Middle school basketball: Three Oaks wins twice against Bonita Springs Charter

FORT MYERS The middle school basketball season is a short one. Lessons learned need to be quickly implemented in days and weeks, not months.
There's just not enough time.
Two weeks ago, the Three Oaks boys learned a tough lesson when they surrendered a late seven-point lead against Lexington and lost by three points.
So when Three Oaks held another seven-point lead this time at halftime against Bonita Springs Charter on Tuesday there was no letting up on the accelerator.
Three Oaks (2-1) went on a 20-7 tear in the third quarter on its way to a 43-27 win.
Center Anthony Koschalk set the tone in the second half by scoring six of his game-high 14 points early in the third quarter as Three Oaks erased any comeback hopes by Bonita Springs Charter.
Mark Matthews scored on a fast break and later sank a 3-pointer that gave Three Oaks a 33-16 cushion.
All five of Qwandell Newton's five points came in the fast-paced third quarter.
The hot hands extended to Three Oaks younger players, who were sharp coming off the bench. Tyler Clark and Tyler Short each drained 3-pointers.
We have strong kids all the way through the system, said Three Oaks coach Frank Maiolino.
By far the biggest player on the court, Koschalk, who said he's 6-foot-3, 240 pounds, ruled the boards, showed a soft touch near the hoop and dished out assists.
Early in the game, Margens Desire (7 points) sparked Three Oaks with a basket and a 3-pointer.
Even though it faced a large deficit in the second half, Bonita Springs Charter showed plenty of heart, outscoring Three Oaks, 8-4, in the final quarter.
Bonita Springs Charter, which fell to 1-2, received strong games from Nick Grella (12 points), Tim Noel (7 points) and J.J. Mielutus (4 points).
LATE FREE THROWS LIFT THREE OAKS
The outcome of Tuesday's middle school girls basketball game rested in the hands of Casey Winn.
Twice.
The Three Oaks point guard came through in the clutch both times.
First, Winn made one free throw with 30 seconds left to tie Bonita Springs Charter.
Then, with just 15 ticks left, she made two foul shots that give Three Oaks a thrilling 21-19 win on the team's home court.
Three Oaks (2-1) didn t occupy all the drama; some belonged to Bonita Springs Charter.
Neither team scored in the fourth quarter until Bonita Springs Charter's Emily Slone made a long 3-pointer that put her team in front, 19-18.
The hoop capped a remarkable game by Slone, who scored 17 points.
She was one of the reasons Three Oaks adjusted its defense after falling behind, 8-0.
We switched to a tighter 2-1-2 defense and we concentrated on No. 7, said Three Oaks coach David Moomaw. We came back and played real good defense. That's what I stress.
Winn led Three Oaks with 13 points. Danielle Plecki scored 6 points and grabbed several big rebounds.
Other standouts for Bonita Springs Charter (0-3) included Livia Latroshi and Katie Martel.