The Gateway Conference Girls Basketball Tournament tipped off Tuesday evening showcasing eight of the best teams in the area. Teams competing in the 2014-2015 season advanced to the 2015 tournament; The winner to be crowned Gateway Conference Champions. The games were located at two locations; Raines High School and Sandalwood High School and tipped off at 5:30pm. Winners advance to the next round located at either Lee High School or Wolfson High School, games to be played tonight Wednesday January 14th. Here are recaps from the opening round…
For scores and tournament results click HERE
Raines High School
Mandarin vs First Coast
The Mustangs and Buccaneers traded baskets for most of the first half as Mandarin led 18-12. Both teams showed tremendous hustle and intensity stemming from their head coaches. This style kept First Coast close for most of the first half, as #3 Jazmyn Robinson led her team with 9pts. But careless turnovers by the Bucs made way for Mandarin to take advantage. #10 Totiyana Rock’s infused her team with 9 first half points. And in the second half the Mustangs pulled away as # 24 Jainmee Morgan added to her 12 first half points with lights out shooting. With the win, Mandarin advances to the next round to face Ribault at Wolfson on Wednesday.
Westside vs Raines
Raines got 17 pts from #4 Ke’Yondra Merrit before she and the starting line up exited the game in the 4th period, as Raines dominated Westside 60-15. The closest this game got was at the opening tip off, as Westside attempted to control the tempo of the game. This was a good strategy designed by Westside’s coaching staff considering the game was being played on the Vikings home court. But the fast break offense and stiffing defense by Raines was just to much as they built a 28-11 lead going into the 3rd period. The Vikings scored 27 unanswered points in the second half ballooning their lead to 55-11 at one point. But Westside showed great heart as they continued to battle the entire game. The Lady Vikings were focused and determined on this night. They look to keep their momentum Wednesday night as they now become the visiting team vs Wolfson at Wolfson.
( Due to restrictions by Raines Athletics, no video coverage & limited photographic coverage was provided for this game)
Sandalwood High School
Terry Parker vs Fletcher
Fletcher defeated Terry Parker 49-45 in the closest game of the first round. Both teams traded baskets throughout the game in the highly contested battle. The Senators prevailed in the end and will face Paxon on Wednesday night.
Atlantic Coast vs Sandalwood
#22 Sharlese Ross came into the game averaging over 20 points a game for Atlantic Coast (Maxpreps) . She and #5 Ahziha Green have led the Stingrays all season with their power and quickness. But against Sandalwood they would be taken out of the game by Coach Damon Murphy and the Saints defense. #23 Nahkia Robinson scored 16 points in the first half as Sandalwood stung the Rays at home. #22 Mahogany Hammond, and #3 Tiere Payne both chipped in with 5 pts at the half. It was more of the same in the second half, as the Saints cruised to a 53-13 victory. The Stingrays played with a lot of pride to the final buzzer, and is sure to bounce back. Sandalwood on the other hand will advance to face Lee at Lee on Wednesday night.
For scores and tournament results click HERE
Special thanks to the Sandalwood and Raines Athletic Departments
