By Andy Villamarzo
Hernando Sun sports reporter
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.
Nature Coast (11-8) at Lecanto (10-7): It was a strong week last week for the Sharks, as they were able to pick up victories over Tarpon Springs and Hernando. Nature Coast’s lone loss came against Springstead, arguably the county’s best team. On Tuesday Jan. 21 at 7:30pm, the Sharks will be on the road against Lecanto, one of Citrus County’s top teams, which heads in with a record of 10-7. If Nature Coast can pick up a win against Lecanto, it would be a nice victory for the Sharks in 2020. NCT will play Crystal River on Friday Jan. 24 at 7:30pm at the Shark Tank. Crystal River has an overall rank of 7-9. They rank #344 in the state.
Central (13-5) at Bushnell South Sumter (6-8): The Bears are quickly becoming one of the most exciting teams in Hernando County and they have plenty of firepower game to game to match-up with anyone. Leading Central in scoring is Rashaad Boyce, who is averaging 15.7 points per game for the Bears. They will face a feisty South Sumter team that looks to make things interesting in this battle between the two squads. The game takes place at South Sumter 7:30pm on Tuesday Jan. 21. The rest of the week for Central is a busy one, with a game on Thursday against Hernando High away from home at 7:30pm. Then on Friday they have a rivalry game against Weeki Wachee at home at 7:30pm.
Springstead (13-3) at Hudson Fivay (8-7): After losing back to back games against Holiday Anclote and Wesley Chapel, Springstead is back on track and have notched four wins in a row. The Eagles are soaring into the new year with a record of 13-3 and on the slate this week as its toughest contest is a game against Hudson Fivay. The Falcons have been one of the more talented ball clubs out of Pasco County and should provide a tough game for Springstead. The game takes place on Jan. 22 at Fivay, 7:30pm.
Hernando Christian Academy (3-13) at Academy at the Lakes (8-10): The Lions are having trouble winning games this 2019-2020 season and are hoping the second half of the season is a bit more kinder to them. Hernando Christian will be facing Academy at the Lakes, a team they played pretty tough earlier in the season. The Wildcats narrowly edged out the Lions 47-32. They will be on the road against Academy at the Lakes on Friday Jan. 24. Game starts at 7:35pm.
Andy Villamarzo can be reached at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @avillamarzo.
