THE BOX

Cougars Mauled by Lake Wales

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By: Preston Jackson, Big County Preps

Plant City, FL – The distance from Durant High School to The Lakeland  Center is a mere 25 miles. On Saturday Night before a packed house in  the Cougars Den the Lake Wales Highlanders (29-2) made sure that it’s  a trip that is now a moot point as they dispatched Durant en route to a  64-38 rout and a berth in the 5A Final Four next Friday in Lakeland.

At first glance, Durant looked outmanned and on the bad end of the  talent stick.  The score did not reflect as much however as Durant lead  the majority of the First Half until Lake Wales Small Forward Oshey  Washington hit a 3-pointer to put the Highlanders up at the break.  The Cougars capitalized off of the Highlanders struggles at the Foul Line where they went 17 for 37.

Durant had trouble breaking the Highlanders full court press, which caused 9 turnovers and unleashed the Highlanders high-flying, circus act. Oshey Washington was on both the receiving and giving end of those fast breaks, finishing the game with 23 points, 2 assists and 2 steals.

With 3:37 seconds left to play in the 3rd quarter, Durant F and leading scorer, Andre Nation picked up his 5th personal foul and had to leave the game.  At that point, the Lake Wales fans cheered and the Durant fans were silent.  Many asking each other, why was he in the game at that point with 4 personal fouls anyways?

Durant fought and kept it close for the first 3 quarters, but the lack of scoring which Nation on the bench was hard to ignore.  With Andre Nation on the bench at the start of the 4th quarter, the highlanders smelled blood.

Durant’s inability to score at will and get to the free throw line hurt the Cougars chances of keeping the Highlanders close.  Durant only attempted only 13 free throws and only saw limited scoring from only six players.  Lake Wales dominated each statistical category, attempting more shots, grabbing more rebounds and ultimately on the scoreboard when the clock hit zeroes.

Lake Wales will play Gibbs (22-7) next Friday. The Gladiators advanced by defeating Chamberlain 53-45 in Saint Petersburg. The other half of the 5A Bracket will see Fort Walton Beach play against nationally-ranked Dwyer with 2-sport standout and Gators QB Commit Jacoby Brissett.