LAKELAND – At 5-5, sophomore guard Channing Chappell is often the smallest player on the court the majority of times; however you wouldn’t know it.
Chappell plays like a senior fluidly directing the offense on the court and consistently coming up with numerous big plays.
None were bigger then her 25 point performance in a 57-37 win over Mosley in the Class 6A semifinal game at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland; putting the Sharks in their first state final tonight at 7 p.m. against American Heritage, a 74-68 overtime winner over Lakewood.
Chappell and teammate Tess Tibbits were 10 of 12 shooting combined in the first half as the Sharks jumped out to a commanding 16-7 lead after the first quarter and never looked back.
After Mosley tied the game at 5-5 early in the first, a 27-6 run helped the Sharks pull away thanks to hot shooting from both Chappell and Tibbits along with the hustle of Leah McCarthy. McCarthy did all the little things necessary to keep her team in control finishing with 7 points, 7 rebounds and 5 blocks.
Tibbits three pointer to open the second quarter kept the run going as did two Chappell layups, which forced Mosley coach to call a timeout down 25-9 with 5:19 left in the half.
Chappell found Tibbits inside the lane and Tibbits laid it up for a 27-11 lead, Chappell followed with another three and layup and 32-11 lead.
As the game progressed into the fourth quarter, tempers began to flare as the Dolphins began to realize their season was coming to a close. One of those seniors was Ja’Tayvia Holley who pushed Chappell down three times before the referees finally called a foul.
Holley was called for a technical foul and Chappell stepped to the line and sank both free throws and followed with another three for a 50-28 lead.
“We were both being competitive and she was trying to get into my head,” Chappell said.
Chappell finished with 25 points and 3 assists, while Tibbits added 10 points and 5 rebounds to lead the Sharks offensively. Last year in a semifinal 74-59 loss to Lakewood, Chappell went off with 25 points in a losing effort.
“I’ve been playing since I was little (7-8 years old), playing well builds my confidence, when you make your shots it makes your confidence better,” Chappell said.
Ponte Vedra coach Jim Piggott was proud of his teams effort and looking forward to today’s final game.
“It’s good to be back here again, Mosley was a well prepared team, our scouting report was spot on and it helped in our preparation and game plan,” Piggott said.
Piggott and the Sharks watched the first half of the American Heritage game before leaving, Piggot and the team knew the challenge they face today.
“I’m going home and praying, we know it’s going to be a extremely tough challenge for us, regardless of who we play its going to be our toughest game.”
of the year.”
*Photos from Andre Ellis (Duval Sports)
