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22

Jan, 2021

THE QUEST FOR SUPREMACY

Nease set out to be the best representation of themselves on Thursday night at Matanzas. The Lady Panthers as the #1 seed took on the #4 seed Lady Golden Eagles from Fleming Island in the St. Johns River Athletic Conference Semifinals. Nease came into the contest with an eudaemonic feeling in their quest to reach the Conference Finals. Notwithstanding any unforeseen circumstances, the Lady Panthers were confident and poised to leave with a fulfilled appetite.

In the early goings of the game, both teams got into a sparring match with similar results. Nease scored the first basket off the opening tip, but Fleming Island quickly responded. The scored was knotted at 7-7 after 2:30 of play and 10-10 with 3:10 remaining in the quarter. The Lady Panthers put together a 7-0 run to cease the momentum and would lead 18-13 after one quarter of play. The Lady Golden Eagles opened the second period with a quick 4-0 run to cut the deficit to one (18-17). Out of a timeout, Nease came up with another run (6-0) to force a timeout with the 23-17 advantage. With 2:06 left in the quarter Fleming Island connected on a trey, but the Lady Panthers continued to lead (29-22). By quarter’s end, Nease was up by double digits (32-21).

By virtue of a 18-10 third quarter outburst, The Lady Panthers distanced themselves from the opposition and were comfortably ahead 49-29 with one final quarter to contest. Things did not get much better for Fleming Island the rest of the way. Nease withstood the Lady Golden Eagles final push (21-15 quarter) and advanced to the Conference Championship Game by posting the 65-52 win.
The Lady Panthers will square off with the #2 seed Lady Jackets from St. Augustine. The game will be played on Saturday at Orange Park High school (3:30). Nease defeated St. Augustine in overtime at the Den earlier this season

Three of the five starters produced double figure scoring nights and two flexed their muscles with double-double efforts in victory.
Nease leading scoring Sydney Gomes had another night of note. She poured in 26 points and pulled down 12 rebounds, to go along with 3 assists and 3 steals. Desiree Robinson had another big night on the boards. The senior center finished with 10 points and 13 boards. Junior Allison Fifield’s 12 points rounded out the three musketeer dominance. Senior Stephanie Manherz just missed out on a double figure night. She tallied 9 points and 5 dimes, while Camryn Robinson rounded out the starters with 6 points, 3 assists and 3 steals. A special shout out and congrats to Frosh Ella Harrison. Fresh off the Junior Varsity circuit, Ella scored her first basket at the varsity level. With the wire to wire victory, Nease (16-4) will now focus on accomplishing two feats on Saturday at the Conference Finals. In winning, the Lady Panthers would obtain County and Conference bragging rights. Fishing for supremacy fuels a bonafide appetite day in and out. Stay Hungry!