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Playoff underdog relishes challenge

Crystal River knows not to underestimate a scrappy Citrus High team in today's basketball quarterfinal.

By DAWN REISS
Published February 7, 2005

The girls on Citrus High School's basketball team know they don't look like much. They are small. They are scrappy. Sometimes players as short as 5 feet 2 play the post.

But they all use one word on a frequent basis: underestimated.

They joke that it's their favorite word this season.

"We are the underdogs," Krystal Boardman said. "It doesn't matter the size, that we're little. What matters is our hearts."

Crystal River knows not to underestimate Citrus in today's 6 p.m. Class 4A, District 9 quarterfinal game at South Lake.

Citrus (4-8 in district) gave Crystal River (7-5 in district) a wakeup call in their Jan. 21 game. The 'Canes held Crystal River to 22 points in the first three quarters, using an aggressive full-court press before the Pirates scored 26 points in the final period for a 48-41 victory.

"They definitely surprised us," Crystal River sophomore guard Ashley Clark said. "Citrus has never really been strong. I thought we would come in and win."

"Yes, they've really stepped it up," said Ashley's older sister, Amber. "I didn't have a clue that they were so improved. We've never had to worry about the Citrus game before."

This will be the teams' fourth meeting this season. Crystal River holds a 3-0 advantage.

But as their most recent game indicates, the games have become increasingly competitive as the season has worn on.

The Pirates have a strong inside game, led by senior Ja'Vonna Grimsley and junior center Jessica Krick and Amber Clark, who is coming off a career high 26-point performance in a 59-46 win against South Lake.

The team's biggest asset is its size and ability to control inside the paint.

It doesn't hurt that Setera Lockley, who has helped Crystal River decrease turnovers with her ball handling, runs the point.

Citrus is led by junior Ashley Hoglund, a strong 3-point shooter who averages 12.4 points and 3.3 rebounds a game.

The core includes Boardman, who averages 8 points; Deidra Miller, who averages 6 points and 5 rebounds; and Rachel Fults, who averages 4.3 rebounds.

Turnovers will be key for both teams.

The 'Canes have struggled with sluggish first quarters followed by uphill battles back. Crystal River is known for its barnstorming first-period performances, a lull, and then a comeback rally.

"It's all about strength from within," Citrus' Samantha Fogg said.

"Just don't underestimate us," Miller added.

"Because we like others to underestimate us."

[Last modified February 7, 2005, 01:44:19]