Cornelius Hines is our student-athlete of the week. Hines put the team on his back in one of the most high-pressure situations. With just six seconds left in the regional championship game against Discovery, Cornelius Hines went to the free-throw line in an attempt to win the basketball game. This was already an intense game, but the entire season came down to two free-throws.

(#4 Cornelius Hines at the line with the entire weight of the school and season resting upon his shoulders. He would go on to sink his free-throws and Eustis would win 78-76.)

Hines stepped up and delivered two amazing-looking shots that won the game for Eustis and sent the Panthers to the regional semi-finals where they will take on Palm Bay. Hines has been amazing this season but especially down the home stretch of the 2023-2024 season, as has the entire Eustis boys basketball team.

Hines is averaging 11.2 points per game. He is leading the team with 10.5 rebounds per game. One of the things you notice with Cornelius, who also goes by Duke, is just how physical he is under the basket. He is one of the best defenders and rebounders in Lake County by a wide margin. That has afforded Eusits the opportunity to be aggressive on the offensive side of the ball.

(Hines leads the team in rebounds this season with over 10 per game.)

Hines is ranked 12th in the state of Florida in blocks. He ranks 1st in Class 4A District 6 in rebounds per game, blocks, and double doubles. He is, in fact, ranked 84th in the nation in total blocks. Hines may only be a junior, but he plays the game in a modern yet old school type of way.

While the game of basketball has shifted to a small man game with players taking more 3-point shots than ever before, some things never change. Having a big man inside is still as important as the days of Wilt Chamberlain, Magic Johnson, and all the heroes of that era. Eustis might not have any 7-footers on the team, but Hines is one of their biggest players. Standing at 6’5″, he is a large presence offensively or defensively.

(Hines was in on the last rebound of the game against Discovery and ensured the victory for Eustis High as the Panthers would take the win 78-76. That sets up a date with Palm Bay on February, 20th in the Regional Semifinals.)

Hines gets plenty of help from his teammates, including Lomar Sparrow, who is averaging 7 rebounds per game. Senior Jayveon Dale has been incredible, as have juniors Timothy Key and Anthony Hines. This entire team has played together as one on the floor. Coach Wesley Green has been able to get the most out of his players this year.

(No stranger to making the most of his opportunities. Hines has been a huge reason for the Eustis High boys basketball team’s success this season.)

As they come into a pivotal game against Palm Bay, can the Panthers extend their season? Regardless, we are proud of this team and hope that they can go out and extend their season. There is a small chance that Eustis could host the Regional Final this week if The Villages beats Lake Highland Prep. That would set up a district championship rematch.