Hurricanes standout sidelined

A school suspension keeps Walter Howard out of action until Monday.

By DAWN REISS
Published December 16, 2005

INVERNESS - Citrus star center senior Walter Howard, who did not practice or participate in a game this week for an unspecified disciplinary action, will not play tonight in a home game against Dunnellon. "We've always got to be a ready to play without any given person," coach Tom Densmore said. "Obviously Walt adds a lot to our lineup, but we've just got to be ready. It's no different if someone is sick or hurt. You've got to deal with the cards you are dealt."

Howard did not practice Monday or Tuesday and did not play in the Hurricanes' 58-50 victory against Belleview on Wednesday. Howard, who averages 20 points and 10 rebounds, was in practice Thursday, but will not play again until Monday, Densmore said.

"I can't specifically talk about Walt," Densmore said. "But if someone is put in school suspension they cannot play that day."

Densmore said after Howard's three-day absence, it was his decision to not allow Howard to play tonight. He made that choice because Howard has not practiced and for disciplinary reasons, Densmore said.

"I was clowning around with some friends. I regret it. I just want to get back to playing basketball," said Howard, who declined to comment further.

Citrus athletic director Vicki Overman said she could not comment on student personnel issues.

Without Howard, the 'Canes have to adjust their scheme that revolves around "give Walt the ball." The 'Canes still have depth in the post with senior Bobby Everett (6-foot-4), senior Mark Xenophon (6-foot-2) and junior Dwann Ross (6-foot-3), but lack the 6-foot-7 presence of Howard.

"The biggest concern was not making up scoring, but making up rebounds," Densmore said. "We rely a lot on Walt to control the boards."

Xenophon did his part Wednesday, contributing 13 points, six rebounds and five assists, coupled with Everett's 12-point and six-rebound effort.

"Anytime you lose somebody that drops 20 or 25 (points) a night, you're going to miss him," Xenophon said. "Getting rebounds are tough, but the team did a good job of picking up the effort."

[Last modified December 16, 2005, 00:55:10]