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© St. Petersburg Times, published February 13, 2003
Citrus coach Jimmy Thomas is a perfectionist.
One day after watching the Hurricanes dismantle Central for a 64-48 win, Thomas claimed that his team hasn't peaked, even though Citrus is ranked ninth in Class 3A and was 21-2 before Wednesday's game against longtime rival South Sumter.
"I really don't think we're playing our best ball, which is kind of aggravating," Thomas said. "We've been winning, but we've got to play a complete game again."
Thomas is pleased with Citrus' defense, and rightfully so.
The 'Canes have held 15 opponents to 50 points or less. But the offense, which has two of the area's premier scorers (guards Jamaal Galloway and Joel Miller), has had too many highs and lows for Thomas' taste.
"I just don't think we're as dominating as we should be offensively," he said. "It worries me. I don't think we're as focused as we should be. We've had some really good second halves, but in the first halves we haven't been as good as we should be.
"But really, we've got to be glad we're sitting where we are."
Good point.
Citrus hasn't lost in more than a month.
CITRUS-LECANTO, PART II: When the teams played earlier this season, Citrus won handily, 66-48.
But Thomas expects a tougher battle in Friday night's regular-season finale at Lecanto.
"They're doing real well," Thomas said of the Panthers. "They've stepped it up offensively, and they've got some players doing a really good job.
"Both teams will really try to play their best. It should be very exciting for everyone, and it's an exciting game to coach."
Lecanto lost to the Hurricanes in the first meeting last season but went old school in the rematch.
The Panthers played stall ball, often holding it for more than a minute before shooting, which kept Citrus' high-powered offense at bay. Lecanto led 37-19 after three quarters, then held on after a furious 'Canes comeback to win 48-45.
What tricks will the Panthers have for Citrus this time?
"I'm not telling," Lecanto coach Chris Nichols said.
The Panthers (12-9) are 10-3 since Christmas, and the improved play of 6-foot-6 center Scotty Johnson has been a key to the turnaround. After a slow start, he's averaging 11 points and a team-high six rebounds. "We're playing games instead of playing just halves or just quarters," Nichols said. "The team has really geled in the second half of the season.
"Citrus obviously is a good team, but we feel like we've made some improvement. And hopefully, we're not done improving."
Tipoff is at 7.
ON THE MOVE: Crystal River improved to 17-7 with Tuesday's 91-79 win over Lecanto.
The Pirates were 8-20 last year and won once the previous season. Now, they're talking about making the playoffs.
"Those kids are playing well," Nichols said. Crystal River coach Tony Stukes "has done a great job. If my word means anything, he's the area coach of the year."
ODDS AND ENDS: Crystal River junior guard Jason Bruns scored a career-high 42 points against Lecanto. ... Seven Rivers Christian (14-13) ends the regular season 7 p.m. Friday at home against Cedar Key. The Warriors open their district tournament Monday at Mount Dora Bible against Montverde, a team they're 2-0 against.
Keith Niebuhr can be reached at 860-7337 or online at niebuhr@sptimes.com .