Girls basketball: Neydja Petithomme, Vionise Pierre-Louis lead way for Grandview Prep into state semifinal game

Monday, February 18, 2013
by Matt Porter

Behind juniors Neydja Petithomme and Vionise Pierre-Louis and a young supporting cast, Grandview Prep takes on defending state champion Tallahassee-FAMU in today's Class 2A state girls basketball semifinals.

Tipoff is 2:30 p.m. at the Lakeland Center.

Petithomme, a 5-foot-8 combo guard, averages 22.6 points per game and 7.9 assists per game while shooting 42 percent (34-of-81) on 3-pointers. Pierre-Louis, a 6-4 post, puts up 22.1 points and 14 rebounds while shooting 78 percent from the field for the Pride (23-2).

Aside from senior forward Daisy Queller, the rest of the regulars aren't of driving age. Sophomore guard Kaitlin Conrad (12-of-21 on 3-pointers) and freshmen Summer Burgess and Julia Duncan are valued contributors. Seventh-grader Jillian Duncan, a 12-year-old guard, averages 20 minutes per game.

FAMU (22-4) has won two state championships, six regional titles and 10 district crowns in coach Ahmad Aliyy's 10 seasons. The Baby Rattlers have seven players taller than 5-9 and are led by junior LaKaris Salter (16 ppg, 11 rpg) and freshman Jazmine Jones (14 ppg, 8 rpg).

The winner advances to face the winner of the game between Land O' Lakes-Academy at the Lakes and Hollywood-Sheridan Hills Christian in Wednesday's state final at 8:05 p.m.

BASEBALL

Benjamin 4, Suncoast 3: Starting pitcher Chad Swift allowed no earned runs and struck out three in four innings and D.J. Paone was 1-for-3 with a triple and two RBIs to lead the Buccaneers (2-0) past the Chargers in Palm Beach Gardens.

Cardinal Newman 13, Forest Hill 3 (5): Louis Ballestero was 2-for-4 with a triple and three RBIs and Daniel Cole was 2-for-2 with two RBIs and two runs as the Crusaders (2-1) routed the Falcons (1-2) in West Palm Beach.

Palm Beach Lakes 11, Lake Worth 7: Roberto Rodriguez was 2-for-3 with two doubles to lead the Rams (1-1) past the Trojans in Lake Worth.

BOYS LACROSSE

Benjamin 14, Jacksonville-Episcopal 7: Andrew Packer had three goals and three assists and Charlie Nicklaus added two goals and an assist to lead the Buccaneers (1-0) to victory in their season opener in Jacksonville.

Pope John Paul 14, American Heritage 1: Mikey Urso scored two goals and added two assists to lead the Eagles (1-0) past the Stallions in Boca Raton.

GIRLS LACROSSE

Naples-Barron Collier 19, Park Vista 8: Bailey Mathis recorded two goals and two assists and Caitlyn Cook added two goals and an assist for the Cobras (0-1) in a losing effort at home in their season opener.

Staff reports contributed to this roundup.