WEST PALM BEACH – The premiere matchup between Suncoast and crosstown rival Dwyer didn’t disappoint.
Dwyer assembled a late first quarter surge to take the lead after one. Michael Ingraham led the charge to put the Panthers up 16-13.
The Panthers increased their lead to 25-15 with a little under four minutes left in the second. Ingraham would show up again on an and-one three pointer shot and free throw to give Dwyer a 30-19 lead with 40 seconds left in the second.
Suncoast would cut into Dwyer’s lead before the half to make it a 30-21 game. Ingraham lead all scorers with 13 points at that point.
Suncoast’s Evan Stinson got things started for the Chargers with a two shot. Ingraham made a long three to push Dwyer’s lead to 13 with a little under four minutes left in the third.
Dwyer’s Xavier Scott hit a deep three, while Suncoast’s Samuel Rolle would answer right back. Rolle would get a little momentum with a step back jumper, which preceded a steal and layup Jose Lopez. Both key plays would cut into the Panthers lead.
The third would end with Dwyer leading 49-35.
Suncoast’s defense began to wane midway through the fourth as Dwyer kept pace with its double digit lead. Dwyer would finish the game with a winning score of 62-48.
TOP PERFORMERS
Dwyer – Michael Ingraham with 20 points; Brenden Williams with 16 points
Suncoast – Samuel Rolle with 22 points
NOTES
Dwyer: Ingraham is the Panthers floor general and scoring machine. A part of Dwyer’s offense goes through Ingraham, and they’ll have to lean on him in the latter part of the season to keep themselves above the .500 mark. Brenden Williams is a silent assassin for the Panthers as he can score in bunches.
Suncoast: The Chargers didn’t look as dominant as they usually do. Rolle, Jacobs Cox, and Evan Stinson could be a lethal combination for Suncoast with more consistency. Henry Peterson and Lopez are great role players that will help down the stretch. Suncoast isn’t a bad team; it just seems like it was “one of those nights” for the Chargers.