Hurricanes blow past Rattlers

Balanced offense paces Lake Weir over Belleview.


Lake Weir’s Kevin Shell (20) grabs a rebound away from Belleview’s Malik Cauthen during a basketball game at Lake Weir High School in Candler, Fla. on Friday, January 24, 2025. Lake Weir won the game 67-33. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2025.

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Posted January 24, 2025 | By Mark Pinson / Photos by Bruce Ackerman

EDITOR’S NOTE: This article has been updated to correct one player’s name.

Lake Weir placed three players in double figures and a swarming Hurricanes’ defense forced 20 turnovers in a 67-33 win over Belleview on Friday night. The loss dropped the Class 5A Rattlers to 6-14 on the season, while the victory improved Class 4A Lake Weir to 13-9.

Both teams struggled to score in the opening minutes of the game before Belleview junior guard Malik Cauthen drained a 3-pointer from the top of the key and converted a pair of free throws to give the Rattlers a 7-6 lead midway through the first quarter. Lake Weir responded with a run sparked by sophomore Brandon Smith Jr., who poured in six of his game-high 12 points, while senior forward John Smith added a putback to give the Hurricanes a 14-8 lead heading to the second period.

Belleview stayed within striking distance as Tahj Alderman and Ches Simmons each scored four points and Cauthen added five of his team-high 10 points. Lake Weir’s John Smith buried back-to-back 3-pointers as part of a 10-point night, senior forward Alcarlos Richard had a pair of rebound baskets and Brandon Smith Jr. had a steal and an emphatic dunk to give the Hurricanes a 32-22 lead at the half.

Belleview struggled to find any kind of offense in the third period as cold shooting and turnovers forced by the Lake Weir defense led to easy baskets for the Hurricanes. Angel Henderson knocked down a long 3-pointer, junior guard Amar Young scored four of his 11 points and Richard added a pair of baskets in the paint to give the Hurricanes a commanding 47-25 lead heading to the final eight minutes.

Lake Weir continued to force the action as Young and Antonio Jackson nailed a pair of 3-pointers, as did Quran Lighty. Belleview’s Anthony Klima scored four points, but the Hurricanes extended their lead to 35 points as Kevin Shell scored four points. The large lead forced a running clock for the remainder of the game. Both teams went to their bench in the closing minutes to wrap up the contest.

Lake Weir is back on the hardwood on Jan. 28 when the Hurricanes visit South Sumter. Belleview is at Seven Rivers Christian on Jan. 27.

Both teams are hoping to play their best ball in the next few weeks, with district tournaments rapidly approaching.

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