Panthers defensively solid in 67-34 win over Leesburg
We got next: Gateway's Ashlynn Day, who led all scorers with 22, celebrates the win that sends the Panthers to next week's regional final. (Photo/Taylor McFee)
The Gateway Panthers (25-3) got exactly what they wanted Friday – a convincing 67-34 win over Leesburg (12-10) and a home game next week in the Class 5A girls regional basketball finals.
A win in that game against New Smyrna Beach, a rematch of the tight District 5A-7 championship game won 51-46 by Gateway, would send the Lady Panthers back to the 5A Final Four for the second time in four years.
Friday’s semifinal with Leesburg could best be described as “clanky.” Both teams turned the ball over a combined 48 times (28 by Leesburg). Still, the Panthers shot the ball fairly well and won all four quarters.
“I don’t want to say we played down to the level of competition, that realty wouldn’t be fair. Leesburg is a fairly athletic team and they did reach the regional semis,” Gateway Coach Justin Marino said. “But I think they also knew they would have to be really physical tonight and try to muck things up to have a chance. I think that’s how they approached the game and we fell into that style early.”
Still, Gateway was never in danger. The Panthers hit 45.4% of their field goal attempts in the first half, including 6-for-12 on three-pointers. Defensively, they limited Leesburg to just five field goals on 20 attempts and forced 15 first half turnovers in building a 31-15 cushion.
GHS extended the lead with a 6-0 run to start the third period and got to the line 10 times; the lead was 44-26 entering the fourth quarter. Another 10-1 run in the fourth extended the lead to 54-27 with 4:03 remaining. which allowed Marino to empty his bench.
“We never worry about winning by 30 or 40, our only goal is to stay healthy and get to the next round,” Marino said.
Gateway super sophomore Ashlynn Day led all scorers with 22, Bella Davila added 14, Andrea Sauzo had 10 and Alyssa Marino chipped in nine. Miyauna Ross led Leesburg with 11.
The victory sets up an interesting rematch with New Smyrna Beach; the two teams were ranked No. 1 and 2 in the region. In that district final, Iniya Riddicks scored 21 points as New Smyrna battled to a 36-36 tie after three quarters before Gateway pulled ahead in the fourth.
“They are an outstanding team and Riddicks is a good player but she was on fire that night,” Marino added. “It’s going to be a challenge and I’m glad we have them at home again.”
Tipoff next Friday at Bob Baker Gym is 7 p.m.
Tonight, two more county teams will attempt to reach a regional final. Osceola (22-5) hosts Plant (22-6) at 7 p.m. in a Class 7A, Region 3 semifinal; and over at City of Life, the Warriors (22-5) host Donahue Catholic (22-6) in a Class 1A, Region 3 semifinal. A win by COLCA would give the Warriors their first-ever trip to the boys regional final.
