Game Number Threeee: Indians Oust OW

February 16, 2008

By Chipola Staff

The NBA’s annual All-Star weekend, complete with a three-point shootout and slam dunk contest, was suppose to be held in New Orleans this weekend. But for forty minutes on Saturday night, the festivities moved to Marianna, Fl.

#3 Chipola, sparked by a career high five three-point field goals from sophomore Mario Little, pushed past #6 Okaloosa-Walton 90-81 in front of a sold out Milton H. Johnson Health Center.

“We finally hit some shots,” said Chipola coach Greg Heiar. “We started to heat up from deep, and that became contagious.”

Chipola, who trailed 41-46 with 16:32 to play in the contest, would go on a four-minute tear that looked like it belonged this weekend in New Orleans with the pros.

Little hit on back-to-back trips from beyond the arc.

Two possessions later, freshman Gary Flowers hit from the top of the key.

Little followed on the ensuing possession with another three.

Freshman Casey Mitchell then hit three times from the three-point line, sandwiched by a Little lay-up.

“We had five of six possessions where we hit a three,” said Heiar. “We’ve been way overdue from downtown.”

The ten made three’s for Chipola was the most in a game since the Indians hit ten against Palm Beach, exactly two months ago to the day.

Okaloosa-Walton hit twelve treys on the game, led by sophomore Tay Waller’s 5 of 10 performance.

Little, who will be playing next year at Kansas, had a team high 23 points and grabbed 7 rebounds for the now 27-1 Indians.

“I really liked Mario’s aggressiveness tonight,” said Heiar. “He can attack the rim to set-up his jump shot, and he can hit a couple from deep to create angles to the rim. He was very active, and our guys did a great job of getting him the ball in places where he could score.”

Flowers also shined for Chipola. He ended the night with 15 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists.

Freshman Vernon Teel added 13 points and 4 rebounds. Mitchell and sophomore Clevin Hannah each had 9 points.

Freshman Jon Keft, who ended with 9 points, no doubt received a ‘Ten’ for both of his second half dunks. His thunderous slams shook the building, bringing the packed house to its feet while helping to propel Chipola to a half game lead in the Panhandle Conference standings.

“We played with a lot energy tonight,” added Heiar. “We fed off the crowd and really wanted to win to help honor Coach Johnson and all of his former players that were in attendance. We also really appreciate all of the fans that helped to make the ‘White-Out’ a success.”

Chipola, now 9-1 in the league, can clinch a share of its fifth straight conference championship with a win over either Pensacola or Gulf Coast this week. A Tallahassee win over Okaloosa-Walton on Wednesday would also give the Indians at least a share of the league trophy.

The Indians can win the league outright by going 2-0 during the upcoming week, beginning with a Wednesday night tilt in Pensacola. Chipola defeated the Pirates (13-14, 1-9) 80-58 on January 19 in Pensacola, and 73-70 in Marianna on February 5.

The game will be webcast beginning at 7:30 pm CST.