Panther boys, girls advance

Lecanto's boys win a physical game; the girls use pressure to top their opponent.

By BRETT KELMAN Times Correspondent
Published December 29, 2006

LECANTO - Lecanto defeated the Ridge Community Bolts in a rough game in the Beef O'Brady's Christmas Classic on Thursday.

The Panthers were led by star guards Victor Cortez, who scored 19, and Bryan Hamer, who scored 14.

The Bolts committed 30 fouls and the Panthers made 24-of-32 free throws. Nick Cortez sank seven free throws, including four in a row when a technical was added to a personal foul late in the third quarter.

Though the Panthers maintained at least a 10-point lead, Ridge Community constantly threatened thanks to drives and long 3-pointers by Michael Gordy, who scored 19.

Lecanto coach Chris Nichols praised his team for overcoming a very athletic opponent.

"Our energy right from the start was excellent. We came out determined and stayed that way," he said.

Bolts coach J.R. Allan, who complained about the officiating until receiving a technical in the second half, declined comment.

Girls

Citrus crumbled against Gulf 59-31 and Lecanto used its press to defeat Flagler Palm Coast 43-32.

Gulf quickly took the lead with an early trio of pinpoint 3-pointers, which was just the beginning of its success in shooting long.

Overall, Gulf made seven shots from beyond the arc, led by guard Jordan Schulman, who hit three.

"We shot the ball real well in the first half and that gave us the momentum to run with it later," Buccaneers coach Mike Quarto said.

Despite Gulf's fine shooting, the Hurricanes kept the game close for the first half by capitalizing on abundant free throws. But in the second half, Gulf managed its fouls and Citrus scored only nine points.

"We just had no movement in the second half and (Gulf) got back like lightening on every break," Hurricanes coach Eli Jackson said.

Lecanto was led by Lexy Angelo, whose aggressive play helped her nab a team-high 17 points and six steals. Captain Chrissy Huxley had three more steals, crippling the Bulldogs offense even further.

"We really hustled. There were loose balls on the floor and we claimed them as ours," Panthers coach Ron Allan said. "We got to play exactly the way we wanted to and it showed."

[Last modified December 29, 2006, 00:04:37]