By Rick Pedone
Sports Editor

The Pink Halo Classic opened with a bang when Poinciana’s run-and-gun offense left Gateway behind, 82-49, in the boys basketball tournament opener at Liberty High Monday.

Four Eagles were in double figures as Poinciana broke open a close game by outscoring the Panthers 22-12 in the third-quarter to build a 57-40 lead.

Stefan Moody (18), Sherwood Vinson (16), Lex Curry (14) and Osanto Mare (10) took turns flying down the court for the Eagles.

“That’s our game. We want to run,” Poinciana Coach Jay Lunce said. “As long as our guards stay out of foul trouble, we’re in good shape.”

More impressive is the fact that the Eagles go deep into their bench with nary a drop in production.

“We’re easily seven or eight deep,” Lunce, who used all 11 players on his roster Monday, said.

Gateway was led by Erick Marino’s 23 points. Jordan Edmunds added 10.

The game turned for good when Marino picked up a technical foul early in the third period and Moody connected on three of four free throws. Vinson then hit a three pointer to boost the Eagles to a 47-31 advantage.

In other games Monday, host Liberty stopped New Dimensions 57-34 and Ocala Trinity Catholic edged Celebration 49-42. Freedom beat Brandon 65-57, to join Poinciana, Liberty and Trinity Catholic in the championship bracket. The tournament concluded Wednesday evening.

St. Cloud’s J-Mac Showdown begins Friday at 5:30 p.m. when Clearwater Countryside meets Ridge Community, followed by host St. Cloud against Lake Nona.