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Undefeated Grizzlies Face Panthers In Playoffs

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By DAREK SHARP, The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 16, 2008

PLANT CITY - The Grizzlies put their perfect mark on the line this morning as the Plant City Recreation and Parks Department/Optimist Youth Basketball playoffs get rolling. The Grizzlies were the only undefeated team through regular season play in the Cadet League (8- and 9-year-olds) age group.

Postseason action will be held in all six of the age groupings, with the finals scheduled for Feb. 25-26.

Both the Grizzlies and Dolphins went through the first six weeks undefeated, and each team has its first-round playoff game today at 9 a.m. The Grizzlies challenge the Panthers on the Plant City Family YMCA's east court while the Dolphins and Tigers square off on the west court.

Today's first-round winners advance to the semifinals Thursday.

On Feb. 9, the Dolphins experienced their first defeat, 40-17, at the hands of the Bullets, meaning the Bullets ended the regular season as the Cadet's second-place squad. Jordin Robinson, with 18 points, outscored the Dolphins. If the Bullets beat the Bears this morning at 10:15 they could pair with the Grizzlies in the semifinal.

The bulk of the Premier League (14- to 16-year-olds) playoffs are being staged next week. The Rockets and Mavericks were both 6-0 going into their final regular season game Thursday. The Rockets play the Heat at 6:30 p.m. Monday and the Mavs and Sonics take the Marshall Middle School court at about 7:45 p.m.

Tomlin Middle School will be the site of the Senior Girls (12- to 14-year-olds) tournament. The Comets have been the dominant club of the three in that league. That tournament begins Feb. 25.

The Junior Girls (10- and 11-year-olds) start the postseason Tuesday. Through six games, the Jazz, Liberty and Sting were all 4-2, promising for a competitive tournament. Those games will be held at the YMCA.

In addition, the Y is hosting the Junior Boys (10- and 11-year-olds). Semifinals are Thursday night.

The Senior Boys (12- and 13-year-olds) tournament (with games at Marshall and Tomlin) starts Thursday.

Reporter Darek Sharp can be reached at dsharp@tampa trib.com.

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