Special to The Laker/Lutz News

By Jeff Odom

The Sunlake boys soccer team found itself in an unfamiliar situation at home against Pasco Feb. 2 in the regional semifinals.

The Seahawks (29-0), who are usually known for their dominant offensive attack, struggled to keep the ball out of their zone and had to turn to freshman goalkeeper Danny Hrenko to keep them afloat in the first half.

He didn’t disappoint.

Hrenko made four point-blank saves on 11 shots to carry his team to a 2-0 win over the Pirates (13-6-1) to earn the program’s second regional finals berth.

“I’m just super proud that we’ve made it this far,” said Hrenko, who has 21 shutouts this season. “We’ve been lucky that we haven’t had many shots (against us), but when we do, I’m there for them, and my defense has been there for me. … If the whole team continues to work together, we can really do this.”

It was a fourth meeting between the Class 3A-District 7 rivals this season, something Sunlake coach Sam Koleduk said played a factor to start the game.

“It’s totally mental I believe, beating them three times by a total of 12-0,” Koleduk said. “We weren’t quite as motivated as we should have been, and I told the guys that we need to weather the storm, which we did. We survived.”

The Seahawks mustered just four shots in the first half, but converted one in the 23rd minute.

Derek Noble fired a shot that was turned away, but Aaron Aucoin was right there for the rebound to give his squad the one-goal edge.

Aucoin set up the insurance tally in the 49th minute, sending a pass to Connor Spencer for his 37th goal this season.

“Every game could be our last now,” said Spencer, a sophomore forward. “I feel like some of the tougher games are behind us now, and we can’t overlook any team at this point.”

Sunlake would dominate the remainder of the second half, compiling 10 shots on goal and taking advantage of multiple Pasco mistakes, including a double yellow card in the 67th minute that forced Pirates midfielder Jose Flores to the bench for the rest of the game.

“After we got that goal, I thought we settled down a little bit,” Koleduk said. “They were tough though, man. They played really well in the first half, but I think, same as always, the discipline really hurts them with the cards and talking back to coaches and everything.”

The Seahawks survived one of its toughest tests of the season in the regional quarterfinals Jan. 30, inching past Mitchell 4-2.

Sunlake opted to open with the gusty wind to its back. The move paid off as the host built a three-goal lead on 10 shots in the first half with tallies from Chris Wilkenson, Spencer and Noble.

The Mustangs (18-4-3) wouldn’t go quietly, dominating the second half offensively by outshooting the Seahawks 13-5.

Mitchell got on the board in the 54th minute on an own goal by Sunlake, and Chet Kirtley added another tally to bring the game within one with 18 minutes remaining.

The Seahawks would hang on thanks to a pair of late saves by Hrenko and another goal by Spencer in the 80th minute.

“I knew whoever had the wind would kind of dominate each half,” Koleduk said. “I wasn’t quite sure three goals would be enough, because we missed some easy ones in the first half. We definitely want to have a close game here or there, though.”

Frustrations boiled over before the final whistle as a shoving match started between the teams and led to a Mitchell player being ejected and another getting a yellow card for entering the field from the bench.

Sunlake travels to Gainesville Eastside Feb. 5 at 7 p.m. for the regional finals. A victory would send the sixth-year program to its first state semifinals, which the Seahawks would host Feb. 8 at 7 p.m. against the winner of the Fort Walton Beach Choctawhatchee-Gulf Breeze game.

By Kyle LoJacono

The Steinbrenner boys soccer team left the Class 4A-District 8 championship game with a hollow feeling two weeks ago after falling to Sickles 2-1.

The loss prevented the Warriors (17-2-3) from capturing the program’s first district title, but also meant they would travel for most, if not all, of their playoff games.

Instead of giving up on the season, Steinbrenner has risen to the challenge by winning its first two postseason contests by a combined score of 13-2.

“Going into the district finals I feel like in our heads we knew we were already going to regionals, so we didn’t work as hard as we could have,” said senior midfielder Logan Siben, a four-year starter. “We were definitely a better team than we showed, and not winning districts I think opened our eyes, especially for the seniors. We know the next game we lose is our last game. We’ve been busting our butts, and that’s why we’ve scored 13 goals.

“We had the potential to do this all season, but now we’re doing it when it counts,” Siben continued. “I feel like we’re peaking at the right time. … It’s working out perfect that we’re peaking right now, and three more wins and we’re state champions.”

Senior midfielder Derek Gebhard said the offensive onslaught has come from a mindset change.

“Coach (Chad Ebright) has been stressing for us to play our game and don’t let up when we get ahead,” Gebhard said.

Senior midfielder Enrique Barboto, a four-year starter, said the midfielders are also clicking.

“Derek and Logan on the wings and me and Blake (Wilson) in the middle have been really moving the ball well and working good together,” Barboto said. “Derek is really fast, Logan can send the ball in from the wing and me and Blake in the center — it’s just a good combination.”

The Warriors won 7-1 at Davenport Ridge Community Jan. 30 and followed up by beating Eagle Lake Lake Region 6-1 on the road Feb. 1. The victories earned the fourth-year program its first regional finals appearance.

“It’s awesome for us because we’re the first four-year graduating class,” Siben said. “Making it to that next step into the regional finals is great, but we don’t want to let down because we all want a state championship. We’re out to be that team that doesn’t win a district championship, but then goes on and wins regionals and state.”

Siben said the thought of going on the road for the playoffs was daunting at first, but the trips have worked to their advantage.

“I actually think we’ve been playing better away because we have that time together,” Siben said. “When we’re on the bus for an hour and a half people can’t go mess around. We’re so focused on the way over, and then on the way back after the wins we can just have fun.”

Steinbrenner got on the board first against Ridge Community thanks to freshman Brett Wilkosz, but the host tied it at 1-1 before halftime.

The Warriors exploded for six goals after the break, two apiece from Jason Collister and Gebhard and one scored each by Wilson and Cody Lively. Siben recorded three assists.

Steinbrenner led Lake Region 2-1 at halftime on the strength of goals by Austin Labban and Barboto. Collister added another tally after halftime before Gebhard posted a trio of scores to close the game and move his total in the playoffs to five.

“I play left mid and I’m right-handed, so I’ve been looking to go down the line and cut in,” Gebhard said. “I usually pass it, but they’ve been giving me room to shoot, so I’ve just taken it.”

The Warriors play at Deltona Pine Ridge Feb. 5 at 7 p.m. for the right to host the state semifinals against the winner of the Ocala Forest-Niceville game, which would be played Feb. 8 at 7 p.m.

—Follow Kyle LoJacono on Twitter: @Kyle_Laker

By Jeff Odom

Wesley Chapel boys basketball player Erik Thomas picked up his 2,000th career point in his final regular season high school game Feb. 1.

With 3:39 left in the second quarter at cross-town rival Wiregrass Ranch Feb. 1, Thomas made an easy layup to surpass the milestone. After the game, a stream of fans stormed the court and jumped all over the smiling 6-foot-4 senior forward to congratulate him on passing the mark.

“It feels great man; it’s a great, huge accomplishment,” Erik said. “I’m extremely happy. I’ve worked hard for it, and this means everything.”

Thomas, who is leading Pasco County with 33.5 points and 16.8 rebounds per game this season, has familiar company atop in the school record books — his older sister.

Sthefany Thomas, who played at Clemson University and now professionally for Gimele in Norway, compiled 2,563 points from 2003 to 2007 while playing for the Wildcats, and ended her high school career as Pasco’s all-time leading scorer. Gulf’s Nicole Adams took the top spot last season.

Wildcats coach Doug Greseth said it’s amazing to see how far Erik has come in four years.

“He’s one of the best players I’ve ever coached,” Greseth said. “He seems to find a way to get the job done, and I think he had a lot of energy (against Wiregrass), and I think he did a good job.”

Erik is the program’s all-time leader in points (2,025) and rebounds (1,148). He is adding 3.5 assists and 2.8 steals this year to go along with his scoring and work on the boards.

Erik said he knew coming into the game that he was going to reach the milestone, but he didn’t let it take over his head.

“It’s just such an extreme accomplishment for me and my sister to beat it and just be a part of history and the records, and I just feel like it’s a really big accomplishment for us,” Erik said.

Even after achieving history, only one thing was on Erik’s mind after the game.

“It’s another win in our book,” Erik said of beating the Bulls 65-62. “Now we have districts coming up, and that’s what we’re concentrated on. Just going to the final four.”

He did say he would allow himself to enjoy the achievement — for one night: “I’m just going to savor this, have a good time and just enjoy it.”

—Follow Jeff Odom on Twitter: @JOdomLaker

By Jeff Odom

Wiregrass Ranch boys basketball player Rico Kerney never thought he would end up in the program’s history book.

He was relegated to the junior varsity team as a freshman, and used the time to develop into the most prolific scorer and rebounder in the Bulls’ seven-year history.

The senior forward hit a major career milestone Jan. 28 in Wiregrass Ranch’s (19-6) 72-65 win at Mitchell.

Kerney surpassed the 1,500-point mark on a jump shot in the third quarter in the victory over the Mustangs (16-7). He said it was emotional to accomplish the feat, but it left him wanting more.

“To score 1,500 points feels amazing,” said Kerney, who finished with 22 points and 17 rebounds in the win. “I’m happy I did it, but I wish I could have got 2,000. But for three years to get 1,500 points, I’m proud of it.”

Bulls coach Jeremy Calzone has seen Kerney mature into the offensive leader that he is today and praised him for what he has done for the program.

“I don’t want to get too emotional, but over the last three years he’s been pretty special,” Calzone said. “His personality, his hard work ethic and he goes through a lot with his life and has been able to fight through that. I can’t even say any words. He’s been a special kid in our program.”

Kerney, who is also the program’s career record holder for rebounds at 880, achieved his milestone less than a week after teammate Chris Parra passed the same mark. Parra transferred to Wiregrass Ranch last year from Wesley Chapel.

“That’s special, and I don’t really think people appreciate it,” Calzone said. “A lot of (Kerney’s) points come with work. He gets a rebound tip in or a loose ball and throws it in, and I think he’s underappreciated from that respect, but he’s been very special for us.”

Kerney said it was humbling to join Parra in the 1,500-point club because of the work they have put in during the offseason.

“I would have never thought in a hundred years that I would have gotten this far,” Kerney said. “Coming from last year, we worked hard over the summer and played like 60 games. We gained our chemistry, and this year we’re trying to just play it and get to states.”

The Bulls opened the game by outscoring the Mustangs 22-12 in the first quarter, but an inconsistent defense opened the door for Mitchell to hang with them.

Wiregrass Ranch never trailed and was on point offensively with seven 3-pointers and took advantage of multiple fouls, finishing 24-of-35 at the free throw line.

“I still don’t think we’re buying into the disciplined defense that I want,” Calzone said. “We show it in spurts, so that’s better than not showing it at all, which we’ve done this season sometimes. … Hopefully, it’s not too late.”

Mitchell cut down the Bulls’ lead to three with 1:18 seconds left in the fourth, but a late run by Wiregrass Ranch led by Larrentz Manora (18 points), Parra (14 points) and Kerney secured the win.

—Follow Jeff Odom on Twitter: @ JOdomLaker

By Jeff Odom

The Wesley Chapel boys basketball team did just enough to win 65-62 at cross-town rival Wiregrass Ranch Feb. 1.

The Wildcats (21-4) dominated most of the second half, but nearly blew a 16-point lead in the closing seconds when the Bulls (19-6) went on an 11-0 run during the final three minutes to pull within one.

Wesley Chapel would not be deterred as junior guard Carson Emery stripped Wiregrass Ranch’s Chris Parra and found senior forward Erik Thomas (35 points, 11 rebounds) wide open down the court for a layup with 11.3 seconds left to end any hope for a comeback. Dozens of fans in the capacity crowd stormed the court in celebration.

“I know it’s a cliché, but it’s a shame that somebody had to lose,” said Wildcats coach Doug Greseth. “I thought Wiregrass really did a great job, and I think defensively we did exactly what we wanted to do. … I’m really proud of my guys for hanging on there at the end.”

Bulls coach Jeremy Calzone was less than pleased with his team’s all-around effort, especially defensively.

“I wish we gave a better effort like we did the last three minutes of the game,” Calzone said. “That’s the problem with this team. We go in spurts, and we don’t know how to play hard all the time. We get away with it sometimes, but they weren’t going to let us get away with it tonight.”

Wesley Chapel stumbled out of the gate in the first quarter, falling behind 14-4. The Wildcats stormed back when Wiregrass Ranch senior forward Rico Kerney was forced to the bench with two fouls.

Wesley Chapel ended the second quarter ahead by six and continued rolling in the third quarter by opening on a 13-2 run. Thomas scored 22 of his team’s 31 after halftime.

“We came out hard to play today, and they gave us a fight,” Thomas said. “We were ready to play and we matched their intensity, but it was who wanted the game more, and we just did everything we can to win the game.”

The Bulls hung in the contest by hitting 10 3-pointers, and Kerney had another attempt hit off the backboard and rim as time expired to secure the win for the Wildcats.

“We had a game plan and we stuck to it,” Greseth said. “They’re a high scoring team, and we only gave up 62 points. I think that’s a big testament to how well we played tonight, and it’s a great game to get us ready for the state playoffs and the district tournament.”

Emery had 15 points and seven rebounds, while guard Brian Rodriquez dished out nine assists. Center Harcus Hayne pulled down seven rebounds and scored eight.

Kerney led Wiregrass Ranch with 18 points, while Parra added 16.

Wesley Chapel hosts this week’s Class 5A-District 8 tournament as the top seed. The Wildcats play No. 8 Zephyrhills Feb. 5 at 7:30 p.m. for their first game in the event.

The Bulls are the No. 3 seed in the 7A-9 tournament at Steinbrenner and will play second-seeded Freedom Feb. 6 at 7:30 in the district semifinals.

—Follow Jeff Odom on Twitter: @JOdomLaker

By Jeff Odom

Sunlake boys basketball player Jonuel Martinez felt butterflies in his stomach when he walked on the court for the first time this season.

His hands shook and his legs quivered as he anticipated touching the ball for the first time since tearing the ACL in his left knee in April.

It wasn’t just the emotion of being on the court that struck Martinez. It was the long, painful journey that was behind him that made him stop and realize how special the moment truly was.

***

While playing in an all-star tournament during the Seahawks’ (7-16) offseason in April, Martinez was running up and down the court when he felt a pop in his left knee. He went down on the court writhing in pain.

“I was just running with the ball like I always do, when I made a fast break play to attack the basket, and I overstepped,” Martinez said. “My knee just blew up.”

Martinez thought he was okay at first. He told the coaches it was just a little pain, and they allowed him to stay in the game.

But the injury was far more serious.

“I thought everything was good,” Martinez said. “I got up, checked my knee and everything was alright. … I went again and played. Stole one ball and put a layup, but when I came down it was like boom. I knew something was wrong at that moment.”

Martinez’s knee began to swell and he couldn’t bend it after the game. His orthopedic surgeon told him he had torn his ACL, jeopardizing his senior season.

His heart was crushed, but the competitor inside of Martinez knew he would work to get back.

“He checked my knee and said, ‘Yeah, ACL,’” Martinez said. “‘You’re done for eight months.’ I wanted to cry. All of the years working and practicing for my senior year was done and gone.”

The surgery, Martinez said, was the most difficult part of the injury. He was immobile for a week before beginning his rehab, which made him feel better.

Soon, Martinez set a goal to return before the eight-month window was up. He worked hard and began training.

“That was the most important part for me,” Martinez said. “I told myself that I wanted to be back and play this season. So I started working hard, and in only five months and two weeks I was back.”

***

When spring workouts began, Sunlake coach Mark Hall noticed a familiar face sitting along the row of bleachers — it was Martinez.

Hall would watch his senior go into the next room with a trainer and come back drenched in sweat after the rest of the team was finished with practice. Though he wasn’t allowed to participate, he knew how much the game meant to Martinez.

“He’s unlike some of the others that seem to get hurt and they just disappear for like three months, but not Jonuel,” Hall said. “He was there every spring game, summer game, even though he couldn’t play. Just seeing him every day with the trainer, busting his butt and working hard, I really knew he wanted to come back and play.”

Soon, doctors cleared Martinez to practice, but it was hard for him to get back into a routine. Regardless of how tired they were, a few of his teammates would stick around to run with him or shoot some baskets as a way to encourage him.

“They were always supporting me, telling me to work hard,” Martinez said. “Every practice I was at, they told me to go back to the trainer and work hard, because they wanted me back. They made me feel special. When I came back, they made me part of the team again.”

***

Martinez returned to the Seahawks’ starting lineup against Countryside Nov. 26, putting up 10 points, a team-high 10 rebounds and three assists.

“After that game I couldn’t sleep all night,” Martinez said. “I kept thinking how it was special and I was like, ‘See, if you work hard, good things will happen.’”

Martinez has become the team’s leading rebounder with 8.4 per game and the second leading scorer with 12.3 points.

“It’s something that is so special for me,” Martinez said. “After this season I will remember that I have passed the hardest test of my life, but it is also the happiest thing of my life.”

By Kyle LoJacono

The Wesley Chapel girls track and field team is looking to fill a big void.

The Wildcats lost Ravin Gilbert, who signed with Georgia State University, to graduation following a year when she won district titles in the 100, 200 and 400 meters and reached states in all three events.

Second-year Wesley Chapel coach Brad Allen knew no one athlete could replace the 30 points Gilbert usually scored at every meet, so instead he’s going with a different approach.

“I made a big emphasis this year that people might get changed around in events depending on who they’re going against at meets,” Allen said. “Let’s say Alyssa (Turner), who’s a great one-miler (1,600), but if we go against teams where five girls can beat her, it’s probably better to put her in an event where she can score or get more points. I don’t want to be putting people in events they can’t keep up in. We want to try things and put them in the events they can do the best in and where they can help the team.”

Turner has been doing the 1,600, 800 and 4×800 relay since joining the squad as a sophomore. She started running distance in eighth grade while living in Japan, but has moved her emphasis to shorter distance for her senior season.

“I’m going to be doing the 400 and see how that works,” Turner said. “I wanted to try something new.”

Allen said he started looking at Turner’s times in the 400 and predicts that she can make states in that event with a season of training. It would be her first trip to the finals.

“I really want to go to states,” Turner said. “I’m working really hard to get there. I’ve been training all summer.”

The Wildcats will likely continue scoring well in the pole vault with the return of senior Abby Hudak, who picked up the event after a former coach mentioned it during her freshman year.

“I just said, ‘I don’t know what that is, but OK,’” Hudak said. “Ever since then I just really got into it. I’ve always been in gymnastics, so I like doing scary things. Once I got over the mental hurdle of how hard it is, I’ve been working to get better.”

Hudak’s personal record is clearing 10 feet and has set the goal of reaching at least 11 by the end of the year. Not only would that give her the opportunity to walk on in college, but it would also give her a good chance of making states for the first time.

“I’m currently ranked fifth in the state in (Class) 2A, but every year at regionals something horrible always happens,” Hudak said. “Wrong pole, wrong this, wrong that, but this year is going to be the year I think.”

Hudak, who also trains three times a week with Florida Pole Vault Academy, said she is a little behind where she would like to be after missing four months with a broken left foot suffered while skateboarding. She said she plans on working “super hard” to make up for the lost time.

Hudak and Turner both said everyone seems to be working even harder this year because the defending 2A state high jump champion is at every practice.

Senior Courtney Prengaman won the program’s first state title by clearing 5-feet, 6-inches last season.

“I’m really excited for her this year,” Turner said. “I hope she goes to states and wins again, and that pushes us all to work harder.”

Prengaman also set the school record by clearing 5-7 at the Class 2A-District 9 tournament last year, and gave credit for her ascension to Allen’s coaching.

“He doesn’t let any of us slack,” Prengaman said. “He pushes us to get better and not just settle for what we can do now. He’s really motivating and will find whatever he can online or wherever to learn more about our events to make us better.”

Allen has also worked to build more of a cohesive feeling to the squad.

“One of the complaints last year was that they didn’t feel like they were a team, so we’ve really been emphasizing that this year,” Allen said. “Now I don’t have to say anything and everyone is out there stretching together before practice. We’re being very strict this year about being here on time, stretching together and supporting each other doing other events.”

The methods appear to have brought new energy to the program.

“I’m really excited,” Turner said. “I think some really good things are going to happen this year for Wesley Chapel.”

The Wildcats start the season in the Chasco Invitational at Gulf Feb. 22 at 4 p.m. The 2A-9 meet is at Berkley Prep April 12, followed by regionals at Titusville Astronaut April 18 and states at the University of North Florida April 27.

—Follow Kyle LoJacono on Twitter: @Kyle_Laker