Preps

'Canes passing tough tests

Coach Jimmy Thomas was thinking long-term when he made this season's Citrus schedule.

"We wanted to play more competitive people," Thomas said. "You have to."

The Hurricanes went 23-6 last season. But after winning a district title, they lost in the first round of the playoffs.

With most of the team back, Thomas figured the best way to prepare for the postseason was to schedule tougher games during the regular season.

Thus far, the 'Canes have played two final four squads from 2002 -- Wesley Chapel (Class 3A) and Largo Indian Rocks Christian (Class A) -- and state-ranked Ocala West Port, a district opponent. Only Wesley Chapel has beaten Citrus (10-1).

"Wesley Chapel played well," Thomas said. "I'm glad we played them. It gave us a better indication of what kind of team I think we're going to have."

Citrus had what Thomas called its most complete game earlier this week in a 77-58 road win over Bradford, which was 5-1. Junior shooting guard Jamaal Galloway, an all-state candidate, leads the Hurricanes with a 20-point scoring average. Senior small forward Joel Miller (15.6 points) is next, followed by sophomore point guard R.J. Cobb (11). In earlier games, Citrus relied heavily on its 3-point shooting. But recently, Thomas said, the 'Canes have created easier shots inside the arc. He also is pleased with the team's defense.

Citrus plays at Hernando tonight at 7 and Ridgewood at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Central in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference-Sunshine Athletic Conference Shootout. "We're telling the kids that we've still got to keep working hard every day and doing the little things right," Thomas said. "When you get to the next level, the teams that execute best and take care of the ball will be the winner."

COMING TOGETHER: Lecanto showed signs of turning things around in Tuesday's 73-42 win over Springstead. The Panthers (3-6 before Thursday's game against Dunnellon) led Springstead by 11 points at the half, then scored a season-best 31 in the third quarter. Senior center Scotty Johnson had his most complete performance this winter, recording 13 points and 10 rebounds.

"We came in feeling pretty confident," Lecanto coach Chris Nichols said. "I felt we had 10 guys ready to play. We were clicking on all cylinders. We were able to get Scotty the ball early, and that opened up some other things."

The Panthers play host to Tampa Prep at 4 p.m. Saturday.

REMINDER: Seven Rivers Christian plays Ocala Trinity Catholic at 11:30 a.m. Saturday in the Wildcat Challenge at Ocala Forest.

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