Tampa Bay Tech vs Plant City: 5 takeaways
Friday night was a great night for basketball in Hillsborough County, the district matchup between Tampa Bay Tech and Plant City proved to be quite epic. The house was packed to see a rematch of last year’s district championship. Plant City came out with a point to prove as they wanted to avenge 3 losses from last year to Tampa Bay Tech. The Titans wanted to prove even though they loss a lot of production from a year ago, they still run the district, so tensions flared and emotions with high as the fireworks were set off at Tampa Bay Tech High School.
Both teams played man throughout the game, but Plant City’s size advantage was a major factor as they controlled the glass. Junior Justyn King was a dominate force inside as he imposed his will in the paint, creating for himself as well as his teammates. Tampa Bay Tech used a man trap and hit timely shot after shot. Tyrick Brascom’s ability to get inside and to the free throw line kept Plant City from running away with the game. Great coaching was displayed from both sides as they adjusted game plans to gain advantage of the opponent. In the end, the Raiders proved to be too much for the Titans and won 79-74.
5 Takeaways:
1) Plant City has the size and athleticism
Plant City Raiders starting line-up features a six-six wing, six-four big, and a 6-7 big who are all versatile. This makes it hard for opponents to switch and still be able to play defense effectively. While the back court isn’t very big, they are very good. Senior guard Matt Simpson led scoring with 30 points, while freshman point guard Jordyn Manning handled pressure throughout the game and ran the offense.
2) Tampa Bay Tech is young and flashy
On Offense, the Titans spread the floor and run a motion set looking for lanes to penetrate and kick for open shots. In this game the ball stuck to players as they danced around with the ball using lots of crossovers which lulled the defense, so it created tons of fouls. On Defense, they remained in the faces of the Raiders and talked noise while doing it.
3) The Raiders and Titans players have good basketball IQ’s
Being coachable is a skill, being able to apply a skill on the fly makes that skill a talent. Both coaches used timeouts effectively towards making necessary changes to control momentum and the flow of the game. These players have learned what Coach Teeden/ Coach Johnson want to do and apply it at a moment’s request.
4) Titans and Raiders Fans will support its team
The crowd showed up to show out for each team. The gym was packed, and the fans let the players know they had their back throughout. There was not a silent moment in this game from the tip, cheers and boos were loud and welcomed as it helped each team in its own way.
5) The District championship will come from one of these two teams
Watching the two teams you can see they are the most talented teams of the district by far. With Plant City taking first place last night, the Titans weren’t very happy but seemed confident they can with the next contest over them Raiders. On January 24, 2018 in Plant City, Tampa Bay Tech will get its chance to prove just that.
Hillsborough County basketball is in for a treat each time these two meets. The competition, competitiveness, and what looks to be a brewing rivalry comes to a head each time Plant City and Tampa Bay Tech meet.