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Mustangs Give Sickles, Henson Tough Run

GRYPHONS 51, MUSTANGS 45

Eric Horchy/SUNCOAST

Mitchell guard Anthony Webb, No. 13, dumps off a pass to Mike Frances.

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By Eric Horchy | The Suncoast News

Published: December 9, 2008

TAMPA - Thirty-two minutes were just a couple too many Monday night for Mitchell High, as highly-touted Sickles (7-2, 3-0) outlasted the Mustangs for a 51-45, Class 6A-District 7 victory on its home court.

The No. 3 rated Class 6A team in the state, according to Floridahoops.com, grabbed sole possession of first place in District 6A-7 play by largely relying on the play of University of North Carolina recruit John Henson.

Henson came within one block of a triple-double (24 points, 10 rebounds and 9 blocks) and helped the Gryphons stave off a determined Mitchell effort.

The Mustangs took a 42-41 lead with less than four minutes left to play when guard Chad Jeckel hit a runner in the lane, but the Gryphons answered immediately with Chris Velez's 3-pointer from the left wing. Mitchell (2-2, 2-1) was unable to get closer that four points after that basket.

Despite the loss, the strong performance showed the Mustangs' potential to contend for one of the top two spots come district playoff time.

"I feel very good about our effort tonight," said Mitchell coach Larry Holden. "This is without a doubt one of the best teams in the area and coming onto their turf and competing to the end was very important for us."

Jeckel led the Mustangs offensively with 15 points and freshman Jake Driscoll added 10.

Mitchell managed to shoot 41.9 percent from the field, but Henson's presence down low limited the Mustangs almost exclusively to looks outside of the paint.

With Sickles ahead 26-24 at halftime, the Gryphons appeared to be taking control early in the third quarter, thanks to a 6-0 run. But Mitchell fought back with a 6-0 run of its own to end the quarter within two points, 34-32.

The Mustangs held the lead on eight different occasions throughout Monday night's contest and out-rebounded Sickles 13-12.

Both squads will be back in action Thursday night hosting 6A-7 opponents. Mitchell will take on Countryside High and Sickles greets Alonso High.

SCORING

MITCHELL--- 11 --- 13 --- 8 --- 13 - 45
SICKLES---- 11 --- 15 --- 8 --- 17 - 51

TOP PERFORMERS

MITCHELL:

Chad Jeckel - 15 points, 1 rebound
Jake Driscoll - 10 points, 1 rebound
Kyle Wiedinger - 7 points, 2 rebounds
Elliot Walker - 6 points, 3 rebounds

SICKLES:

John Henson - 24 points, 10 rebounds, 9 blocks
Jordan Davis - 10 points, 1 rebound
Kelvin Daniels - 6 points
Chris Velez - 5 points

Eric Horchy can be reached at 727-815-1071 or ehorchy@suncoastnews.com

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