District tournaments are over and it’s playoff time for prep boys basketball in the state of Florida. We now take a look at the final Hernando Sun Top 5 Prep Boys Basketball Poll of the 2018-2019 season heading into postseason play.
No. 1 Nature Coast (21-5, 10-1): The Sharks are back in the postseason, and though that’s no surprise to anyone, Nature Coast not hosting a home game is. Nature Coast was upset in the Class 6A, District 7 championship game versus Crystal River and now have to take to the road in a Class 6A, Region 2 quarterfinal against a very talented Holiday Anclote squad. Sharks versus Sharks in the opening round.
No. 2 Springstead (12-11, 2-4): The Eagles district was brutal, facing the likes of Land O’ Lakes, Sunlake and Mitchell. Springstead ended its season with a 79-69 loss against Sunlake in the Class 7A, District 8 semifinals. Playing within one of the tougher districts in the area definitely didn’t do Springstead any justice.
No. 3 Central (11-14, 6-4): Central’s 6-4 mark in district play showed that the team had inched themselves a little closer to Nature Coast’s level. The Bears fell in the district tournament, but Central’s play throughout the regular season was admirable. The Bears played Nature Coast tight and had its share of competitive contests.
No. 4 Hernando (12-15, 6-6): A solid first-round district tournament victory against Inverness Citrus was rebutted by a blowout loss to Crystal River in the second round. The Leopards finished just below the .500 mark, but Hernando has shown the steady trend upwards and this team could be competing in the district for the 2019-2020 season. This is a team to watch.
No. 5 Weeki Wachee (2-23, 0-12): The Hornets were able to avoid a winless 2018-2019 season and defeated Tarpon Springs and Hernando Christian in the final few contests of the campaign. Though Weeki Wachee went through some hardships, picking up victories helped build some momentum heading into the off-season.
Andy Villamarzo can be reached at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @avillamarzo.
