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Rams Stampede Into Regional Semifinals

Ridgewood 58, Wharton 36

Eric Horchy/SUNCOAST NEWS

Ridgewood forward Lukas Poderis swats away one of his six total blocks on the night from Wharton's Anthony Manuel. Poderis led all scorers as well, dropping in 16 points.

By Eric Horchy | The Suncoast News

Published: February 15, 2008

NEW PORT RICHEY - NEW PORT RICHEY - Despite Wharton High's efforts to slow the pace of Thursday night's 5A Region 2 quarterfinal match, Ridgewood's second-to-none transition game quickly overpowered the Wildcats, en route to a dominating 58-36 victory.

Big-man Lukas Poderis and high-octane point guard Mike Lawrence led the Rams in scoring, dropping in 16 and 14, respectively.

As is typical of Ridgewood's style, head coach Gary Anders' group scored in bunches to grab a stranglehold on the lead shortly after halftime.

The Rams used scoring runs of 9-0 twice – once in the first quarter and again in the second – to enter halftime up 22-14. Ridgewood (24-3) promptly blew the game wide open in the opposite half via a 17-2 burst.

Keying much of these spurts was a staunch defensive effort that forced 21 Wildcat turnovers.

"I think we defended pretty darn well," Anders said. "And then we were able to get some decent baskets off of that defense."

The Rams also played big in the post, muscling their way to a 28-19 rebounding advantage.

Senior forward Derrick Zio pulled down 10 boards to lead all in that category.

Poderis grabbed six rebounds – five offensive – and blocked six Wharton shot attempts as well.

To try and counteract Ridgewood's athleticism, Wharton (15-14) milked minutes-at-a-time off the clock by passing the ball around the perimeter in their half-court offense.

The tactic proved ineffective as the Rams continued to push when they regained possession and pressure turnovers on defense.

"They tried to slow down the game, but we always try to keep the tempo up so we can keep scoring," Lawrence said.

Ridgewood will now advance to play Brandon High (22-4) in the regional semifinals Tuesday night at home. Brandon moved on by dismantling Ridgewood's District 5A-7 rival, Land O' Lakes, 68-44.

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