STRUTHERS Sebring stays hot, topples Wildcats

The Trojans did not allow a team to score 50 points this season.
By JOHN BUTERA
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
STRUTHERS -- Playing on the floor it will return to in next Friday's sectional tournament, state-ranked Sebring turned back Struthers 59-44 to finish the regular season 19-1.
"This is the second season we've played a regular season game here," said Sebring coach Brian Clark. "And we just signed another two-year deal tonight. It's easy to get excited about playing here with the great tradition and everything."
The Trojans, who are ranked third in the Division IV poll, return to the Fieldhouse in six days to show again why they are the tournament's top-seeded team.
Struthers (3-17) stayed with Sebring early and made a run in the third quarter. But with Dave Scarpitti leading the way, Sebring stayed the course as Scarpitti led all scorers with 23 and became the first player in the Trojans' history to record 60 wins.
His effort earned him a huge banner from his classmates which read, "Congratulations Scarp. Record 60 wins."
"That was really nice of them to do that," Scarpitti said. "It surprised me."
Solid performance
Hot shooting, solid defense and almost perfect floor play -- Sebring had only three turnovers in the first half -- enabled the Trojans to perhaps finish higher in next week's final poll.
Sebring reached No. 1 earlier in the season.
Scarpitti and his brother Dan each hit a 3-pointer to begin the game. But using 3s of their own -- one by Dave Mathews and another by Tim Zetts at 3:09 -- Struthers pulled within two, 10-8.
From there, Sebring took charge, holding Struthers without a basket until two minutes left before halftime.
Two more Dave Scarpitti scores gave Sebring a 16-8 edge after the first period as Scarpitti started the game 4-for-4 from the field and 2-of-2 from the line en route to 11 first quarter points.
Commanding lead
The Trojans were just as hot in the second quarter, hitting their first four shots. They shot 15 of 22 from the field in the first half to take a 39-18 lead.
Struthers pulled to within 13 in the third quarter, but could not get any closer. The Trojans did not allow a team to score 50 points all season.
"We've focused on defense all year," said Dave Scarpitti. "And it's paid off. It all starts with defense."
Clark agreed, "The kids are pretty focused on that but I know somebody at some point is going to score 50. But as long as you win that's all that matters."
James finished with 15 points for the Trojans, while Joe Amabeli had 11 and Dan Scarpitti 10.
Zetts, who made four 3-pointers, finished with 19 points.