Boys basketball district roundup: Bartram Trail downs Flagler Palm Coast in scrappy game
ST. JOHNS — In a game that was underscored by hard fouls, Flagler Palm Coast head coach Derrick Williams’ ejection and minor scuffles, Bartram Trail had to play like bears to eke out a win against Flagler Palm Coast.
The Bears (13-11) defeated the Bulldogs (7-18) 62-41 to advance to the 7A District 1 semifinal. After a tight 11-10 first quarter in which Flagler Palm Coast went on a 7-0 run to end the period, the Bears put together a 22-8 tear in the second quarter to separate themselves from the aggressive Bulldogs.
With the win, Bartram Trail advanced to play Mandarin on Thursday night.
“Them talking trash and fouling fueled us to go out there and do what we do,” said senior point guard Brian Eberly, who scored 14 points. Senior Jack Toman had 17 points, and sophomore Landon Green added 11.
Flagler Palm Coast also pushed the Bears by trapping early, forcing turnovers and outmuscling them for rebounds. The physicality made both sides testy. By the third quarter, there were already three technical fouls and Williams was gone.
The Bears' second quarter roar intensified in the third quarter with a 15-8 run, making it 48-26 to start the final period.
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Williams loved the effort from his team. Unfortunately, Flagler Palm Coast’s two biggest problems that have plagued it all year — turnovers and scoring inefficiency — came back to bite them, Williams said.
“To win basketball games late, you’ve got to do more than just play hard and compete,” Williams said. ‘You’ve got to show a higher basketball IQ.”
Williams said he hopes he can retain most of his young team for next season so the team can work on improving. The plan after the loss is to take two weeks off and get back to work.
Bartram Trail head coach Jeremiah Teuscher's young group is still working, though, fighting for a chance to play in regionals.
The Bears, despite health and roster issues, have jelled to become a tight team. Their chemistry has allowed them to play above their ability, Teuscher said.
“I’m not ready for this to be over yet,” Teuscher said. “So let’s just keep it going.”
St. Joseph Academy advances to district championship
The Flashes defeated University Christian 57-52 to advance to the 2A District 3 title game. St. Joseph Academy outscored the Christians in the first and third quarters to take control of the game.
St. Joseph Academy (20-5) awaits the winner of the Impact Christian Academy and Christ’s Church Academy game.
Nease downs Fleming Island
The Panthers (18-7) will face Oakleaf in the 6A District 3 semifinal after a 45-35 win over Fleming Island. Nease could potentially face crosstown-rival Ponte Vedra (18-5) in the championship game.
Atlantic falls in heartbreaker
The Sharks fell to Astronaut 59-57 to end their season. Atlantic finishes the season at 11-10.
University beats rival DeLand again
University edged Deland 47-45 and will play top seed Seminole in the 7A District 2 semifinal. The Titans (13-11) have won two straight games against the Bulldogs (7-15) after not winning a game against DeLand in four years.
Menendez upsets St. Augustine
The Falcons (8-18) beat the Yellow Jackets (14-11) to advance to the 5A District 4 semifinal. Menendez will face Deltona (16-7) for a spot in the final tonight.
Pine Ridge downs Seabreeze
The Panthers (8-16) ended the Sandcrabs’ season (10-13) with a 59-47 win in the top half of the 5A District 4 bracket. Pine Ridge faces juggernaut Mainland (19-5) for the third time this season in the semifinal.
Spruce Creek shines
The Hawks (12-10) were dominant against West Port, defeating the Wolf Pack 62-35 to reach the 7A District 2 semifinals. They’ll face two-seed Lake Mary tonight.
This article originally appeared on St. Augustine Record: FHSAA boys basketball: Bartram Trail outlasts FPC in chippy district battle
