Nelson: 'Canes are up for challenge

Citrus coach Bruce Nelson is an optimist.

His Hurricanes, without three key players, are playing a second-seeded Williston team they failed to beat in the regular season. But Nelson thinks No. 3 Citrus has a shot in tonight's Class 3A, District 6 Tournament semifinal.

"We've got two good teams in our district, and if we're going to get out, we're going to have to beat them," Nelson said. "I'm glad the game is at home. We played well against them at home the last time, and hopefully we can have another good game."

Meantime, host Lecanto meets Central in the 4A-7 tournament, and Seven Rivers Christian plays Mount Dora Bible in the A-7 tourney at Orlando Pine Castle.

Williston overcame a nine-point deficit in Inverness to beat Citrus 54-52 in December. Four weeks ago, the Red Devils won the rematch 61-46. The Hurricanes (16-7) reached the semifinal with a 52-35 victory against Dunnellon.

"We can't turn the ball over," Nelson said. "They're going to pressure us all the way."

For the sixth consecutive game, Citrus will be without starting guard Myesha Hollis, who has flu-like symptoms. Plus, Crystal Clendenney is sick, and Nikki Hernandez is injured.

To upset Williston, the 'Canes will need their stars -- guards Alycia LePage and Katie Steelfox and center Meaggen Anderson -- to come through. Steelfox scores 15 points per game. Anderson averages 12.8 and 10.2 rebounds.

"Williston's at full strength, and we're not" Nelson said. "We'll have to see what happens. Hopefully, the home court will work to our advantage."

Central (17-7) and Lecanto (8-16) appear evenly matched. Central won by two points in early December, and the Panthers had a four-point victory two weeks ago.

"One thing (Lecanto) has done, they handle our press well, and our press isn't as effective so it turns into a halfcourt game," Bears coach Lori Lessley said.

Seven Rivers (16-7), a 50-32 winner over Orlando Faith Christian on Tuesday behind center Danielle Albury's 20 points and 21 rebounds, has won nine consecutive games.

However, the Warriors are 0-2 against Mount Dora Bible, losing 38-37 at home and 42-38 on the road. Mount Dora Bible is the only district team Seven Rivers did not beat at least once in the regular season.

-- Times staff writer Frank Pastor contributed to this report.

TOURNAMENTS AT A GLANCE

CLASS 4A, DISTRICT 7

WHERE: Lecanto.

SCHEDULE: Today (semifinals) -- Leesburg vs. Springstead, 6 p.m.; Lecanto vs. Central, 7:30. Saturday -- Final, 7:30 p.m.

CLASS 3A, DISTRICT 6

SCHEDULE: Today (semifinals) -- Hernando vs. West Port, 5:30 p.m.; Williston vs. Citrus, 7. Saturday -- Final, 7:30 p.m

CLASS A, DISTRICT 7

SCHEDULE: Today (semifinals) -- Seven Rivers Christian vs. Mount Dora Bible, 6 p.m.; Central Florida Christian vs. Orlando Pine Castle, 7:30. Saturday -- Final, 7:30 p.m

© 2006 • All Rights Reserved • Tampa Bay Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright