It may have taken overtime to finish the job, but the Southridge Spartans ultimately got the result they hoped for on Tuesday. They came out on top against Somerset Academy South Homestead by a score of 60-52. Given Southridge's advantage in MaxPreps' Florida basketball rankings (they are ranked 41st, while Somerset Academy South Homestead is ranked 182nd), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.
It was another big night for Shanaii Gamble, who dropped a double-double on 24 points and 15 rebounds. That makes it four consecutive games in which she has scored at least a third of Southridge's points. Another player making a difference was Dianka Hardisson, who scored 12 points along with six assists and four steals.
Several Hurricanes players turned in solid performances, despite ultimately coming up short. Perhaps the best among those players was Joann Barnes, who scored 11 points along with nine rebounds and three steals. That's the first time this season that Barnes pulled down eight or more rebounds. Justice Sheppard was another key contributor, dropping a double-double on 15 points and ten rebounds.
Southridge's victory bumped their record up to 11-5. As for Somerset Academy South Homestead, their defeat ended an eight-game streak of wins at home and dropped them to 11-5.
Southridge will head out on the road to take on Lourdes Academy at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday. Lourdes Academy will be looking to keep their six-game home win streak alive. Somerset Academy South Homestead will take on Palmer Trinity at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday.
