By Andy Villamarzo
Hernando Sun sports reporter
Now with the prep football season around the area finished, high school sports shifts to the winter scene as basketball begins to sit center stage. That’s where we come in and begin a weekly preview of games to watch for in both the boys and girls teams in Hernando County. With solid programs like Nature Coast, Springstead, Hernando, Hernando Christian, Central and Weeki Wachee all ready to take the court, we’ve got you covered. Below are a few games we think are the matchups to watch for this week in Hernando County for high school basketball on the boys end.
Inverness Citrus at Nature Coast: We all know that Nature Coast is the standard in Hernando County for the last several years and this season isn’t much different. The Sharks face off against a talented Hurricanes club to start the season and should be a good icebreaker. Dec. 3 at 7:30PM
Hernando at Weeki Wachee: Weeki Wachee wants to turn things around and nothing better for the Hornets than picking up a win over the Leopards in Week 1. Hernando has a lot to prove themselves, as the Leopards will be coming off a tough matchup against Nature Coast heading into the game with Weeki Wachee. Dec. 3 at 7:30PM
New Port Richey Gulf at Springstead: The Eagles will welcome the Buccaneers in town from New Port Richey and Springstead has played stellar this preseason. Matthew McGarry’s bunch is already 1-0 and are looking to stack wins. Dec. 5 at 7:30PM
Nature Coast at Hernando: Speaking of the Sharks once again, they’ll play a Leopards team that lost some firepower from last season. Hernando still brings back a solid squad and should provide a tough matchup for Nature Coast in Week 1. Dec. 6 at 7:30 PM
Crystal River at Springstead: Coming off the Glory Days Preseason Classic tournament win, the Eagles were sure to face some stuff competition coming out of the gates. Facing the Pirates of Crystal River is a good challenge for a Springstead team that’s aiming to get back into the playoffs this year. Dec. 6 at 7:30PM
Central at Inverness Citrus: If you’re looking for a darkhorse team to start off the season with a bang, look no further than these pesky Bears. Central has the talent to compete with mostly any team and an early matchup against a good Citrus team. Dec 6 at 7:30PM
Hernando Christian at Lakeside Christian: The Lions are coming off a solid 2018-2019 season and to build off that they start with three games in the first week. Lakeside Christian should be the toughest contest on the slate for the up and coming Hernando Christian Lions. Dec. 6 at 6PM
