Citrus sideline

By KEITH NIEBUHR, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published March 13, 2002

BASKETBALL

Panthers' Baize receives Team Florida tryout

Lecanto point guard Landon Baize is about to get some prime-time exposure.

Baize, a 5-foot-8 sophomore, has been invited to try out for Team Florida -- a 16-and-under AAU squad -- Sunday in Winter Haven. He is among about 100 players to receive an invitation.

"Obviously, if they invited him, he's got a pretty good chance," Lecanto coach Chris Nichols said.

"They'll find out, like we know already, that he is such a good floor leader. He pushes the ball up the floor and gets the ball to the right guys, and that's got to help."

Baize averaged 3.2 points and 3.5 assists this season, helping lead the Panthers to a 16-11 record and Class 4A regional semifinal appearance.

In January, Baize shined at the Rookie Sensations Camp in Gainesville, which is reserved for the state's top freshmen and sophomores. Based on his performance, The Florida Hoops Report (http://www.hoopnuts.com/) rated him one of the camp's top 20 players. "He did real well," Nichols said. "And any time you get to play against kids from all over the state, it's a good experience."

BASEBALL

Lecanto gains ground in loss to ranked foe

After watching Lecanto lose to Crystal River 13-5 on Friday (the Panthers trailed Class 3A's second-ranked team 6-5 after six innings), coach Brian Donovan is more confident his squad can be a factor by season's end.

"If we can play with the intensity we had against Crystal River, we're going to beat a lot of teams and we're going to be in a lot of games," Donovan said.

"There's no doubt that's the best we've played. We played with heart, hustle and intensity. As a coach, that's all you can ask for."

Outfielder Brian Dawsy led the way at the plate for Lecanto with two hits and two RBIs, but it was starting pitcher Eric Stewart (2-2, 2.89) who played the biggest role in keeping the Panthers (3-3) close.

The senior right-hander allowed one run and two hits through the first four innings before being touched for two runs in the fifth and three in the sixth. Because Stewart had a high pitch count, he was relieved in the seventh.

"He was tired," Donovan said. "He had thrown more than 100 pitches, and he was giving his all. But he wasn't throwing as free and easy (late in the game) as he was the first few innings. I didn't want him to get hurt. We've got a lot of games left."

One night prior to playing the Pirates (10-0), Lecanto was held to one hit and committed seven errors in a humbling 8-1 loss to Citrus.

"That was a real down game," Donovan said. "I mean, we got one hit and our defense made some big miscues. But now, the kids are believing in themselves. And once you get a team believing, watch out."

The Panthers play at Hernando tonight (6:30), at Lake Weir on Thursday (3:30) and host Central (6:30) on Friday.

"I think those are three winnable games," Donovan said.

HORSESHOES

Beverly Hills events

The Beverly Hills Horseshoe Club has a full schedule:

A singles class championship is scheduled for April 3 and a doubles championship for April 10. Both begin at 9 a.m.

The last day to enter is March 27. Teams will be posted April 3.

The club has openings for the Adult Monday Night Fun League.

The cost is $2 per night for non-members and $1 for members. A handicap system is used. Competition is at the Beverly Hills Horseshoe Courts at Civic Circle.

The 18th annual awards banquet is April 24 at T.J.Michaels Restaurant and Lounge in Inverness.

Those planning to attend are to sign up at the court bulletin board. The deadline is April 17. The cost is $5 for members and $12.50 for non-members and guests.

Junior players will have a banquet at the courts April 27 at 11 a.m. All parents and player siblings are invited to attend at no cost. For information, call 726-1780.

GOLF

Seminoles Club prepares for tourney

The seventh annual Citrus County Seminoles Club Tournament is scheduled for April 20 at Citrus Hills.

The cost is $50 per player. Proceeds go to a scholarship fund that helps send local students to Florida State University.

For information, call 726-9325 or 726-3966.

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