Sluggish start grounds Hurricanes

By LARRY BUGG
Published December 1, 2005

INVERNESS - Belleview took advantage of frigid shooting from Citrus, notching a Class 4A, District 6 win, 45-39 on Wednesday.

Ashley Hoglund scored a game-high 20, including 16 in the second half, to lead Citrus (2-1, 0-1). Tasha Head led Belleview (2-4, 1-0) with 11 points.

Citrus shot a paltry 11 percent from the field in the first half and only 16 percent for the game.

Belleview's D.D. Kendrick scored six in the first quarter en route to an 11-3 lead. Cara Russo scored seven as the Rattlers roughed up Citrus 15-9 in the second quarter.

Citrus came to life in the third period, outpointing Belleview 14-5, with Hoglund scoring nine in the quarter. Belleview edged Citrus 14-13 in he final quarter, with Hoglund tallying seven points.

The 'Canes came within 38-35 on a Jennifer Wilburn rebound with three minutes left. The Rattlers made four free throws in the final minutes to seal the win.

Belleview had 32 turnovers, but hit 10-of-24 from the free-throw line.

"It just seemed like we got mad after the first half," Hoglund said. "We were playing slow. We realized we weren't playing as hard as we could. We saw the score and it shouldn't have been that score. We are proud of the second half."

"We have to start the game with urgency," Citrus coach Eli Jackson said. "Belleview played well. We played like nonathletes for one half and athletes for one half. Ashley showed up and I expected her to show up. She helped us out like she needed to."

[Last modified December 1, 2005, 01:08:09]