The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Paula Berry’s goal: help students succeed

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Wiregrass Ranch instructor is Pasco’s teacher of the year

 

By B.C. Manion

 

When Paula Berry was a teenager growing up in El Centro, Calif., she wanted to become a lawyer.

She was attracted to the profession because of the writing and research challenges it would present.

Two things changed her career aspirations.

First, she watched the O.J. Simpson murder trial play out on television, and she couldn’t help but notice how bored the lawyers appeared to be. And, second, she took a high school English Advanced Placement (AP) class taught by Judy Jacklich.

Paula Berry, a language arts teacher at Wiregrass Ranch High, is Pasco County Schools’ teacher of the year. She believes in holding herself and her students to high standards. (Photo by B.C. Manion)

“She was the first teacher I had who came across more as a human being than as a teacher,” Berry recalled. “It showed me how it could be.”

Jacklich also shared her personal experiences with students, including stories about places she’d been and exciting things she had done, like fire walking in Peru, Berry said.

She also demonstrated that “something as difficult as AP language could be fun and could excite that kind of passion for life,” Berry said.

Berry said Jacklich helped a girl growing up in the desert of Southern California to realize there was a much bigger world awaiting her.

She also recalls sitting in Jacklich’s class one day, thinking, “That’s what I need to do.”

Though she didn’t know it then, the Wiregrass Ranch High teacher now believes she was born to teach.

“Every day when I drive to work, I don’t feel like I’m driving to work. Anytime you can do what you love, it doesn’t feel like work,” said Berry, who was recently named Pasco County Schools’ teacher of the year.

Students in Berry’s English II honors class said Berry deserves the award.

Instead of lecturing at the front of the class, Berry uses interactive approaches to make learning interesting, students said.

“We were all really excited for her,” said Lindsey Snyder. “She’s a really great teacher. She’ll act out stories. She’ll use different voices. She’ll make you pay attention to what she is saying.”

Classmate Ryan Leonard agreed: “She’s one of the teachers that you’d never forget. … This is a fun place to learn. She can turn a boring book into an interesting story.”

Maria Vera said she wasn’t surprised Berry was named teacher of the year.

“She’s a really great teacher, and I felt that other people would be able to see it,” Vera said.

“She connects very well (with students),” Amanda Melosky said.

Melosky said Berry has made her care more about writing: “I feel like I have more of a voice than I did before.”

Berry helps students succeed, said Nicole Nocerino. “She can tell just by the look on your face if you’re getting it or if you’re way off.”

Students also think about how Berry would react to their writing, whether they’re in her classroom or in another. They’ve internalized what they’ve learned about effective writing, Nocerino said.

“Whenever we write or we do essays, in this class or another class, it’s always like you have a ‘little Berry’ on your shoulder,” Nocerino said.

The teacher is also known for doling out candy to students who have performed well — something the students said they enjoy.

And, she makes herself available for one-on-one help when students need it.

The teacher is easy to approach, said Hannah Williamson. “If she sees you falling behind, she’s like, ‘Hey, what’s going on?’ She’ll talk to you about it.”

Although students weren’t surprised by Berry’s honor, the teacher was.

“I was shocked. Mr. Browning (Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning) actually had to remind me to breathe when I got up on stage. It really is such a surreal experience.”

Berry said she combines high standards with fun, with the aim of helping her students reach their potential.

In her application for the district honor, Berry notes that when students “high five over a grade” or tell her how proud they are of their work, she knows she’s making a difference.  “I feel like a great teacher because they feel like successful students,” she wrote.

Even before she won the district award, Berry said she’d been immensely gratified to have her peers select her as the top teacher at her school.

“Wholeheartedly, the best feeling in the world was to be named the best teacher of the year here at Wiregrass Ranch by my colleagues and my peers,” she said, because she admires them so much.

County hopes changes encourage more recycling

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By Jeff Odom

 

Trash collection won’t be the only thing changing in Hillsborough County Oct. 1 — the way residents recycle will too.

The changes are aimed at encouraging more people to recycle, according to Damien Tramel, who oversees the switchover for the county.

With the current waste contract expiring this year, commissioners unanimously voted Jan. 10 to approve the system. The new system will replace manual service with twice-a-week trash pickup and once a week recycling collection, both of which are automated.

Instead of the traditional county-issued blue and green rectangular bins, the recycling service will mandate one large wheeled cart to hold paper, plastic and other materials.

Residents will be issued both the trash and recycling carts at a cost of $50 per household and will be paid for during a seven-year period.

“Once October hits, we will be delivering to our customers one container, and they will be able to put all of their material into one single container,” Tramel said. “We call that single-stream recycling. All of that material will go and be separated and be properly processed at a plant.”

The entire process is estimated to create a 20 percent increase in residential recycling in unincorporated Hillsborough, which includes all of Lutz and Odessa.

“This takes away the restrictions of having to separate the material out, and that makes it a lot more convenient for our customers,” Tramel said. “This is also broadening the materials we accept right now. Now, we only accept plastic No. 1 and 2s, but we’ll be accepting 1 (through) 7s now. Plus, we’ll be accepting all paper — anything that can tear — all glass, food and beverage containers — clear or green — and all plastics. We will even be accepting film and garbage bags, we’ll take that as well.”

The sweeping changes haven’t gone through without criticism, though.

During the county’s Talk Trash public hearings in November to discuss the possible changes, many were outspoken against the possibility of limiting the amount of certain wastes that trucks would pick up.

Even the commission’s decision to overhaul the waste service was heavily scrutinized as more than 62 percent of residents were in favor of keeping the old manual service.

Tramel, however, assures that the system will work, and said people will benefit from the new service.

“You remove the issue of container damage, containers in the streets and some of the messiness left behind from the old manual pickup,” Tramel said. “You won’t find those issues with the new automated system. Instead, you’ll see uniformity with the residential bins. … With this system, people will see it as a bigger convenience. I think the size of the bins are perfect because they will be able to hold more, and there won’t be a limit on what you put can out in there.”

Odessa company’s major expansion

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By B.C. Manion

 

If you’ve ever held a sealed packet of medications, chances are the machine that did the packaging was manufactured at Pharmaworks in Odessa.

The company — which recently expanded — manufactures and rebuilds machines that are used for pharmaceutical packaging.

The company’s primary markets are large pharmaceutical companies and contract packagers, said Trevor Charlton, Pharmaworks’ plant manager.

Pharmaworks, in Odessa, has added a new 16,000-square-foot building to expand its operations to help accommodate more machinery, among other things. (Photo by B.C. Manion)

The company, which is owned by Peter Buczynsky, Ingo Federle and Ben Brower, began operations in 2002 on Gunn Highway. It outgrew that location and relocated to a 20,000-square-foot space at 2346 Success Drive in Odessa.

Recently, it added a 16,000-square-foot building at 2301 Success Drive.

“We’ve seen some fairly rapid growth,” said Charlton, who heads up the company’s manufacturing efforts.

“We are the only domestic manufacturer of this sort of equipment in the United States,” he added. There are other manufacturers of this equipment, but they are European owned.”

Besides building and selling machines, Pharmaworks also sells parts to customers who already have machines.

“Every blister (package) design has its own set of tool work,” Charlton said. “We’ll sell machines with tooling, but we also sell a lot of tooling to customers who already have machines. Plus, we sell some tooling for other manufacturers as well.

“The whole business has grown, but our tooling business, in particular, has really grown significantly in the last years,” he added. “Plus, we’ve introduced our own line of feeder systems.”

The feeder systems are what load the pills into packets.

The company’s new building houses its machine shop. Its assembly operation is in the other facility.

The expansion has allowed the company to hire new workers, and it still has some open positions for employees with particular skills, Charlton said. Most of its 81 employees come from Pasco and Pinellas counties, with a few from Hillsborough.

The new building was designed to be as energy and cost efficient as possible, Charlton said. It also has transparent panels in the roof to allow natural lighting to stream in.

Buczynsky said the company has done so well it sometimes has to turn business way in large part because it has had a difficult time finding employees with the necessary skills.

“We get so many graduates who come in,” Charlton said. “They’re very good on the computer. They’re very good with the design software. They don’t know the fundamentals. Really, you’ve got to have that hands-on experience.”

Buczynsky has played a leading role in trying to bring together industry, political, educational and economic development leaders to work together to create apprenticeships similar to successful models in Europe.

His work in this area earned Buczynsky the Industry Distinguished Service Award from The Manufacturers Association of Florida. The award recognizes outstanding educators and industry professionals who have made significant strides in training the next generation of high-skilled workers.

Charlton said the people often have a false impression about opportunities in manufacturing. Many associate manufacturing with dirty factories and $10-an-hour assembly jobs, he said.

To help counter that image, Pharmaworks has occasional open houses to let parents tour its facilities and learn about skills that are required and opportunities that are available, Charlton said.

“These are highly skilled employees,” Charlton said. “Automation is our business. There are a lot of high-tech skills required.”

Pharmaworks wants to formalize its training programs in such a way that apprentices would be able to earn industry certification and college credits, Buczynsky said, who was a member of a delegation that traveled to Germany to learn about the apprenticeship programs there.

It’s not enough to have a theoretical understanding of a concept of how something works; it’s also important to have practical skills, he said.

Buczynsky wants to help develop workers that have both, to help create a talent pool that will draw manufacturers to the area.

“Talent development is the biggest issue all across manufacturing,” he said. “It’s not just nationally. It’s a global issue.”

To learn more about Pharmaworks, visit www.pharmaworks.com.

 

Awards that Pharmaworks has won include:

—2011 Florida Manufacturer of the Year for businesses up to 60 employees (It has since grown to 81 employees)

—2011 Florida Companies to Watch Award

Italian flair in Land O’ Lakes

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By Andy Warrener

The Laker/Lutz News Correspondent

 

Self-taught chef Ben Pumo has lived two or three lifetimes in his 36 years on earth.

From a college dropout with a suspended driver’s license, Pumo now owns and operates one of the most recognizable Italian restaurants in Pasco County, Benedetto’s.

Pumo’s journey to the cozy setting at 21529 Village Lakes Shopping Center Drive in Land O’ Lakes was anything but typical.

Head chef Ben Pumo cooks up some Italian food at Benedetto’s in Land O’ Lakes. (Photo by Andy Warrener)

He enrolled at St. Leo University and began a degree in hotel/restaurant management. At the same time he began running a restaurant/night club out of his apartment, which didn’t sit well with the school or with local authorities.

Eventually, Puma was booted from St. Leo seven credits shy of his degree. His run-ins with the law weren’t done, either.

Pumo racked up enough DUIs that his driving privileges were taken away. It began a series of events that shaped Pumo’s life and helped land him where he is today.

“I finally decided to suck it up and walk to work,” Pumo said.

After stints at Erwin Tech and Pepin distributing, Pumo, who lives in Lutz, started working at Villaggio’s, which was then owned by Vasco Ferraro. Villaggio’s was just a couple miles walk from his house and offered Pumo a chance to learn how to prepare authentic Italian dishes.

He wound up washing dishes.

“After a month (of washing dishes) I started working prep, grating the cheese, prepping the salads,” Pumo said.

Pumo only worked at Villagio’s for a year, but the experience built a foundation for Pumo as setbacks started to turn into opportunities.

“I learned to cook from the pan up,” Pumo said. “Everything’s done is one pan. Different parts of the dish aren’t prepared in other places or at different times. Timing is everything. You start with what takes the longest if you want it all to come out at the same time.”

Pumo faced another setback when Villaggio’s ownership changed. He and new owner Giuseppe Mascali didn’t exactly “see eye to eye,” and after a few months Pumo left.

His next stop was at the former Whiskey Willy’s in Carrollwood. There, Pumo cooked wings, burgers and such while simultaneously preparing food for a fine dining crowd in a different part of the restaurant.

“I remember at one point using a cue stick to switch camera angles on all the dining spots in the restaurant, keeping an eye on things, making sure they ran smoothly,” Pumo said.

He developed a reputation as a multitasker, keeping five, six, seven pans going at the same time. Pumo recalls a moment while still working for Mascali at Villaggio’s when he had multiple pots and pans churning on the stove and earned the nickname “the monster.”

“Giuseppe saw me and said, ‘One day you gonna have your own place and call it Bennedetto’s,’” said Pumo, who explained that’s the Italian name for Ben.

Thus, the idea of Benedetto’s was born. However, it was not going to grow at Whiskey Willy’s.

On Friday the 13th of April 2001, Whiskey Willy’s burned basically to the ground.

“We lost everything,” Pumo said. “I still have some knives here (at Benedetto’s) that have melted handles.”

It turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

Pumo and his wife Elizabeth pooled together with his family and purchased what used to be, ironically enough, a Captain D’s fast-food, seafood joint. The drive through sign for Captain D’s is still in the parking lot at Benedetto’s.

Fate was not finished with him.

In 2003, his daughter Alyssa was born. Later that year, Pumo was diagnosed with testicular cancer, all as he was trying to renovate and attract customers to his new restaurant.

A decade later, Pumo has exactly what he’s always wanted, a place of his own where he can do things his way.

Pumo goes to great lengths to provide fresh and local food to his customers.

He travels to Maine in the summer to secure lobster and seafood orders. He orders Angus beef from Florida ranches. He buys herbs from the local Montessori school.

And rest assured, nothing you order from Benedetto’s is premade.

“You can’t fake fresh,” Pumo said. “People will wait an extra two minutes for fresh.”

Lynda Faircloth recently celebrated her birthday by ordering the veal at Benedetto’s.

“Authentic, unique, homemade,” Faircloth said. “It’s not a dish you would make at home. I have high expectations when I come here and they are met highly.”

First-time diner Virginia Keaveny said, “From beginning to end it was all superior. We would come back in a heartbeat.”

Bennedetto’s is open seven days a week from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sundays. Dinner reservations are accepted. For more information, visit italianrestauranttampa.com or call (813) 909-9694.

Bug invaders

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By BJ Jarvis

Pasco Extension Director and Horticulture Agent

 

Normally gardeners try to determine what is chomping on our precious petunias, but occasionally bugs make it inside the house. In this column and the next, we’ll look at two of the most common insects found in the region’s homes and what to do about them.

One of the most common insects spotted in the house is a tiny, brown beetle. Typically they will be found in the kitchen as their favorite foods are grain-based. These little critters set up shop in a stray bag of crackers or cereal that isn’t closed well. Often these containers have fallen to the back of the closet. The open, untouched bag is an open invitation.

Drugstore beetles usually set up shop in old grain-based food products. (Photo provided)

It is called the drugstore beetle because these little critters also were known to eat cough drops and prescription drugs before we put drugs in hard-to-open plastic containers. But most Extension visitors find them in flour or dry mixes. Families that store large quantities of dog food or even birdseed may find them lurking.

Control is relatively simple. Chemical methods should be used as a last resort in the kitchen. Instead, start by eliminating their food source by combing the pantry and cabinets for little used grain-based materials. Drugstore beetles usually are at a high population in a bag before they wander out to find a new location.

Discard this ruined food source in a sealed bag or take the buggy food to the outdoor garbage can. Future foods should be kept tightly sealed with chip clips or placed in sealable containers to assure that there is no further source of food for these ravenous beetles.

Occasionally these beetles may show up in the bathroom or even the home office, as they are scavenging for new food sources. Wherever they are found, resist the urge to spray pesticides. Instead, use this opportunity to do a little spring cleaning of the cabinets and pantry.

My next article will focus on another common indoor pest — pesky gnat.

 

—BJ Jarvis is Director and Horticulturist for Pasco Cooperative Extension, a partnership between the University of Florida, USDA and county government. Questions can be answered at or by phone at (352) 518-0156.

 

The Laker/Lutz News winter team

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The Laker and the Lutz News has named The Laker/Lutz News team for the 2012-13 high school basketball, wrestling and girls weightlifting season. Members were selected based on skill, value to their squad and final statistics. Teams in the coverage area include Academy at the Lakes, Bishop McLaughlin, Carrollwood Day, Freedom, Gaither, Land O’ Lakes, Steinbrenner, Sunlake, Wharton, Wesley Chapel and Wiregrass Ranch. The soccer team was released last week. Sports Editor Kyle LoJacono and Staff Writer Jeff Odom selected the team. Stats are as recorded to Maxpreps.com or provided by coaches, and all playoff performances are from the Florida High School Athletic Association.

 

Boys basketball first team

–Point guard: Antwan Bradley, Sr., Freedom. The Patriots’ floor general posted 9.9 points, 2.8 assists, 2.8 steals and 2.0 rebounds.

–Guard: Ke’Shawn Ingram, Jr., Steinbrenner. Quietly put together one of the most explosive seasons with 21.5 points, 4.0 assists, 2.6 steals and 2.5 rebounds.

–Guard: Chris Parra, Sr., Wiregrass Ranch. A sniper from outside, Parra hit 40 percent of his 3-point attempts and finished with 15.8 points, 3.8 assists, 2.7 steals and 2.2 rebounds.

–Forward: Rico Kerney, Sr., Wiregrass Ranch. Not only did he lead the Bulls with 22.2 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2.8 steals, he was also where the squad got its energy.

–Forward: Brandon Patchan, Sr., Freedom. The 6-foot-7, 236-pound senior was a monster in the paint. Put up 10.2 points and pulled down 5.8 rebounds.

–Center: Victor Obi, Sr., Land O’ Lakes. The Gators’ 6-foot-5 force put up 10.8 points, grabbed 8.6 rebounds and blocked 2.4 shots.

–Utility: Sir Patrick Reynolds, Sr., Wharton. A true hybrid, Reynolds played all five positions on the floor while averaging 16.4 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.4 assists.

 

Boys basketball second team

–Point guard: Dimarco Burgess, Sr., Wiregrass Ranch. Missed several games with a sprained ankle but still posted 6.0 points, 3.6 assists, 2.3 rebounds and 2.0 steals.

–Guard: Jaken Grier, Sr., Wharton. A consistent presence for the Wildcats, he racked up 10.9 points and 2.7 rebounds.

–Guard: Ethan Haslam, So., Academy at the Lakes. The Wildcats’ top offensive threat posted 17.0 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.3 steals.

–Forward: Bryce Nickels, Jr., Steinbrenner. Controlled the paint of the defensive side of the floor with 7.7 rebounds and 3.5 blocks. Also scored 13.1 points.

–Forward: Stephen Odunna, Sr., Freedom. A key cog in the resurgent Patriots lineup. Averaged 11.3 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.4 steals.

–Center: Marcus Hayne, Jr., Wesley Chapel. Used every bit of his 6-foot frame to rack up 10.3 points and 7.5 rebounds.

–Utility: Mike Obi, So., Land O’ Lakes. The combo guard stepped right in as the Gators’ No. 1 scorer with 14.2 points and 5.0 rebounds.

 

Boys basketball honorable mention

–Point guard: Malik Hall, Jr., Academy at the Lakes. The Wiregrass Ranch transfer posted 10.6 points and 3.4 assists.

–Point guard: Brenden Huynh, Jr., Sunlake. The Seahawks’ top scorer averaged 16.4 points while adding 3.8 assists and 2.6 rebounds.

–Point guard: Brian Rodriquez, Jr., Wesley Chapel. Dished out 3.6 assists while adding 7.1 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.0 steals to Wesley Chapel.

–Guard: Jon Marc Carrier, Sr., Steinbrenner. Added 7.5 points to the Warriors’ attack while posting 2.5 steals to the defense.

–Guard: Carson Emery, Jr., Wesley Chapel. Took his game to another level by scoring 10.0 points, dishing out 3.5 assists, pulling down 2.5 rebounds and getting 2.0 steals.

–Guard: Virgil Crump, Sr., Wharton. The spark plug off the bench scored 7.3 points in his final high school season.

–Guard: Larrentz Manora, Sr., Wiregrass Ranch. Was always a threat to take over a game. Manora racked up 10.8 points and 3.6 rebounds.

–Guard: Jonuel Martinez, Sr., Sunlake. Returned from a torn ACL that robbed him of last season to average 12.8 points, 8.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 2.4 steals.

–Forward: Dane Barhonovich, Sr., Bishop McLaughlin. Part of a highly athletic ’Canes front court (11.5 points, 7.5 rebounds).

–Forward: Travis Doyel, Sr., Sunlake. The Seahawks’ threat in the paint scored 9.2 points and pulled down 6.8 rebounds.

–Forward: Will Potosky, So., Bishop McLaughlin. The second half of the Hurricanes frontcourt duo (10.2 points, 7.0 rebounds).

–Forward: Ricky Ramirez, Sr., Wiregrass Ranch. Did much of the dirty work near the basket for the Bulls (8.0 points, 6.1 rebounds).

–Center: DeAndre Williams, Jr., Academy at the Lakes. The massive 6-foot-7 Wharton transfer gave the academy a true post presence (9.0 points, 6.5 rebounds).

–Center: Jack Frank, So., Steinbrenner. Picked up where he started last season to the tune of 9.7 points and 8.0 rebounds.

–Utility: Elijah Blackman, Sr., Wiregrass Ranch. Scored 3.8 points and 2.8 rebounds while playing and defending both the forward and guard positions.

–Utility: Marcus Guzman, Sr., Wiregrass Ranch. Switched between forward and guard in the Bulls high-energy offense. Finished with 7.6 points and 2.3 rebounds.

–Utility: Abaz Igwe, Sr., Academy at the Lakes. The shooting guard/small forward racked up 8.7 points and 3.4 rebounds.

–Utility: Kendall Pearcey, Sr., Steinbrenner. The Warriors’ combo guard scored 6.8 points and added 2.4 steals.

 

Player of the Year: Erik Thomas, Sr., Wesley Chapel. The forward had, by any statistical measure, one of the most prolific seasons in the region’s history. Thomas scored 32.7 points and pulled down 16.3 rebounds this year while also dishing out 3.0 assists to lead the Wildcats to their first district championship in seven years. He ends his high school career as the program’s all-time leader in points and rebounds. The area won’t likely see as complete a player as Thomas for a long time.

 

Offensive Player of the Year: CJ McGill, Sr., Wharton. Lightning quick doesn’t begin to describe the kind of speed McGill displays. The point guard, who led the Wildcats with 17.0 points and 5.7 assists, could, on any night, dominate by shooting from outside the 3-point line, by cutting to the basket or without scoring a point with on-target passes to his teammates to help Wharton win the first regional championship in program history.

 

Defensive Player of the Year: The reigning Offensive Player of the Year for the football season showed he can get it done on the defensive end on the hard courts. The 6-foot-6 forward commanded the paint all season, ripping down a team-high 7.8 rebounds, swatting away 2.7 shots per contest and altering the opposition’s game plan to avoid him at all costs. His work near the basket helped lead the Wildcats to district and regional titles.

 

Coach of the Year: Cedric Smith, Freedom. Made a huge impact on the Patriots in just his second season at the helm. Freedom’s record improved by six wins from Smith’s first year leading the program thanks to his demands on perfect fundamentals, defense-first mentality and physical play. It’s likely the Patriots will continue that same progression with Smith at the in charge.

 

Girls basketball first team

–Point guard: Timecia Cohen, Sr., Academy of the Lakes. Moved to a new position to fill a team need and shined by averaging 12.5 points, 7.3 assists, 7.1 rebounds and 5.4 steals.

–Guard: Justice Thigpen, Sr., Steinbrenner. Did a little bit of everything for the Warriors with her 5.7 assists, 3.6 points, 2.9 steals  and 2.8 rebounds.

–Guard: Whitney Turntine-Ivy, Sr., Freedom. The Plant transfer showed she’s an expert outside shooter (6.3 points) and also wasn’t afraid to crash the boards (2.1 rebounds).

–Forward: Andrea Mauger, Sr., Academy at the Lakes. The academy’s floor general scored a team-high 17.5 points while posting 4.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists.

–Forward: Amanda Melosky, So., Wiregrass Ranch. Posted 14.7 points and 10.3 rebounds, and she’s only a sophomore.

–Center: Rachel Briere, So., Steinbrenner. Knee trouble limited Briere for part of the season, but still came up big for Steinbrenner with 9.3 points and 4.0 rebounds.

–Utility: Bailey Hooker, Sr., Steinbrenner. The forward/guard led the Warriors in points (15.0), rebounds (5.0) and blocks (1.9).

 

Girls basketball second team

–Point guard: Monet Williams, Sr., Freedom. Added much more to the Patriots lineup than her 3.7 assists and 2.4 points because of her toughness and poised play.

–Guard: Neena Pacholke, Sr., Freedom. Focused her attention on defense this season, but still posted 3.0 points and 2.1 assists.

–Guard: Olivia Unger, Jr., Steinbrenner. Developed into a major scoring threat in her first year starting with 6.1 points and 2.9 rebounds.

–Forward: Kelly Brown, Sr., Wharton. The Wildcats’ main post presence muscled her way to 6.5 points.

–Forward: Sarah Nichols, Sr., Land O’ Lakes. The Gators’ top scorer (10.3) and rebounder (4.4) was also the squad’s clear-cut leader.

–Center: Lauren Shedd, Sr., Steinbrenner. Was a physical force for the Warriors before torn ankle ligaments ended her season early (5.9 points, 4.9 rebounds).

–Utility: Brielle Downing, Fr., Bishop McLaughlin. Played much bigger than her 5-foot-1 height, racking up 18.8 points, 5.3 steals, 2.7 rebounds and 2.2 assists as a combo guard.

 

Girls basketball honorable mention

–Point guard: Makala Canada, Fr., Land O’ Lakes. Showed she will be a force in Pasco County for years with her 9.7 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.1 steals.

–Point guard: Carlena Eugene, Jr., Wharton. Switched positions from forward to fill a team need and responded with 6.2 points.

–Point guard: Taylor Thigpen, Jr., Steinbrenner. Added to the Warriors’ attack with 5.7 points and 2.3 assists.

–Guard: Courteney Cox, Sr., Wharton. Part of a very balanced Wharton attack with 4.8 points.

–Guard: Alex Diepholz, Sr., Wiregrass Ranch. Did a little of everything for the Bulls, including 5.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.1 rebounds and 2.9 assists.

–Guard: Beliz Esen, Fr., Wiregrass Ranch. Part of a young and talented nucleolus of returning Bulls (7.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.3 steals).

–Guard: Trakyra Kidd, Fr., Wiregrass Ranch. Posted 4.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.2 steals while showing a fearlessness beyond her grade level.

–Guard: Allison Mitchell, Sr., Wharton. Was the Wildcats go-to scorer from Day 1 this season (9.2 points).

–Forward: Kristin Ibison, Sr., Wiregrass Ranch. The Bulls small forward averaged 5.1 rebounds and 5.0 points.

–Forward: Taylor McDonald, Jr., Land O’ Lakes. Showed she has the ability to develop into a force in the paint (5.9 points, 4.6 rebounds).

–Forward: Lauren Repp, Sr., Freedom. Gave the Patriots a physical presence off the bench with her 3.5 points and 2.1 rebounds.

–Forward: Lauren Wall, Fr., Wharton. A torn ACL limited her to 16 games, but displayed true promise as a freshman (5.5 points).

–Center: Bianca Igwe, So., Freedom. Her toughness near the basket was key in Freedom making the final four (3.5 points, 4.0 rebounds).

–Center: Logan Seoane, Jr., Wiregrass Ranch. Continued her progression as a force down low with her 8.4 points and 3.9 rebounds.

–Utility: Pamela Andrade, Jr., Land O’ Lakes. Scored 8.5 points with 3.0 rebounds and 2.4 steals while playing at several spots on the floor.

–Utility: Tiffany Echevarria, Sr., Wesley Chapel. Was a dynamic scoring threat as the Wildcats primary ball handler.

–Utility: Alex Gittens, Sr., Academy at the Lakes. Listed as a forward, but Gittens (2.5 rebounds, 3.7 points) shined as a defensive stopper for whoever she was matched up against.

–Utility: Ashle Thompson, Sr., Freedom. Name a spot on the floor and Thompson played it this season, scoring 3.0 points and pulling down 2.5 rebounds.

 

Player of the Year: Faith Woodard, Sr., Freedom. The Riverview transfer and Georgetown University signee showed that she is one of the most dynamic and athletic players in the area’s history. The forward’s 22.1 points, 9.1 rebounds, 2.9 steals and 1.9 blocks speak for themselves, and her presence on offense and defense was key in Freedom’s 25-4 record and first trip to the final four in the program’s 11-year history.

 

Offensive Player of the Year: Taylor Emery, So., Freedom. Emery developed one of the most deadly pull-up jump shots in the region this season to go with her ability to drive to the basket. The guard averaged 20.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists. If she continues to progress at the same rate she has the last two years, well, look out Hillsborough County. Emery is on a mission.

 

Defensive Player of the Year: Tatiana Manuel, Sr., Academy at the Lakes. The Brooks-DeBartolo transfer took a huge step forward this season. The center had been one who simply stood under the basket for blocks and rebounds. She still commanded the paint with her 5.8 blocks and 9.2 rebounds while being much more active stepping out and contesting shots away from the hoop. Her efforts helped get the Wildcats back to the final four.

 

Coach of the Year: Karim Nohra, Academy at the Lakes. New year, same story for Nohra. It doesn’t seem to matter how many of his players graduate. The veteran coach will have them clicking in February when it matters. He lost four starters and five seniors from last year’s squad that reached the final four. This season he had two starting freshmen, several new players and a first-time point guard. The result — a state runner-up finish.

 

Wrestling

–Jon Galvin, Jr. Wesley Chapel. Won the consolation match at the Class 1A state tournament in the 126-pound weight division. Went 39-7 overall.

–Theodore Johnson, Sr., Wesley Chapel. Qualified for the Class 1A state meet in the 285-pound weight class. Was 23-16 for the season.

–Zach Kweller, Sr., Sunlake. Earned a spot at the Class 2A state meet and went 34-13 while competing in the 195-pound weight division.

–Nicholas Peshek, Jr., Gaither. Reached the Class 3A state meet in the 113-pound division and finished with a 43-11 overall record.

–Kendrick Portorreal, Sr., Sunlake. Went 2-1 at the Class 2A 132-pound tournament and was 34-10 for the year.

–Dominick Telesco, So., Land O’ Lakes. Advanced to the third round of the Class 2A 106-pound consolation bracket and ended the year 40-8.

–Devin Whitacre, Sr., Wesley Chapel. The 113-pound weight division wrestler competed at the Class 1A state meet and posted a 24-20 record for the year.

 

Wrestler of the Year: Tony Ruggiero, Sr., Wesley Chapel. Ruggiero did something never before done by a Wesley Chapel wrestler — capture a state championship. The senior won the Class 1A title in the 120-pound weight division and finished the season with a 42-5 record in his final year of high school competition.

 

Coach of the Year: Jeff Beson, Wesley Chapel. Took four of his Wildcats to the Class 1A state meet, more than any other area coach. He also helped Tony Ruggiero become the first in program history to claim a state title.

 

Girls weightlifting

–Catalina Valdes, So., Sunlake. Reached states and hoisted 295 total pounds to finish 11th in the 169-pound class.

–Stephanie Frances, Sr., Sunlake. The unlimited lifter posted 320 total pounds to finish 25th in the state.

 

Lifter of the Year: Alex Ruiz, Sr., Sunlake. The senior captures the award for the second straight year. Ruiz not only won the 119-pound state championship by hoisting a total of 330, she also set the division’s record in the bench press by lifting 180.

 

Coach of the Year: Denise Garcia, Sunlake. The Seahawks fifth-year coach helped get three student-athletes to the state meet. No other area program sent even one.

 

 

Wiregrass Ranch boys tennis’ lofty expectations

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By Kyle LoJacono

 

Wiregrass Ranch has been, by any measure, the most consistent boys tennis program in Pasco County since the school’s opening in 2006.

The Bulls (9-0) have never had a losing season, have captured district titles the last three years and have complied a 66-1 Sunshine Athletic Conference record the last five plus seasons.

The winning tradition has been established at Wiregrass Ranch, but the goals, ambitions and expectations are set even higher this year.

Wiregrass Ranch ace Courage Okungbowa is the two-time defending The Laker/Lutz News Boys Tennis Player of the Year. (Photo by Kyle LoJacono)

A state championship, the most sought after prize for any high school program, is a real possibility.

“Getting to the state tournament is going to be tough, but if we get there, and it matters with what draws you have, but if we get to the state tournament there’s no reason we shouldn’t take a run at a state title,” said Bulls coach Dave Wilson.

The excitement isn’t just centered around Wiregrass Ranch’s top player Courage Okungbowa, the two-time reigning The Laker/Lutz News Boys Tennis Player of the Year, or even the front half of the Bulls’ lineup.

“Our team here is strong one through six,” said Courage, a senior. “With that it takes a lot of pressure off the higher players, because we know the guys at four through six or seven can still play, and we can have good results even when our top players aren’t at our best.”

Wiregrass Ranch lost Jaime Feliciano to graduation and Koustubh Ramesh to an ankle injury, who played No. 4 and 2 last year, but gets an infusion of young talent in freshmen Agustin Moreno and Niels van Dam.

“Koustubh is back, but he has an ankle injury and probably wouldn’t have been in our top five if he was healthy, and he was our No. 2 last year,” Wilson said. “That shows some of the growth. We lost Jaime, who was a very consistent player, but these players are really talented and are younger.”

Courage is the only senior on a squad that includes two freshmen and two sophomores in the top five. Wilson said that does present a different set of challenges.

“The only thing that worries me is we’re a very young team, so if you get to a state tournament you worry about that youth, but these guys all play really high-level tennis,” Wilson said. “They’ve been in USTAs and are tournament-ready players.”

The Bulls have gotten off to their normal start, going 9-0, all by 7-0 margins, while dropping no more than two games at any position. The seventh-year program has become accustomed to that level of domination in the regular season but had a rude wakeup call last year in the first round of the Class 4A playoffs.

Wiregrass Ranch dropped its home postseason match 4-2 to Wharton, a district runner-up to Plant. Wilson said the Wildcats and the Panthers are major hurdles for his squad.

“Wharton has won three states titles and Plant has been very good, so we could be as dominate as we’ve been in the county, but when you get to regional you have those two big dogs,” Wilson said. “I think that pushed the guys who are back, and then the freshmen that came in have taken us to another level. We know we’re better than we were last year, but now they know it doesn’t matter if you win all these matches in the regular season if you get knocked out.”

Sophomore Foresight Okungbowa, Courage’s brother, watched as an eighth-grader while the 2011 squad became the first in program history to make the state tournament.

“I was so excited to play for the high school team last year,” Foresight said. “I wanted to go to states, and it was kind of disappointing that we missed it. We all want to make up for that.”

The clinching point was between Wharton’s Marcel Betancourt and Alejandro Feliciano, Jaime’s brother, in a near three-hour contest that went the Wildcats way 7-5, 6-7 (6-8), 7-5.

“It made me mad because I lost,” said Alejandro, a sophomore. “It was tough to lose that and have the team not go to states. It made me want to work harder and play better. … I’ve been working to be more consistent and more calm in the head.”

Wilson stepped up their regular season by adding teams like Palm Harbor, Springstead and Nature Coast and kept Jesuit on the schedule. The Bulls won at Palm Harbor 7-0 and travel to Springstead March 11, Nature Coast March 12 and Jesuit March 18.

Alejandro said he hopes the tougher schedule will prepare them for a title run.

“We talk about how this is our chance to win state,” Alejandro said. “The team is probably not going to get much better than this one with Courage as a senior. We have to take advantage of this year.”

Wilson, who is also Wiregrass Ranch’s athletic director, said having that kind of pressure to win was what he’s tried to build when he started the program in 2007.

“Before we had good athletes, where now we have good athletes who are full-time tennis players,” Wilson said. “Before we were converting mostly soccer players, and now if you don’t focus on tennis you really can’t fit into our top eight. …Wiregrass as a whole, the athletics have been phenomenal from top to bottom. The cross country teams and soccer teams are competitive wherever they go. Boys and girls tennis has been very good, and it’s great to have Wiregrass tennis on the map.”

The Bulls host Land O’ Lakes March 14 at 3 p.m.

—Follow Kyle LoJacono on Twitter: @Kyle_Laker

Steinbrenner poised to finally break through districts

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By Jeff Odom

 

The Steinbrenner baseball team has enjoyed its fair share of success during the last three years — in the regular season.

While the Warriors (9-0) have put together records of 18-6, 19-5 and 17-7 since the school opened in 2009, they have hit a wall when it comes to the district tournament. Last season, they blew two major leads and lost to eventual Class 7A-District 9 champion Gaither in extra innings as the No. 1 seed.

Fourth-year coach John Crumbley, who won three state titles in 22 years at the helm of Jesuit, said things have just not gone as planned when it comes to big games, but hopes experience and talent changes that this season.

Steinbrenner junior Cole Gordon takes over as the squad’s No. 1 pitcher this season. (Photo by Tim McClain)

“You got to hope they want to be the first group to get us to the postseason,” Crumbley said. “We’ve had some heartbreaking situations, but the thing I’m most proud of is that we’ve took something and improved every year because of the guys who went before. We have a saying that potential is interesting, but performance is everything.”

Getting past the district semifinals will rest largely on a new cast of characters after Steinbrenner lost much of its top talent from a year ago to graduation.

Gone is No. 1 starting pitcher Chris Williams (7-0, 1.66 ERA*), second baseman Christian Diaz, shortstop Stone Ramsey, left fielder Sammy May and third baseman Gerald Bautista, who plays in the Cleveland Indians organization.

Junior right-handed pitcher and first baseman Cole Gordon (6-1, 0.95 ERA*) has moved to the top of the rotation in place of Williams. The No. 2 spot is still up for grabs between right-handed junior and first-year varsity player Gideon Dunn and lefty senior Nick Sucarichi.

“The main thing we have to do is replace Chris Williams’ innings on the mound and the workhorse he was for us for three years,” Crumbley said. “We think our pitching with coach (Steve) Morgan working with them that we’ll be able to find out where we’ll get those quality innings from and be competitive in each of our games.”

Gordon, a 2012 Perfect Game USA All-American honorable mention, said he isn’t rattled by the expectations he has to live up to.

“It’s an honor to do it on this team, because there’s a lot of pitchers that have stepped up here before and there’s a lot of juniors and seniors coming up this year,” said Gordon (.273, four homers, 21 RBI*). “It’s not about carrying the load. It’s about sharing it with everyone else, and I think we’ll be able to handle it all.”

Steinbrenner is looking to its seniors to continue making strides and improve from the squad that hit just .288 last season.

Senior first baseman and Florida Gulf Coast University signee Chase Turner (.354, nine RBI*) said there cannot be an individual mentality if the team wants to go far.

“We have some big bats this year and hopefully we can get it done, and hopefully it will be exciting,” Turner said.

One of the advantages the Warriors have this season, according to Crumbley, is the pool of talent brought up from the programs developmental squad.

First-year players like third baseman Mijon Cummings, sophomore catcher/infielder Chase Debonis and outfielder Alex Hanson have made an early impact.

Hanson, who gave up football to make baseball his top priority, is excited to play at the top level.

“It was really hard (leaving football), but I loved baseball,” Hanson said. “It’s a big relief that now I can play with all my friends, and that hopefully we can go far this year. I know that I’ve trained hard, and I should be prepared to do what I can do for the team.”

The journey to a district title won’t be easy for Steinbrenner with rivals Wiregrass Ranch and Gaither the favorites to challenge for the championship. Gordon isn’t sold on that, though.

“I don’t think they’re necessarily the favorites for the district; I think we should be the favorite,” Gordon said. “Getting past them, I think we’re just going to have to play our baseball and not conform to them. If we want to get to the next level or states or regionals, we’re going to have to beat teams like that and step up.”

*Stats from last season

Roller-less Land O’ Lakes looks to stay on top

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By Kyle LoJacono

 

The Land O’ Lakes boys tennis team lost its rock this season.

It lost its big force.

To put it bluntly, it lost arguably the best player that has ever come through the program in 6-foot-4 Colin Roller, a four-time state qualifier who signed to play at Division I East Carolina University following last year.

To further complicate things, two of the Gators’ projected top five has been severely limited by injuries. Junior Tyler Sanders re-injured a badly pulled hamstring suffered while playing soccer, and fellow junior Erik Thielbar is just returning from a broken toe.

Sophomore David Dollbaum takes over as Land O’ Lakes’ No. 1 after splitting time at the top slot last year. (Photo by Kyle LoJacono)

The changeover has been large, but Land O’ Lakes (5-1) has a four-year playoff streak, has three district titles in the last four years and a state appearance as a team in 2010.

The Gators have no interest in taking a step back.

“We want to keep winning,” said sophomore Eric Lee. “I wouldn’t say it’s pressure. We just want to win and keep that title.”

Land O’ Lakes got an infusion of young talent from freshmen Samvit Iyer and Jeffrey Gu, who have filled in at Nos. 3 and 4, respectively. Third-year Gators coach Jasalyn Gerazounis said such additions have added an “aspect of competitiveness” to the squad.

“In the past when I set the lineup they kind of went with it,” Gerazounis said. “Now they want to fight for those positions. That’s nice to see.”

The transition has been made easier because sophomore David Dollbaum, Land O’ Lakes’ new No. 1, hit in the top slot for about half of last year when Roller was away because of his extremely demanding training schedule.

“I didn’t know he’d miss so many matches going into last year, so I thought it would be really hard on us now without Colin,” Gerazounis said. “Since he wasn’t there consistently last year, David played a lot at that No. 1 spot, so this isn’t new to him.”

Lee added, “I think David is a very good No. 1 for us. He did it a lot last year, and he’s gotten a lot better since last year.”

Dollbaum and Roller also qualified for the Class 3A state meet as a doubles team. They went 12-1 as a duo.

“I didn’t think I’d be going to states when I started the year,” Dollbaum said. “Colin really pushed me to get better, and it was really cool getting to states.”

Dollbaum has gone 5-1 at the No. 1 spot this year. He is realistic about replacing Roller as Land O’ Lakes’ ace, but does believe the squad can still compete at a high level.

“Last year was more centered toward the top, but this year it’s more spread out,” Dollbaum said. “I’m clearly not as good as Colin, but Chris (Mo) has gotten much better at No. 2, and we have really good freshmen who came in. That really helped even out the team.”

Gerazounis agreed: “I have a more evenly distributed team now. It was very Colin-heavy at the top when he was here. Now it’s not quite as distinct. Now it doesn’t just rest on one person. Before we were pretty much guaranteed two points with his singles and doubles. Now they know they have to step up just to get those points. They’re competitive guys and all want to win.”

Iyer said the commitment he saw from Day 1 showed him why the Gators are on a four-year playoff streak.

“Some of the teams don’t take it as seriously,” Iyer said. “We take it very seriously. We think we can win every time we play.”

Gu said that serious nature comes from Gerazounis.

“There’s a lot of hard work at practices and everyone wants to do well,” Gu said. “Coach puts a lot of conditioning into our practices, which is tough, but she also uses a lot of humor to keep it fun. She’s overall a good person, and she teaches us a lot.”

Gerazounis said she isn’t nervous about this year’s prospects.

“I do feel like there’s some unsaid expectation for myself, but I don’t put that on them,” Gerazounis said. “I do expect great things out of them because they are very talented. It is a pleasure to coach them.”

The Class 3A-District 6 tournament is at River Ridge April 1 and 2. Land O’ Lakes hosts Anclote March 12, followed by road matches against Sunlake March 13 and Wiregrass Ranch March 14.

—Follow Kyle LoJacono on Twitter: @Kyle_Laker

Versatile, athletic and selfless

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The traits of Wiregrass Ranch senior Hannah Eder

 

By Kyle LoJacono

 

Hannah Eder can’t do everything — it just seems that way.

The Wiregrass Ranch senior has not only demonstrated versatility and athleticism during the last four years on the Bulls soccer and track and field squads, but also a selfless nature to do whatever her teams need.

“She’s a natural leader, and she does what you ask her to do,” said Wiregrass Ranch girls track coach Don Howard. “I asked her to high hurdle, and she tried it. She didn’t like it, so I didn’t make her do it again, but she was willing to do it. I put her in the 100, the 200; she’ll do whatever I ask her to do. Athletically as a sprinter and jumper, she’s capable of doing anything that you ask her to do.”

Wiregrass Ranch senior Hannah Eder claimed district titles in the long and triple jumps last season. (File photo)

Soccer was the first sport Eder started playing, picking up the game around age 7. She added track at John Long Middle in Wesley Chapel, where she also competed in volleyball and basketball while also becoming a cheerleader.

“I like to stay active, and in middle school I wanted to meet more friends, so I did everything,” Eder said. “I like being outside and running around and competing with people.”

She decided to stick with soccer and track in high school.

Her focus in track has been the long and triple jumps and running with the 4×100-meter relay. Eder had a breakout season last year when she collected championships in the jumps and with the relay team at the Class 3A-District 6 meet, which was where she also demonstrated her unselfish nature.

Howard entered the meet knowing they would be in a battle with Belleview for the district title. He asked his athletes to enter extra events with the hopes of scoring additional points to help win their fourth league crown in as many years.

Eder was one of those who rose to the challenge by placing third in the 100, an event she hadn’t competed in all year. The finish scored six points for the Bulls, who ended up winning districts by 9.5.

“I felt I had to step up to the plate and help my team,” Eder said. “Coach Howard asked me to do it, so I agreed. Track is individual, but it’s also a team sport, so I wanted to help the team and win that title.”

Eder was again challenged this soccer season.

First-year Wiregrass Ranch coach Eddy Costa needed a central defender, so he asked Eder to move from midfield. She did willingly despite not playing the position since seventh grade.

“She did a tremendous job with no training,” Costa said. “She doesn’t play club soccer, so to put her in that position and see her perform so well was fantastic. That’s not an easy thing to do, but with her speed and her intelligence she took right to it and was an impact player for us.”

The Bulls allowed only 13 goals en route to a 20-3 record, a district championship and a trip to the Class 4A regional semifinals. Eder was named The Laker/Lutz News Girls Soccer Defensive Player of the Year for her efforts as a senior.

“It’s a different kind of pressure than offense, but it was a nice change,” Eder said.

Eder said the extra running that comes with playing defense helped prepare her for the track season. Her goals are to extend her personal records in the long (17 feet) and triple (34-11.5) by about a foot, retain her district titles and make the state meet for the first time.

“She’s very determined, very committed,” Howard said. “She’s always the last one out here. She’ll jump until you tell her not to. We have to tell her that she’s wearing herself out and that she needs to go home. She’s athletically just very natural. She’s lean and strong, and that’s a great combination for a jumper. She’s built to do it. In my opinion, and of course anyone can come up and beat her, but she’s the top triple and long jumper, or at least compete for it again, in the county.”

Eder was named Wiregrass Ranch’s co-valedictorian last week with track teammate Nikita Shah.

“Grades are actually even more important to me,” Eder said. “In middle school I was in the gifted program, and that translated to high school and showed me what I can do.”

Eder will attend the University of Florida next year. She has no plans to be a student-athlete for the Gators, but said she will play as many intramural sports as school allows.

—Follow Kyle LoJacono on Twitter: @Kyle_Laker