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« February 2007 | Main | April 2007 »
Sunlake High, a new school opening this fall in Land O'Lakes, has unveiled it's new logo. They are the Seahawks, and I for one am glad they didn't just steal the Seattle Seahawks logo and give it different colors.
What do you think? Fresh or funky. Polls close soon.
It appears Mike Rabelo, who starred at Ridgewood High School in New Port Richey and was a Division II All-American catcher at the University of Tampa, will start the season with the Detroit Tigers.
Rabelo
was recently sent to Toledo, the Tigers Triple A affiliate, Tigers backup catcher Vance Wilson was placed on the
15-day disabled list with a sore right elbow today. The Tigers open their season Monday.
Rabelo takes Wilson's spot on the 25-man roster. Last year, he was called up for a brief stint, getting one at-bat.
Not bad for a guy who didn't even catch until he got to University of Tampa, and was, in his words, "horrible the first year.''
Rabelo may be the first Pasco County product to open the season on a big league roster since River Ridge's T.J. Tucker, back when he was with the Montreal Expos.
Here are the results for the Sunshine Athletic Conference championship track and field meet.
Here is a link for individual results: Complete SAC Results
And here is a link with comments from Zephyrhills coach David Jones where he discusses senior sprinter Sederrick Cunningham, who won 100 (10.87) and 200 (22.24). Listen to Zephyrhills coach Dave Jones
Team results:
Boys: Land O'Lakes 147, Wesley Chapel 137, Zephyrhills 94, Ridgewood 94, Gulf 62, River Ridge 42, Pasco 27.5, Hudson 26, Mitchell 13.5, Wiregrass Ranch 6.
Times' story on boys meetGirls: Wesley Chapel 197, Ridgewood 109, Land O'Lakes 88, Mitchell 55, River Ridge 52, Gulf 51, Zephryhills 51, Pasco 34, Wiregrass Ranch 12, Hudson 5.
Times' story on girls meetIzzy Gould, Times staff writer
It appears the Ben O'Donnell sweepstakes is down to two schools.
The Largo senior point guard just returned from a visit to William & Mary, saying he enjoyed his trip to the Virginia campus.
O'Donnell, who also visited East Tennesee State a month ago, said he's still undecided between the two, but could have a commitment in the next few weeks.
Either way, the four-year starter said he'd get a chance to come in and play right away.
Here's the skinny on both options:
At William & Mary, O'Donnell would play for Tony Shaver, the Colonial Athletic Association Coach of the Year. The Tribe (15-15) finished tied for fifth in the CAA with George Mason and of course, first-place VCU.
The Tribe needed another floor general, having graduated CAA first-teamer Adam Payton, but will return the other four starters (and 75 percent of its scoring). W&M's up-tempo style fits O'Donnell, and he'll have plenty of options on an experienced team....He likes that the Tribe plays in a tough league, with VCU, Drexel and George Mason
Interestingly enough, if O'Donnell lands at William and Mary, he could potentially play against fellow Pinellas County star, Lakewood's Ed Nixon, who is strongly considering VCU (and will visit there April 6)......
"They want a point guard," O'Donnell said. "I liked the campus more (than ETU's) and it'd be a really good situation (playing-wise) for me."
Then there's East Tennessee State, coming off an Atlantic Sun Conference regular season title. The Bucs (24-10) lost to Clemson by 7 in the first-round of the NIT, but have made the postseason in three of the past five seasons.
O'Donnell was the only county player to participate last weekend in the Florida Senior Showcase - the state's largest high school basketball all-star game - in Orlando. His team lost to the group featuring Lake Howell's Joey Rodriguez (VCU) and Chandler Parsons (Florida), who scored 30 points.
"It was a great time," O'Donnell said. "It was one of those things where you pass the ball and don't get it back, but it was fun to play against some serious talent."
O'Donnell plays next in the Pinellas-Hillsborough All-Star Game April 13th at Eckerd College. Once I get the full rosters, I'll post them up here, but on the Pinellas side, Lakewood's Anthony Dorsey, Clearwater's Justin Morin, Largo's Charlie Lytle will be among the 10 .....
-- JOE SMITH
Largo High senior Ben O'Donnell. Times photo by Ted McLaren. Click to enlarge
Former Boca Ciega and Bethune-Cookman standout Ricky Williams has signed with the Edmonton Eskimos of the Candadian Football League.
Williams, 23, who signed a two-year deal, will play defensive back and be a return specialist.
Williams, 23, spent the past year out of football, but participated in minicamps and workouts for the Chicago Bears and Atlanta Falcons, along with the Georgia Force and Las Vegas Gladiators of the Arena Football League.
But he caught the eye of Edmonton coaches last month at an open tryout in Orlando, and Williams will join the 2005 Grey Cup champions in June.
"I knew I could still play," Williams said. "I was just waiting for my chance."
For more, check Friday's Times.
-- JOE SMITH
TAMPA __ Academy of the Holy Names guard Gianna Messina was named on Wednesday as one of six finalists for the 2007 Florida Dairy Farmers Miss Basketball player of the year award.
Messina, a 5-foot-6 guard who has signed with the University of South Florida, averaged 23.5 points, 11.2 rebounds and 3.3 assists for the Jaguars as they reached the Class 3A state semifinals before losing.
Messina is in the running against Orlando Edgewater's Brittany Waters (Class 6A), Winter Haven's Tiffany Hayes (5A), Haines City's Marquis Lee (4A), Orlando First Academy's Krystal Thomas (2A) and Orlando Christian Prep's Michelle Mitchell (A).
Tampa Baptist two-way standouts Morgan Gibson and Eric Smith, the Rams' most valuable players for 2005 and '06, respectively, have signed partial scholarships with Belhaven College, an NAIA program in Jackson, Miss.
The two are the first players in the program's two-year history to sign football scholarships, Coach Dennis Duggan said. Both recently visited the campus with Rams defensive coordinator Gary McCormick, who essentially hooked them up with the 9-year-old Mid-South Conference program.
Smith, a two-way lineman, had 78 total tackles as a senior. Gibson, a fullback/linebacker, also had 78 tackles and scored a pair of touchdowns.
Former Plant High football standout Chris Kuzdale's weekend arrest on a felony battery charge stems from an allegation he threw a beer bottle at another male, striking him in the thigh. Kuzdale, 18, was arrested early Saturday morning at 5300 Gulf Blvd. on St. Pete Beach, and charged with a felony count of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and a misdemeanor count of marijuana possession. According to the arrest affidavit obtained Wednesday, Kuzdale is accused of throwing a 12-ounce glass beer bottle at Clinton Nelson, striking him on his upper right thigh. The affidavit states Nelson sustained a bump on his thigh, but received no medical treatment. Kuzdale also is charged with possessing half a gram of marijuana, found in the rear pocket of the front passenger seat of the vehicle in which Kuzdale was located. Neither Nelson's age nor residence appears on the affidavit. Kuzdale was booked shortly after 4 a.m. Saturday and released approximately seven hours later on $10,250 bond. Attempts to reach Kuzdale at his Lutz residence Tuesday and Wednesday were unsuccessful.
Former Plant High cornerback Chris Kuzdale, the Times’ defensive player of the year for Hillsborough County in 2006, was arrested early Saturday morning in Pinellas County on battery and marijuana possession charges.
Kuzdale, 18, was arrested by St. Pete Beach police on one felony count of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, and a misdemeanor possession charge. He was booked at 4:08 a.m. Saturday and released 11 hours later on $10,250 bond.
A phone message left at Kuzdale’s home in Lutz wasn’t immediately returned Tuesday. Panthers coach Bob Weiner said he had been told of Kuzdale’s arrest Tuesday, but knew none of the details.
The arrest comes less than four months after Kuzdale’s electrifying performance in the Class 4A playoffs, which ended with Plant’s first state title.
He returned two interceptions for touchdowns in a third-round playoff win against Armwood, picked off another the following week against Miami Washington, and had two more in the state final against Ponte Vedra Beach Nease.
Third in weekly, web-exclusive column on Pinellas County softball. Check the Times on Saturday for weekly print package, including stats.
St. Petersburg Catholic softball coach Tom Fabian says he likes his Barons to play the best competition around.
So far, SPC has answered the call.
The Barons (13-1) wrapped up an impressive week in which they beat Academy of the Holy Names (No. 5 in 3A) before going 3-1 in the Tarpon Classic in Punta Gorda over the weekend, a tourney featuring 16 teams 4A and above.
Star senior Deanna Henriott, the Times pitcher of the year last season, suffered from a sinus infection, but still managed to throw four scoreless innings in a 1-0 win (13 innings) over 4A North Fort Myers. SPC also beat 4A Lincoln Park Academy and 5A Manatee, taking third place with their only loss to 6A Sarasota...
Freshman Chloe Saganowich impressed throughout the tournament- both with her bat and her pitching. She'll definitely be one of the county's many young arms to watch...
With their week, SPC should almost surely move up in the state poll, which will come out Tuesday night. I'll post it on this blog later on....
Countryside challenge: Countryside (16-1) has earned a No. 10 ranking in 6A, but will get some tough tests tonight (Tuesday) with games against Palmetto and Lakewood Ranch. They've been battling some nagging injuries to key people like GiOnna Disalvatore and Alyssa Allbritten, who both will likely play...I'll try to post some results up here later tonight
Young and the restless: Palm Harbor University, at 19-2, is on the verge of its 10th consecutive 20-win season. It's an impressive feat, but even more so since they start six-to-seven underclassmen. There's no dominant hurler like Dani Hofer, but the Hurricanes can hit, and with five pitchers, can slow opponents down...
Would have liked to see PHU face Pinellas Park's ace, Sara Nevins, Friday night in the PHU Tournament title game. But PP coach Shane Demartino didn't want to give Hurricanes another crack at solving the star southpaw, who handed PHU its only two losses of the season so far.
Coming up: Keep an eye out for Saturday's Times for the weekly print softball package, including a feature, stat leaders and more.
-- JOE SMITH
The latest State Poll, released Tues night
CLASS 6A
1. Port Orange Spruce Creek (7) (12-1) 85
2. Jacksonville Mandarin (1) (16-0) 79
3. Palm Beach Gardens (17-3) 65
4. Cooper City (16-1) 60
5. Lake Worth Park Vista (17-2) 56
6. Miami Palmetto (14-2) 50
7. Lake Mary (12-2) 35
8. Clearwater Countryside (16-1) 22
9. Miramar Everglades (18-2) 15
10. Plant City Durant (17-0) 12
Also receiving votes: Winter Garden West Orange (12-1) 8, Miami Lourdes (13-5) 5, Jupiter (13-4) 2, Kissimmee Osceola (17-2) 1.
CLASS 5A
1. Tampa Chamberlain (9) (16-0) 90
2. Palm Beach Gardens Dwyer (15-0) 81
3. Niceville (13-1) 72
4. Jacksonville Bartram Trail (16-2) 55
5. Tallahassee Lincoln (14-2) 42
6. Lakeland George Jenkins (n/a) 37
7. Naples Barron Collier (14-2) 28
8. Pace (n/a) 27
9. St. Petersburg Northeast (16-1) 24
10. Tampa Plant (12-3) 13
Also receiving votes: Palm Harbor (19-2) 11, Venice (17-3) 7, Stuart South Fork (16-2) 6, Lakewood Ranch (13-4) 2.
CLASS 4A
1. Naples (9) (17-0) 90
2. Palatka (15-1) 78
3. Groveland South Lake (15-1) 75
4. Pembroke Pines Charter (14-2) 63
5. Escambia (14-4) 52
6. Braden River (10-2) 42
7. Okeechobee (13-2) 25
8. Space Coast (18-3) 19
9. Bartow (8-5) 15
10. Lake Wales (14-2) 10
Also receiving votes: Tallahassee Godby (11-3) 6, Wakulla (13-5) 6, Milton (n/a) 5, Navarre (10-6) 5, Fort Myers Riverdale (13-2) 3, Tavares (11-3) 1.
CLASS 3A
1. Jacksonville Trinity Christian (6) (11-2) 86
2. Winter Park Trinity Prep (3) (14-1) 84
3. Callahan West Nassau (14-3) 73
T4. Miami Gulliver (13-5) 56
T4. St. Petersburg Catholic (13-1) 56
6. Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy (13-3) 38
7. West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman (13-4) 33
8. Tampa Academy of the Holy Names (10-5) 26
9. Interlachen (12-3) 19
10. American Heritage Plantation (12-6) 13
Also receiving votes: Fort Lauderdale University School (12-2) 8, Pierson Taylor (9-3) 2, Mount Dora (n/a) 1.
CLASS 2A
1. Hollywood Christian (8) (13-5) 86
2. Jacksonville Bishop Snyder (1) (10-7) 78
3. Jacksonville Providence (12-4) 69
4. Miami Westminster Christian (10-2) 67
5. Wewahitchka (11-4) 60
6. Moore Haven (10-4) 42
7. Orange Park St. Johns Country Day (9-1) 31
8. Port St Joe (13-2) 27
9. Oviedo Master’s Academy (11-2) 15
10. Lakeland Christian (13-1) 10
Also receiving votes: Jay (n/a) 5, Mount Dora Bible (12-4) 3, St. Petersburg Northside Christian (10-3) 2.
CLASS A
1. Orlando Pine Castle Christian (9) (10-1) 90
2. Fort Myers Southwest Florida Christian (11-3) 70
3. Seffner Christian (10-0) 66
T4. St. Petersburg Canterbury (11-3) 51
T4. Maitland Orangewood Christian (13-1) 51
6. Homestead Colonial Christian (11-3) 32
7. Deerfield Beach Zion Lutheran (n/a) 28
8. Aucilla Christian (9-4) 24
9. Bradenton St. Stephen’s (10-4) 14
10. Fort Lauderdale Christian (n/a) 13
Also receiving votes: Lake Mary Prep (12-5) 6, Jacksonville Eagle's View (6-6) 3, Allentown Central (n/a) 2.
Pictured is St. Petersburg Catholic pitcher Deanna Henriott. Times photo by Willie Allen, Jr.
Former Lakewood and FSU linebacker Marcello Church signed as a free agent with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Church, a 6-foot-1, 230-pounder, suffered a season-ending ankle injury his senior season (2005) at FSU and did not participate in an NFL camp last year.
Church said he rehabbed his fractured fibula all last season, working out at the St. Pete YMCA. He had an offer to play in NFL Europe, but turned it down and took his chances at last month's FSU Pro Day, where he drew some interest from NFL teams.
Terms were not disclosed. Church said it's a training camp deal right now, but depending on how things go during camp, it could turn into a longer one...
“It’s a great opportunity,” Church said. “Being in the situation I was, I’m blessed to get another chance.”
-- JOE SMITH
Times photo of Marcello Church by Willie J. Allen Jr.
Jim Ceccarelli is out as Bishop McLaughlin's head football coach after accepting a new post at Tri-City Christian School in Vista, Calif. In addition to the head coaching post, Ceccarelli is also the director of development. BM athletic director Mike Zelenka said he'd like to have a replacement in place by the start of spring football practice in May.
Izzy Gould, Times staff writer
Berkeley Prep athletic director Bobby Reinhart has confirmed former Jesuit coach Dominick Ciao, who collected 132 victories in 17 seasons on the Tigers sideline, has been hired as new Buccaneers coach.
Ciao, 53, replaces Frank Sullivan, who resigned in February to take a coaching job at a prep school in Virginia. Ciao will be on board in time for spring practice and will join the Berkeley faculty as a full-time physical education teacher.
"Coach Ciao comes to us with a tremendous history of football success and a remarkable reputation as a man and leader of young men," Reinhart said in a statement released by the school. "We're thrilled to have him on board and look forward to the future of Berkeley football."
A Chicago native, Ciao spent a quarter-century on Jesuit's sideline, serving as head coach from 1986-2002. His teams reached the playoffs in 10 of his final 11 seasons, and his '92 club reached the Class 3A state final.
Sunlake High opening this fall in Pasco County named Matt McDermott as its new athletic director Tuesday morning. McDermott has been a staple at Zephyrhills where he was Tom Fiher's defensive coordinator, the wrestling coach and a science teacher. Look for more details in Wednesday's Pasco Times.
John C. Cotey, Times staff writer
Back in 1995, Tampa Catholic coach Don Dziagwa would have loved to see his state champion Crusaders get a crack at a much-ballyhooed Daytona Beach Mainland squad that featured future North Carolina and NBA star Vince Carter (as well as Tampa Bay Storm wide receiver T.T. Toliver, who went on to play at Bethune Cookman).
The only problem? Tampa Catholic was the Class 3A state champ. And Mainland was the Class 6A state champ.
But if area basketball coaches and the FHSAA's basketball advisory committee get their way, squads like the '95 Crusaders will have such dream match-ups in store.
A proposal to start a tournament featuring the state title winners in all six classifications is currently working its way through the FHSAA beuracracy. It could start as soon as next season, provided it gets approved by the proper channels. The organization's Board of Directors endorsed the idea and instructed the staff to "study it further and develop terms and conditions that would govern the competition for approval at a future meeting," FHSAA communication director Jack Watford said.
Dziagwa endorsed the idea and said he couldn't imagine any other basketball coach in the area not doing so.
The negatives? It would extend the season by a week, further cutting into spring schedules. Also, we chatted with legendary high school coach Bob Hurley, whose St. Anthony team is a fixture in New Jersey's Tournament of Champions (which has a set-up similar to the one Florida is proposing), and he said kids are extremely tired by that last week. But Hurley said the tournament is "great for basketball" and thinks that Florida would be happy with its version.
For complete details, check out tomorrow's St. Pete Times!
Steve Dudley will be introduced as the new Canterbury football coach on Wednesday. Dudley confirmed he was offered the job and accepted it on Sunday. He replaces Shannon Brooks, who resigned in November to take an assistant coaching job at Lakewood. Dudley coached in the Northeast Bandits youth league the past few years. His uncle is former Northeast wrestling coach Bill Dudley, who retired last year after 33 years with the Vikings.
One of the most successful prep football coaching careers in Hillsborough County could be on the verge of resurrection. Dominick Ciao, who led Jesuit to 132 wins and one state runner-up finish in 17 seasons, is expected to be named new coach at Berkeley Prep as early as today. Ciao acknowledged Monday he applied for the job vacated when Frank Sullivan resigned in February, but politely declined to comment further. Berkeley Prep athletic director Bobby Reinhart wouldn't confirm Ciao's hiring, but said a new coach would be announced today. Ciao, 53, spent a quarter-century on Jesuit's sideline, serving as head coach from 1986-2002. He led the Tigers to playoff berths in 10 of his final 11 seasons, guiding the 1992 team to the Class 3A state championship game, where it lost 28-16 to Pasco. None of his final 14 teams finished worse than 6-4. More than 100 of Ciao's players signed college scholarships, including brothers Greg (Air Force), George (Georgia Tech) and Gary Godsey (Notre Dame). His 2001 squad was the first Jesuit team to post an undefeated regular season in 26 years. He resigned as coach in July 2003 to "spend more time with my family," and has spent recent years assisting Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin on an informal, part-time basis. Sullivan stepped down after eight seasons at Berkeley to become coach and assistant athletic director at Randolph-Macon Academy, a military prep school in Front Royal, Va. In eight seasons with the Buccaneers, he compiled a 42-35 record, leading the program to a pair of playoff berths and watching three players sign with Division I programs. His final Bucs team finished 1-8. "I just thought it was time for a change, time to leave," Sullivan said.
The college plans for several of Pinellas County's top basketball players could be decided in the next few weeks.
Lakewood senior guard Ed Nixon had an in-home visit with VCU coach Anthony Grant Wednesday afternoon, which apparently went "very well," coach Daniel Wright said. (More details below).
Clearwater junior guard Luke Loucks welcomed St. Joseph coach Phil Martelli Wednesday for an open gym. Loucks is "open" in his recruitment, but will likely make visits to Pitt, West Virginia and Georgia Tech in the next month. Largo stars Charlie Lytle and Ben O'Donnell have visits planned for spring break and could come home with a decision...
Here's the skinny on some of the standouts:
Nixon -- The Mr. Basketball candidate's recruitment has heated up in the past month, as Nixon led the Spartans to the state championship game against Lake Howell. Lake Howell point guard Joey Rodriguez, a VCU commit, tried talking Nixon into following him to the rising mid-major, and that appears - more and more- like a likely spot for him.
Nixon and his mother met with VCU coach Anthony Grant Wednesday. They set up a visit for Nixon on the VCU campus April 6th, one of two visits he has on tap (the family will also drive to UCF).
VCU, which upset Duke in this year's NCAA Tournament, offers a style of play that fits Nixon well - man-to-man defense, playmakers and up-tempo offensively. Apparently Grant wants Nixon really bad, and Ed's mom is warming to the idea. The Nixons asked Grant how long he planned on staying and the VCU coach said it'd have to be a "really, really great opportunity," for him to uproot his four kids. Grant put it this way to Ed, "If after two years at VCU, you had a chance to be a Lottery Pick, would you go?"
The other offers for Nixon are Georgia, who offered after watching Nixon in the FACA All Star Game a few weeks ago. But Wright pointed out Georgia is loaded with 6 or 7 guards, with only one being a senior. Apparently Tennessee Tech is a longshot....
Lakewood's Anthony Dorsey -- The Spartans other dynamic guard - 18 ppg -- plans to visit his No. 1 choice, Odessa College, soon. Odessa coach Dennis Helms has coached 10 NBA players, including Larry Johnson and Ronald Murray, and has that program among the tops in the nation. If not Odessa, there are about a dozen Florida JUCOs who'd love to have Lakewood's 6-3 swingman
Largo senior Ben O'Donnell -- The Packers four-year starter at point guard had a great visit to East Tennessee - loved the campus, the coaches and the players. He's making a visit early next week to William & Mary, and could have a decision after that. Either way, he'll play right away, which is what he always wanted.
Largo senior Charlie Lytle -- The 6-10 forward has a visit set up with Nichols State next week, which may be where he goes. But, don't be surprised if a power from Division II's Sunshine State Conference tries to scoop him up....
Clearwater junior Luke Loucks -- The highly-touted junior won't rush his decision. He said he plans to visit WVU and Pittsburgh in the next month, and possibly Georgia Tech. He's already had unofficial visits to USF and Florida State. After he went to FSU, he was very impressed and was high on them, but it's still early in the process.
Locally, Eckerd College planned to bring in Calvary Christian guard Brian Horrach and Clearwater guard Justin Morin for workouts this week. The Tritons, which set a school record for wins last season with 27 and were one win away from the Elite 8, are in need of another guard (a point guard), so we'll see what happens with that....Eckerd has already signed former Clearwater star Trevor Lee, who is coming from Pasco Hernando Community College, and they've been checking out a lot of the local all-star games..
I'll keep you guys posted.........
-- JOE SMITH
For those still in need of a baseball fix after the Saladino Tournament, Jesuit and Tampa Catholic will resume their Feb. 16 game, halted by darkness with the score tied at 4-all, Saturday at 1 p.m. at TC.
Jesuit had a runner on second and one out in the top of the eighth when play was stopped.
Softaball
Gulf 9, Zephyrhills 0
Gulf has been on a tear as of late punctuated by a 9-0 victory Tuesday at Zephyrhills.
The Bucs hope to close in on the Class 4A, District 8 No. 3 seed for the district tournament to avoid playing Pasco or Hernando. They have Mitchell and Springstead to end the week.
"This year has proven in Pasco County anyone can beat anyone," Gulf coach Rick Hohenthaner said. "...I don't want to go into a situation where the first or the second tema we play we have a hard time beating."
Injury update
Bucs shortstop Julie Wisniewski was in tears after the game after taking a ball to the eye with one out left in the game. Wisniewski jumped for ball that deflected off her glove and caught her below the left eye. She was attended to by coaches and medical staff on hand, but ultimately stood on her own and completed the game.
"It hurts," Wisniewski said. "But this is a big week. ...I don't let injuries get to me."
Izzy Gould, Times staff writer
Canterbury athletic director Dave Smith thought he had a new football coach. He really did.
Their top candidate, Brad Miller from Pasadena, Calif, had signed a contract Mar 9, agreed to be a coach and teacher at the St. Petersburg private school. But just as Smith was ready to send a press release, here came the shocker:
Miller called the school Tuesday morning, saying he changed his mind. He instead accepted an assistant coaching job at the University of San Diego....private school contracts allow a "30-day out," and Miller chose an opportunity he told administrators "he couldn't pass up."
So with spring football just six weeks away, Canterbury is back to square one...having to scramble to interview new candidates....That search will start immediately, with Smith and other administrators putting together a short list of possible coaches on Wednesday, and probably beginning the interview process - again.
"This," Smith said. "Is not exactly what we had planned or envisioned."
Canterbury is trying to replace Shannon Brooks, who resigned after last season to become assistant head coach at Lakewood High.
For a full story, check out Wednesday's Times.
-- JOE SMITH
Second in weekly, web-exclusive column on Pinellas County softball. Check the Times on Thursdays for weekly print package, including stats.
It was one of the toughest team meetings Mike Estes has ever had to call.
The East Lake softball coach summoned his Eagles together by the batting cage Monday afternoon. Estes saw the girls were in a daze.
Junior Kim Mazzapica said they were still mourning the loss of their late classmate, T.J. McPhee, who died in a car accident late Saturday night. The school hallways were near silent, she says, as everyone stared blankly at the walls, which were covered with posters and pictures of TJ.
Estes gave his team a choice: Continue and play their scheduled game at Osceola Monday night, or forfeit and instead join classmates in a vigil on the school's football field - scheduled for about the same time.
"There's no way I was going to make them play," Estes said. "It was up to them. I thought it might be good for them if they played, but after all, it was just a game."
Mazzapica said the team played for a reason: "TJ was an athlete too, we know he would have wanted to play."
So the Eagles did, wearing blue armbands with the message, "R.I.P. T.J. #9," referring to his football number.
Mazzapica threw a three-hitter and the Eagles held on for a 5-3 win over Osceola (7-4), the defending champions of the 5A, District 11. They weren't perfect, but they didn't need to be. Junior Susan Jallo belted a double and triple, and centerfielder Carley Davis made another spectacular, diving catch to save a run in the third.
Speaking of catches, Osceola first baseman Taylor Stanley made a diving stab of her own Monday night, doubling off a runner at second base. Kayla Shavers hit an RBI single and scored in the fifth to cut the Eagles lead to 5-3, but it wasn't enough.
East Lake won and boarded the bus. They planned on having a vigil of their own Monday night, going back to the site of the accident and placing signs and lighting candles.
"We'll pay our respects," Mazzapica said. "And say goodbye."
SHOWDOWN AT SPC: St. Petersburg Catholic (9-0) will host its big rival, Academy of the Holy Names (9-1) in a matchup between arguably two of the best teams in Class 3A. The Barons will likely see their star pitcher, Deanna Henriott, return to the mound after missing a few starts due to a contusion in her hand.
The game, which starts at 4 pm at SPC, should be one to watch.
PALM HARBOR TOURNEY: There will be a four-team showcase in the Palm Harbor Softball Tournament Thursday and Friday at Eddie C Moore Complex Fields 8 and 9. The first one, Pinellas Park vs Seminole at 6 pm Thurs, will pit two strong freshman pitchers - Patriots lanky lefty Sara Nevins vs. Seminole's Emily Crawford.
The Warhawks (11-2) had the better of the first matchup - winning 3-0 vs PP-- but it should be an interesting rematch.
In the other game, it'll be Palm Harbor vs Boca Ciega at 8 pm. The two game's losers and winners will play Friday at 6 and 8, respectively.
Stay tuned - I'll be posting the latest state softball poll on Tuesday evening when it's released. Coaches, please send me softball stats by Tuesday night (or at the latest, Wed at noon) so you can be included.....Baseball coaches, please send stats to putnam@sptimes.com.....
-- JOE SMITH
Times photo of East Lake's Brittany Lopez.
Here's the updated state poll which came out early Tuesday evening......
CLASS 6A
1. Palm Beach Gardens (11) (13-1) 110
2. Port Orange Spruce Creek (9-0) 98
3. Cooper City (13-0) 89
4. Jacksonville Mandarin (12-0) 77
5. Lake Worth Park Vista (13-2) 63
6. Miami Palmetto (9-1) 56
7. Lake Mary (10-2) 38
8. Jupiter (12-3) 20
9. Winter Garden West Orange (11-0) 19
10. Clearwater Countryside (13-1) 15
Also receiving votes: Miramar Everglades (13-2) 9, Port St. Lucie Centennial (13-1) 6, Southwest Miami (9-1) 4, Plant City Durant (13-0) 1.
CLASS 5A
1. Tampa Chamberlain (11) (12-0) 110
2. Palm Beach Gardens Dwyer (12-0) 99
3. Niceville (11-1) 82
4. Lakeland George Jenkins (12-1) 79
5. Tampa Plant (10-2) 57
6. Pace (8-1) 49
7. Jacksonville Bartram Trail (14-2) 37
8. Lakewood Ranch (12-2) 29
9. Tallahassee Lincoln (13-1) 26
10. Naples Barron Collier (10-1) 17
Also receiving votes: St. Petersburg Northeast ((11-1) 5, Auburndale (8-4) 4, Stuart South Fork (13-2) 4, Venice (12-2) 3, Eagle Lake Lake Region (13-2) 1, Palm Bay Bayside (13-1) 1, Tallahassee Chiles (11-4) 1.
CLASS 4A
1. Naples (11) (13-0) 110
2. Palatka (12-0) 99
3. Groveland South Lake (14-1) 88
4. Pembroke Pines Charter (13-2) 65
5. Escambia (12-4) 43
6. Space Coast (16-2) 42
7. Braden River (10-1) 39
8. Milton (14-3) 36
9. Bartow (8-5) 34
10. Okeechobee (12-2) 27
Also receiving votes: Lake Wales (11-2) 8, Fort Myers Riverdale (9-1) 6, Tallahassee Godby (11-3) 4, Navarre (9-5) 2, Wakulla (11-4) 1.
CLASS 3A
1. Jacksonville Trinity Christian (11) (11-2) 110
2. Winter Park Trinity Prep (11-1) 97
3. Callahan West Nassau (10-3) 88
4. Miami Gulliver (10-2) 77
5. Tampa Academy of the Holy Names (9-1) 67
6. Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy (11-2) 36
7. West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman (10-3) 33
8. St. Petersburg Catholic (9-0) 30
9. American Heritage Plantation (11-5) 23
10. Interlachen (10-3) 22
Also receiving votes: Tampa Catholic (n/a) 12, Pierson Taylor (9-3) 5, Tallahassee Florida High (9-5) 2.
CLASS 2A
1. Hollywood Christian (9) (10-3) 106
2. Jacksonville Bishop Snyder (9-6) 90
3. Jacksonville Providence (2) (11-3) 89
4. Miami Westminster Christian (10-2) 69
5. Wewahitchka (n/a) 66
6. Moore Haven (10-4) 43
7. Orange Park St. Johns Country Day (9-1) 41
8. Jay (4-1) 31
9. Port St Joe (n/a) 22
10. Oviedo Master’s Academy (9-2) 20
Also receiving votes: Lakeland Christian (10-1) 17, Mount Dora Bible (7-4) 4.
CLASS A
1. Orlando Pine Castle Christian (10) (8-1) 109
2. Fort Myers Southwest Florida Christian (1) (11-3) 100
3. Seffner Christian (13-1) 85
4. St. Petersburg Canterbury (9-3) 73
5. Maitland Orangewood Christian (13-1) 57
6. Deerfield Beach Zion Lutheran (7-2) 55
7. Homestead Colonial Christian (n/a) 40
8. Fort Lauderdale Christian (5-2) 34
9. Aucilla Christian (9-4) 16
10. Allentown Central (2-1) 15
Also receiving votes: Jacksonville Eagle's View (6-6) 11, Bradenton St. Stephen’s (9-4) 10.
Monday's early results from the Saladino Tournament:
Durant 14, Lennard 0 (5 inns.)
Hillsborough 12, Tampa Bay Tech 2 (5 inns.)
Armwood 11, Blake 1
Sickles 6, Spoto 5
Robinson 5, Plant City 3
Plant 1, Freedom 0
Hillsborough senior leadoff hitter Marco LaMonte belted his third home run of the 27th annual Saladino Tournament Monday afternoon, tying the nine-year-old tournament record.
LaMonte, who hit two homers Saturday against Durant, smashed a 2-0 pitch from Tampa Bay Tech reliever Ryan Barnes over the left field wall at Brandon High in the Terriers' monstrous third inning.
As of the posting of this blog, Hillsborough led 8-2, and had already scored six runs in the third -- with no out.
In the only early-afternoon game Monday at the Saladino, Durant got a three-hitter from converted reliever Kyle Carasea in a five-inning, 14-0 win against Lennard.
Countryside boys baseball coach Darnell Coles resigned Wednesday, effective following Friday's game.
Coles, 44, who was in his fifth season with the Cougars, said that his job in the Washington Nationals minor league system (manager of the Vermont Lake Monsters), it required him to miss too many games.
Coles had missed games in previous seasons, like last year, when he was a roving hitting instructor. But he said due to a "faction of parents that are out of control," things got out of hand last week while he missed a few games and he figured a "fresh start" would best for all parties.
Apparently, in Countryside's game against Gaither last week, some starting players were pulled by assistant coach Jeff Ciskowski (filling in for Coles), which didn't sit well with a few parents. Reports got back to Coles that the parents became so upset, they yelled and even began cheering for Gaither....
"There are factions of parent at Countryside High School that you can't please," Coles said."You want kid and parents that are all there for the right reason- all their pulling for all the kids not just 'I hope this kid makes a mistake so my kid can play.'"
Coles held a parents meeting on Tuesday. He then had a phone coversation Wednesday with Countryside principal Gary Schlereth, who told him he wanted a coach who could be there full-time. Coles said he wasn't forced out, adding administrators "said I could be there as long as I wanted."
Coles played more than a dozen seasons in the Major Leagues with eight different teams. Coles said at some point, he would look into getting back into coaching at the high school level. He said he'd even love to come back to Pinellas County...
"There so much good going on there- kids going to class and doing the right thing and changing the program around," Coles said Wednesday. "It's in the team's best interest if I step down and they find a new coach and go in different direction."
Cole's resignation leaves Countryside with three head coaching openings. Greg Chapman retired as wrestling coach and Bob Marinak was recently removed as boys basketball coach. The school is taking applications for basketball and wrestling jobs until March 23rd, when they'll decide who they want to bring in for interviews.
For a full story, read Thursday's Times
-- JOE SMITH
Some early scores from the opening day of the 27th annual Saladino Tournament:
Leto 9, Cambridge 3
Spoto 4, Freedom 3 (9 innings)
Bloomingdale 8, Plant City 0
Hillsborough 12, Durant 1
Alonso 10, Tampa Catholic 0
Wharton by forfeit (Oldsmar Christian unable to field a team)
Sunlake High, the newest school in Pasco County set to open in the fall, has chosen it's nickname: the Seahawks.
At least that's what their website says. There was no official announcement, no pomp and not an ounce of cirumstance.
Just this, from the web:
We now have a mascot! Sunlake students selected Seahawks as their new school mascot - look for graphics to appear here soon. Thanks to all of you who participated in the vote. Go Seahawks!
It appears the Seahawks are a write-in candidate. According to the ballot passed out a month or so ago, the choices listed were Spartans, Yellow Jackets, Falcons, Hornets, Hawks or Ravens. I'd like to think my column two weeks ago saying the choices were kind of lame....errr, tame, perhaps inspired the write-in vote. But since they didn't go with my choice -- the Thunder Chickens -- maybe not.
I guess Stuart High in Albany will have to continue on as the only Thunder Chickens around.
Less than 24 hours before the start of the Saladino Tournament, organizer Tony Saladino Jr. is scrambling to find a team to replace Oldsmar Christian, which has removed itself from the 28-team field.
According to Saladino, Oldsmar didn't have enough players to field a team because several of its members aren't available during the week of the tournament. Oldsmar was set to play in the Atlantic pool that includes Brandon, Wharton and Gaither.
As of noon Friday, Saladino still hadn't found a replacement team and was close to conceding that Oldsmar's three scheduled games in pool play, including a 1:30 game Saturday against Wharton, simply would have to be forfeited.
Armwood girls basketball coach Jeff Pafunda announced Friday that he has accepted the Hawks' boys basketball head coaching position.
Pafunda, 51, coached Armwood's girls the past three years and before that served as the Academy of the Holy Names athletic for 10 years and its head basketball for four years. In the early 1980s, Pafunda coached boys basketball teams at Incarnation Middle School and Jesuit's junior varsity.
"I'm real excited," Pafunda said. "It's like starting all over again."
Armwood's girls team finished 17-9 last season, and Pafunda believes the Hawks will be even better next year. Armwood's boys team went 12-13 and graduated four starters.
"It will be a challenge but one I'm ready to get started on," Pafunda said. "It should be fun."
-- SCOTT PURKS, Times Staff Writer
For those of you who don't mind missing a little March Madness Friday night, there promises to be some high-flying high school stars playing in county all-star games.....
The Pinellas County boys and girls all-star matchups will feature many of the area's top seniors - the girls are at Keswick Chr and boys at Largo (tipoff between 7 and 7:30 pm).
For some fans, it may be the last chance in a while to see players like Lakewood senior Ed Nixon, a Mr. Basketball candidate, before they play for collegiate programs..
In the boys game, there will be a 3-point and dunk contest at halftime, which should bring out the best in dunkers like Clearwater's Justin Morin and Lakewood's Anthony Dorsey, and shooters such as Seminole's Bill Hobach...
The boys tickets are $5, with the gate opening at 5:30 (there's a 6 pm middle school game). The girls game admission is $3 (there's a "B" team all-star game prior)....The Times will cover both games, so check out the paper Sat for results
The Pinellas-Hillsborough boys basketball all-star game is April 13th, and from what I gather, there's also a private school all-star game in the works for April, too....
Below are the rosters for the Pinellas All Star Games
YOUR TAKE: Which side will come out on top - North or South?
-- JOE SMITH
Times Photo of Largo's Charlie Lytle.
GIRLS ROSTER
Home team: Ebony Walker, Largo; Innekia Reedy, Lakewood; Ashley Williams, Boca Ciega; LaToya Whiting, Palm Harbor U.; Kimarie Bock, Dunedin; Chelsea Turgeon, Dunedin; Jasmine McBride, Lakewood; Lisa Bradley, Pinellas Park; Amanda Panty, Indian Rocks Christian; Anna Keegan, St. Petersburg Catholic. Coaches: Darian Dublin, Palm Harbor U.; Dee Feazell, Largo.
Visiting team: Jazmyn Shorter, Lakewood; Lauren Lee, Clearwater; Brittany Carannante, Clearwater; Janelle DeVaul, Keswick Christian; Annie Rodriguez, Clearwater Central Catholic; Whitney Newton, Boca Ciega; Sellina Thomas, Clearwater; Megin Kawczak, Clearwater; Rose Ledlie, Pinellas Park; Krista Oliver, Boca Ciega. Coaches: Amanda Harris, Pinellas Park; Ed Jackson, Gibbs
BOYS ROSTER
Home team: Matt Gilghrest, Dunedin; Sam Moroff, Palm Harbor U.; Dionte Hall, Largo; Jordan Scholl, Clearwater; Josh Garcia, East Lake; Mike Helm, Largo; Justin Morin, Clearwater; Charlie Lytle, Largo; Nick Nickerson, Clearwater; Ricky Melendez, Dunedin
Visiting team: Anthony Dorsey, Lakewood; Bill Hobach, Seminole; Nehemiah Simpkins, Boca Ciega; Steven Andrews, Boca Ciega; Lamorya Daniels, Boca Ciega; Geno Green, St. Petersburg; Garren Adulte, St. Petersburg; Rashon Stewart, Lakewood; Ed Nixon, Lakewood
In a showdown between two of the county's top softball teams, Countryside beat Northeast, 3-0 at Misty Springs Park Wednesday afternoon.
Senior shortstop GiOnna Disalvatore had two RBI doubles, which was more than enough for junior pitcher Desiree Baker, who threw a two-hit shutout.
Northeast (11-1) was off to its best start in program history, led by senior pitcher Dani Seibert. Seibert pitched well, but it wasn't enough to topple the Cougars (13-1), ranked No. 10 in the state in Class 6A.
For full coverage, check Thursday's Times..
-- JOE SMITH
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Former Jefferson quarterback and South Carolina recruit Stephen Garcia applied Wednesday to enter a counseling and community service program rather than face prosecution for two misdemeanor charges.
Garcia, a highly touted quarterback, was arrested Feb. 17 on charges of drunkenness and failure to stop for a police officer during an incident outside a club.
Two weeks later, he turned himself in on charges of malicious injury to personal property. Arrest warrants said Garcia scratched professor Adam Biggs’ car with a key and caused more than $800 in damage.
Biggs wanted Garcia, 19, to express remorse before the judge allowed him to apply for a pretrial intervention program. “I apologize, “ Garcia told Biggs in the courtroom.
Garcia attorney Neal Lourie said police dropped the failure to stop for an officer charge as part of an agreement.
The prosecutor’s office will decide whether to accept Garcia into the program and its specific requirements, but part of it will be making restitution to Biggs, Lourie said. The program allows first-time offenders to wipe their records clean if they complete counseling and community service.
Garcia and Biggs declined comment as they left the courthouse.
Garcia’s father, Gary, said, “We support our kid.”
Garcia met with Biggs before the court proceeding and admitted he keyed his car. “He has true remorse,” Lourie said. “He’s taken full responsibility. He’s sorry for what he’s done.”
Garcia previously issued a statement apologizing to the professor, coach Steve Spurrier, his teammates and fans.
Following his latest arrest, Garcia was suspended from spring practice and all team activities this semester.
Garcia, from Jefferson High in Tampa, Fla., was the centerpiece of Spurrier’s latest recruiting class, ranked among the top 10 in the country by many analysts.
He arrived at the university in January after graduating high school early to get a jump on learning Spurrier’s offense.
(Times photo - Brian Cassella. Click to enlarge.)
First in weekly, web-exclusive column on Pinellas County softball. Check the Times on Thursdays for weekly print package, including stats.
The softball season is in full swing, and as the latest state poll shows, several county teams are off to solid starts.
Two of the county's top teams, Northeast (11-0) and Countryside (11-1) will play on Wednesday at Misty Springs Park in Clw (4 p.m.).
The Vikings are rolling thanks to the right arm of senior Dani Seibert, who is 11-0 with .21 ERA. Seibert also swings a big bat, belting four homers (all over the fence).
They'll get a huge test from Countryside, ranked No. 10 in 6A in the latest poll. The Cougars are led by UCLA-bound senior GiOnna Disalvatore and N.C. State-bound catcher Alyssa Albritten. They have a standout pitcher of their own in Desiree Baker, who is 7-1 with a .29 ERA....
Check the blog Wed night for the result of the matchup and Thursday's Times for full coverage.
Injury update: St. Petersburg Catholic senior Deanna Henriott, the Times pitcher of the year last season, is on the mend, having missed her last two starts with a contusion in her right hand.
She was hit with a line drive Mar. 9 but back in the lineup Tuesday vs Tampa Catholic as a pinch-hitter. Henriott will likely pitch next Tuesday in a showdown with Academy of the Holy Names.
The Univ of Tampa recruit is 7-0 with 79 strikeouts so far.
Catch her if you can: Canterbury, off to a 9-1 start, has been sparked by Erika Surbaugh, who has reached base 18 times and stole 13 stole bases...
Below is the latest state poll.
Feel free to drop me a note with comments, questions, or interesting tid-bits as I plan on keeping this blog notes every Tuesday and print package on Thursdays....Coaches, please email me your stats by Tuesday each week (Wed is ok this time)
-- JOE SMITH
SOFTBALL STATE POLL
*Florida Sports Writers Association. Teams are followed by first-place votes, records (if available) and total votes.
CLASS 6A
1. Palm Beach Gardens (9) (12-1) 90
2. Port Orange Spruce Creek (8-0) 81
3. Cooper City (11-0) 70
4. Jacksonville Mandarin (10-0) 58
5. Lake Worth Park Vista (12-2) 49
6. Miami Palmetto (8-1) 41
7. Lake Mary (10-2) 35
8. Jupiter (11-3) 27
9. Winter Garden West Orange (10-0) 25
10. Clearwater Countryside (11-1) 6
Also receiving votes: Port St. Lucie Centennial (11-1) 4, Plant City Durant (11-0) 3, Kissimmee Osceola (10-0) 2, Southwest Miami (8-1) 2, Apopka (10-2) 1, Miami Lourdes (9-2) 1.
CLASS 5A
1. Tampa Chamberlain (8) (10-0) 89
2. Palm Beach Gardens Dwyer (1) (12-0) 74
3. Pace (6-0) 70
4. Lakeland George Jenkins (10-1) 60
5. Niceville (10-1) 55
6. Tampa Plant (8-2) 40
7. Lakewood Ranch (12-1) 32
8. Jacksonville Bartram Trail (12-2) 28
9. Auburndale (7-3) 16
10. Tallahassee Lincoln (n/a) 11
Also receiving votes: Naples Barron Collier (7-1) 7, Venice (10-2) 3, Eagle Lake Lake Region (12-1) 2.
CLASS 4A
1. Naples (8) (10-0) 89
2. Palatka (1) (10-0) 82
3. Groveland South Lake (10-1) 67
4. Escambia (8-2) 63
5. Space Coast (14-1) 44
6. Bartow (7-4) 42
7. Pembroke Pines Charter (10-2) 28
8. Braden River (8-1) 20
9. Okeechobee (10-2) 19
10. Milton (11-2) 16
Also receiving votes: Fort Myers Riverdale (7-1) 8, Navarre (9-5) 7, Tallahassee Godby (10-2) 5, Lake Wales (8-2) 5.
CLASS 3A
1. Jacksonville Trinity Christian (5) (8-1) 83
2. Winter Park Trinity Prep (11-1) 72
3. Callahan West Nassau (1) (7-2) 70
4. Miami Gulliver (8-2) 57
5. Tampa Academy of the Holy Names (8-1) 52
6. West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman (9-2) 45
7. American Heritage Plantation (9-4) 42
8. Pierson Taylor (8-2) 17
9. Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy (8-2) 16
10. Tampa Catholic (9-3) 12
Also receiving votes: Interlachen (7-2) 5, Bratt Northview (5-2) 5, Jacksonville Bolles (8-5): 3, Williston (n/a) 3, Frostproof (n/a) 2, Mount Dora (10-4) 1.
CLASS 2A
1. Hollywood Christian (7) (10-1) 88
2. Jacksonville Bishop Snyder (2) (7-3) 82
3. Jacksonville Providence (10-2) 68
4. Miami Westminster Christian (9-2) 43
5. Wewahitchka (n/a) 40
6. Jay (4-1) 29
T7. Moore Haven (8-4) 28
T7. Port St Joe (n/a) 28
9. Orange Park St. Johns Country Day (8-1) 27
10. Oviedo Master’s Academy (9-2) 20
Also receiving votes: Mount Dora Bible (6-4) 4, Pompano Beach Highlands Christian (n/a) 3, North Palm Beach Benjamin (n/a) 2.
CLASS A
1. Orlando Pine Castle Christian (9) (8-1) 90
2. Fort Myers Southwest Florida Christian (9-3) 69
3. Homestead Colonial Christian (n/a) 65
4. Seffner Christian (9-0) 51
5. St. Petersburg Canterbury (9-1) 45
6. Deerfield Beach Zion Lutheran (n/a) 36
7. Maitland Orangewood Christian (12-1) 25
8. Fort Lauderdale Christian (n/a) 20
9. Allentown Central (2-1) 15
10. Jacksonville Eagle's View (4-5) 13
Also receiving votes: Quincy Robert F. Munroe (n/a) 10, Wellington Christian (n/a) 7, Aucilla Christian (n/a) 4.
Pictured is East Lake's Brittany Lopez. Times photo by Ted McLaren. Click to enlarge.
Dunedin boys basketball coach Josh Walker has resigned for “personal reasons.”
Walker, a former Seminole standout, coached the past five seasons at Dunedin, the last two at varsity (17-32).
Walker said he will remain a math teacher at the school but likely will seek a transfer and explore other coaching opportunities.
Walker did say that he won't be exploring the Countryide opening; Bob Marinak was removed as Cougars coach late last month.
YOUR TAKE: Who are some area assistants who may apply for the openings?
-- JOE SMITH
Academy of the Holy Names guard Gianna Messina, who guided the Jaguars to the Class 3A state tournament this past season, has been named winner of the Dottie McGahagin Memorial Basketball Award, given annually to Hillsborough County's top girls player.
Messina, who has signed with the University of South Florida, will be recognized March 29 at the Hillsborough County School Board meeting.
Messina averaged a double-double (24 points, 12 rebounds) as a senior for the Jaguars (27-4), who fell to Tallahassee Florida High in the 3A semifinals in Lakeland in February. In Saturday's Florida Athletic Coaches Association Girls Basketball All-Star Classic -- also in Lakeland -- she won MVP honors, scoring 13 points for the triumphant South team.
Lakewood senior guard Ed Nixon picked up another scholarship offer this past weekend while playing in the FACA All-Star Game.....
Nixon, a Mr. Basketball Candidate, scored 18 points to lead the South team to a 134-130 OT win over a North team led by Lake Howell's Joey Rodriguez (Virginia Commonwealth).
Apparently, Rodriguez was trying to get Nixon to follow him to VCU, an up and coming program led by former Florida assistant Anthony Grant (they play Duke in NCAA Tourney).
Nixon received an offer from Georgia this past weekend, adding to offers from Virginia Tech, VCU, Tennessee Tech and UCF....Nixon said he plans on taking a few visits over Spring Break, which will help him in his decision.
Nixon is one of nearly two dozen county seniors planning on playing in the North-South All-Star Game Friday at Largo (7 pm). The rosters will include the seniors from the PCAC All-Conference Teams, selected by county coaches last week.
Here's the list for the BOYS and GIRLS All PCAC Teams
-- JOE SMITH
(Pictured is Lakewood senior Ed Nixon. Photo by Lara Cerri. Click to enlarge)
Clearwater junior defensive tackle Joe Marshall received a scholarship offer from the University of Wisconsin, his father Joe Sr., confirmed.
Marshall has posted a qualifying SAT score of 820 and received interest from Auburn, Georgia Tech, UCF and Marshall, among others.
-- JOE SMITH
The contract was going to set him for life, but Bronson Arroyo announced it the same way he would a trip to Publix to pick up some eggs.
"I'm gonna sign an extension," he said.
For a lot of money?
"Yeah," he said.
And then he giggled.
"That's El Flocco," former Hernando baseball coach Tim Sims told me today, referring to his former star pupil by the nickname given to him by his father.
There is an air about many professional athletes that is difficult to describe. Take one part guardedness, mix it with two parts ego, and then sprinkle in some insecurity and let it bake in a 60,000 seat ball park for a couple of hours. Even some of those renowned for being the nicest have a shield you must work hard to penetrate.
Not Arroyo, who we catch up with in Tuesday's edition of the Hernando Times.
One Boston sports writer wrote that the former Hernando star and current Reds starter "might be the most genuine man ever to put on a Boston uniform," and it's easy to see why. Arroyo just recently left an offseason stay in Brooksville for Reds spring training. But while he was in town, he acted as if he had never left.
The aforementioned conversation took place on an overcast February day outside Tom Varn Park, where Arroyo had just finished participating in a free baseball clinic for area kids. A few days later, the Reds announced that they had signed their ace to a two-year deal worth $25 million. But none of it seems to have affected Arroyo. He seemed completely at ease on his old stomping grounds, signing autographs, chatting with friends, swapping stories with an old coach.
First-year Hernando baseball coach Donnie Whitehead, who coached Arroyo and remains close with him, joked that he was going to start dropping hints about donations to the baseball program. But Whitehead made it clear that Arroyo already does a lot. Every time he returns home, he brings the team something. One time, it was a bunch of cleats. Another, a bunch of baseballs.
Check out the story tomorrow to get Arroyo's thoughts on the trade that sent him to Cincinnati. But know this: Hernando is lucky to have guys like Jerome Brown and Bronson Arroyo, guys who return home and keep it real. Not all athletes are like that.
Five Hillsborough baseball players have received five-day suspensions for a violation of school policy, but will be eligible for the opening round of this weekend's Saladino Tournament, Athletic Director Bertha Baker said Monday.
Baker wouldn't reveal the players' names nor the nature of the infractions, but said they weren't baseball-related. "(The suspensions) were for disciplinary reasons through our student-affairs office," Baker said.
The players will miss tonight's game at Jefferson and and Thursday's home game against Blake. Both are Class 5A, District 10 contests.
Hillsborough first-year coach Ken White, whose team enters the week with a 7-3 record, deferred all questions to his administration, but did say "things are fine" and no one has been dismissed from the team.
27th annual Saladino Tournament
Pools
Atlantic — Brandon, Oldsmar Christian, Wharton, Gaither; Pacific — Middleton, Leto, Jefferson, Cambridge; Indian — Chamberlain, East Bay, Alonso, Tampa Catholic; Eastern — Hillsborough, Durant, Lennard, Tampa Bay Tech; Western — Spoto, Freedom, Plant, Sickles; Northern — Newsome, Robinson, Bloomingdale, Plant City; Southern — Riverview, King, Blake, Armwood
Saturday’s Games
at Brandon — Spoto vs. Freedom, 10:30 a.m.; Oldsmar Christian vs. Wharton, 1:30 p.m.; Plant vs. Sickles, 4:30 p.m.; Gaither vs. Brandon, 7:30 p.m.; at Chamberlain — Tampa Catholic vs. Alonso, 1:30 p.m.; East Bay vs. Tampa Catholic, 4:30 p.m.; Alonso vs. Chamberlain, 7:30 p.m.; at Newsome — Bloomingdale vs. Plant City, 1:30 p.m.; Tampa Bay Tech vs. Lennard, 4:30 p.m.; Robinson vs. Newsome, 7:30 p.m.; at Riverview — Hillsborough vs. Durant, 1:30 p.m.; King vs. Blake, 4:30 p.m.; Armwood vs. Riverview, 7:30 p.m.; at Middleton — Cambridge vs. Leto, 1:30 p.m.; Jefferson vs. Cambridge, 4:30 p.m.; Middleton vs. Leto, 7:30 p.m.
March 19-20: Pool play continues at Brandon, Chamberlain, Newsome, Riverview and Middleton
March 21: Quarterfinals (10:30, 1:30, 4:30, 7:30) at Brandon
March 22: Semifinals (4:30, 7:30) at Brandon
March 23: Title game (7:30) at Brandon
TAMPA -- We're live at the ACC Tournament, and a former Pinellas County star is getting some PT for N.C. State.
Trevor Ferguson, a former Class A all-stater for Oldsmar Christian, has had the best seat in the house for the Wolfpack's two big upsets the past two days (Duke and Virginia). In today's semifinal against Virginia Tech, Ferguson played four minutes in the first half, with two points and one rebound.
I spoke to the shaggy-haired, 6-5 guard Friday after the Wolfpack's win over Virginia, and he said he's having the time of his life. Having initially signed with Pittsburgh, Ferguson had a change of heart and transferred to NC State, then under Herb Sendek.
Ferguson said it's been a "smooth transition," from Sendek, now the Arizona State coach, getting replaced by Sidney Lowe.
Ferguson said he may not be getting a lot of minutes, but "when I'm sitting there, it feels like I'm playing because I'm so into it." "As long as we're winning, it doesn't matter to me."
We'll see if Ferguson - and the Wolfpack - can play their way into Sunday's ACC Title game vs UNC....
-- JOE SMITH
Largo junior quarterback Leonard Johnson received a scholarship offer from Iowa, coach Rick Rodriguez said Friday.
Johnson, a dual-threat athlete who ran for more than 750 yards and passed for about 900 (and 13 TDs) is getting recruited as a cornerback, Rodriguez said.
Considering Iowa's recent success with a former Largo option QB, Marcus Paschal, who turned into a three-year starter at safety for the Hawekeyes (and is now preparing for NFL Draft), it's not surprising the Big Ten school may take a look at Johnson....
Johnson's offer from Iowa marks the second in as many weeks for a Pinellas County standout. Northeast junior running back Jeff Brinson also received an offer from the Hawkeyes.
-- JOE SMITH
Ex-Jefferson and current South Carolina quarterback Stephen Garcia's hearing Wednesday on charges of public drunkenness has been pushed back to next week, The State newspaper of Columbia reported.
A request for a continuance by Garcia's lawyer was granted so all the charges Garcia faces from separate arrests in a two-week span could be consolidated. He will appear in Columbia Municipal Court on March 14 to face the drunkenness charge, as well as a charge of malicious injury to personal property.
Garcia was arrested again last weekend after a visiting professor said the player used a key to scratch his car following what the newspaper said was a parking space dispute.
You know a high school baseball game has been well worth your entertainment dollar when the appearance of a big-league legend (Tommy Lasorda) ranks about ninth on the list of the game's story lines.
Hillsborough's 17-10 triumph Tuesday against previously undefeated Plant was every bit as bizarre as it was intense. The teams widely considered the county's finest combined for 11 errors, seven pitching changes, three homers, eight walks and, by our count, five wild pitches.
But what's sure to remain most vivid in the collective conscience of the standing-room-only audience are the ejections of Hillsborough pitcher