Alec Sherman, Mitchell
1 Week Ago
2 Weeks Ago
2 Weeks Ago
The game — and a district title — were in jeopardy. Mitchell trailed by one point late in the fourth quarter against rival Land O'Lakes in the Class 7A, District 8 basketball final.
Sherman could not bear another loss. The Mustangs' go-to player struggled in last year's district title loss to the Gators, finishing with six points to match a season low.
Sherman decided it was up to him to change the outcome. He hit a pair of free throws, then stole the ball on Land O'Lakes' next possession and raced down the court for a layup. Those four points were critical, giving the Mustangs (20-7) enough of a cushion to hold on in a 44-42 win.
"It was really big to win a district title," Sherman said. "It was a must-win game coming into the season, especially after what happened last year. We needed to be more mature and come back and win this year and we did.
"… We have something special because every night someone else can step up and have a big game. The district game was my night."
The junior has been the team's leading scorer each of the past two seasons. He was named one of the captains this season. He does not have a college offer but hopes to have some by the end of the AAU travel season this summer.
"It's a big responsibility (to be captain)," said Sherman, whose Mustangs next host Chamberlain on Thursday night. "I've been trying to stay focused and bring energy and keep the team calm during each game. I have all the confidence in the world in our team."
Alexis Taglieri, Countryside
A senior, Taglieri doesn't plan to keep playing basketball once her high school career is over. She said she is thinking about going to Florida Atlantic University. That means from now on, every time she puts on a Countryside uniform it could be the last time.
"That's been running through my head a lot lately," Taglieri said.
The next game is tonight against Palm Harbor University in the Class 8A region semifinal.
No matter what happens, it has been a historical season for the Cougars (16-6). They won their first region playoff game since 1993 by defeating Tampa Bay Tech.
Taglieri played a big role in the win. She scored 20 points, including going 11 of 13 from the free-throw line, to help seal the victory. She averages 12.8 points per game, second on the team behind November Morton's 21.1 average.
Taglieri transferred to Countryside after spending her first two years at Calvary Christian. She said she knew Morton from her days at the Countryside Rec Center. Fitting in with her new team wasn't a problem, and she thought this season had the potential to be something special.
"We're all very excited around here right now," Taglieri said. "We don't want the season to end. The season didn't end the way we wanted it to last year so I was determined to make sure that it didn't happen again."
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