By Rick Pedone
Sports Editor

Osceola outlasted Poinciana, 83-73, Thursday in an early-season girls basketball game at the OHS gym that had playoff-caliber intensity.

Poinciana, 1-1, played without its starters for the last two minutes of the game after four fouled out and another was injured.

Still, the Lady Eagles fought back from a 12-point deficit in the fourth quarter to take a one-point lead, 72-71, with 1:50 to play on a pair of free throws by Geraldine Navarro (12).

But, Bass took control from that point, hitting a free throw to tie the score, and then converting a three-point play on Osceola’s next possession for a 75-72 lead it wouldn’t relinquish.

Bass got plenty of help from teammates Jenaye Johnson (22), Chanel Chillers (11), Jhosinnory Diaz (9), Danesca Wilson (6),  Jasmine Rios (4) and Iyanna Pryce (4).

“We have a deep bench, and I think that gives us an advantage. We’re blessed in that regard,” OHS Coach Barner Cooks said. “Montana always plays with ice in her veins. She’s always going to give you everything she has.”

Poinciana Coach Jamerson Jones said his team was too sloppy for most of the game.

“We missed too many layups, blew too many opportunities. We’ve got to go back to the drawing board,” he said.

Brandii Walker had 17 for the Eagles. She left the game with an ankle injury.