The Lakewood Ranch girls basketball team loses to Winter Haven 44-28 in the Class 7A state championship game.
By
Jen Blanco
| 4:38 p.m. February 20, 2016
East County
Sports
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The Lakewood Ranch girls basketball team got off to a slow start and was never able to recover, as the Mustangs fell to Winter Haven 44-28 in the Class 7A state championship game.
It was the second time this season the two teams had met with the Blue Devils edging past the Mustangs 49-48 in overtime nearly a month ago.
Similar to their regular season matchup, the Mustangs fell behind in the first quarter. Lakewood pulled within 19-13 in the third quarter before Winter Haven's Diamond Battles scored six straight points to put the Blue Devils up by 12.
The Mustangs cut the Blue Devils lead to eight points heading into the fourth quarter, but were unable to close the gap.
"We played hard and that's all I can ask for," coach Tina Hadley said.
Senior point guard Kailyn Scully finished with 12 points to lead the way for the Mustangs, who shot 11-of-39 from the floor and 6-of-18 from the free throw line. Junior forward LaDazhia Williams, who went down with a cramp in her calf in the second half, had 11 points and five rebounds. Junior guard India Searls finished with a team-high eight rebounds.
It was the final game for Scully and fellow seniors Elise Spiller and Kyra Klarkowski, who helped shape the Mustangs program over the past four years.
"It's amazing to be able to get this far," Scully said. "Second in the state is still a huge accomplishment. We went out with a bang and I couldn't be prouder of my team."
Lakewood Ranch junior forward LaDazhia Williams wins the tipoff for the Mustangs.
Lakewood Ranch senior Kailyn Scully had five points in the first half.
Lakewood Ranch senior Kyra Klarkowski attempts to dribble past Winter Haven's Diamond Battles.
Lakewood Ranch sophomore Sarah Fazio brings the ball up the court in the first quarter.
Lakewood Ranch junior forward LaDazhia Williams led the Mustangs with six points.
Lakewood Ranch senior point guard Kailyn Scully pushes the ball up the court in the first half.
Lakewood Ranch junior India Searls looks to pass the ball in the first half.
Lakewood Ranch junior India Searls drives to the basket in the second quarter.
The Lakewood Ranch girls basketball team takes the court for the Class 7A state championship Feb. 20.
Lakewood Ranch senior point guard Kailyn Scully does one last handshake with coach Karter Clark.
Lakewood Ranch's mascot Klumpy came out to show his support for the girls.
Lakewood Ranch sophomore guard Sarah Fazio dribbles around Winter Haven's Melody Brewington.
Lakewood Ranch senior point guard Kailyn Scully brings the ball up the court in the second half.
Lakewood Ranch junior forward LaDazhia Williams defends Winter Haven's Chrisana Scott in the fourth quarter.
Lakewood Ranch junior LaDazhia Williams walks off the court after fouling out in the fourth quarter.
Lakewood Ranch senior guard Elise Spiller calls out a play in the fourth quarter.
Lakewood Ranch coach Tina Hadley looks on as the Mustangs face Winter Haven in the Class 7A state championship game Feb. 20.
Lakewood Ranch senior guard Elise Spiller looks on from the bench after fouling out late in the fourth quarter.
Lakewood Ranch sophomore guard Sarah Fazio drives to the basket in the fourth quarter.
Lakewood Ranch sophomore guard Sarah Fazio drives to the basket in the fourth quarter.
Lakewood Ranch senior Elise Spiller reacts after fouling out late in the fourth quarter of the Mustangs loss to Winter Haven.
Lakewood Ranch senior Elise Spiller hugs fellow senior Kyra Klarkowski as the final minute ticks off the clock.
Lakewood Ranch senior Elise Spiller hugs fellow senior Kyra Klarkowski as the final minute ticks off the clock.
Lakewood Ranch's Sarah Fazio, Jordan Ward, Rhiannon Jacobson and Kwinci Gooch walk off the court following Lakewood's 48-24 loss to Winter Haven in the Class 7A state championship Feb. 20.
Seniors Kyra Klarkowski, Elise Spiller and Kailyn Scully console one another following the Mustangs loss to Winter Haven.
Seniors Kyra Klarkowski, Elise Spiller and Kailyn Scully console one another following the Mustangs loss to Winter Haven.
Lakewood Ranch assistant coach Karter Clark and players Elise Spiller, Rhiannon Jacobson, Kyra Klarkowski and Aleah Robinson react after finishing as the state runner-up.
Assistant coaches Frank Bell and Karter Clark and players Emma Fazio and Kailyn Scully wait for the awards ceremony following the Class 7A state championship Feb. 20.
Lakewood Ranch sophomore Emma Fazio sits with senior guard Kailyn Scully following the Mustangs 48-24 loss to Winter Haven in the Class 7A state championship game.
Lakewood Ranch principal Craig Little congratulates coach Tina Hadley on a great season.
Lakewood Ranch senior Kailyn Scully finished with a team-high 12 points.
Lakewood Ranch senior Kyra Klarkowski's final high school basketball game was a state championship game.
Lakewood Ranch senior guard Kailyn Scully looks on as Winter Haven receives its championship trophy.
The Lakewood Ranch High girls basketball team finished the season as the Class 7A state runner-up.
