Citrus isn't afraid of Bears

By KEITH NIEBUHR

© St. Petersburg Times, published February 15, 2001

Citrus has less wins, experience and momentum than Dixie County.

It is not, however, short on confidence.

Having played, and lost, to second-ranked South Sumter three times, the Hurricanes think they are prepared for anything Dixie County is capable of throwing at them in tonight's first-round playoff game.

"We've played the best team we're going to play," Citrus coach Bruce Nelson said. "Nobody else is anywhere near in (South Sumter's ballpark)."

Dixie County may disagree.

The Bears (20-5) have been one of top teams in north central Florida this season. Last week, they picked up their second victory in three tries against Williston -- state ranked for much of the regular season -- to claim the District 5 title.

"We've basically been in every game," Dixie County coach Mike Thomas said.

Dixie County's lineup includes all but one player from a 23-7 squad last year that reached the second round of the state playoffs before losing to final four participant Cocoa Beach. In the first round of the playoffs in 2000, the Bears defeated a 22-5 Crystal River team 54-50 in double overtime.

The Bears do most of their damage on the perimeter.

Guard Latrasha Timmons, who averages 15 points per game, is Dixie's leading scorer. Kirby Hartsfield, a guard/forward, is the other top threat. She averages 10 points.

"They're a lot like us," Nelson said. "They've got real good guards that can shoot. Their guards are shameless from the three-point line. They'll put it up at any time."

Citrus (14-12) has a strong group of long-range gunners.

The backcourt trio of Kristin Berger, a senior, and sophomores Alycia LePage and Katie Steelfox, has been the Hurricanes' strength.

In a playoff-clinching win against Dunnellon last week, they combined for 44 points and hit five three-pointers.

Each of the three has at least one 20-point game this season.

"We need to have all three guards have good games to stay with (Dixie County)," Nelson said. "They like to press, and we like to press. They like to fast-break, and we like to fast-break. It should be fun and fast."

If Citrus has an edge, it might be inside the paint.

Six-foot center Meaggen Anderson and forward Julia Lambeck give the Hurricanes size and scoring.

"We probably match up with them pretty good inside," Nelson said. "If we can stop them on the perimeter, they're not going to beat us.

"I'm not overwhelmed by them like I would be with South Sumter," he said. "If we have a good game, we can compete with them and maybe we can win."

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