Rivalry basketball is back in east Pasco County as Zephyrhills and Pasco battled Friday night for Nine-Mile War bragging rights.
After an 11-year drought, Pasco recorded its first win over Zephyrhills on the hardwood since Dec. 13, 2013. The Pirates won 58-56 in a see-saw battle.
In a game played at Centennial Middle School because of storm-related damage at Pasco’s gym, the Bulldogs and Pirates squared off in a game that will set the stage for the Jan. 29 rematch at ZHS.
“You have to hand it to Pasco,” said Zephyrhills head coach Mike Novak. “They played a great aggressive game.”
Zephyrhills held a 43-40 lead entering the fourth quarter, but the Pirates went on a run to take a two-point lead and it was back and forth with Bulldog Tristan Lennon putting his team on his back scoring nine points in the fourth quarter including seven straight to keep the Bulldogs’ close.
Trailing by two in the closing seconds, Lennon launched a shot from beyond half court for the win, but it was just off the mark. The Bulldogs opportunities in the final minute, but two lane violations on free throws took their toll.
Lennon Finished with 19 points and Quan Haggins added 15 for the Bulldogs and Kayin Shive canned 10. Pasco was led by Jeremiah Miller and TJ Gebru with 19 points each.
“Tristan had a great game, but he has a young team around him that made mental mistakes down the stretch,” said Novak, who saw his streak against Pasco come to an end. “Our kids played hard, and you can’t fault them for that. They are still learning. I was proud of all the kids”