Preview: Clearwater Tornadoes vs. Tarpon Springs Spongers
Clearwater is 8-1 against Tarpon Springs since January of 2015, and they'll have a chance to extend that success on Monday. The Clearwater Tornadoes will stay at home for another game and welcome the Tarpon Springs Spongers at 7:45 p.m. on January 22nd. That game will pit two of the most dominant guards against one another: Nicho Simes and Geramyah Porter.
Last Friday, Clearwater came up short against Seminole and fell 59-52. While losing is never fun, Clearwater can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Florida basketball rankings (they are ranked 314th, while Seminole is ranked 144th).
Tarpon Springs posted their biggest victory yet this season on Thursday. Everything went their way against Pinellas Park as Tarpon Springs made off with a 68-47 win. With Tarpon Springs ahead 37-15 at the half, the matchup was all but over already.
Tarpon Springs' win was the result of several impressive offensive performances. One of the most notable came from Porter, who dropped a double-double on 21 points and 13 steals. Porter is absolutely dominating the steal category: he's posted at least two every time he's taken the court this season. Jomar Encarnacion was another key contributor, scoring 20 points along with eight rebounds.
Clearwater has been struggling recently, as they've lost five of their last six matchups, which put a noticeable dent in their 8-11 record this season. As for Tarpon Springs, they pushed their record up to 5-6 with that win, which was their third straight at home.
Clearwater beat Tarpon Springs 64-52 in their previous meeting back in January of 2023. Does Clearwater have another victory up their sleeve, or will Tarpon Springs turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
