LUTZ – The Class 7A-District 9 girls basketball tournament runs Tuesday through Friday at Steinbrenner. Before you fill out your brackets, here’s what you need to know.
Tuesday: Chamberlain vs. Gaither
Wednesday: Wiregrass vs. Freedom – 6pm; 4/5 winner vs. Steinbrenner – 8pm
Thursday: Idle
Friday: Championship game – 7pm
Top Two Teams To Watch
Steinbrenner – (20-2) – The Warriors have the best chance to make history in this tournament, by scoring its first ever district title in the programs three year history. If junior Bailey Hooker’s county leading 21.1 points per game isn’t enough to win you over, the Warriors haven’t lost to a Hillsborough County team since the beginning of Nov. How’s that for a case?
Freedom – (17-8) – If it weren’t for a long losing streak scattered in the middle of the Patriots’ season, it’s likely we’d be pushing them for the number one slot. Still, even with a win over Jefferson and a loss to Steinbrenner in which they only scored 29 points, it’s hard to think Freedom can take home the crown. Taylor Emery leads all county freshmen with 19.9 points per game.
Dark Horse
Wiregrass Ranch – (20-7) – After all of the FHSAA penalties in 2010-11, including the forced resignation of coach Greg Finkel and a hard $12,000 fine, would you have thought the Bulls would be here? The team has what it takes to get the job done and it showed with an early season double OT win vs. Freedom. Wednesday’s matinee will be one to watch for sure.
Players to Watch
Bailey Hooker – Steinbrenner – The Warriors’ junior bumped her 11.1 ppg in 2010-11 up 10 slots higher and leads all county players with 21.1 points per game. Opponents will look to shut her down big time.
Rachel Briere – Steinbrenner – She’s a freshman with skill way beyond her years. The Warriors’ starting big has 11.1 points per game and continues to shine in coach JR Allen’s offensive system.
Taylor Emery – Freedom – The Patriots’ freshman has averaged 19.9 points a game and is the catalyst for her squad’s success. If she’s on her game, Freedom will be too.
Kelly McCaffrey – Wiregrass Ranch – The Bulls’ senior is averaging 19.9 points and 8.9 rebounds per game and proved to be a tough one to stop for both Freedom and Steinbrenner respectively. Coach John Gant loves her ability to slice through defenses.
Jeff Odom / Sports Editor
