The Sonic Drive-In-Player-of-the-Game for the first game of the District 6-6A semifinals is Malik Robertson of the Eastside (Gainesville) boys basketball team.
Robertson, a junior, scored 10 of his team-high 15 points in the fourth quarter and two overtime periods as #2 seed Eastside survived a scare from third-seeded Santa Fe (Alachua) and won 57-56 in double overtime to advance to the district championship game on Friday night.
Robertson scored only two points in the opening half, but Eastside led by as many as 11 points halfway through the second quarter before settling for a 25-19 lead at the halftime break.
The Rams really struggled to score in the second half, and fell behind by as many as six points in the fourth quarter and were down 43-38 in the final minute before rallying to force overtime at 43-43.
Robertson’s only points in the fourth quarter came from the free throw line, where he was 3-of-4. He hit two quick baskets early in the first overtime period, including a big three point play, but Eastside (21-5) still couldn’t shake Santa Fe, and Saveion Webster’s three pointer tied the game again at 52-52 and forced a second overtime.
Robertson hit two big free throws late in the the 2nd overtime as the Rams finally held to advance and end the Raiders season. Santa Fe finishes at 7-19.
Eastside now advances to take on top-seed North Marion (Citra) in Friday night’s district title game. The Colts advanced as they rallied past 4th-seeded Dunnellon, 56-51, in the second semifinal game.
The Sonic Drive-In-Player-of-the-Game for the second District 6-6A semifinal is Marquez Reaves of the North Marion boys basketball team.
Reaves, a junior, scored 10 of his team-high 15 points in the fourth quarter as the Colts rallied from a deficit early in the fourth quarter to pull away and beat Dunnellon for a third time this season.
The first half was low scoring, with North Marion leading 18-16 at the halftime break. Reaves only basket of the first half was a three pointer.
The pace really picked up in the third quarter with the Colts (17-7) outscoring the Tigers 22-19 to take a 40-35 lead into the final period.
Dunnellon went on a 6-0 run to take the lead early in the fourth, but Reaves then hit back-to-back-three pointers to put North Marion ahead for good.
Torrey Buie was the only other Colts player in double figures with 10 points.
Dunnellon was led by Juan Toribio and Marvin Martinez with 18 points apiece, and Carlos Grubbs added 13 points.
The Tigers finish their season at 15-12.
Every game The Prep Zone will recognize a Player-of-the-Game. The recipient receives a $10 gift certificate courtesy of Sonic Drive-In of Gainesville & Ocala.
