Sweet 16 brings unexpected matchup

All season long, and perhaps as far back as when the FHSAA released its new district alignment, Nature Coast and Eustis seemed destined to meet in the Sweet 16 basketball finals.

Surely the two state-ranked squads would roll through Class 5A, District 7 – and they did.

Next it stood to reason that they could each dispose of whichever two clubs advanced out of 5A-8 in the regional quarterfinals.

The Sharks (25-1) held up their end of the bargain, handling Wesley Chapel on Thursday night, 68-53.

The Panthers – not so much. Eustis fell at Hudson, 52-44, an outcome that may have stunned many, just not the Cobras (19-10).

"Number one, we're a damn good team, which nobody wants to recognize this year," Hudson Head Coach Jason Vetter said. "Number two, we played great defense (Thursday) night."

So Tuesday night's Region II semifinal won't be a fourth matchup between Nature Coast and Eustis, but rather will feature the Sharks hosting the Cobras at 7 p.m.

"It's definitely not what we expected, but we're definitely prepared for it," Nature Coast Head Coach Dave Pisarcik said. "We know Hudson is playing their best basketball right now.

"Hosting that game against Eustis was probably to their advantage. When Hudson is playing their best they can play with anybody, and right now they're playing well."

* * * * *

Just how did Hudson, a team that started the season 0-6, arrive at this point?

First off, Vetter rejected the notion that the Cobras are a Cinderella story. The former sports reporter felt such labels are for the media to throw around.

"We've been in regionals four out of the last five years and we're the only team around here that can say that," Vetter said. "People say 'Hudson is not going to be good,' but people better get used to it."

Instead, Hudson's 2011-12 campaign must be viewed with some perspective. The schedule was tough at points, Vetter noted, and there were "a couple selfish guys on the team causing some issues" who are no longer around.

Oh, and there was the fact that senior guard Jamal Branco wasn't available, or at least close to full strength, until after Christmas break.

Branco is by far the team's leader in scoring (15.8 points per game), assists (5.7) and steals (2.1). He's second in rebounding at 6.7 per contest.

He broke a bone in his right foot during the second practice of the season. A doctor has since discovered breaks in both feet, but said he couldn't worsen the injuries and cleared him to play.

"The doctor said just play on it and we'll see what happens," Vetter said. "He's been all season on it and he feels fine."

Still, Vetter insisted that the Cobras are more than just Branco. Eustis employed double teams and a half-court trap to limit Branco to six points.

Senior center Andrew DiSanto, listed at 6-foot-8, posted 11 points, 13 rebounds and three blocks.

Branco did have a high amount of assist, though, and he'll surely receive considerable attention from the Sharks.

"He's just a factor in their game, whether it's rebounding or passing," Pisarcik said. "Branco is one of those players that make everybody on the floor better.

"We want to limit his opportunities, but obviously Hudson has enough players that can step up that they got to the Sweet 16."

* * * * *

Recent history favors Nature Coast, considering the Sharks knocked off the Cobras in last year's regional quarterfinals, 62-56.

More experience and improved depth have Nature Coast looking even stronger. Meanwhile, Hudson has overcome the graduation of leading scorer Richey Williams.

"I think we're better defensively and more varied offensively. We've got more balance this year. I actually think it's harder to guard us," Vetter said.

"We need to get off to a better start (than last year's game). To me, last year we were happy to be there and for Nature Coast it was a business trip. They had bigger things in mind. This year we have bigger things in mind."

One big thing on their minds will be Tyler Bergantino. The Sharks' 6-foot-9 senior left Wesley Chapel in his wake, totaling a season-high 32 points along with 14 rebounds and six blocks.

The Cobras know fully well what the UMass signee can do. He put 37 points, 17 boards and six blocks on them last regular season.

He had 21 points, 15 rebounds and a couple blocks in the regional quarterfinal victory at Hudson.

"This is not the first good team we've ever played. Tyler is great player. He's going to get his points. He's too good of a player, too good of a kid," Vetter said.

"We have to protect the ball. We have to challenge their shots. Tyler will get his, but we can't let him get 37 like last year. We've got to make him take a lot of shots for his points.

"You can't just pack it in on him. People have tried that and haven't been successful. If you're going to win, you've got to challenge them. Try to guard him one-on-one. You can't sit there all night and let their guards get seven or eight threes."

With the close proximity of the two schools, and their history dating back to being district rivals a few seasons ago, Pisarcik said the Sharks have "sort of a rivalry with Hudson" and expects an intense atmosphere.

A win would put them in the Elite Eight for the third time in as many years – a Saturday regional final against either Gainesville-Eastside or Citra-North Marion.

"We've got to control the boards," Pisarcik said. "Hudson did a good job of outrebounding Eustis. That's one of our strengths.

"We've got to do a good job of limiting Branco's opportunities. If we play solid defense and stick to our game plan, we'll be able to use our size advantage."