Sharks take down St. Pete in the Gib

The Miami Dade Sharks delivered a resounding 99-46 victory over the St. Petersburg College Titans, showcasing their dominance on both ends of the court. 

From the outset, the Sharks dictated the pace of the game, with Kiara Harris leading the offensive charge. Harris delivered an electrifying performance, scoring a game-high 39 points, including nine three-pointers. Her efficiency and scoring range kept the Titans on the back foot, unable to find an answer for her relentless offensive output. Harris also demonstrated her composure at the free-throw line, sinking 8-of-9 attempts to further extend Miami Dade's lead.

In the paint, Cleaira Peterson was a force to be reckoned with, recording 20 points and 15 rebounds to secure a commanding double-double. Peterson's physicality and dominance on the boards limited St. Petersburg's second-chance opportunities while creating additional scoring chances for her team. Her consistent presence in the post added another layer of strength to the Sharks' dynamic offense.

Shameir Quimby also made a significant impact with her versatility and hustle. Quimby pulled down an incredible 20 rebounds, eight of them offensive, while adding eight points and eight assists. Her ability to control the glass and facilitate for her teammates was instrumental in Miami Dade's ability to maintain their momentum throughout the game.

Defensively, the Sharks were relentless, forcing 30 turnovers and racking up 25 steals. Michaela Lane led the defensive effort with six steals, while the team's high-pressure strategy stifled the Titans' offense. St. Petersburg struggled to find their rhythm, shooting just 31.7% from the field and a dismal 14.3% from three-point range. The Titans' leading scorer, Amy Manzano, managed 16 points, but her efforts were not enough to overcome Miami Dade's defensive wall.

The Sharks' offensive strategy was equally impressive, with unselfish ball movement leading to 27 team assists. Harris and Peterson combined for ten assists, and Jazmyne Bynum added 15 points, including three three-pointers, to keep the offense balanced and effective. Bench contributions were also critical, with Jamesha Card chipping in nine points in 18 minutes and Abigail Alvarez adding four points and two rebounds.