NEW PORT RICHEY — Gulf coach Clare Ennis told her players on Tuesday she wouldn’t see them for another three days, a rare break in their daily practice schedule.
But before the Buccaneers celebrated Thanksgiving, they added another win to their season.
Gulf defeated River Ridge 47-38 in a game of runs.
The Buccaneers’ powerful defense early in the game earned the win as Gulf took a 16-12 lead in the first quarter.
Jalena Hawkins was the leader on the court for the Bucs. Hawkins, a senior who has played varsity since her freshman year, stepped up to carry the team to the win.
“She is absolutely the heart of the team,” Ennis said.
Hawkins led the Buccaneers with 13 points, and Kayla Kivinski had 12. Kivinski, the reigning Tampa Bay Times’ Pasco County player of the year, made all four of her free-throw attempts. Shaidal McCray and Ali Cochrane each contributed eight points.
Leah Ford led the Royal Knights with 14 points, including one 3-pointer. She made 3 of 4 free-throw attempts. Eve Hay sank two 3-pointers.