'Canes, Steelfox add to success

It just keeps getting better for Citrus.

The Hurricanes wrapped up at least a share of first place in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference on Tuesday, giving longtime coach Bruce Nelson his first title since 1995.

"I'm thrilled about it," Nelson said. "Certainly your goal every year is to do well in conference." That was not the only good news for Citrus. Senior point guard Katie Steelfox recorded her 1,000th career point against Dunnellon last Thursday, as her team went over the 20-win mark.

Nelson said he could have the most players in 'Canes history to reach 100 points in a season. The squad has five members averaging better than six points: Steelfox (13), Alycia LePage (9.4), Brittney Doyle (6.9), Nicole Parsons (6.8) and Alexsia Love (6.2).

Thanks to that balance, Citrus captured the second seed in next week's Class 3A, District 6 Tournament at Ocala West Port. The Hurricanes (7-3) were one win behind top-seeded Williston (8-2). Citrus plays the winner of Tuesday's Dunnellon-West Port game in Thursday's 7 p.m. semifinal. The Hurricanes' meeting with Lecanto on Wednesday was the last scheduled home game for their five senior starters and Nelson, who's retiring.

"We'll just have to win Thursday and in Saturday's final and have another home game in regionals," he said.

A year ago, the 'Canes were 16-8 and lost in a district semifinal. LECANTO: The Panthers finished 5-3 in Class 4A, District 7 to receive the third seed. Lecanto plays No. 2 Central (18-5, 6-2) on Thursday at 8 p.m.

"We played Central pretty well last time we played them, and hopefully it will carry over," Panthers coach Ron Allan said. "We don't have any easy ones coming up."

Lecanto will be in the Naples Dodge Shootout this weekend, taking on the host school at 8:45 p.m. Friday and Naples Lely at 2:15 on Saturday. Allan said the tournament's competition and Wednesday's game at Citrus is good preparation.

"If we don't respond, then whoever made out the schedule needs to be slapped upside the head," he joked. "Oh yeah, that's me. Hopefully, we'll respond in a manner that will set us up for the districts."

A season ago, the Panthers were 10-21 and lost in a region quarterfinal. Entering Wednesday, they have two more wins than last year. SEVEN RIVERS CHRISTIAN: Despite a setback to Hernando on Tuesday, Seven Rivers is 16-7 and has won nine of its last 11 games. The Warriors have just two losses to Class A schools -- Winter Park Master's Academy (17-3) and Ocoee Central Florida Christian (21-4), which are receiving votes in the state poll.

"I think Lacey Lyons has played very well lately, and Danielle Albury has stepped up her play," Seven Rivers coach Brian Ludwick said. "Our guards are continuing to improve. We're playing pretty well right now."

The Warriors (8-1) received the second seed in the A-7 tournament behind Central Florida Christian (9-0). At 3 p.m. Tuesday at Orlando Pine Castle Christian, Seven Rivers battles the No. 7 Mount Dora Bible-No. 10 Montverde Academy winner.

The Warriors meet Mount Dora tonight, and Ludwick said his squad played well in a win the first meeting. Last season, Seven Rivers lost in a district semifinal to Mount Dora. CRYSTAL RIVER: The fourth-seeded Pirates (11-8, 5-5) will play No. 5 Hernando in the 3A-6 tournament Tuesday. Crystal River split with the Leopards (7-16, 3-7), and Pirates coach Brent Hall said the teams match up well.

"They've got a couple of guards that are real quick and one young lady inside who's pretty skilled," Hall said. "I think they're a little young this year, just like us. I think with the experience we've gained throughout the year and if we play our game, we should be able to compete."

Last season, Crystal River went 7-18 and lost in a district quarterfinal. The Pirates play Central tonight, Dixie County on Friday and Seven Rivers on Saturday.

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