Sneads rolls in Summer League action

Marianna and Graceville each went winless Tuesday night in Summer League action in Marianna, while the Sneads Pirates went 2-0.

In the first game of the day, the Bulldogs fell to new district foe Bay 40-39, with missed free throws proving costly for Marianna.

“I think the game was indicative of what the district is going to be like,” Blanton said of the Bulldogs’ new district, which will also include Arnold, Walton, Pensacola Catholic and Chipley. “Everybody is pretty evenly matched. We had our opportunities at the free line, but we couldn’t finish.”

Later in the evening, the Bulldogs took on district rival Sneads.

Marianna led 17-16 at the half, but Blanton decided to give his junior varsity players more time in the second half, and the Pirates capitalized to take a 44-25 victory.

“I was trying to reward the young kids with some game time and we just threw them to the wolves,” Blanton said. “That’s what you’ve got to do to them sometimes to help them grow up quick. But Sneads took advantage.”

The Pirates also took a 34-16 win over Graceville, which has struggled in the summer while adjusting to new coach Jon Habali and playing with an under-manned roster.

The Tigers were much more competitive in their second game of the night, playing Bay even early into the second half before the Tornadoes pulled away for a 51-33 win.

Bay jumped out to an 8-0 lead to start the game, and led 23-16 at the half. However, Graceville answered with a 7-0 run to start the second half and tie the
game at 23-23 with 17 minutes left to play.

Ultimately, the Tornadoes’ talent and depth proved too much for Graceville.

But Habali said he was encouraged by his team’s effort in the second game.

“Everybody was pretty sloppy (against Sneads), then we picked up the intensity in the second game,” the coach said. “Everybody played much better, took care of the basketball a lot better and we were moving better on offense.

“We were like deer in the headlights in the Sneads game and they ran us off the court. But we regrouped and hung in there with Bay High for a little bit, then their athleticism and experience took over.”

Habali, who coached the Graceville girls the last two seasons, was named the boys coach on the same day he Tigers opened play in the Marianna Summer League, giving him little time to get his team ready.

Byron Laster and Leander Ford are the only Tigers who played varsity basketball for Graceville last season.

The lack of experience has caused the Tigers to struggle, but Habali said he was satisfied to get his young players more playing time against varsity competition.

“It has been a learning experience for these younger guys,” he said. “We’re just trying to build some chemistry with them. It’s a good opportunity for the younger guys to learn and get better.

“We’re just hoping to compete a little bit and stay in the games, just get some playing time and experience.”