Sports
Tampa Catholic Advances in Upset
After falling to Berkley three times during the regular season, Tampa Catholic picks up the road win to advance to the regional finals.
It turns out the fourth time was the charm for the Tampa Catholic boys basketball team.
After falling to Berkley three times over the course of the season, including less than two weeks ago in their regular season finale, the Crusaders picked up the win when it mattered most, the Class 3A semi-finals. With the 63-52 road upset, Tampa Catholic (20-8) advances to the regional finals.
“We had played close games against them, but they had always found ways to win,” said head coach Don Dziagwa.
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Tampa Catholic hit the floor running to start the game, going on an 8-0 run. And just when Berkley had battled back into the game, taking a 4-point lead in the second quarter, the Crusaders stormed back with another 8-0 run to close out the half with the lead, 29-25.
“Those points were big. If they had kept that momentum going in the second quarter and taken the lead into the half, I don't know what would’ve happened.”
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But it was the third quarter where Tampa Catholic put the game out of reach outscoring Berkley 15-7 and opening up a double-digit lead they would carry to victory.
After the game the Crusaders squad embraced the fans who cheered them through the hard fought game.
“We had a lot of green in here,” said coach Dziagwa. “Tampa Catholic has always had a great following.”
Taking up only a third of the stands, the Tampa Catholic supporters were packed into the visitors section, with an overflow of supporters sitting on the stairs or standing alongside the bleachers. And if they didn’t outnumber the home Berkley fans, they were at least louder.
As coach Dziagwa lingered on the court after the game trying to sum up the evenings event, he could barely make it through a sentence without someone offering a pat on the back and a word of congratulations.
Senior point guard Lashawn Harrison lead Tampa Catholic with 15 points, but it was a well-balanced offensive attack. Isiah Thomas, Chivarsky Corbett, and Antonio Rubio all finished with double-digit points.
Senior Michael Matthews, who contributed 9 points, 4 rebounds, and a steal, offered his outlook.
“Tonight we celebrate. Tomorrow we’ll start thinking about Saturday.”
The Crusaders will host Bishop Verot in the regional final this Saturday at noon.