Zephyrhills went on a 20-0 run spanning from the first quarter and deep into the second to help secure a 57-20 win over River Ridge and a place in Friday night’s Class 5A-District 6 final against host Wesley Chapel.
The Bulldogs trailed 7-2 in the first quarter and by the 3:13 mark of the second quarter they were up 22-7 and never looked back. It was the defense that put on show holding the Royal Knights (53 ppg) to just 11 points in the first half and only nine more in the second half.
“We started slow and they didn’t panic,” said Bulldogs Head Coach Mike Novak. “They got their composure and got it together. They played good defense. We only allowed four points in the second quarter.”
The Bulldogs and Wildcats will tipoff Friday for the district crown. The two teams have met twice this season with Zephyrhills taking both games (73-55 and 60-48).
“We know the next one is going to be tough,” Novak said. “We take them one at a time. We need to work on free throws and boxing out. We will keep that theme.”