Senior leaving her mark on Citrus program

The past seven days have been a career week for Citrus' Meaggen Anderson.

In wins over Lecanto (Jan. 18) and Springstead (Tuesday), the senior set and surpassed personal records for scoring and rebounding to reserve a spot in Hurricanes history.

Anderson's 23 rebounds in a 59-29 win against Springstead is the Citrus program's second-best total. Kristy White, who graduated in 1995 and played at Florida State, has the record with 29 in a victory over Lecanto on Feb. 10, 1995.

"I think she's just showing some maturity," Hurricanes coach Bruce Nelson said of the center. "She's finally gotten to the point where she is sealing off the other ball players and getting into a position where the other players can get her the ball inside. Once we get it to her underneath, I don't think anyone can stop her one-on-one."

At least not anyone at Lecanto or Springstead. Anderson began her week with 26 points and 16 rebounds against Lecanto, both of which were personal bests at the time. Thirteen of the rebounds were on the offensive end.

The results have helped Anderson elevate her season average in both categories to double digits, and she ranks among the county's top four in scoring and rebounding. Her success may alleviate some pressure on guards Katie Steelfox and Alycia LePage.

"I think we can be competitive with anybody if we keep this up," Nelson said. "Teams are going to have to cheat inside to play Meaggen or let her beat them up inside. And if they do that, it opens things up for Alycia and Katie."

ON POSITIVE SIDE: Crystal River has a long way to go to beat Hernando, but the Pirates can salvage some positives from Tuesday's 53-33 loss to the Leopards.

Crystal River held Florida signee Bernice Mosby to a season-low 15 points and is among three teams this season -- two are from Citrus County -- to keep the senior under 20. "Our goal was not to let Bernice go off on us and score 37 points," Pirates coach Norris Lightsey said.

Mosby's previous low was 16 against Lecanto.

ON A STREAK: Seven Rivers Christian had won five straight entering Thursday's pivotal game with Orlando Pine Castle.

The Warriors (9-5 in district play) can clinch the third seed in Class A-7 with victories over Pine Castle and Orlando Lutheran (tonight).

"Since we've gotten back from the Christmas break, we've gotten a few games under our belts and the kids have grown in the team concept and are starting to understand it better," Seven Rivers coach Greg Hamilton said. "We're also beginning to shoot better, and that matters in basketball."

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