Standouts: Largo vs. Northeast
It sure looked like Northeast was going to cruise to a Class 7A-District 9 win holding a 43-29 lead after three quarters of play.
However, Largo inched its way back into the game, tying things up for the first time all night at 46. Northeast went onto to outscore the visiting Packers 6-2 over the final two minutes to pull out the 52-48 victory.
The Vikings (13-5, 6-1) earned a 15-point night from senior forward Terrel Ballard. Largo (11-7, 3-3) got a 19-point outing from senior guard Amant Deliu.
Here are the standouts from the district clash.
Zhahidi Robinson (Largo)
Robinson did a ton that didn’t show up the stat sheet. The senior guard was diving for loose balls so much that he had tread marks on the back of his bright yellow jersey by the end of the game. He finished with 15 points, hitting the mid-range jumper often and setting up his teammates plenty.
Terrel Ballard (Northeast)
A crafty finisher, Ballard led his side with 15 points. His highest scoring output in a quarter was six coming in the third. He was slowly putting up solid numbers. Every time I see Northeast play, he manages to find himself in good spots near the rim.
Amant Deliu (Largo)
Deliu had some bright moments in this one with a game-high 19 points. A pure scorer at heart, he hit two deep 3’s in this game including one from beyond NBA range. Deliu is a hard worker who plays off Robinson very well on offense.
Alfonso Franklin (Northeast)
A lengthy junior, Franklin had 10 points in this game. He was hustling on the boards and did a lot of nice things on the break. If Franklin got in the gym more and hit more jumpers, then he’d really stand out in the 2019 class.
Isaiah Bellamy (Largo)
Bellamy is headed to UCF this fall to play tight end for the Knights, but right now he’s staying in shape on the basketball court. The senior was the best thing going inside for the Packers all night with eight points. He is a physical athlete.
Jermaine Phillips/Martin Neal (Northeast)
Neal and Phillips each had seven points for the Vikings. Phillips, a junior sees the floor well and his passing and outside shooting are his best attributes. Neal, a senior is a good ballhandler and a nice shooter.