Panthers: Baize is best

Top point guard around?

Lecanto coach Chris Nichols is convinced junior Landon Baize is the guy.

"I don't think there's a better one in the area," Nichols said. "He's very unselfish. But when he has to score, he can score."

Baize, a 5-foot-8 two-year starter, is third on the team in scoring (8.4) but first in assists (6.7) and steals (3.2). He runs the offense and is among the key components to the Panthers' full-court defensive pressure.

Because they graduated their top three scorers from 2001-2002, Baize was asked to become more of a leader and more of an offensive focal point.

"He was the key for us the whole time," Nichols said. '

"He was making some good passes early in the season, but that was a period of adjustment for our guys. A lot of times, they weren't ready for the ball when it was coming."

Baize's teammates have adjusted to his style, and the results have been dramatic. Lecanto (11-8) has nine victories in its past 11 games.

"It took time for the guys to get used to one another," Nichols said. "Plus, our guys weren't hitting shots early in the year. Now, they're starting to make them.

"Landon's our leader. He gets the guys the ball in the right places in our offense. He's an extension of me, really."

Baize had a school-record 23 assists in a recent win over Springstead. "He was passing the ball well, and our guys were hitting shots like crazy," Nichols said.

Nichols isn't Baize's only fan.

"He does a good job setting up and running their offense," Citrus coach Jimmy Thomas said.

"He sees the floor so well, and he seems to know where the open person is and where he should go with the ball. He makes few turnovers and is a physical guy. He plays hard. He'll never quit."

IMPRESSIVE GROUP: Citrus (19-2) has lost only to Wesley Chapel (19-2) and Ridgewood (22-1). Wesley Chapel is No. 1 in Class 3A, but lost to Class 4A-No. 5 Ridgewood 63-57 on Tuesday.

DON'T LOOK NOW: Every county team has a winning record, and each has a legitimate chance to reach the playoffs -- something that never has happened. Two squads made postseason play last year, and one in 2001. "It's conceivable," Nichols said. "And look at the girls teams -- they all have winning records, too." Nichols credits local youth leagues for better preparing players for high school.

THE OTHER GUYS: Citrus' starting backcourt averages a combined 49 points, but the rest of the lineup can't be overlooked. Among the Hurricanes' top players are sophomore forwards Andrew Dupree and Donnie Ross, who combined with center Brandon Green have given Citrus a healthy inside attack. The 6-4 Dupree is a great leaper. Ross (6-2) is a physical presence. "They've played well, but with the way we shoot from the outside, we don't get it in to them enough," Thomas said. "If you put their stats together, they're averaging double figures in scoring and rebounding."

FAST FACT: Seven Rivers (13-10) is fours wins away from setting the school record. The 2000-2001 team was 16-13 and lost to Laurel Hill in the second round of the Class A state playoffs.

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