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Wellman, coach have 'difference in philosophy'By CAREY FREEMAN © St. Petersburg Times, published January 16, 2001 As if things weren't bad enough for 2-13 Crystal River, the Pirates will have to finish the season without Crystal Wellman -- their only senior and perhaps their most experienced player. No, it isn't an injury that felled Wellman, nor is it an academic or disciplinary suspension. It seems she and head coach Norris Lightsey just couldn't see eye to eye. "She quit after Christmas," Lightsey said. "We had a difference in philosophy, and I told her that I thought it would be best for the team and herself if she went on and did other things." Lightsey wouldn't expand further, but said the Pirates would miss Wellman's experience. The loss comes at an odd time in terms of her individual efforts. Wellman was coming off some of her best performances of the year. In the Tallahassee McClay Holiday Hoops tournament, she led Crystal River to one of its two wins with a 21-point effort against Jacksonville Episcopal. Wellman scored 11 and seven points in losses to Orlando Pine Castle and North Florida Christian, respectively, and had 21 points in a 32-31 loss to Citrus on Dec. 15. "It leaves us with no seniors," Lightsey said. "We're basically freshman and sophomores . Well play the young kids and do our best to teach and coach them in each game and try to get better for next year. We have seven games left. Hopefully, we'll play hard and maybe win a couple." RECORD-BREAKER: It may not have happened during the most perfect of circumstances, but Lecanto and shooting guard Erin Bailey will take it. Bailey, a senior, scored 36 points in Saturday's 55-50 loss to North Marion, breaking the 11-year-old record of 35 held by Kristi Matthews. Bailey connected on nine field goals, including a trio of three-pointers, and was 13-of-16 from the free-throw line. Unfortunately for Bailey and the Panthers, North Marion proved to be the stronger team. Paced by 26 points from Erica Smith, the Colts hung on for the win and are 6-2 in Class 4A, District 7. The Panthers (5-11) are 2-6 in the district. HURRICANE BREAKOUT: Lecanto wasn't the only team in Citrus County with huge individual performances Saturday. Julia Lambeck led the Hurricanes with 9 points, 14 rebounds, 10 steals and 7 blocked shots in a 57-45 victory over Gainesville. Katie Steelfox had 15 points, and Alycia LePage scored 11. REPORTING BOX SCORES: Coaches who are calling in box scores for girls or boys basketball games should call the Times sports department at 1-800-333-7505, ext. 8123.
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