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Retooled Lineup Fueling Gulf Success

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By Eric Horchy | The Suncoast News

Published: December 6, 2007

NEW PORT RICHEY - NEW PORT RICHEY - On paper, it would be easy to assume the Gulf Lady Buccaneers' basketball program should be going through some growing pains this season.

Most teams that lose four out of five starters from a solid 17-9 effort the previous year typically can look forward to an identity struggle as they search for the most effective on-court groupings.

Fortunately for head coach Michael Quarto his girls have bucked that trend.

Gulf has opted for instant success and congruity while apparently wanting nothing to do with the notion of rebuilding.

The return of senior guard Jordan Schulman plays a large role into why they still remain solid at their core.

Known for her sharp-shooting from outside, four-year letterer Schulman is one of the Sunshine Athletic Conferences' top performers. Around her, Coach Quarto has three other seniors, four sophomores and a freshman to build with.

"She's been here a long time now with some really good teams," Quarto said of his star guard, replying affirmatively that he anticipates her to lead this year's version. "She knows what the expectations are and what needs to be done to win."

With Schulman taking charge again, the Buccaneers are off to a hot start in this young 2007-08 season. At 5-0, they sit atop the Class 4A, District 8 standings alongside Nature Coast – last year's reigning champs.

Gulf has embarrassingly outscored opponents 295-89 – an average walloping of 59-18 – and has two players dropping in around 20 points per game.

Schulman has improved on last season's team-leading 14.7 p.p.g. mark, now averaging 21.2.

Second on the scoring list is freshman Nicole Adams, putting up roughly 17 a night.

Anytime a ninth grader steps in and produces like Adams has so early in the season, it is obviously impressive. But adding to that stat, she is also playing the role of floor general – taking over for departed point guard Sam Ovind.

"Tremendous," Quarto said of the way Adams has responded already. He mentioned she is averaging 8 assists as well. "Those numbers for a freshman; that's just unheard of to step in like that."

Complementing the frontcourt work being done by Schulman and Adams are forwards Sami Seybold and Lindsey Brooks in the low post.

The tandem combines for nearly 15 rebounds and 12 points per night.

With an offense keyed around the playmaking ability of his guards, Quarto said that because of Seybold's and Brook's accelerated improvements, the team has been able to get more-than-expected production from the post.

"Seybold's been outstanding, and not just on the boards," Quarto said of the sophomore. "She's more focused and more physical than she was as a freshman.

Her second jump is as good as anyone's in the area and it lets her get a lot of quality second chance shots."

Granted the Buccaneers have amassed some intimidating early season numbers, Quarto knows that the competition is going to get stiffer come December and January.

"It's really early still and we're a real young team," he said. "The meat of our schedule is still coming up."

The combined record of the four teams Gulf has beaten in their five games – Zephyrhills, Pasco, Wiregrass Ranch and Sunlake (twice) – is 6-24. Sunlake is 0-9.

While those schools may not represent the upper crust of District 4A-8, the Buccaneers cannot help how their schedule is set up and no one can say they are not handily taking care of business.

These games can also give the revamped Gulf lineup a little extra time and game experience to fine-tune the areas that need a little tweaking – namely the defense Quarto said.

Much of that is due to a transition to more zone play as opposed to last year's predominantly man-to-man scheme.

Getting used to rotations and not jumping out of position can take time for young players to learn, and Quarto said some weaknesses have yet to be exposed.

According to the head coach, they are in a district where as many as seven teams will be playing competitively enough to win each night. Therefore, that defense will have to stay strong if the Lady Buccaneers wish to accomplish their season's goal – getting to the district finals.

The first true test to prove just how talented this Gulf team is will be tonight at home, when Hernando County rival Nature Coast comes to town.

If the offense can continue to shine and the defense holds strong, the Buccaneers could find themselves all alone in first place for the first time in two years.

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