Top Performers: Countryside vs. St. Pete
After St. Pete beat Countryside in early December 62-61, the Cougars got revenge on the road on Thursday night.
The 75-59 Countryside victory places the Cougars in front of St. Pete in Class 8A-District 10 for first place. Countryside owns a 15-5 record and a 9-1 record in district play while St. Pete is now 17-3 and 9-1 in district play.
Senior guard CJ Williams led the Cougars with 20 points while senior St. Pete guard Tai Strickland had a game-high 25 points.
Here are the top performers.
CJ Williams (Countryside)
With only six points at the break, CJ Williams put in the work in the second half with 14 points. It was a nice outing for the 6’3″ senior who finished with 20 points and stretched the floor for the Cougars. He sunk all 10 of his free throws including four straight free throws ahead 62-55 late.
Tai Strickland (St. Pete)
The load fell on Tai Strickland with Serrel Smith out with an ankle injury early in the fourth quarter. The 6’2″ senior had 17 second half points to end the evening with a game-best 25. Strickland left with roughly two minutes on the clock due to a cramp. It was a gutsy performance from the senior guard who drove to the basket with various successful moves.
Matthew Berry (Countryside)
Next to Williams, it was 6’6″ senior forward Matthew Berry who shined. The big man stepped up down the stretch with 18 points. Countryside earned a solid addition with Berry’s transfer over from Oldsmar Christian this summer. He is at his best when he attacks, but he can also strike from deep.
Serrel Smith (St. Pete)
The Cougars did everything in their power to slow down Serrel Smith. The senior Ole Miss commit still managed 15 points on the night including 12 in the first half. His ankle injury made life tough for him and the Green Devils late. The 6’3″ guard is a tough performer and is ready to be a pure scorer at the next level.
Troy Reeves/Nate Tettenborn (Countryside)
Senior starters Troy Reeves and Nate Tettenborn combined for 23 points. Reeves, a 5’10” guard had 12 points including seven important fourth quarter points. Tettenborn, a 6’1″ guard started strong, adding all of his 11 points in the first half. Reeves and Tettenborn are essential pieces.