ShootOut ends well for Osceola, Poinciana

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ShootOut ends well for Osceola, Poinciana

Sports

Saturday, 02 January 2010 01:43

By Rick Pedone
Sports Editor
The 29th Great Florida ShootOut ended in spectacular fashion for the Osceola Kowboys, who clinched third-place at the Silver Spurs Arena Wednesday on Jedarian Jackson’s three-point shot at the buzzer for a 49-46 victory over St. Francis DeSales from Columbus, Ohio.
Osceola, 10-2, enjoyed its best finish at the 16-team prep tournament since 1997.
Orlando Christian Prep, the defending Class A state champion, defeated Orlando Oak Ridge, 44-36, for the tournament championship behind Adonis Burbage’s 14 points.
The tournament proved to be a showcase for Osceola High senior Brenton Williams, who scored 25 points Wednesday (see game story at aroundosceola.com) and averaged 28.5 points over four games to earn a place on the all-tournament team.
“He came into the tournament under the radar, but not now,” Kowboys Coach Steve Mason said. “I can’t get out of here without another coach asking me about him.”
If the Kowboys entered the tournament thinking that they were a good team, they left it believing they are a potential Class 5A state tournament participant.
“This was a great tournament for the team,” Williams, a 6-0 guard, said.
Poinciana (4-8) also ended the tournament on a high note with an impressive triple-overtime victory against St. Petersburg High, 75-68. Lex Curry scored 26, including a three-point shot at the end of the first overtime that kept Poinciana alive.
“Our guys played hard. They were diving for loose balls. That showed how much they want to win,” Eagles Coach Jay Lunce said. “It was an important win for us.”
Wednesday was also an important night for long-time Kissimmee Rotarian and ShootOut volunteer Roger Thompson, who was inducted into the Great Florida ShootOut Hall of Fame by tournament chairman David Apfelbaum prior to the championship game.
“Roger has done so much for the community and this tournament through the years. I don’t think he’s ever missed one,” Apfelbaum said. “He truly is deserving of recognition.”
Apfelbaum said the Silver Spurs Arena proved to be an outstanding venue for the tournament, which moved from Poinciana High this year.
“We couldn’t be happier about the facility. It is a great venue and a great location, it’s a place that I believe will help us continue to grow and make this tournament even better,” Apfelbaum said.
The Kissimmee Rotary Club sponsors the ShootOut and uses the proceeds to provide scholarships to local students.
At other holiday tournaments, New Dimensions lifted its record to 7-2 at The First Academy tournament in Orlando Tuesday with a 66-41 win over King’s Academy. Emmanuel Francois (16) and Imar Robles (11) led the Tigers. New Dimensions defeated Lakeland Santa Fe, 68-51, before the holiday break to go 2-0 in 2A District 10. Jose Vasquez (19), Francois (16) and Xavier Price (10) scored for the Tigers.
Celebration (4-8) edged Pasco, 32-21, Monday at the Jim Clark Holiday Classic at Bishop Moore as Rob Machecek scored 15. The Storm fell to Wellington, 65-40, Tuesday as Machecek had 19.
Harmony, 1-9, lost to Mantanzas, 44-43, at the Clark tournament Tuesday as Erik Sjostrom scored 22.