Win in OT fuels Lady Ads, Tampa tourney runner-up
“We typically go somewhere every other year, somewhere out of town in a place where we can showcase both our boys’ and girls’ programs,” Lady Admirals head coach Jason Mayfield said. “When we first signed up, I didn’t realize it was such a high-profile tournament until you hear what teams are in it.”
The Lady Admirals’ gauntlet started with a 71-66 overtime win over Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School Wednesday, Dec. 29. Cardinal Mooney was the No. 1 ranked 3A team in Florida.
Avery “Ace” Strickland led Farragut with 22. Keeleigh Rogers got 18, while Ashlyn Sheridan added 16. Rogers and Sheridan each drained a three-pointer in OT.
“We jumped on ‘em early,” Mayfield said. “Most of the game after that was pretty even. In overtime we held them without a field goal. They got only five free throws.”
On New Year’s Eve, Friday, Dec. 31, Farragut easily handled Spruce Creek High School (FL), 50-25. Spruce Creek was the state’s third-ranked 7A team.
Strickland scored 15 while Rogers got 10.
“We try to hold a team to single-digit quarters and we did it in every quarter of that game,” Mayfield said.
On New Year’s Day Saturday, the Lady Admirals fell to Saddle River Day School, 78-58. A woeful second quarter - 22-5 - was the difference. Saddle River was undefeated entering the game and was the second-ranked team in all of New Jersey. One of its players has signed with North Carolina.
“We missed some shots that we typically make,” Mayfield said. “(The second quarter) was basically the difference in the game. We didn’t play poorly, we just didn’t finish some easy shots in the second quarter.”
Strickland and Rogers were named to the All-Tournament team. Mayfield emphasized the value of such an event for his girls.
“It was fantastic,” he said. “It was a really high-profile tournament. I was pleased with how we played in all games. We played in the second toughest bracket. To make it to the championship was a really good experience. This is definitely one I think we will go back to.”
The Lady Admirals (11-5, 1-0, Dist. 4-4A), resume play Tuesday night at home against Cleveland High School.
