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Bears get key district victory

Central finds some offensive touch in beating Lecanto 57-38 in a Class 4A, District 7 matchup.

By WAYNE GRUMET

© St. Petersburg Times, published December 8, 2000

BROOKSVILLE -- Central coach Lori Lessley wasn't afraid to put some pressure on her team Thursday.

The Bears have limped along to a 1-3 start with losses to powers South Sumter, North Marion and Leesburg.

With Class 4A, District 7 rival Lecanto in the building, Lessley demanded her team show her something.

The Bears didn't disappoint, routing Lecanto 57-38.

"It's nice to get some numbers because we've been held in single-digits in some quarters," Lessley said. "Fifty-seven points is nice, but I still think we missed some opportunities."

While Central (2-3 overall, 1-2 in 4A-7) might have left room for improvement on offense, its defense throttled Lecanto. Central's pressure forced 32 turnovers and held the Panthers to 26 percent shooting from the field.

Lecanto (2-5, 1-2) had trouble even finding shots once it did advance into the frontcourt. The Panthers attempted just 34 field goals while shooting 30 free throws.

Lessley wasn't sure what to expect from her offense. Stacy Waters, one of Central's top scorers, was fighting a respiratory infection.

Nevertheless, Waters provided her coach with the usual strong offensive game.

She scored a game-high 20 points on 8-of-17 shooting while also picking up six rebounds and four steals.

Even with the strong numbers, Waters said her illness took plenty out of her. "I gave up a little on defense," Waters said.

"I think I gave up a couple of shots, but I was trying to get back as fast as I could."

Central's Sharesa Scott had no trouble getting up and down the floor, finishing with six steals and seven assists.

Tracy Plonskonka provided the Bears with some offensive punch, tallying 15 points.

Erin Bailey led Lecanto with 11 points while Mandy Wade chipped in eight.

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