Stranahan back to states for first time since 1961

Coach Terrence Williams wanted his team to start fast… and did they deliver.

Sparked by an 11-0 run to open the game and a 19-5 start, Stranahan rolled past Eustis 86-62 in the Class 6A Regional Finals to advance to the state semifinals for the first time since 1961.

“We wanted a fast start, because all season we’ve been coming out slow,” said Stranahan coach Terrence Williams. “I told them ‘Create your own history... how bad do you want it? Are you going to play together?’ This is the first night they played together from start to finish and when they do that, it’s a beautiful thing.”

Inady Legiste had 33 points, including 18 in the first half, to give the Dragons a commanding 47-24 lead at the break. Dave Herard added 17 points, while Chayse Culpepper finished with 13.

“We fell short last year, but this year we came back hungry and handled business,” said Legiste. “We didn’t want to go home and wanted to do it for the seniors.”

Stranahan (25-6) opened the second half strong, getting numerous fast-break points. Legiste’s tip in with 1:15 remianing in the third gave the Dragons a 63-38 lead.

Eustis (21-9) tried to get back in it behind Thairo Adkins, who hit a couple of 3-pointers, but it was too late and Legiste slammed it home to make it 77-48 with less than four minutes to play.

“A lot of guys didn’t show up tonight, we missed a lot of free throws and had 20 turnovers,” said Eustis coach Coy Patterson. “We know we are better than we played tonight and we will be back.”

Adkins finished with 25 points for Eustis, while Bradley Douglas added 19.