then we can run our offense and work for easier layups."

Plentovich scored 30 on 9-of-11 shooting, including 4-for-5 from 3-point range. Forward Niaya White had 20 points and seven rebounds for the Warriors.

Calvary Christian forced Lakewood (9-3) to commit 11 first-half turnovers while forcing the Spartans' 6-foot-5 junior center Yemiyah Morris (16 points, 12 rebounds) away from the basket.

But a third-quarter spurt sparked by Toi Smith and Khaihiqa Davidson (7 points each) drew the Spartans within 12 going to the final eight minutes, then Sakia Jones (team-high 19 points) drained a trio of 3-pointers before Jaylynn Presley (10 points) sank a pair herself. With 44 seconds left, it was a one-possession game, 75-72.

"We just talked about our mental toughness," said Lakewood coach Necole Tunsil, who directed her team from a wheelchair due to two torn quadriceps and a broken left ankle. "(Calvary Christian) jumped on us early, and we came in and jumped back in the fourth quarter."

Forced to foul to try and complete the comeback, Plentovich shook off a tough day at the free-throw line by making her final four shots, pushing the lead to two possessions each time and eventually holding Lakewood off.

Along with the game experience gained from a matchup of two highly competitive teams, Tunsil found a positive outcome beyond action on the court.

"With all the things going on in Pinellas County lately, for 2½ hours we had a group of people that came out and supported these young ladies — these community-based teams — and there was nothing but good basketball. I'm proud of Pinellas County and how we handled ourselves (Saturday)," Tunsil said.