Paxton girls rally to reach regional finals

By RANDY DICKSON

randyd@nwfdailynews.com

PAXTON — Stevie Davidson had 75 seconds on a basketball court that most players dream about.

Paxton’s junior guard forced a five-second call, scored a basket and hit 3-of-4 free throws to lead the Bobcats to a 47-43 come-from-behind win over Malone in the girls Class 1A regional semifinals.

The Bobcats (24-5) will host FAMU, a 58-19 winner over St. Francis, in the regional finals on Saturday.

A LaTisha Sims basket with 5:37 left in the game put the Tigers up 40-32 and appeared to be the straw that could have broken Paxton’s back, but Davidson and her teammates weren’t through yet.

“We knew we could lose because we were down by eight,” Davidson said. “I was nervous because we hadn’t played well.”

Davidson might have been nervous, but it didn’t show. Following Sims’ basket, she came down court and scored to start the rally.

Baskets by Erin Walker and Vikki Pepper closed the Malone lead to 40-38 with 4:11 remaining.

Malone built the lead back to 43-38 with 2:33 left, but the Tigers wouldn’t score again.

Maryllyn Gilbert scored a pair of baskets to cut the Tiger lead to 43-42. The second basket, which came with 1:37 on the clock, came off an offensive rebound.

Davidson then took over down the stretch as the Bobcats pulled out the tough win.

Gilbert led all scorers with 18 points. Davidson and Pepper each had nine.

Sims led Malone (17-11) with 16 points.

Paxton won the first and fourth quarters, outscoring the Tigers 32-18 to start and end the game. The strong start and finish made the difference as Malone controlled the middle of the game.

Although the Bobcats led 22-21 at the half, the Tigers were clearly the dominant team in the second period as Paxton appeared tired.

Bobcat coach Herb Haddock told his girls they were tired because they were uptight and the game was going to come down to the wire.

The veteran coach’s advice proved to be right on the mark.

“When we got down we just rolled up our sleeves and went to work,” he said. “Stevie did a great job. She’s been playing hurt most of the year.

“I can’t tell you how tough she really is.”

Malone 8 13 12 10—43

Paxton 15 7 8 17—47

MALONE (43)

Olds 6, Sims 16, Lasiter 4, Brown 11, Smith 6. Totals 12 4 7-19 43.

PAXTON (47)

Maryllyn Gilbert 18, Erin Walker 4, Stevie Davidson 9, Vikki Pepper 9, Emmalee Infinger 5, Chantel McCormick 2. Totals 17 3 4-7 47.