Northside- Fleming Island learned that a slow start can impact a win or a loss in a big game. In the district championship, the Eagles lost to the Oakleaf Knights after beating them twice during the regular season. On Thursday evening in the boys regional quarterfinals, it appeared as if history was going to repeat itself as Fleming Island’s first round opponent First Coast scored the first two baskets quickly. Yet that fiery start was squelched by senior center Gianfranco Grafals and the rest of the Eagle squad, who took a road victory over the Bucs of First Coast 72-63.
The championship atmosphere at First Coast gymnasium led to a quick start by the Bucs and spearheaded by junior guard Tyree Saunders who scored the first two baskets of the of game. After a timely timeout and defensive switch by the Eagles, they started to warm up and knock down consecutive 15 footers putting the Eagles up by 5 to end the quarter.
Senior guard James Simmons was determined to not see his senior season end abruptly so he came out early to start the second quarter on a hot streak, going on a 6-0 run by himself. The Bucs also switched up their defense to a post heavy zone to stop Garfals from getting so many offensive rebounds and put backs. This proved to be ineffective as Grafals was still able to knock down 8 of his game high 28 points in the 2nd quarter. Costly turnovers and tenacious defense was the key in this quarter, which allowed for the Bucs to outscore the Eagles 16 to 12 decreasing the margin to just one before the half.
Coach Chandler and the Eagle coaching staff made halftime adjustments to open the second half on the defensive end. They came out playing a full court press, and a half court man to man. The Bucs never looked comfortable in their half court setup and weren’t able to capitalize on open jump shots.
Fleming Island took full advantage of this and went on a 10-2 run behind the sharp shooting of senior guard Khalid Pogue who knocked down two big 3- pointers to help the Eagles widen their lead to 13 points to end the quarter.
Saunders and Simmons came out trying to will their team back into the game to make it possible for a late game comeback, guard Sebastian Astor of Fleming Island stepped up his defensive and offensive efforts allowing him to put in 6 of his 14 points in the fourth quarter. The Bucs never got within 8 points of the Eagles which ended their season at the Regional Quarterfinals. Simmons and Saunders knocked down 18 and 17 points respectively in their final games of the 2018-2019 season.
Fleming Island will not be able to get their revenge against Oakleaf, as they were upset by the Lee High School Generals. Fleming Island will play at Lee High School gymnasium on Tuesday, February 26th at 7pm, in a battle of two district runner ups to decide who will play in the Regional Finals.
