MIA Boys Avenge Loss in a Big Way

Shamus Coyle looks to score in first half action.

Coach Jim Watt's team is top seed in the upcoming conference tournament.

John Lewis scores a basket in fourth quarter action.

Tony Castillo drives to the basket after making a steal.

Photos by Scott H. Shook

MIA’s Xavier Parra battles Cypress Lake’s Liam Murray.

MIA’s Brooks Vorderstrasse shoots a jumper.

Lucas Hodgdon has his eye on the basket.

Quintin Fitton splits two defenders as he scores two of his 15 points.

Joe Reisinger drives the lane.

Wyatt Bailey scores a bucket for the Rays.

Posted Wednesday, January 26, 2022 7:00 pm

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By Scott H. Shook

What a difference a month and a half can make. On December 3, a shorthanded Marco Island Academy team traveled to Cypress Lake and were dealt a decisive 16-point beating, 65-49. On Friday night the host Rays were 16 points better than the Panthers, 69-53.

““I studied the film pretty intensely,” said Jim Watt, MIA head coach. "At yesterday’s practice I probably spent 45 minutes just talking to the players. We went through every single quarter, every single play. Everything they did. I felt like we had them pretty well figured out tonight. We’ve been talking about this game all week. They brought the intensity every single quarter. They didn’t quit. We dominated the game. I’m very proud of my kids.”

The Rays were led by Brooks Vorderstrasse and Quintin Fitton with 15 points each. Joe Reisinger had 13 and Xavier Parra 11. All told, eight Rays were in the scoring column. Cypress Lake’s Landen Mashburn led all scorers with 18.

MIA (7-9) played non-conference games against Community School and Gateway Charter on Monday and Tuesday ahead of the upcoming conference tournament, where they hold home court advantage by virtue of a perfect 5-0 conference record.

"We’ll have a first-round bye,” Watt said, "then we will play the semi-final on Tuesday, February 1. The final will be played on Thursday, February 3.

Watt likes his team’s chances in the conference tournament.

“Our guys are starting to learn how to play,” Watt said, “they’re starting to learn how to run. And I like it. I’m a defensive coach. That’s what I preach. And that’s what they’re getting after.”