- November 5, 2024
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Despite winning the first game of the season, Flagler Palm Coast girls basketball coach Javier Bevacqua said his team wasn’t going to want to show up to practice on Wednesday.
That’s because he wasn’t happy with the offensive and defensive execution in his team’s first regular season game.
“We’re not playing defense,” he said. “I think we just took advantage of a weaker team.”
Still, FPC (1-0) cruised to a 73-36 win over Seabreeze (0-1).
Bevacqua said if his team plays like that against a District 1-8A opponent, 36 points would become 60 points, and likely lead to a loss.
“I just didn’t like how we played,” he said. “We play an aggressive style of basketball, and it wasn’t there. It was just laidback. That’s how I felt.”
The Lady Bulldogs jumped out to an early 17-5 lead behind three straight 3-pointers to close out the first quarter. FPC didn’t look back, leading 32-14 at halftime and 49-13 after the third quarter.
FPC nailed eight 3s in the game.
Despite it being the first game, Bevacqua said his team played two preseason games and eight fall ball games. So he didn’t see being early in the season as an excuse.
The Lady Bulldogs are without guard Armani Walker, who is recovering from surgery to repair a torn ACL and meniscus. Bevacqua said she could be cleared to play in January and in time for districts, but there is no guarantee.
And so, his team is ready to play the season — and possibly the postseason — without their standout player.
With tons of speed throughout the roster, Bevacqua essentially plays a five-guard system. Shanteria Few, who played for Matanzas last season, provides some height for the Lady Bulldogs.
“Few was always originally zoned for us,” he said. “She gives us a nice addition in the middle (of the court).”
FPC is in a five-team district with First Coast, Sandalwood, West Port and Mandarin.
Bevacqua said his team’s offense was “OK” on Tuesday.
“The girls have been clicking,” he said. “We’ve been putting up shots every day in school, and so they’re getting there. We’re getting to where we want to be."
