By BRITTANY
WHITTINGTON
News-Sun correspondent
SEBRING - Coming from behind is probably one of the greatest accomplishments and feelings when it comes to sports.
That's exactly what the Lady Blue Streaks were able to do Thursday night as they triumphed over a talented Okeechobee team on the final night of the Preseason Tip-Off tournament.
"We've been together so long, we don't have such a steep learning curve," said head coach Mike Lee. "The girls have been working together very well since the summer and they've really come together.
Sebring beat Okeechobee 60-42, but the start for the Streaks was sluggish.
They allowed the Lady Brahmans to excel to a 12-2 lead in the first quarter, marking the start of their uphill battle.
But they started the climb quickly and decisively as the rode a second quarter offensive surge to catch and then pass Okeechobee.
With the defense clamping down, the offensive opportunities went up, as did the numbers on the scoreboard, which saw that early deficit turn into a 35-20 lead at the half.
The Brahmans were stunned as their offense had been shut down and their defense was torn apart.
The second half leaned obviously into Sebring's favor as well, as once they seized the lead, they never looked back.
With a combined 25 points between the third and fourth quarters, the Streaks were able to stay ahead of 'Chobee's 22 total points of the second half.
The final makes it a quick second win for the season-opening tournament, after Tuesday's defeat of Lake Placid.
Four of the Lady Streaks were able to hit double digits on the night.
Allie Mann and Shalontay Rose lead the pack with 17 points, while Jamiese Wiley and Rondaja Williams each added 10 for the night.
The Streaks look to continue their improvement with a triple-header this week, starting with a rematch against the Green Dragons on Tuesday, a trip to another county rival, Avon Park, Thursday and a visit from DeSoto Friday.
In other early season action, Bartow was just too much for Lake Placid in Thursday's tournament finale, as the Dragons try to work back into shape and await the addition of Anne Weber-Callahan who was unavailable for the tournament after finishing her swimming season.
Lake Placid also plays three games this week, traveling to Sebring Tuesday, playing host to Fort Meade Thursday and hitting the road to Lake Wales Thursday.
The Lady Red Devils have started out strong, with a pair of wins in the opening week, a 52-40 win over cross-town foe Walker Memorial Tuesday and a 57-30 shellacking of Clewiston Thursday night.
Avon Park plays at Lake Wales Monday, at Lakeland Tuesday and at home against Sebring Thursday.
News-Sun Sports Editor Dan Hoehne contributed to this article.
Sunday, November 11, 2012 - www.newssun.com/SUN-11-11-12-SebGBB