The Laker/Lutz News

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Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Remade Wildcats look to maintain final four form

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By Kyle LoJacono

 

The Academy at the Lakes girls basketball team has undergone a radical change the last few years.

Three seasons ago the Wildcats (7-0) went 0-15 and were looking for their first playoff berth. Now they are going for their third straight district championship and consecutive trips to the Class 2A final four.

Senior forward Alex Gittens is one of a few returning Wildcats who got any playing time last year. (File photo)

Karim Nohra, who is in his third season coaching the academy, doesn’t let his player go too long without letting them know what the Wildcats’ new reputation is.

“Everyone wants a piece of you, you know why? Because you’re Academy at the Lakes, and being Academy at the Lakes comes with responsibility,” Nohra told his squad at the end of a recent practice.

A second regional championship and a return to states in Lakeland will fall on the shoulders of a new cast. The Wildcats graduated five seniors, including four starters.

Among those gone are their leaders in points (Amelia Oliver, 18.9*), assists (Samantha Fernandez, 8.4*) and rebounds (Yvanessa Vincent, 11.0*), all of who signed to play in college.

“Last year’s team was really special,” said senior forward Andrea Mauger, the lone returning starter. “The starting five had a lot of chemistry. We had a special bond. This year it’s more like getting to know each other. Teaching the new girls and being patient is a big thing. I’m trying to prepare them mentally to get to Lakeland. Physically we have potential. It’s can they make it through the pressure of the regional finals.”

In that way, the team is in a similar position as last year.

Oliver and Fernandez transferred from Sunlake and Oldsmar Christian for their senior season, repetitively.

“Last year breaking in a couple new girls was tough initially,” Nohra said. “We knew we’d have to wait a few weeks. I was hoping we’d be ready to break through by January, and we did.”

Mauger (21.1 points, 5.0 rebounds) is back for her third year starting with the squad. She is the Wildcats’ leading scorer and sits at 1,220 points for her career.

Two of the new starters are center Tatiana Manuel (11.6 points, 8.0 rebounds, 4.0 blocks) and point guard Timecia Cohen (13.4 points, 8.0 rebounds, 8.0 assists, 5.0 steals).

Cohen, a senior, was with the squad last year, but tore the ACL in her right knee last October.

“I was at every game last year,” Cohen said. She added, “It was very frustrating. I wanted to be out there, but I couldn’t. I pushed my girls, and this year I think we can get back to Lakeland and the final four. Got so much to prove.”

Nohra said Cohen gives the squad flexibility.

“Right now Timecia is running point, but we also play her all over the court,” Nohra said. “She can play forward, on the wing, at shooting guard or point.”

Manuel, a senior, transferred from Brooks-DeBartolo, where she averaged 11.7 points, 7.6 blocks, 7.4 rebounds and 2.5 steals last year. Her 6-foot-2 frame gives the Wildcats height it has lacked.

“It gives us more of an intimidating front,” Mauger said. “In the paint she’s unstoppable. I’m 5-9, and there’s nothing I can do when she puts her hands up. She’s an asset, and I can lob it right to her at any point. Yvanessa was very physical and worked hard. With Tatiana, the height is something you can’t teach.”

Manuel said the intensity at her new school is something she’s never experienced, especially when it comes to Nohra’s coaching style.

“He’s a tough coach, he likes to push you and I wasn’t used to that,” Manuel said. “I was like, ‘Whoa, what are you doing,’ but it’s been good for me. He cares about getting us to college and getting us to states.”

The biggest difference from last year is the starting lineup includes two freshmen: Janice Cassanello and Luz Santiago (8.7 points, 3.0 rebounds).

“The keys for this team is how well the freshmen come up, develop and play well for us in the stretch run,” Nohra said. “They’re making more mistakes, but that’s good, because every time they do we teach them and talk to them about where they should have been and what should they have done. Every game for them is a learning process. It’s like another practice.

“I think last year’s team was a better shooting team,” Nohra continued. “I think this team is a little better inside. Breaking in two freshmen is tougher than last year because last year there were some seniors in those positions, so there was a huge learning curve, but I’m hoping that they quickly learn their jobs and do them well. We can only go as far as they come to the table for us.”

The squad has shown it still has the ability to suffocate opponents defensively and run them into the court with its offense, winning games by an average of 62.9-20.9.

The academy hosts the Class 2A-District 8 tournament, with the final on Feb. 1 at 7 p.m.

The Wildcats travel to Seven River Christian Dec. 11 at 6 p.m. and hosts Hernando Christian and Sunlake Dec. 13 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 14 at 6 p.m., respectively.

Freedom pushed, but still wins by 31

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By Kyle LoJacono

 

Hillsborough did something to the Freedom girls basketball team that no other squad has been able to this season.

The Terriers (5-4) couldn’t hand the Patriots (7-0) their first loss Dec. 3, but they did push Freedom like no other squad has.

Freedom junior guard Bella Gibson looks for an open pass during a 36-35 win at home over Hillsborough.

Freedom defended its home court with the 76-45 win, but it was the first time this year the Patriots have been unable to force a running clock by gaining at least a 35-point lead after halftime.

“They gave us a challenge,” said senior point guard Monet Williams. “It was the first time a team really stepped up to challenge us. They came to play. We had to pull through. We made some changes, and thankfully we got it done.”

The Patriots led by 13 at halftime, the closest at the break this season. Sophomore guard Taylor Emery said the contest was exactly what the Patriots needed after outscoring teams by an average of 77.5-25.5 entering the game.

“We needed a reality check,” Emery said. “This shows what we have to work on and get better at.”

Freedom coach Laurie Pacholke said she was pleased with the way her squad reacted.

“You never know when you’re going to get that first test of the year, and I’m happy with the way the kids responded in the second half,” Pacholke said. “They were sick of them hanging around, and they said, ‘This is it.’ I think the first couple possessions of the second half looked really nice.”

Pacholke said the conversation at halftime revolved around execution.

“Talked about things like transition defense, which I thought was shaky in the first half,” Pacholke said. “We also said to keep pushing at them because they had fouls and we knew they’d get tired. We know where our conditioning is. We know what we did in the offseason and what we do every day in practice. Some teams might stick with us for a half, but with our depth and conditioning we have an edge. … They stuck to the game plan and took care of business.”

Senior Faith Woodard had a team-high 28 points and 11 rebounds. Emery added 25, 11 steals, eight rebounds and five assists. Senior forward Ashle Thompson had nine points, all in the first half, and eight rebounds.

Woodard said Hillsborough’s tough play is what slowed them early.

“They were really physical,” Woodard said. “They were fast and quick. They’re pretty much more disciplined than some of the teams that we’ve come across.”

Pacholke said that physical play put her starters in foul trouble early, forcing her to go deep into her bench.

“I knew coming in if we weren’t on our A game we’d be pushed, but our depth really showed,” Pacholke said. “How many other teams can have two starters get in foul trouble in the first quarter and still be OK? We didn’t panic, and I think that’s what is the biggest strength we have is that depth.”

Williams, who had six assists, started for the first time this year in her third game back from tearing her right ACL twice in the last 10 months. Pacholke said she did “a great job getting into the flow” of the game.

“It was a different starting lineup that we’ve had all year, so I wasn’t surprised that we started a little slow, but dang, some of the things that Monet can do defensively and offensively seeing the open person and making passes is special,” Pacholke said. “We’re trying to keep her down a little bit. She wants to go out and play 32 minutes, but in games like this that get a little bit physical I’m just not taking that chance.”

Freedom plays a pair of home Class 7A-District 9 contests this week, first against Wiregrass Ranch Dec. 11 followed by the defending league champion Steinbrenner Dec. 13. The Patriots also travel to Newsome Dec. 12. All games start at 8 p.m.

Bulls struggle at Chamberlain

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By Jeff Odom

 

The Wiregrass Ranch boys basketball team failed to capitalize on a chance to take the top spot in Class 7A-District 9, falling at Chamberlain 73-49 Dec. 7.

The Bulls (4-1, 1-1) struggled to contain Chiefs (5-0, 2-0) guard Reggie Hart, who scored a game-high 26 points.

“We matched their intensity, but then I guess we just lost all hope and took a breather,” said Wiregrass Ranch guard Larrentz Manora, who finished with 10 points.

The Bulls looked sharp out of the gate, taking a 14-7 lead midway through the first period, but things changed quickly when leading scorer Rico Kerney (20 points) was forced to the bench with two quick fouls.

Chamberlain went on an 11-0 run to take its first lead of the contest and followed it up with a 15-2 run in the second quarter to widen the gap at halftime.

“We know that Rico and (Chris) Parra are 50 percent of their points, and we like to think our bread and butter is our man-to-man defense, and I think that we have guys that take pride in that,” said Chiefs coach Chris Snyder. “Rico coming into foul trouble early obviously helped too.”

Wiregrass Ranch cut Chamberlain’s lead to nine with a 13-2 run in the third, but the Chiefs responded by shutting down the Bulls’ offense completely in the final period, holding them to just one point.

Manora said the team needs to keep up its positive attitude going forward.

“This game’s over; we’ll shake it off,” Manora said. “We feel like we can go undefeated from here and have a positive attitude all the way.”

The Wiregrass Ranch girls (7-1, 1-1) took care of business as sophomore forward Amanda Melosky helped lead her team to a 68-30 win against Chamberlain (2-5, 1-2).

Melosky, who finished with 23 points, said it felt good to get a district win after falling at home to Steinbrenner by four points Dec. 4.

“It’s a big confidence booster,” Melosky said. “It was a close one with Steinbrenner, but now that we evened up the district (record), it gives us some more confidence to play and maybe beat Steinbrenner this time.”

The Bulls caught their stride in the third quarter after struggling to score in much of the first half. Junior forward Logan Seoane (14 points) and Melosky combined to outscore the Chiefs 26-8 to force a running clock.

“It’s definitely nice to get back into the win column in the district and I thought we played a poor first half, but maybe we were still spent from playing Steinbrenner,” said Wiregrass Ranch coach John Gant. “Overall, it’s selfish of me to be upset about winning by 38, so we’re happy with it.”

Gant said he could tell Melosky was ready to go before the game.

“When you see the look in her eye, she puts her head down, and you know what’s going to happen. … She’s a blue collar worker.”

The Bulls played at Academy of the Holy Names Dec. 10, but results were not available by press time. Wiregrass Ranch travels to district rival Freedom Dec. 11. The boys start at 6:30 p.m. and the girls tip off at 8 p.m.

School, community support for Jordan Harris

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By Jeff Odom

The two words engraved in a gray bracelet on Neena Pacholke’s wrist say it all — Freedom’s Survivor.

For the Freedom High senior, those words are closer to her heart than anything. She wears them every day in honor of her boyfriend Jordan Harris, who at age 15 was diagnosed with primitive neuroectodermal tumors, a rare brain cancer.

“I’ll never forget (when) I found out, it was the day before FCAT sophomore year,” Pacholke said. “(Harris) had to leave to go to his pre-op and his surgery and everyone was hugging him good bye. Then, that was it.”

Harris wasn’t sure what would happen, but he knew one person would be there — his girlfriend.

Pacholke began thinking of ways to raise money for Harris’ family. She custom ordered rubber bracelets and began selling them on campus for a dollar.

The support was overwhelming.

Soon, Harris’ condition began to improve after months of chemotherapy and surgeries. The cancer seemed to be in remission, but the news turned grim after a visit to the doctor for a checkup on Oct. 24.

The cancer had returned.

“From the first time I went through treatments to this time … having everyone here supporting me was a big help, a huge help,” Harris said. “Neena’s been the biggest thing, doing most of the things. I probably would have given up if it wasn’t for her.”

Pacholke put her second plan into action to raise more money for the family the day she received a text from Harris’ mom informing her that the cancer had returned.

She would visit Harris, often with friends, while he was receiving treatment at All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg. Pacholke said they would play games like Monopoly for hours during the trips.

“They were the best times of the worst times,” Pacholke said.

Pacholke and her friend Paisley Petrey came up with the idea of a hat day at school where students would pay money to wear a hat to raise money and show support for her boyfriend of nine months.

“The day that he had the doctor’s appointment, I was in school and his mom had texted me and that’s when we found out (the cancer) came back,” Pacholke said. “We had a club period and one of the teachers, Ms. (Kathleen) Feldman, I went to her bawling my eyes out and we thought of stuff we could do, walked into (principal Dave) Sheppard’s office and got (the hat day) approved.”

The event, titled Snapbacks Against Brain Cancer, was Nov. 2 and became an instant hit as students all around school participated. The cause raised more than $700 for the family.

“It’s been really crazy,” Pacholke said. “Everyone got let out of class to take a big picture seventh period and his mom got to see it. Then, one of (Jordan’s mom’s) friends started a Facebook group and all of the people that he doesn’t know that support him it’s just really cool to see.”

Pacholke plans to continue fundraising to support Harris until he is finally cancer-free.

Harris had planned to play for the Patriots boys soccer team this year. He competed for Freedom as a freshman and sophomore, but the cancer kept him from the field last season.

Harris made the team this season but has been too sick to play in a game. He still dreams of one day returning to the soccer pitch.

“I don’t think playing (school) soccer is really still a big possibility because it’s my senior year and college is really professional about it, but I still want to do some college stuff for fun,” Harris said. “If nothing happened, I probably would have wanted to play college soccer on a scholarship, but it’ll all be about fun now.”

To support Harris, the Beef O’ Brady’s Family Sports Pub at 1660 Bruce B. Downs Blvd in Wesley Chapel is hosting a fundraiser Dec. 6 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. A portion of each bill will be donated to his cause, and a gift basket will be raffled off.

The Patriots girls basketball team, of which Pacholke is a member, will have a Go Grey event during the home game against district rival Steinbrenner Dec. 13 at 8 p.m. Grey bracelets will be sold and donations for Harris will be accepted at the door, and those in attendance are encouraged to wear grey to show their support for him.

In addition, You Say When Yogurt Shoppe at 17503 Preserve Walk Lane in New Tampa will have Jordan Harris night every Friday in December where part of each bill will go toward raising money for his family.

For more information and for ways to help, go to Facebook.com/SnapbackAgainstCancer.

–Editor Kyle LoJacono contributed to this report.

She wants to change the world one country at a time

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By B.C. Manion

 

Erin Costello will be spending part of the coming weekend serving $7 breakfasts to help raise money for a trip around the world.

The 23-year-old Lutz woman is have the event, called Pancakes for Missions, at Organic Life Coffee House & Bakery, a gathering spot where she used to work.

She’ll be dishing out breakfasts from 8 a.m. to noon Dec. 8 at 1900 Oak Grove Blvd. in Lutz.

Erin Costello is preparing to spend nearly a year of her life serving people in other countries. (Photo by B.C. Manion)

This is just one in a series of fundraisers Costello plans to have to raise the $15,500 she needs to take part in The World Race, a missionary trip that involves stops in 11 countries during the course of 11 months.

The mission trip is organized by Adventures in Missions, which began organizing the journeys into faith and service in 2006.

Costello said the trip she’s going on is not to be confused with a popular reality television show with a similar name.

“Everybody asks me, ‘Oh, you’re going on The Amazing Race? You’re on that TV show?’ … I’m like, ‘No. Not exactly,’” Costello said.

Her travels will take her to Europe, Asia and Africa. She’ll be doing mission work in Ireland, Ukraine, Romania, Nepal, India, Thailand, Taiwan, Cambodia, Swaziland, South Africa and Mozambique.

Like The Amazing Race, Costello will be able to sample foods and learn the local customs of the people in those countries. Unlike those racing on the reality television program, she won’t be competing for a $1 million prize.

The World Race represents an extension of Costello’s record of missionary work, beginning when she was a teenager attending Idlewild Baptist Church in Lutz.

Now, she attends Victorious Life Church in Wesley Chapel.

Throughout the years, she has spread the Gospel in a Haitian village, pitched in at an orphanage in Zambia and taught English to an African woman during a summer program in New York.

Costello is excited about the potential she sees for spiritual growth as she takes part in The World Race.

She shared some of her feelings in a blog she has created that will track her experiences.

“I want to pray in new ways, selflessly,” Costello blogged. She added, “I have a feeling that The World Race will include a lot of seed planting (in others and me) and watering (in others and me) and patience … for the harvest to take place (in others and me).”

The University of South Florida (USF) student knows she will be relinquishing a life of comfort that she now enjoys in her family’s home.

“They want us to kind of live like the rest of the world does,” Costello said. “So, we, in reality, will be living off of $3 for food a day. We’ll be eating rice and beans — you know, whatever the locals eat. It’s not like we’ll be living in luxury.”

It won’t be an entirely new experience.

While on a previous trip to Africa, she rode in a pickup truck through the bush — getting covered with dust.

Costello cleaned herself by carrying water from a spigot and taking showers, cup by cup. She said she never felt entirely clean.

“You always have dirt somewhere.”

Yet, the experience was enriching beyond words, Costello said.

“Africa was a life-changing experience for me,” Costello said.

The people she encountered were more focused on building relationships than worrying about time.

In the United States, she said, “We’re like, ‘I have 5 minutes. Let me stick this thing in the microwave. Let me go do what I have to do.’”

In Africa, she observed, “They may take all morning long to make breakfast or to make lunch. And they may sit on their porch and talk to their neighbors. For them, that’s fulfilling their day. … It really makes you realize things that should be important to us that aren’t always.”

Her time in Africa, she said, helped her discover more of who she wants to be.

“When I go out every day now, I have the desire to make sure that that day is used for something meaningful. When I cross somebody’s path, I want to be an encouragement to them. I’m a lot more mindful of that now.”

Costello welcomes the experiences that await her on The World Race.

“I think a lot of times people think that when you choose to live as a Christian, it’s almost like you have to give up so much of the things you want to do,” Costello said.

That hasn’t been the case for her.

“I have friends from all over — friends in Africa, New York City — friends who are Muslims,” said Costello, who is set to graduate in December from USF with a degree in social work.

“As a Christian, as I develop what I consider to be my spiritual walk with God, those desires grow,” Costello said. “You tend to want to serve more. I believe that I’m called to full-time ministry.”

 

Learn more

To learn more about The World Race, visit theworldrace.org. You can read Erin

Costello’s blog at www.erincostello.theworldrace.org.

Zephyrhills Mayor to face impeachment hearing

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Steve Van Gorden vows to stand up for himself

 

By B.C. Manion

 

An impeachment hearing is expected in early January to determine whether the Zephyrhills City Council should remove Mayor Steve Van Gorden from office, or take any other action against him.

Council members voted 4-1 on Nov. 26 to proceed with an impeachment hearing. Jodi Wilkeson was the sole dissenter.

Steve Van Gorden

Wilkeson said she did not want to play the role of the morality police because it’s not her nature.

“If there’s a group that feels so strongly that Mr. Van Gorden should not be in office, then I ask them to step forward and start the process of a recall election,” Wilkeson said.

She spoke against an impeachment proceeding, suggesting instead a resolution to censure Van Gorden.

“I loathe this idea of an impeachment process,” Wilkeson said, noting she’s concerned about it becoming a media circus.

Van Gorden resigned from his post as principal of Zephyrhills High on Nov. 2 amidst an investigation by Pasco County Schools into allegations of sexual harassment.

The school board accepted Van Gorden’s resignation on Nov. 6 without comment, after which the district released a 346-page investigative file.

Since the release of that file, Lance Smith, vice president of the Zephyrhills City Council said, “I’ve had many people come to me and say that they thought Steve should go.”

Councilman Charles Proctor suggested the city proceed with an impeachment hearing.

“This is tough decision for us,” Proctor said. “I’m not judging you. I like you. I think you’re a decent man,” he told Van Gorden.

Proctor also told the mayor that an impeachment hearing could provide a good forum for the mayor.

“This could be a moment for you to clear yourself,” he told Van Gorden.

Councilman Ken Burgess agreed: “Maybe it’s a chance to exonerate himself.”

Council president Kenneth Compton said a hearing provides an opportunity for all sides to be heard.

“I do think the matter needs to be squarely addressed,” Compton said.

After the hearing, the council can decide what, if any action, it wishes to take, Compton said.

“The options are all on the table,” Compton said.

City attorney Joseph Poblick told council members, “The impeachment process is not a pretty process and should not be taken lightly.”

He told them that they will have to hire an outside attorney for the impeachment proceeding.

Poblick also said the city will not be able to rely on the investigative file prepared by the school district. He characterized the information in that file as “hearsay.”

“The hearing would require the city to present evidence,” Poblick said. “Witnesses would have to be called.”

A vote to impeach Van Gorden would require support of at least four of the five council members, Poblick said.

Van Gorden has acknowledged that he made mistakes. But he told council members that the full story has not been told.

He said his statement and statements from others interviewed by school district personnel are not contained in the file the district released.

“To be very honest with you, if I had to do it over again, I would not resign from Zephyrhills High School,” Van Gorden said.

He said he plans to seek an attorney to represent him.

“The bottom line is that this is not done. I will stand up for myself,” Van Gorden told council members.

He had no additional comment following the council’s meeting.

Putting family and authenticity first at Mekenita Grill

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By Andy Warrener

The Laker/ Lutz News Correspondent

 

The giant butterfly near Van Dyke Road marks the entrance to Mexican cuisine in Lutz.

Mekenita Grill is at the end of Van Dyke Commons near the intersection of Van Dyke and N. Dale Mabry Highway next to LA Fitness. Inside is chic décor and a menu that fuses Mexican food and the tastes of restaurant owners Rand and Tiffani Packer.

Mekenita Grill owners Rand and Tiffani Packer opened the restaurant in 2007 in Lutz.

The Packers are no strangers to Mexican cuisine, fine dining and surf rock. The eclectic, Latin atmosphere blends with a surf-rock video and musical ambiance.

“We wanted to bring something to the Lutz/North Tampa community that it hasn’t had yet,” Tiffani said.

The Mekenita, pronounced Mek-en-ee-tah, is founded on two main principles: authentic food and family atmosphere. Even the name of the place is a takeoff of the Packers’ oldest daughter’s name, Mekena.

The original idea for the name was mariposa, which is Spanish for butterfly, hence the theme on the front of the restaurant, but family came first and Mekenita stuck.

Family first is a common mantra at Mekenita Grill.

“I don’t know anyone who on their death bed said they wished they spent more time working,” Tiffani said. “We’re not willing to compromise the kids or the marriage for the sake of the business.”

It’s more than just words for the Packers.

Mekenita is not open on Sundays, mainly to give employees time with their families. The Packers have four children, three girls and a boy ages 2, 4, 6 and 8, and the children come before anything else in their lives.

“We own the business, the business doesn’t own us,” Tiffani said.

The Packers are devoted residents of the community.

Since they opened their doors in 2007, they have survived with a “team first” mentality and have devoted much of their time and resources into the area. They participate every year in the Taste of St. Tim’s and in Frankie’s Friends charity events.

Their devotion to the community is equaled by their devotion to bringing an authentic Mexican flavor to their elaborate menu.

Tiffani and Rand have heavy Mexican influences in their lives.

Tiffani grew up in Brentwood, Calif. near a Mexican farming community where she said she developed a “love and appreciation for Mexican culture.”

Rand grew up in Woodland Hills, Calif., which is also heavily exposed to Mexican culture and cuisine.

Frequent trips to Mexico as individuals and as a couple, married 12 years, helped define just what the Packers bring as far as delivering diverse, flavorful and true-to-form Mexican dishes.

A great example are the nachos. The Packers were discussing putting them on their menu when they asked themselves if nachos would be found on a menu in Oaxaca, Mexico. Obviously, the answer would be no, and thus the Citrus Grilled Chicken & Pineapple Plantain Nachos were born.

Much of the menu is thanks to the creative mind of Rand, who worked as executive chef for Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion. The job is what eventually brought the Packers to Tampa in 2000.

Today, Rand rattles off tantalizing dishes such as cornmeal batter fried tiger shrimp salad, crab and roasted poblano enchiladas or Pacific wood smoked pork tacos.

Mekenita makes its own sangria, its own fresh-daily juices and its own salsas.

Their creative take on salads is not to be missed.

Prices range from $8.50 to $15 for a huge platter, and the prices have not gone up since the restaurant opened. You can even catch fiesta hour Mondays through Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. when most everything on the menu is $5.50, drink and chips included.

“We figured we’re here at those times, we might as well have customers here too,” Tiffani said. “We want everyone to be able to come to Mekenita Grill. If that’s all they can afford is to come here for fiesta hour, then we want them here for that.”

 

If you go

Mekenita Grill is located at 17623 N. Dale Mabry in Lutz.

Phone: (813) 264-1212

Website: www.mekenitagrille.com

Business Digest

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Financing fair for small businesses

Learn the ins and outs of financing options and financial services that can help entrepreneurs and owners of small businesses. A number of lenders will participate at the Small Business Development Center Finance Fair from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 10 at the Donald R. Tapia School of Business at Saint Leo University, 37701 SR 52. The event will begin with various speakers addressing how to obtain a business loan, followed by a finance fair with information about how to seek financing from various types of lenders.

Entrepreneurs can attend for free, but preregistration is requested because space is limited. For more information, call (888) 929-2221.

Preregister at www.sbdctampabay.com/training/pasco-training.

 

Develop your business plan

Entrepreneurs who want to launch their company can learn how to develop a business plan at a four-hour seminar offered by the Small Business Development Center at the Donald R. Tapia School of Business at Saint Leo University, 33701 SR 52.

The seminar will be from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Dec. 11. The cost is $90, which includes software for business planning. For more information call (888) 929-2221.

To register, visit www.sbdctampabay.com/training.

 

Tampa Bay Builders Association names new president

Joe Fontana, division president of Ryland Homes in the Tampa Bay region, is the new president of the Tampa Bay Builders Association (TBBA).

Fontana has been division president of Ryland Homes in the Tampa Bay region for five years and has more than 25 years of experience as an executive homebuilder. He is a graduate of Florida State University and has degrees in finance and marketing.

Three other Ryland staff members were also named to leadership positions:

—Bob Gibbons, vice president of homebuilding in the Tampa Bay region, has been named chairman of the Pasco County Government Affairs Committee for the builders’ association.

—Heather Jaxheimer-Mills, sales counselor for Ryland and an active member of the Sales and Marketing council for the TBBA, was appointed president-elect of the council.

—Tony Crimi, vice president of sales and marketing for Ryland’s Tampa division and an active member of the Sales and Marketing Council, was appointed as a council director.

 

Drive 4 UR Community

The Dade Rotary Club is teaming with Jarrett Ford to assist a number of local charities in this year’s Drive 4 UR Community from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Jarrett Ford, 38300 Dick Jarrett Way in Dade City.

This year’s charities and their Rotarian champions are:

—Academy at the Farm, Dan Fuston

—Boys & Girls Club, Pete Odom

—Cornerstone Pregnancy, Kevin Morris

—Habitat for Humanity, Bob Larkin

—Mainstreet Little League, Lauren Biston

—Premier Health Care, Jenny Yingling

—Sunrise Domestic Abuse, Cliff Martin

—Veterans, John Wheeler

 

Gus Jadoun earns CCIM

Gus Jadoun, who specializes in office and retail sales and leasing, has received his   Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) certification. Jadoun is employed by Prudential Commercial Real Estate FL. Just 6 percent of the estimated 150,000 commercial real estate practitioners nationwide hold the CCIM designation, according to a release from Prudential, which has offices in Land O’ Lakes and South Tampa.

 

Chuck Nagel wins innovator award

Chuck Nagel, a radiation safety officer and a six-year employee of the Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, has received the Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) West Florida Division’s Innovators Award.

He received the honor based on an idea that will save the hospital money by changing the ordering and consumption of radiopharmaceuticals in the nuclear medicine department.

The HCA Innovators Award is designed to help connect employees to the greater organization and reward them for innovative ideas that contribute to improvement at all levels. The award is designed to help find and promote great ideas that often don’t get shared with colleagues.

Awards are given in one of three categories at each hospital in the West Florida Division, and one each at the HCA national level. Nagel received both Regional Medical’s Innovators Award and the Division award. The hospital award includes a $1,000 check and the division award is an additional $2,500.

Nagel now has the opportunity to receive an additional $10,000 if he is selected on the HCA corporate level.

 

Susan MacManus addresses women’s group

Susan MacManus, an expert on Florida politics, will speak at the Knowledgeable Network of Women luncheon at Dec. 5 at the Scotland Yards Golf Club in Zephyrhills.

The luncheon is from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. The lunch is $15 for members and $20 for guests. Reserve your spot by calling (813) 782-1913

 

ICI Homes real estate agent lunch

ICI Homes, one of Florida’s largest and most active luxury custom homebuilders, is hosting a luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Dec. 5 for Realtors in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties.

The luncheon will be at the Community Clubhouse at Grand Hampton, 8301 Dunham Station Drive in New Tampa, between Bruce B. Downs Boulevard and Interstate 75, south of County Line Road.

ICI Homes is building new four- and five-bedroom luxury custom homes at Grand Hampton that range from 2,682 square feet of living space to 3,971 square feet. They are priced from the $300,000s.

For more information, contact Tim Oak, division president of the ICI Homes-Orlando and Tampa divisions, at (321) 219-0319.

 

Weigh in on accounting video contest

The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) and the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants (FICPA) are inviting the public to vote for their favorite video in a public service contest for accounting students throughout the state. The contest, which offers cash prizes to the best videos about unlicensed certified public accounting, engages the student community in an issue that not only directly impacts their profession but that can also pose a danger to consumers.

In addition to cash prizes for the top three entries, a donation will be sent to the accounting schools of the winning teams.

Public voting is available at www.ficpa.org/ImpostulatorsVoting.

Voting is limited to one vote per IP address. The public may cast votes through Dec. 14.

More information is available at www.ficpa.org/impostulators.

The Laker/Lutz News Fall Team

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The Laker and the Lutz News has released The Laker/Lutz News all-star team for the 2012 fall high school athletic season. Members were selected based on skill, value to their team and final statistics. Schools in the coverage area are Academy at the Lakes, Bishop McLaughlin, Carrollwood Day, Freedom, Gaither, Land O’ Lakes, Saddlebrook Prep, Steinbrenner, Sunlake, Wharton, Wesley Chapel and Wiregrass Ranch. The football team will be released in a later edition. Sports Editor Kyle LoJacono and Staff Writer Jeff Odom selected the team. Stats are as recorded to Maxpreps.com and all playoff performances are as recorded by the FHSAA.

Girls golf first team

–Claire Becker, So., Steinbrenner. Part of the Warriors’ big two. Averaged 38 in nine-hole rounds and shot a 78 to help her squad win the Class 2A-District 10 title.

–Mallory Etcheberry, Sr., Academy at the Lakes. The University of Akron signee won individual district and regional titles as the Wildcats’ only girls golfer.

–Kelsy Holbert, So., Steinbrenner. Became a much more consistent player this season. Cut her score to 41 in the regular season to help the Warriors go 14-0 through regionals.

–Claudia Rami, So., Carrollwood Day. Finished as a district runner-up by carding a 78 and advanced to the Class 1A state tournament, where she tied for 21st.

 

Girls golf second team

–Shannon Clark, Sr., Wharton. Her 88 at districts was good enough to tie for seventh and earn a spot at regionals.

–Brooke Dalton, So., Bishop McLaughlin. Finished as a district and regional runner-up and finished 78th at the Class 1A state tournament.

–Heather Muse, Sr., Wiregrass Ranch. Her 82 at districts led the Bulls to finishing third and earning a regional berth for the first time in program history.

–Hana Lee, Jr., Wesley Chapel. Won the individual Sunshine Athletic Conference (SAC) championship and helped the Wildcats make regionals.

 

Player of the Year: Terese Romeo, So., Freedom. She captured individual district (75) and regional (75) championships, but that doesn’t tell half of Romeo’s battle this year. She had her second surgery on her right wrist in mid August, which forced her to golf with one hand for most of the year. Romeo fought through the setback to tie for 11th at the Class 2A state tournament.

 

Coach of the Year: Mark Mann, Steinbrenner. Mann takes the honor for the second straight season. He lost two seniors from last year’s squad that just missed states. His young team, which had only one senior, claimed district and regional titles and finished 14th at the Class 2A state tournament. The Warriors went 14-1 this year, with the only defeat coming at states.

 

Boys golf first team

–Ryoto Furuya, Fr., Saddlebrook Prep. Placed second at regionals with his 72. Also helped the Spartans place sixth at the Class 1A state tournament.

–Jimmy Jones, Jr., Freedom. Carded a 75 at districts, tied for the fifth-best round to help the Patriots make regionals.

–Jorge Junquera, Jr., Wharton. His 75 at districts was critical in giving the Wildcats the third-place spot over Steinbrenner by just two strokes.

–Won Jun Lee, 8th, Saddlebrook Prep. Earned the individual Class 1A-District 9 title (71) while helping the Spartans earn a regional championship.

 

Boys golf second team

–Ricky Condon, So., Wharton. Shot a 78 at districts to help the Wildcats return to regionals after missing it last season.

–Turner Imhoff, Jr., Wesley Chapel. The Pasco High transfer earned an individual spot at regionals by shooting an 81 at districts.

–Nik Kalolo, Sr., Steinbrenner. His 76 at districts was tied for the 10th-best round. He missed qualifying for regionals by one stroke.

–Trevor Moore, Sr. Freedom. Rose up the Patriots rankings after the squad lost three of its top five from a year ago.

 

Player of the Year: Jimmy Stanger, Sr., Gaither. Captures Player of the Year for the second straight season. The University of Virginia signee averaged a 1-under 35 in nine-hole rounds. He won individual district and regional titles this year and finished third overall at the Class 2A tournament by carding a two-day score of 145, four strokes away from the state championship.

 

Coach of the Year: Michael Passarelli, Freedom. In his fourth year at the helm, Passarelli got his Patriots to the playoffs in back-to-back seasons. Freedom finished as the Class 2A-District 10 runner-up with three of his golfers shooting in the 70s after losing three of his top-five scorers from last season.

 

Volleyball first team

–Libero: Chanelle Hargreaves, Fr., Wharton. Used her lightning speed to post 326 digs while adding 38 aces.

–Middle hitter: Avery Day, So., Wharton. The 6-foot-1 Day led all area athletes with 98 blocks. Also put down 114 kills.

–Middle hitter: Lauren Heldt, So., Steinbrenner. Smacked 121 kills while adding 32 blocks and 20 aces.

–Outside hitter: Caci Andreychuk, Sr., Wharton. Used her power to lead the Wildcats with 396 kills. Utilized her versatility to record 198 digs, 43 aces and 29 blocks.

–Outside hitter: Jasmyn Perry, Sr., Freedom. Smashed a program-record and area-best 422 kills with 158 digs, 24 aces and 21 blocks.

–Outside hitter: Madison Seuzeneau, Sr., Steinbrenner. Her senior leadership and 236 kills, 150 digs and 38 aces helped the Warriors win districts and finish 19-9.

–Rightside hitter: Avery Bradshaw, So., Steinbrenner. Did her best hitting as the season progressed. Totaled 130 kills with 32 digs.

–Setter: Kelly Schaller, Jr., Freedom. Showed off her athleticism again this season by racking up 655 assists, 154 digs, 92 kills, 80 aces and 17 blocks.

–Utility: Casey McLean, Jr., Steinbrenner. Began the year as the starting setter (169 assists), but moved to defensive specialist (148 digs, 55 aces) to fill a team need.

–Utility: Grace Olsen, Jr., Wiregrass Ranch. Did everything for the Bulls, namely 305 kills, 232 digs and 50 aces.

 

Volleyball second team

–Libero: Natalia Campos, Sr., Steinbrenner. Manned the Warriors’ back row to the tune of 350 digs while adding 34 aces.

–Middle hitter: Lindsey Schaible, Fr., Wharton. The younger half of the Wildcats’ duo in the middle. Posted 89 kills and 74 blocks.

–Middle hitter: Hannah Skendziel, So., Freedom. Led the Patriots with 55 blocks while contributing 33 kills.

–Outside hitter: Hanna Kelley, Jr., Gaither. Led the Cowboys with 203 kills and 126 digs while contributing 47 aces.

–Outside hitter: Rachel Mathison, Jr., Steinbrenner. Seamlessly moved from rightside this season and smacked 237 kills while adding 164 digs and 28 aces.

–Outside hitter: Ashley Wilson, Jr., Freedom. Returned to the court after focusing on softball last year. Added 212 kills and 48 aces to the Patriots offense.

–Rightside hitter: Ashle Thompson, Sr., Freedom. Her 49 kills, 37 blocks and 17 aces helped Freedom stretch its playoff streak to three straight years.

–Setter: Teddi Wright, Jr., Wiregrass Ranch. Compiled 511 assists, 223 digs, 100 kills, 79 aces and 23 blocks.

–Utility: Lauren Evans, Jr., Academy at the Lakes. Led the Wildcats in kills (110) and blocks (78) while adding 25 aces.

–Utility: Kylie Paul, Jr., Wharton. Bolstered Wharton’s back row with 236 digs and 59 aces.

 

Volleyball honorable mention

–Libero: Izah Deang, Jr., Wiregrass Ranch. Racked up 337 digs and 24 aces.

–Libero: Cara Walden, Sr., Land O’ Lakes. Led all area athletes with 359 digs.

–Middle hitter: Ryann Martin, So., Steinbrenner. Added depth to Steinbrenner’s front row with 44 kills and 19 blocks.

–Middle hitter: Danielle Thomas, Fr., Freedom. Totaled 31 blocks, 28 kills and 26 aces.

–Middle hitter: Alyssa Mathis, So., Bishop McLaughlin. The Land O’ Lakes transfer showed scary power for a sophomore.

–Rightside hitter: Kennedy Stocker, So., Wharton. Added 42 kills and 18 blocks to the Wildcats record-setting season.

–Setter: Nicole Neugebauer, Sr., Carrollwood Day. Her setting and leadership guided the Patriots to a 19-7 record, their most wins ever.

–Setter: Brooke Royals, So., Steinbrenner. Took over as the starter at midseason. Recorded 570 assists, 78 digs and 24 aces.

–Utility: Kayla Ireland, Jr., Freedom. Posted 106 digs and 24 kills.

–Utility: Andrea Mazur, Jr., Gaither. Had 78 kills, 72 digs and 44 aces as Gaither’s starting middle.

 

Player of the Year: Ashton Stocker, Sr., Wharton. Wasn’t the flashiest player in the area, or even on her team, but the Furman University signee had a hand in everything the Wildcats did. The setter amassed 631 assists, 79 kills, 51 aces, 42 blocks and 34 digs while holding down a key leadership role for Wharton’s 25-3 season and first playoff berth since 2006.

 

Coach of the Year: Laura Stegenga, Steinbrenner. Pressure came with taking over a program that had won district titles the last three years. Stegenga didn’t just continue the Warriors’ winning ways in her first season, she added to it by getting the squad its fourth district championship and to the regional finals for the first time in program history.

 

Girls swimming first team

–Krystin Demsher, Jr., Land O’ Lakes. Advanced to states in the 200 freestyle (17th, 1:57.83), 100 butterfly (22nd, 1:01.72) and with 200 and 400 freestyle relays.

–Nicole Harder, Sr., Sunlake. Finished 22nd at states in the 500 freestyle (5:28.67).

— Jocelyn Williams, Jr., Land O’ Lakes. Qualified for states in the 200 individual medley (14th, 2:13.34), 100 breaststroke (17th, 1:09.75) and 400 freestyle relay.

 

Girls swimming second team

–Carigan Albert, Jr., Sunlake. Made states in the 200 individual medley after placing third at districts.

–Athena Cimino, So., Wiregrass Ranch. Took third at districts in 50 (24.60) and 100 freestyle (54.54).

–Mackenzie Koth, Sr., Land O’ Lakes. District runner-up in the 50 freestyle (26.45) and third in the 100 freestyle (58.94).

 

Swimmer of the Year: Dee Sopapong, So., Wharton. Advanced to the Class 3A state meet in two events, where she claimed third in the 200 individual medley (2:06.70) and fourth in the 100 breaststroke (1:06.17). No other area athlete finished as well in even one event at states.

 

Coach of the Year: Robin Hilgenberg, Land O’ Lakes. Hilgenberg’s Gators were again the deepest in the area, which is why they claimed their fourth straight Sunshine Athletic Conference and district championship this year.

 

Boys swimming first team

 

–Cam Hilgenberg, Jr., Land O’ Lakes. Made states in three events: 50 freestyle (fifth, 21.42); 100 breaststroke (eighth, 1:00.54) and the 200 medley relay (ninth, 1:41.63).

–John Thompson, Sr., Wesley Chapel. Won the Class 2A-District 5 title 100 freestyle before taking 23rd at states (50.70).

–Caleb Zeleznock, Jr., Wesley Chapel. Won the Class 2A-District 5 title in the 200 freestyle (1:50.87) while placing 13th at states in the 100 breaststroke (1:01.59).

 

Boys swimming second team

–Ryan Heckel, So., Wharton. Advanced to regionals in the 100 freestyle while helping the 200 and 400 freestyle relays also qualify.

–Alex Long, Jr., Land O’ Lakes. District runner-up in the 200 individual medley (2:11.57).

–Tyler St. Onge, So., Sunlake. Took second at districts in the 50 freestyle (22.95) and third in the 100 freestyle (51.21).

 

Swimmer of the Year: Jordan Wheeler, So., Land O’ Lakes. Placed fifth and seventh at the Class 2A state meet in the 100 butterfly (51.20) and 200 individual medley (1:58.26), respectively. Also helped the Gators 200 medley relay team take ninth at states (1:41.63).

 

Coach of the Year: Barbara Hayes, Land O’ Lakes. In her 13th and final season, Hayes coached the Gators to their 12th straight Sunshine Athletic Conference championship and another perfect regular season.

 

Girls cross country first team

–Rachel Cazares, Jr., Gaither. Battled through a foot injury late in the season with a 20:39 to take third at districts.

–Elise Cedre, Jr., Wiregrass Ranch. Won her first individual title at the Bulls’ invitational (19:49) and helped her squad win conference, district and regional titles.

–Madison Conway, Fr., Wiregrass Ranch. The freshman stepped right into the Bulls’ top pack. Set her personal record 20:00 to take sixth at conference.

–Berlin Waters, Sr., Wiregrass Ranch. Finished sixth at regionals (19:41) and 24th at states (19:21), where she set her personal record in her final high school race.

 

Girls cross country second team

–Lauren Arfaras, Jr., Freedom. Rose to Freedom’s No. 2 runner, helping the Patriots finish as the district runner-up in consecutive years.

–Addie Cornwell, So., Wiregrass Ranch. Finished 12th at conference (21:05), 14th at districts (21:10), 23rd at regionals (20:39) and 89th at states (20:40).

–Alex Mitchell, Sr., Freedom. Added the depth the Patriots needed to return to regionals. Was 10th at districts (20:14) and 24th at regionals (21:23).

–Katie Monds, Sr., Land O’ Lakes. Late injuries prevented her from advancing beyond districts, but still posted a 20:45 to take ninth at conference.

–Annie Tedesco, Jr., Freedom. Freedom’s top runner posted a 20:47 at regionals to place 12th and earn a spot at the Class 4A state meet (78th, 20:44).

 

Girls cross country honorable mention

–Chelse Davis, Sr., Wiregrass Ranch. Had trouble with a back injury early, but returned to help the Bulls win conference, district and regional titles.

–Lauren Garris, Sr., Steinbrenner. Underwent an appendectomy just before the season and still advanced to regionals by placing 10th (21:27) at districts.

–Mariah Henderson, Jr., Wharton. Was 16th at regionals (21:04), one spot from advancing to states.

–Emily Payne, Sr., Wiregrass Ranch. Closed out her high school career by taking 103rd at states (21:04) to help the Bulls finish sixth.

–Alyssa Turner, Sr., Wesley Chapel. Ran a 21:08 to claim 13th at conference.

 

Runner of the Year: Nikita Shah, Sr., Wiregrass Ranch. The Harvard University commit again showed that she is the top distance runner in the area. This is the third straight time Shah has earned the honor. She set a new personal record at 17:48 and also won individual conference (18:05), district (18:39) and regional (18:32) titles while taking 15th at the Class 3A state meet (18:58).

 

Coach of the Year: Don Howard, Wiregrass Ranch. Takes the award in consecutive seasons. Howards’ Bulls were the model of excellence all other area cross country squads tried to achieve this year. Wiregrass Ranch won conference, district and regional championships and matched its best placing at states by taking sixth at the Class 3A meet.

 

Boys cross country first team

–Ermias Bireda, Sr., Wiregrass Ranch. Shin and back injuries slowed Bireda, but he was still third at conference (16:08) and seventh at regionals (16:19).

–Tyler Lima, Sr., Steinbrenner. Took sixth at the Hillsborough County meet (16:44), fourth at regionals (16:11) and 22nd at states (16:05).

–Matt Magee, Sr., Steinbrenner. Saved his best performance for his last. Ran a personal record 15:56 to finish 11th at states, the best placing in program history.

–Tyler Stahl, Jr., Land O’ Lakes. Part of the Gators one-two-three punch. Was the conference runner up (15:57) and placed 17th (16:02) at states.

 

Boys cross country second team

–Tanner Biles, Sr., Steinbrenner. Finished as the district runner up in 17:17 and helped the Warriors take fifth at states, the best finish for the program.

–Ben Hall, Sr., Wiregrass Ranch. Shook off late-season surgery to claim 22nd at regionals (17:02) and 54th at states (16:38).

–Andy Hippely, So., Wiregrass Ranch. Set a new personal record by running a 16:52 to take 68th at states.

–Jake Poore, Jr., Land O’ Lakes. Put up his best times when they mattered most. Finished 42nd (16:25) to help the Gators take 11th at states.

–Adam Urbaniak, Sr., Freedom. Paced the Patriots by claiming ninth at districts (16:53).

 

Boys cross country honorable mention

–Thor Alastre, Sr., Wiregrass Ranch. Gave the Bulls the depth needed to claim their fifth straight top-10 placing at states.

–Chris Cerreta, Sr., Steinbrenner. The Warriors needed his constancy to win the Hillsborough County and district meet while placing fifth at states.

–Patrick Hill, Sr., Wiregrass Ranch. Shin inflammation caused him to miss the first half of the season, but still placed 84th at states (17:02).

–Zach Lima, Sr., Steinbrenner. His 17:05 at states was good enough to secure 89th.

–Dillon Oergel, Sr., Land O’ Lakes. Ran a 17:36 at states to help the Gators take 11th, their best placing in three years.

 

Runner of the Year, Travis Nichols, Jr., Land O’ Lakes. Nichols didn’t win every race this season, but he never seemed to have subpar performances. Was a constant in the lead pack from Week 1 to states. Won an individual conference title in 15:48 while placing third at regionals (16:09) and 12th at the Class 3A state meet (15:57).

 

Coach of the Year: Chris Loth, Wiregrass Ranch. Second straight year Loth has picked up the honor. He lost three of his top four runners for multiple weeks this year because of injury and surgery, but his Bulls managed to place 10th at the Class 3A meet, the program’s fifth straight top-10 performance.

Monet Williams returns to the basketball court

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Freedom senior point guard’s recovery from two ACL tears

 

By Kyle LoJacono

 

A torn ACL is one of the worst injuries an athlete can suffer.

Not only does tearing the ligament behind the kneecap need at least six months to recover from, it also requires countless hours of grueling rehabilitation away from the game they love.

Freedom senior point guard Monet Williams played in her first game Nov. 27 since suffering two ACL tears in her right knee. (Photo by Kyle LoJacono)

Monet Williams knows what the process is like.

In fact, the Freedom girls basketball player has been through it twice in the last 10 months.

The senior point guard completely tore her right ACL Jan. 5 while playing Lennard.

“I tried to pro hop, and I felt my knee pop out and go back in,” Williams said. “I knew it was bad.”

Williams, who attended Riverview High at the time, was averaging 9.3 points, 5.4 assists, 3.5 steals and 2.5 rebounds when the injury happened. She was dealt the second blow five months later when she partially tore the reconstructed ACL, this time while going over hurdles during rehab.

“I stumbled over a hurdle and it popped out and popped back in just like the first time,” Williams said. “The second time it hurt worse. The second time it was the ACL and meniscus. … I felt like I was right there, fixing to get cleared and it happened again. I just thought that’s another six months out from basketball.”

Williams said being unable to play for the first time since picking up the sport in third grade was difficult, but it made her work harder to come back after the second injury. She added that encouragement from teammate Faith Woodard helped her get through the rough days.

The two have played together since eighth grade and transferred to Freedom at the same time last summer.

“I can’t imagine going through that,” Woodard said. “Thinking that you’re going to be able to play and then tearing it again. She was out for a full year. I don’t know what going through that is like, but I tried to keep her motivated and to let her know that she was going to come back stronger.”

The hours of work paid off Nov. 27 when the Patriots played at Spoto. Williams was cleared by her doctor earlier that day.

“On the bus to that game she said she was nervous, but it’s going to take a couple scares in order to get that fear out,” said Freedom coach Laurie Pacholke. “I was so excited to see her step on the floor again.”

Williams had her number called to enter the game in the first quarter. She played about five minutes, scoring four points with two steals, one rebound and one assist.

Williams increased her minutes to around eight in her second game back, which was at Chamberlain Nov. 29 while totaling four assists and one steal.

“It was a big relief to be back,” Williams said. “The team said they were excited to get me back. They’d say, ‘Mo, when you gettin’ back on the court,’ so it was good to have that support.”

Woodard said seeing Williams come back on the court for the first time is something she’ll never forget.

“It was so long since she played, and she was the only point guard I’d played with my whole time in high school,” Woodard said. “To lose her I was definitely sad, but to get her back, I was so excited for her. … She takes our team and sets us apart to have her back.”

Pacholke said just being able to play again after tearing her ACL twice shows the kind of work ethic Williams has.

“A lot of kids need a year to come back from one ACL let alone the second,” Pacholke said. “To know how much she put into her rehab to get back was the most exciting thing. … The fact that she put her mind to it and did it, that says a lot about what her future is going to be like. She’s determined, and she’ll do what it takes when she wants something.”

Williams said the experience has taught her to never give up no matter what.

“Anything can happen at any time,” Williams said. “When it first happened I didn’t know what would happen, but I knew if I didn’t work hard I’d never get back. … This is my way to get into college, so I’m hoping I get back like I was before the injury and help the team as much as I can.”

—Follow Kyle LoJacono on Twitter: @Kyle_Laker