Central High Boys Rebound With Commanding Win Over Weeki Wachee

Central High snapped a two-game skid with an 83-50 victory over Weeki Wachee at the home gym on Jan. 9, a game defined early by a relentless Central start and sustained defensive focus. The Leopards opened with a 16-0 run and never relinquished control, building a lead that widened after a string of electrifying third-quarter plays, including several dunks that energized the crowd and the bench.

Xavior Haegele led Central scorers with 22 points. Joseph Greene added 21, and Marci Fonseca contributed 15, providing a balanced attack that Weeki Wachee struggled to contain. Central coaches assigned specific defenders to limit Weeki Wachee’s leading scorer, a tactic that disrupted the visitors’ rhythm and forced other players into lower-percentage shots. The Leopards’ pressure on both ends of the floor translated into transition opportunities and helped build the sizable margin.

Coach Jeff D’Angelo and players credited the home crowd’s energy and the team’s execution for the victory, a reminder of how community presence can lift performance in high school athletics. For Hernando County residents, the game underscored the value of accessible local sports as a source of civic pride and youth development. Student-athlete participation contributes to physical activity, teamwork, and social support—factors that public health experts identify as beneficial for adolescent mental and physical health.

The win arrives at an important point in Central’s season. After consecutive losses, the decisive victory can alter momentum heading into the district portion of the schedule. Central will look to carry the defensive intensity and balanced scoring into upcoming district matchups, where seeding and postseason positioning will be on the line.

Beyond the scoreboard, the game highlighted broader community dynamics. High school contests like Friday’s draw families and neighbors together, offering low-cost recreation and opportunities for youth to engage in structured, supervised activity. Ensuring continued access to sporting events, from affordable tickets to reliable transportation and safe facilities, remains a local equity consideration that affects who can participate and benefit from these programs.

On the court, Central’s 16-0 start, effective defensive game plan, and contributions from multiple scorers combined to produce a statement win. As the Leopards move toward district play, the result offers both a tactical blueprint and a morale boost for players, coaches, and the Hernando County community that supports them.