Girls Basketball: Noles nip Tigers to win Clemons Classic

Some teams are lucky to have one good point guard who can see the floor. Southeast has two who can dictate the play on both ends.

Shauntavia Green and Breyonna Reed led the Seminoles to a 48-47 win over a tough Palmetto Tigers squad, giving head coach John Harder his third Willie Clemons Holiday Classic title. Reed was named tourney MVP.

The two guards combined for 10 assists and 14 steals Wednesday in a game that came down to the wire.

"It's crazy. I've only known (Green) for two years, but we see the same things and have a connection on the court," Reed said. "We both know where each other will be and we feed off that."

Much like the first game of the tournament, the Seminoles (13-3) came out sluggish and executed poorly in the third quarter, allowing Palmetto to stay in the game.

"There's no question, moving forward, we have to cut down on some of the unforced turnovers," Southeast coach John Harder said. "We had some turnovers we never have, just uncharacteristic, and I know we won't make those same mistakes next week against Lakewood."

With a little more than 30 seconds left, the Tigers' Taylor Rozier connected on one of two free throws to bring her team within one.

"The girls and I knew this was going to be a tough game. They really wanted to beat us," Harder said. "I love games like that. They're fun and they help build you for end of the year games."

Each team traded turnovers before Palmetto won a jump ball with 1.7 seconds left, but Conner Rozier's desperation heave from almost halfcourt for the Tigers missed to the right.

"This loss is a learning experience. We have to learn how to reach that next level," Tigers head coach Robert Kelly said. "Southeast has been to state and is tested. We haven't made it to that point yet but we will get there, I promise you. We will beat them this season."

Tina Stephens scored 16 points, while Rozier chipped in 13. Both were named to the all-tournament team for Palmetto (15-5).

Sophomore Sophie Giardina, who scored 12 points on four 3s, joined Green and Reed on the all-tournament team.

"Winning the MVP means a lot to me, especially it being my last season," Reed said. "It was a tough game, but I stayed patient and confident."

This story was originally published December 30, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Girls Basketball: Noles nip Tigers to win Clemons Classic ."