For three quarters against visiting Jones last night, the Panthers and Tigers appeared evenly matched. Clinging to a slim 34-32 lead heading into the fourth, however, DP exploded for 28 points to pull away from the Tigers for a 62-49 victory. RaShawn Powell, who finished with 27 points, triggered a 7-0 run to start the final period with a floater in the lane and Pedro Lalor followed with a three from the top of the arc to push the lead to 39-32. Tyriefe Beard got in on the action with a huge rebound off a missed three point attempt and put it back for a nine-point advantage, 41-32. Jones would not recover. Up ten with 5:01 remaining, Pedro Lalor picked up a steal and took it the length of the floor, finishing with a reverse layup to push the lead to 47-35. DP (17-6) continued to pull away late in the game and Powell punctuated the assault with a spectacular reverse layup, drew the foul and sank the free throw for a 55-39 lead to close things out. Tyriefe Beard finished with a double-double, 15 points and 11 rebounds, while Jerard Pierre Louis registered 11 rebounds as well. The victory gave the Panthers their fourth consecutive Metro West Conference Championship, tying the conference record. JV Basketball saw Ira Warren and Darren Warrington hit for 16 points apiece as the Panthers (9-7) sank Jones, 54-43.
Women’s Cross Country standout Amber Johnson has verbally committed to run for the University of Florida. Johnson, one of the best distance runners in Dr. Phillips High School history, chose the Gators over Ole Miss, South Carolina and several others. In addition to owning three of the top nine fastest times in school history, as well as two school records in distance relay, Johnson is also a five-time All-Metro Conference selection, a four-time All-Central Florida honoree and ran in both the FACA Senior All-Star meet in Tallahassee and the prestigious Foot Locker South Regional Championship in Charlotte. By May, Johnson will have earned eight varsity letters and will have completed one of the most impressive running careers the school has ever seen. She will sign her scholarship with Florida at next Wednesday’s National Signing Day ceremony in front of the Media Center at 10:30 am.
