Cape girls win first district title
Cape High girls’ basketball coaches Olivia and Kirk Myers have placed a strong emphasis on teamwork and defense in their five years guiding the Seahawks.
It is fitting that the Seahawks excelled in both areas Saturday night in claiming their first district title in school history.
Senior Christine Gaywood continued her stellar postseason with 14 points, leading four players in double figures, and the Seahawks shut down the North Fort Myers Red Knights in a 54-25 win at “The Nest.”
Seniors Jardin McCarthy and Alexiss Griffin finished with 12 and 11 points, respectively, and junor Jomaris Vasquez had 13 points.
The Seahawks were also sparked by an all-around team effort on the defensive end.
“We know North likes to drive,” Kirk Myers said. “We decided we would let them try to beat us from the outside.”
The Red Knights never got on track, falling behind 23-12 at halftime.
The Seahawks (19-7) completed a three-game run to earn their first District 5A-15 Championship. They opened tournament play last Tuesday with a 69-31 win over Ida Baker and advanced to the championship game with a 52-49 win over Gulf Coast Friday night.
The Seahawks anticipated a matchup with top seed and perennial power Barron Collier in the championship, but the Cougars were upset by North 57-54 in double overtime Friday night.
Barron Collier, the defending state champion, had won every district game over the past three years before falling to the Red Knights.
“North played a heck of a game (against Barron Collier),” Myers said. “They got after the ball and just wanted it more.”
North continues its season but must travel to Fort Lauderdale Dillard.
The Seahawks host Davie Nova in a regional quarterfinals game Thursday.
The Seahawks have been gradually improving over the past four years.
McCarthy, the senior point guard, and Griffin, who has signed a Division I scholarship with Kennesaw State, are both four-year starters. They’ve been instrumental in leading the Seahawks.
They won 17 games in each of the past two seasons but still were overshadowed in district play by the likes of Barron Collier and North.
Though McCarthy and Griffin have continued their consistent play and leadership, the team collectively has come together.
Gaywood, a 6-foot center, has elevated her game during the district run. She scored a career-high 25 points in the win over Baker, scored seven points in the fourth quarter in the victory over Gulf Coast, and led the team with 14 points against North.
“She stepped up her game for district time, which is the right time,” Myers said.
The Seahawks consist of seniors Jardin McCarthy, Alexiss Griffin, Christine Gaywood, Cierra Dotson, Marianne Davila, Brittany Bunch and Stephanie DeLosSantos, juniors Jomaris Vasquez, Khadija Derrick, Delana Manzo and Breana Webb and freshman Cassie Griffin.