The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local Sports

Fall football preview: Pasco County

By

Fans of the local prep football scene can finally get excited — the 2021 varsity high school season is quickly approaching.

Preseason classics took place Aug. 20, while the regular season kicks off Aug. 27 in the state of Florida.

Here we take a closer look at Pasco County teams in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area —Academy at the Lakes, Bishop McLaughlin Catholic, Cypress Creek, Land O’ Lakes, Pasco, Sunlake, Wesley Chapel, Wiregrass Ranch, Zephyrhills, and Zephyrhills Christian Academy.

We break down how they stack up for this upcoming campaign, where some teams figure to be powerhouses, while others are in rebuilding mode.

A preview of Hillsborough programs from the coverage area published last week.

Schools in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area (and their 2020 records):

Pasco County

  • Academy at the Lakes Wildcats (4-2)
  • Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School Hurricanes (6-4)
  • Cypress Creek High School Coyotes (3-7)
  • Land O’ Lakes High School Gators (1-7)
  • Pasco High School Pirates (5-6)
  • Sunlake High School Seahawks (2-6)
  • Wesley Chapel High School Wildcats (5-4)
  • Wiregrass Ranch High School Bulls (4-5)
  • Zephyrhills High School Bulldogs (8-3)
  • Zephyrhills Christian Academy Warriors (8-3)

Academy at the Lakes Wildcats (eight-man)
Coach: Shawn Brown, eighth year
The Academy at the Lakes Wildcats appear to be in retooling mode following the graduations of numerous impact players, most notably veteran dual-threat quarterback Jalen Brown, who anchored the program for five seasons (starting as an eighth-grader) and won back-to-back eight-man state titles in 2017 and 2018. (Brown now will be playing collegiate basketball at NCAA Division II Tiffin University in Ohio.) At least one player to watch is junior defensive end David Scamporino-Blount, who posted 28 tackles (including 6.5 for loss) and 4.5 sacks in six games last season.

 

 

 

 

 

Bishop McLaughlin Hurricanes (3A-2)
Coach: Ken Stills, second year
Following three consecutive losing seasons, head coach Ken Stills helped turn things around for the Bishop McLaughlin Hurricanes in 2020, guiding the program to a 6-4 mark and runner-up in the Sunshine State Athletic Conference (SSAC). (Though two of its wins came via forfeit.)

Building upon last year’s success could prove difficult, though, as its 34-man roster includes just four seniors.

The program will miss several impact players including All-State quarterback Adrian Miller (transfer), starting tailback Dontrevius Jackson (transfer) and cornerback Malik Giles (graduated), to name a few.

Another challenge to navigate — the Hurricanes are advancing from the SSAC to the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA).

On the bright side, Stills may be able to coach his way through it.

After all, he played six NFL seasons from 1985-1990 and brings professional coaching experience from the United Indoor Football and XFL, as well as the nationally recognized IMG Academy in Bradenton.

Cypress Creek Coyotes (5A-9)
Coach: Michael Johnson, fifth year
Cypress Creek comes off a disappointing 3-7 season due in part to a really challenging schedule that featured local powerhouses like Mitchell, Tampa Catholic and Zephyrhills.

Working in the team’s favor in 2021 is an experienced group of upperclassmen headlined by senior quarterback Owen Walls, who completed 54% of his throws for 1,233 yards, 13 touchdowns and three interceptions in eight games last season.

Several of Walls’ top targets return, including leading receiver Dontrell Clerkley (29 receptions, 427 yards, six touchdowns), Merrick Simmons (27 catches, 331 yards, six touchdowns) and Dernere Jones (11 catches, 166 yards), among others.

“He’s loaded with weapons on the outside, we’ve got a really deep backfield; he’s going to have a lot of options,” Coyotes head coach Mike Johnson said of his quarterback earlier this month, at North Suncoast prep football media day.

The Coyotes implemented a new playbook, too, since last season.

The coach noted players “put a lot of time in over the summer” familiarizing themselves with the playbook’s concepts and schemes.

Altogether, Johnson said the team is showing “cohesiveness and consistency” in early season practices. “We got better as a team,” he said.

The Coyotes move up from Class 4A to 5A, joining a district that includes Hudson, Brooksville Nature Coast, Weeki Wachee, Wesley Chapel and Zephyrhills high schools.

They open the season with a home game against Estero Bonita Springs High, who went 3-6 last year.

Land O’ Lakes Gators (Independent)
Coach: Trac Baughn, second year
Land O’ Lakes Gators head coach Trac Baughn made the curious decision to go independent this year, rather than play a Class 7A slate.

The move is based, in part, to give a youthful roster chock-full of freshmen and sophomores more opportunities to have success and compete game-to-game, rather than get discouraged by a daunting large-school schedule.

After all, the team went just 1-7 last year and was outscored by a 268-72 margin.

At North Suncoast media day, Baughn characterized the independent route as “the best decision for our program at this time.”

There’s still much to be learned about the complexion of this team, as Baughn noted he’s unsure of where the team’s calling card lies, be it offense or defense. “I really don’t know at this point what the strength would be,” he said. “We’re still trying to find ourselves a little bit on both sides.”

In any case, Baughn knows what he’s doing, given that he brings nearly three decades of coaching high school and college football, mostly throughout Mississippi.

Also during media day, Gators players emphasized fellow teammates have entered the year stronger, in better shape and generally positive vibes surrounding the program overall.

Pasco Pirates (6A-5)
Coach: Jason Stokes, third year
The Pasco Pirates have methodically built momentum the last two seasons under the guidance of Jason Stokes, who’s trying to steer the program back to its first winning season since 2014.

Stokes has a decorated resume of doing that over his career, having led three other prep programs to playoff appearances — Bloomingdale, Gaither and Indian Rocks Christian high schools.

The Pirates look to build off a defense which allowed 20.5 points per game, that registered two shutouts and held three other teams to eight points or fewer.

Big responsibility will be given to senior inside linebacker Ethan Ayo, senior outside linebacker/defensive end Javon Jeune, and senior defensive tackle/guard Cody Tadlock, among others.

The Pirates have one of the toughest schedules in all of Pasco County this season. There aren’t many breathers with contests against Nature Coast Tech (8-2 record in 2020), Hernando (8-2), Ocala Vanguard (8-3), Lake Gibson (12-2) and Zephyrhills (8-3).

Sunlake Seahawks (6A-9)
Coach: Trey Burdick, third year
The Sunlake Seahawks expect to make significant strides under third-year starting quarterback Kevin Spillane, who completed 51% of his throws for 873 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions in seven games last season.

Sunlake head coach Trey Burdick heaped heavy praise on the senior signal-caller, noting his leadership and work ethic qualities, plus combination of strength, speed and understanding of the game. “One of the hardest kids I’ve ever been around,” Burdick said of Spillane during this month’s North Suncoast media day. “Anything he doesn’t have naturally, he works his tail off to earn it.”

Spillane’s veteran experience further allows the coaching staff to implement tempo, motion and numbers advantages at the point of attack, too, the coach explained.

Besides Spillane, the program shouldn’t lack for depth in the case of attrition, with some 80-plus players expected on the roster.

“We’re excited,” Burdick said. “We feel very confident that this year we’ll be competitive in every game and find ourselves in the end of a game with a chance to win.”

Wesley Chapel Wildcats (5A-9)
Coach: Tony Egan, sixth year
Wesley Chapel head coach Tony Egan is motivated to lead his program to greater heights — following a 5-4 mark last season and back-to-back 5-5 campaigns in 2018 and 2019.

Though the Wildcats technically made the playoffs in 2020 — like every other team under new COVID-19 rules —  the coach is out for a more meritorious postseason berth this time around.

“Last year, people can say it was our first year we went to the playoffs,” Egan said during North Suncoast media day earlier this month. “It really wasn’t, because everyone made the playoffs, so I don’t feel any accomplishment from that.”

“It’s time for us to turn that around and do a lot better and make it to the playoffs, and win a playoff game — that’s our main goal. Our immediate goal is to get to the playoffs and win a game this year.”

The veteran coach is bullish on this year’s Wildcats group, given a hefty senior class of skill players and offensive linemen.

With that, Wesley Chapel is installing a run-heavy offensive attack — therefore steering away from the spread looks of the last few years.

Said Egan, “I think that this year we’re going to surprise some people with what we’re doing, we’re really getting out of that whole, ‘Spread it out, get cute on offense thing.’ It’s coming at you. It won’t be a secret in a week, so I might as well say it right now, we’re going to pound the rock, man, that’s what we’re all about.”

Defensively, it doesn’t hurt the Wildcats to have one of the area’s top linebackers in senior Jorden McCaslin, a bonafide Division I FBS prospect who recently picked up a scholarship offer from Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia.

Wiregrass Ranch Bulls (7A-10)
Coach: Mark Kantor, seventh year
Wiregrass Ranch looks to rebound from a 4-5 mark and a season that ended prematurely due to a COVID-19 confirmation.

The program seems poised for a breakout, thanks to one of the Tampa Bay area’s more potent offenses — which racked up at least 41 points in four its games last season.

Senior quarterback Rocco Becht and junior wideout Bryson Rodgers are arguably the most lethal duo in Pasco County — as two of the most highly-touted Division I FBS prospects in the Tampa Bay area.

Becht — an Iowa State verbal commit — completed 53.4% of his throws for 1,550 yards, 18 touchdowns and seven picks last season.

Rodgers — who caught 47 of those passes for 710 yards and 10 touchdowns — is a consensus four-star recruit with more than a dozen college scholarship offers, including blue-chip programs such as Alabama, Penn State and Virginia Tech, among others.

Becht should have ample time to go through progressions and reads, with a more experienced offensive line buoyed by senior blindside Cristian Loaiza, who measures 6-foot-5, 320-pounds.

Bulls head coach Mark Kantor otherwise commended his team for its focus and preparation during early season practices, as well as senior leadership, during North Suncoast media day.

Zephyrhills Bulldogs (5A-9)
Coach: Nick Carroll, sixth year
The Zephyrhills Bulldogs have been a model of excellence over the past five years under head coach Nick Carroll — going a combined 42-14 record in that time, with no losing seasons either.

Following last season’s respectable 8-3 run, expectations again remain high for a Bulldogs squad that offers balance on both sides of the ball.

Senior Jaxon Rivera returns as the team’s starting quarterback (53.5% completion rate, 724 yards, 11 touchdowns, four interceptions), along with a solid complement of weapons such as leading receiver Timothy Jackson (14 receptions, 308 yards, four touchdowns) and second-leading rusher Jaylin Thomas (89 carries for 630 yards, 11 touchdowns).

On defense, middle linebacker Theotis Smith and All-State defensive end McGuire Neal return as the team’s leading tackler and sack artist. Smith posted 85 tackles, while Neal posted 13 sacks, respectively.

All told, Zephyrhills appears to be the early frontrunner to claim Class 5A, District 9, which also features Cypress Creek, Hudson, Nature Coast, Weeki Wachee and Wesley Chapel high schools, respectively.

Zephyrhills Christian Academy Warriors (2A-2)
Coach: Mike Smith, seventh year
Zephyrhills Christian is poised to keep momentum going from last season’s 8-3 mark — and continue its streak of four straight playoff berths.

The Warriors have proved they can not only defeat smaller private schools, but larger public schools as well — handily downing Mulberry (34-2), Hudson (42-9) and Sunlake (28-17) high schools last season alone.

Besides several key returnees, the Warriors added even more playmakers to the fold, headlined by dual-threat All-State quarterback Adrian Miller III and tailback/linebacker Dontrevius Jackson, who both transferred in from Bishop McLaughlin.

Miller III completed 60.3% of his throws for 768 passing yards, seven touchdowns and three picks last season for Bishop McLaughlin, while adding another 1,003 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns with his legs.

Jackson posted 973 scrimmage yards and 10 touchdowns on offense, and 37 tackles and two interceptions on defense for his former team.

Jackson’s also one of the state’s fastest sprinters.

At the 2021 FHSAA Class 1A Track & Field State Championships, he finished fourth overall in the 200-meter dash (22.19 seconds) and fifth overall in the 100-meter dash (10.83 seconds).

This should further boost a team that already was averaging nearly 29 points per game last season.

Adding to the program’s winning swagger is a brand-new artificial turf football field, and weight room, among other frills.

Published August 25, 2021

Local athletes ink pro baseball contracts

By

First came the 2021 Major League Baseball (MLB) Draft, then came the matter of signing the dotted line to become a professional baseball player — and officially make boyhood dreams become reality.

This was the scenario for several athletes with ties to The Laker/Lutz News coverage area.

Five local ballplayers were taken in last month’s MLB first-year player draft, which spanned 20 rounds (and 612 picks).

All but one of the area selections inked contracts with respective baseball organizations by the Aug. 1 signing deadline.

Sunlake High/University of Florida right-handed pitcher Tommy Mace signed with the Cleveland Indians for $1.1 million. He was taken 69th overall (Compensation Round B) of the 2021 MLB Draft. (File)

Sunlake High alum Tommy Mace, a fourth-year junior from the University of Florida, was the highest selection and had the largest signing bonus, among locals.

Mace signed for $1.1 million with the Cleveland Indians, who took him 69th overall in Competitive Balance Round B between the second and third round.

The imposing 6-foot-6, 230-pound right-hander received well-above the recommended slot value for the lofty pick (slightly under $929,800). The announcement was made official on the team’s website July 24.

The 22-year-old is noted for a respectable four-pitch mix — fastball, slider, curveball and changeup — highlighted by a sinking two-seam fastball that touches 96 mph.

Mace very well could’ve turned pro last year, but returned to school with hopes of further improving his draft stock following the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.

This past year at Florida he posted a 4.38 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 113 strikeouts in 90.1 innings pitched, along with a 6-2 record.

Across his four-year college career, Mace compiled a combined 4.37 ERA, 1.279 WHIP and 258 strikeouts in 269.2 total innings pitched, with a 22-7 mark.

The long-limbed pitcher has been highly regarded since his prep days at Sunlake, where he was a three-year varsity letter winner.

As a senior, Mace tallied a 1.29 ERA and 101 strikeouts in 77.2 innings, with an 8-2 record in 11 appearances — guiding the Seahawks to the Class 7A regional finals.

He won 19 games during his high school career, posting a combined 1.65 ERA and 196 strikeouts in 165.2 innings.

Mace previously was drafted out of high school in the 12th round (347th overall) by the Cincinnati Reds in 2017, but didn’t sign, in favor of college.

Gaither High shortstop A.J. Graham signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates for $125,000. He was taken in the 18th round of the 2021 MLB Draft. (Courtesy of Gaither High School athletics department)

Other area ballplayers selected later in the draft also agreed to contract terms with MLB franchises, for varying dollar figures.

Gaither High senior A.J. Graham signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates for $125,000 after being the first pick in the 18th round (523rd overall).

Graham has been assigned to the Pirates Florida Complex League. He was signed on July 30 by Pirates scout Nick Presto, according to a team news release.

The 6-3, 180-pound right-handed shortstop batted .346 with two homers, seven doubles, 18 runs scored, 14 RBIs and 12 stolen bases in 78 at-bats across 23 games this season for Gaither.

Graham comes from an athletic family background.

His mother, Mindy, played volleyball at Ball State University and is a member of the Muncie, Indiana-based institution’s athletics Hall-of-Fame.

His father, Darrell, played defensive back in football at Syracuse University and Ball State University, respectively.

Also picked in the 18th round was Saint Leo University lefty pitcher Jimmy Burnette, landing 542nd overall to the Toronto Blue Jays.

Burnette signed with the club for $50,000 on July 21, according to the team’s website.

The 6-foot-2, 205-pound redshirt senior led Saint Leo this season in innings pitched (45.0), wins (three) and strikeouts (53) to go along with a 5.80 ERA and 1.53 WHIP and a pair of complete games.

Burnette emerged in the inaugural MLB Draft League, a summer showcase for top draft-eligible prospects providing exposure to scouts, coaches and advanced baseball technologies.

Saint Leo University left-hander Jimmy Burnette signed with the Toronto Blue Jays for $25,000. He was taken in the 18th round (543rd overall) of the 2021 MLB Draft. (File)

Playing for the league’s Mahoning Valley Scrappers in Niles, Ohio, Burnette posted a 3.09 ERA, 1.4 WHIP and 44 strikeouts in 23.1 innings pitched.

The league’s advanced statistical metrics underscored Burnette’s standout secondary offerings, including his slider (32.8% chase rate, 41.5% called strike plus whiff rate) and changeup (29% chase rate, 10 inches induced vertical break, 16 inches horizontal break).

Meanwhile, league metrics show a fastball that touches 95 mph, from a quasi-sidearm release.

A Chicago native, Burnette transferred to Saint Leo from the University of Illinois this past season.

Gaither High/University of Texas third baseman Cam Williams signed for $25,000 with the Kansas City Royals after being taken in the 19th round (559th overall).

The signing became official on July 15, according to the club’s website.

The 6-foot-2, 200-pound Odessa native starred for a Longhorns squad that had a third-place appearance at the 2021 College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska.

A fourth-year senior, Williams led Texas with 20 doubles and was second with 12 homers, along with a .295 average, 42 runs scored and 51 RBIs spread across 61 starts at third base.

Prior to college, Williams led Gaither to the 2016 7A state championship his senior year and was named Rawlings-Perfect Game Honorable Mention All-American.

He originally was drafted out of high school in the 39th round by the Seattle Mariners, but didn’t sign, electing for Dallas Baptist University and San Jacinto College before transferring to Texas.

Gaither High/University of Texas third baseman Cam Williams signed with the Kansas City Royals for $25,000. He was taken in the 19th round (559th overall) of the 2021 MLB Draft. (File)

Williams joins a growing list of family members to play professional baseball.

His father, Reggie, played four MLB seasons with the Anaheim Angels and Los Angeles Dodgers throughout the 1990s.

Williams three older half-brothers all played professional baseball, too.

They include Reggie Williams Jr., who spent three years in the St. Louis Cardinals organization (2010-2012); J.D. Williams played five years in the Minnesota Twins minor league system (2010-2014); and Javier Reynoso spent two seasons in the Kansas City Royals’ organization (2013-2014).

Wharton High shortstop Zach Ehrhard was taken by the Boston Red Sox in the 13th round (367th overall), but didn’t sign by the Aug. 1 deadline.

Ehrhard theoretically could’ve received a decent chunk of change — as teams can give up to $125,000 to players drafted in rounds 11 through 20 before tapping into their bonus pool allotments.

He instead will attend Division I powerhouse Oklahoma State University, which has made eight consecutive NCAA tournament appearances (the 2020 pandemic-shortened season notwithstanding).

Interestingly, Ehrhard was one of four Red Sox draftees that chose not to sign.

The others were second-round pick Jud Fabian (University of Florida), 15th- rounder selection Payton Green (North Carolina Pro5 Academy) and 20th-rounder Josh Hood (University of Pennsylvania).

Ehrhard was this year’s recipient of the Wade Boggs Athletic Achievement Award, which honors a high school baseball player in Hillsborough County on the basis of outstanding athletic, scholastic and community achievements.

The a 5-foot-11, 175-pound switch-hitter batted .438 this season for the Wildcats, with three homers, 12 doubles, 29 runs scored and 21 RBIs, along with 26 stolen bases.

Ehrhard’s older brother, Drew, was a recipient of the prestigious award in 2017 and went on to play baseball at the University of Tampa.

Though just outside of The Laker/Lutz News’ coverage area in Pasco, Fivay High School/University of Mississippi product Gunnar Hoglund signed with the Blue Jays for $3.25 million, after being picked in the first round at 19th overall.

The signing bonus fell slightly below the recommended slot value of $3.36 million.

The 6-foot-4, 220-pound right-hander from Hudson was viewed as among the draft’s most polished arms, but slipped slightly after having Tommy John elbow surgery in May, meaning the 21-year-old likely will be out of action through at least summer 2022.

Locals from the 2021 MLB Draft

  • Sunlake High/University of Florida pitcher Tommy Mace— signed with Cleveland Indians for $1.1 million (drafted in Comp B, 69th overall)
  • Wharton High shortstop Zach Ehrhard — did not sign with Boston Red Sox (drafted in 13th round, 376th overall)
  • Gaither High shortstop A.J. Graham — signed with Pittsburgh Pirates for $125,000 (drafted in 18th round, 523rd overall)
  • Saint Leo University left-handed pitcher Jimmy Burnette — signed with Toronto Blue Jays for $50,000 (drafted in 18th round, 543rd overall)
  • Gaither High/University of Texas third baseman Cam Williams — signed with Kansas City Royals for $25,000 (19th round, 559th overall)

Published August 11, 2021

National champion returns home to teach aspiring players

By

Mere weeks ago, Land O’ Lakes native Shannon Saile was busy celebrating an NCAA Division I national championship — as one of the top pitchers on the University of Oklahoma women’s softball team.

Her decorated softball career now has quite literally come full circle.

The 23-year-old returned to her tight-knit central Pasco County hometown, again setting foot on the same park ballfields that forged a pathway for myriad athletic accomplishments.

Shannon Saile, left, a national champion softball pitcher for the Oklahoma Sooners, explains the fundamentals of the fast pitch to 11-year-old Laila McClelland, center, of Odessa. Shannon worked with the intermediates and advanced pitchers on developing their form and delivering a fast pitch over home plate. (Fred Bellet)

Her goal is to organize a series of fastpitch softball clinics to train the next generation of youth standouts.

The upstart Shannon Saile Pitching Clinic was held July 25 at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, home to Land O’ Lakes Little League.

About 30 girls — ages 8 to 15 — took part on a steamy Sunday, eager to take in guidance from Saile and other well-known pitching instructors and volunteers.

Saile hopes to host similar clinics across the country — the next likely somewhere in Oklahoma — all in the name of growing the game that’s afforded her success and opportunity.

“It’s something I’m passionate about,” Saile told The Laker/Lutz News.

Naturally, it only made sense for Saile to launch her softball instruction venture back where it all began — a ballfield in Land O’ Lakes.

“I just thought it was like really important to me to start it in Land O’ Lakes, because that’s where I grew up,” she said of her softball clinic venture. “I really want to grow it across the country, and always come back to Land O’ Lakes.”

With Saile’s tutelage, young campers sharpened their fastballs and secondary offerings like changeups, through arm path mechanics and leg drive techniques, as well as various speed, agility and balance drills.

“I just hope that I can teach them the foundation of pitching, because it’s much more important than just getting out there and throwing pitches,” Saile explained. “The drills are super important, because they help me grow my strength and my confidence in my pitches.”

With her eyes on the ‘strike zone,’ 15-year-old Daijah Madry, of Tampa, prepares to pitch during the Shannon Saile Pitching Clinic at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex on Collier Parkway. Saile, host of the clinic, was among the national championship team at the University of Oklahoma.

Besides newfound softball skills, campers also had an opportunity to get signed autographs and take pictures with Saile, who’s become a household name in the sports world. She was invited to ESPN’s 2021 ESPY Awards for being part of one of the best moments from the year in sports. The annual sports awards event was televised last month on ABC.

Saile is arguably one of the most accomplished — if not most accomplished — fastpitch softball players to ever come out of Land O’ Lakes High School and the greater Tampa Bay area.

As a Gator, she amassed 517 strikeouts and a career 1.76 ERA in four varsity seasons from 2013 to 2016, also compiling a combined 41 wins, 31 complete games, 11 shutouts and five no-hitters.

The advancement to the college ranks likewise went swimmingly for the 5-foot-7 right-hander.

Saile began her Division I softball career at Florida International University, finding immediate success with a pair of sub 2 ERA seasons in the circle.

Saile then transferred to blue-chip Oklahoma following her sophomore season.

Oklahoma is a perennial powerhouse that’s won five national softball titles since 2000 —including the 2021 Women’s College World Series over Florida State University in June — under longtime head coach Patty Gasso.

The local athlete enjoyed similar statistical feats in the iconic cream-and-crimson Sooners uniform.

As a redshirt senior this past season, Saile posted an impressive 1.70 ERA and 1.06 WHIP while being second on the team in wins (17), innings pitched (100.1), complete games (six), and strikeouts (132).

Local resident Shayna Rentfro lines up a picture of her daughter, Jayda Lisant, 8, through the fence, during the recent Shannon Saile Pitching Clinic at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex on Collier Parkway.

Upon returning to the area recreation complex, Saile acknowledged  “flashbacks” of the many years, and countless hours and days, spent in travel ball and Land O’ Lakes Little League practices and games.

She put it like this: “Remembering where I started…it just wants me to remind the kids of, ‘You start small and you work your way up; it doesn’t happen overnight,’ and it’s just a humbling experience of remembering where I was and now where I am. It just means a lot to me to bleed that into these girls, that have the same dreams I did.”

Saile, meanwhile, continues to have vivid memories of guiding the Sooners to a national crown earlier this summer and a showy 56-4 record.

After navigating the Big 12 softball championship, NCAA regional and super regional, Oklahoma defeated James Madison, Georgia, UCLA and Florida State at the 2021 Women’s College World Series at Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City.

“It kind of feels like it was yesterday still,” Saile said of the historic collegiate campaign. “I just continuously live that moment in my head of just that feeling of, ‘All the hard work has finally paid off.’ Like, all of the hard work when you’re a kid, on the Little League field, and then now, in the biggest stage, it feels like, ‘Wow, everything I worked for has finally paid off,’ and not a lot of people get to experience that, and I’m so grateful that I was able to.”

All arms on deck
A slew of Saile’s former teammates, coaches and acquaintances pitched in to help the youth softball clinic run smoothly.

Twelve-year old Paige Smith, of Land O’ Lakes, gets a hit in the batting cage, an extra feature at the pitching clinic. She and her 14-year-old sister, Lilly, picked up some pointers at the clinic.

This included fellow former Land O’ Lakes High pitching standout Callie Turner, who launched her college career at the University of Tennessee, but has since transferred to the University of Arkansas, another prominent Division I SEC (Southeastern Conference) program.

Turner and Saile crossed paths in high school, when Saile was a senior and Turner a freshman.

Turner has plenty of name recognition in her own right — a former top-ranked prep softball recruit, state champion and participant on USA Softball’s Junior Women’s National Training Team.

The 5-foot-10 left-hander expressed enthusiasm about sharing her softball knowledge and wisdom with budding campers.

“When I was a kid, I didn’t have a lot of opportunities to do stuff like this,” Turner said, “(so) I think it’s really fun, and, I mean, it’s nice to think that they look up to us, so just being able to give back to the community that we grew up in, is great.”

Another notable softball figure serving up lessons — former University of Minnesota pitching standout Amber Fiser, now a softball graduate assistant at the University of Missouri.

Fiser plays alongside Saile for Team Florida in the Professional Fastpitch Softball league.

They also coached together in the Florida Gulf Coast League Pro Series, a summer collegiate softball league in the Sarasota area.

Wearing a protective fielder’s mask, 9-year-old Grace Peters, of Land O’ Lakes, was ready to take her turn on the mound. Peters was among those in the intermediate division at the Shannon Saile Pitching Clinic.

Land O’ Lakes High assistant softball coach Pascal Guarracino, another camp volunteer, took a beating while catching behind home plate.

Still, he was more than willing to don the mask and heavy glove to help current and former students.

The coach came away amazed by how Saile and Turner have transformed into top-flight Division I athletes, and their willingness to help the next wave of local softball youth.

“They really are about community, they’re about family, and it was really important for (them) to come back and do it here,” Guarracino said.

“You know, we still see them as young high school girls, as little kids, but the knowledge of the sport and the progress we’ve seen (from them) in the last four years, we learn more from them than we could learn in a (coach’s clinic) classroom.”

Turner’s father, Dave, chipped in, too.

An area softball coach himself, he emphasized the need for programs to develop more willing, confident pitchers throughout the sport.

Coach Charlie Aliano of the Cincinnati Reds lends some batting knowledge to 13-year old Olivia James, of New Port Richey. Aliano, of Land O’ Lakes, assisted during the Shannon Saile Pitching Clinic.

A lot of kids are afraid to pitch, he said.

“It’s a lot of pressure. I mean, you’re out there in the circle by yourself,” he explained.

In addition to fastpitch drills, hitting instruction was happening in batting cages next to the ballfield.

That was led by Charles Aliano, a baseball lifer who now works as a scout supervisor for the Cincinnati Reds.

His daughter, Addy, is a standout outfielder at Academy at the Lakes.

Aliano was quick to heap praise on Saile, Turner, Fiser and others for coordinating the daylong softball clinic.

He said, “It’s an amazing experience for all these girls to have those girls” working with them.

He added: “It’s special, and I think everybody should embrace it.”

Lessons learned
The next wave of local talent could include Land O’ Lakes High rising sophomore Avaree Hudson and incoming freshman Sammy Magee.

(Shannon Saile, right, a national champion softball pitcher at the University of , speaks to a group of advanced pitchers during a water and shade break at her pitching clinic at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex softball field.

Both assisted during the clinic’s morning intermediate session, then worked on honing their own softball craft in the afternoon advanced session.

They expressed gratitude for having the trio of Saile, Turner and Fiser available to help them and the younger players to develop their skills.

They acknowledged admiring the Division I players’ talent and respective softball feats.

“I think it’s a really great opportunity because all of them are taking the time to teach everyone, and all these girls are going to be girls playing in high schools around us,” said Hudson.

“They’re just taking time out of their day to teach (the campers) new things, like changeups, that they don’t know, and I think that’s really great and really special,” she said.

Added Magee, “I think it’s cool that the older girls get to come here and help with younger kids, because it all starts with the youth and learning things and getting them to look up to them, it’s like a big thing for them.”

The prep underclassman likewise left with some beneficial softball tidbits of their own, too, from the experienced college trio.

“The way they word things is so helpful to like, ‘Learning how to get into your legs and really drive,’ and get stronger as a pitcher, mentally and physically,” said Magee, who recently moved with her family to Land O’ Lakes from Pennsylvania, in search of facing greater softball competition and exposure.

Published August 04, 2021

Area softball players among best in state

By

The high school softball season has come and gone, but local athletes are still racking up accolades from their 2021 campaigns.

The 2021 Miracle Sports all-state teams were released earlier this month honoring the top softball players in Florida — and area standouts were well-represented.

Over 40 softball players across nine schools from The Laker/Lutz News coverage area were recognized either as first-team, second-team, third-team or honorable mention.

All-State selections were made by longtime Florida sportswriter Corey Davis, with nominations considered from prep coaches of playoff and non-playoff teams statewide, representing classes 1A through 7A.

The Land O’ Lakes High Gators varsity softball program went 24-8 and finished Class 5A state runner-up. Nine of the team’s players made the Miracle Sports 5A all-state team, which was the most among all local schools in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area. (File)

The Land O’ Lakes High Gators (5A) led all area programs with nine selections, including two first-teamers in juniors Nehanda Lewis and Emma Nixon.

The Gators went 24-8 and finished 5A state-runner up, falling to Fort Myers High 7-6 in the state championship game on May 21 in Claremont.

Lewis — the team’s primary shortstop and a University of Central Florida softball commit — also was named 5A player of the year.

She led the Gators in batting average (.477), hits (41), RBI (40), walks (14), doubles (11), triples (five) and home runs (three), among other categories.

Nixon — the team’s catcher and a University of West Georgia commit — hit .295 with eight doubles and 34 RBI. Defensively, she paced the Gators in putouts (141) and threw out three base stealers.

Meanwhile, Land O’ Lakes head coach Mitch Wilkins was honored as 5A coach of the year.

In his eighth season as coach, Wilkins has paced the Gators to a combined 169-49-1 mark, including six 20-plus win seasons and a state crown in 2017. Likewise impressive on this year’s run was that the Gators roster included just two seniors (Gracie Stanley and Kalynn Lindsey), so the program should again be top-notch in coming years.

Land O’ Lakes High Gators varsity softball head coach Mitch Wilkins was named Miracle Sports 5A softball coach of the year. (Courtesy of Land O’ Lakes High School athletics)

Academy at the Lakes — with a 17-5 record and a trip to the 2A regional semifinals — garnered the next-most selections among area schools, celebrating seven players on the 2A all-state team.

Freshman outfielder Addy Aliano, was a second-team choice; and pitchers Sydney Klein (freshman) and Katie Ferguson (eighth grade), earned third-team nods.

Aliano led the Wildcats in runs scored (26) to go along with a .338 batting average, 22 RBI and 13 stolen bases.

Klein and Ferguson both tossed more than 50 innings with sub 4 ERAs and 50-plus strikeouts each.

The Steinbrenner High Warriors (7A) and Wiregrass Ranch Bulls (6A) also had very strong all-state representation with five all-state selections apiece in their respective classifications.

All five Warriors were third-team 7A picks — senior Ashley Schroll, juniors Madison Frey and Emily Chiarella, sophomore Hailey Bellamy and freshman Lily Holtje, respectively. Steinbrenner went 23-5 and reached the 7A regional quarterfinals.

Leading the way for the Bulls, meanwhile, was first-team 6A choice Brianna Baer, a junior outfielder.

Baer posted a .412 batting average with four homers (including a grand slam), five doubles, two triples, 29 RBIs, 21 runs scored and six steals.

The Academy at the Lakes Wildcats varsity softball program went 17-5 and advanced to the 2A regional semifinals. Seven Wildcats made the Miracle Sports 2A all-state team. (Courtesy of Academy at the Lakes athletics)

The Gaither High Cowboys (6A) and Wesley Chapel Wildcats (4A) garnered four selections apiece.

Among the Cowboys top choices was 6A first-teamer Jocelyn Wilkes, a junior utility player and University of South Florida commit.

Wilkes put up eye-popping numbers in 18 games played — leading the Cowboys in batting average (.649), doubles (16), home runs (seven) and RBIs (40).

Wilkes also was the team’s ace in the circle, posting a 3.35 ERA and 98 strikeouts across 96 innings pitched.

All of Wesley Chapel’s selections earned third-team 4A designations — senior Ashley Garrison, juniors Madelyn Golka and Kadence Means, and freshman Ava Blakely, respectively.

The Cypress Creek Coyotes (3A) had three all-state selections — senior pitcher Hailey Vazquez (third-team) and junior infielders Mandy Schwartz (third-team) and Jillian Hudson (honorable mention).

The Wharton High Wildcats (7A) had two all-state picks — sophomore utility Lexi Cowles (first-team) and senior infielder Tieley Vaughn (honorable mention). Both Cowles and Vaughn hit over .400 with double-digit extra-base hits apiece.

The Sunlake High Seahawks (6A) had a lone all-state representative in junior outfielder Larken Maseda, a third-team choice.

Maseda — a Palm Beach Atlantic University softball commit — led the Seahawks in RBIs (20) to go along with a .362 batting clip and seven extra-base hits. She also paced the team in fielding percentage (.982) and putouts (96).

No local schools or athletes were recognized in Class 1A.

2021 Miracle Sports all-state teams
Class 7A

  • Madison Frey, Steinbrenner, junior, catcher (third team)
  • Lily Holtje, Steinbrenner, freshman, catcher (third team)
  • Emily Chiarella, Steinbrenner, junior, outfielder (third team)
  • Ashley Schroll, Steinbrenner, senior, utility (third team)
  • Hailey Bellamy, Steinbrenner, sophomore, utility (third team)
  • Lexi Cowles, Wharton, sophomore, utility (first team)
  • Tieley Vaughn, Wharton, senior, infielder (honorable mention)

Class 6A

  • Jocelyn Wilkes, Gaither, junior, utility (first team)
  • Marley Quammie, Gaither, freshman, outfielder (third team)
  • Alex Wilkes, Gaither, sophomore, utility (third team)
  • Megan Loughren, Gaither, sophomore, infielder (honorable mention)
  • Larken Maseda, Sunlake, junior, outfielder (third team)
  • Brianna Baer, Wiregrass Ranch, junior, outfielder(first team)
  • Kylee Johnson, Wiregrass Ranch, sophomore, infielder (second team)
  • Isabella Amendolaro, Wiregrass Ranch, junior, outfielder (third team)
  • Elise Eason, Wiregrass Ranch, junior, infielder (honorable mention)
  • Gracie Bethel, Wiregrass Ranch, sophomore, infielder (honorable mention)

Class 5A

  • Coach of the Year: Mitch Wilkins, Land O’ Lakes
  • Player of the Year: Nehanda Lewis, Land O’ Lakes, infielder (first team)
  • Emma Nixon, Land O’ Lakes, junior, catcher (first team)
  • Nehanda Lewis, Land O’ Lakes, junior, infielder (first team)
  • Kiersten Stevens, Land O’ Lakes, freshman, outfielder (third team)
  • Mia Fields, Land O’ Lakes, freshman, pitcher (honorable mention)
  • Gracie Stanley, Land O’ Lakes, senior, utility (honorable mention)
  • Reagan Alapa, Land O’ Lakes, sophomore, utility (honorable mention)
  • Jadyn Spencer, Land O’ Lakes, sophomore, utility (honorable mention)
  • Nicol Werking, Land O’ Lakes, sophomore, outfielder (honorable mention)
  • Aliana Mercado, Land O’ Lakes, sophomore, utility (honorable mention)

Class 4A

  • Kadence Means, Wesley Chapel, junior, catcher (third team)
  • Ashley Garrison, Wesley Chapel, senior, infielder (third team)
  • Ava Blakely, Wesley Chapel, freshman, outfielder (third team)
  • Madelyn Golka, Wesley Chapel, junior, utility (third team)

Class 3A

  • Hailey Vazquez, Cypress Creek, senior, pitcher (third team)
  • Mandy Schwartz, Cypress Creek, junior, infielder (third team)
  • Jillian Hudson, Cypress Creek, junior, infielder (honorable mention)

Class 2A

  • Addy Aliano, Academy at the Lakes, freshman, outfielder (second team)
  • Sydney Klein, Academy at the Lakes, freshman, pitcher (third team)
  • Katie Ferguson, Academy at the Lakes, freshman, pitcher (third team)
  • Vanessa Alexander, Academy at the Lakes, senior, infielder (honorable mention)
  • Juliana Ries, Academy at the Lakes, freshman, infielder (honorable mention)
  • Alina Ries, Academy at the Lakes, freshman, outfielder (honorable mention)
  • Molly Blackwood, Academy at the Lakes, freshman, utility (honorable mention)

No local schools or athletes recognized in Class 1A.

Published July 28, 2021

Several local athletes taken in 2021 MLB Draft

By

Aspirations of playing professional baseball may soon become a reality for a handful of athletes from local high schools and colleges in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area.

The Major League Baseball (MLB) 2021 first-year player draft spanned 20 rounds (and 612 picks) from July 11 through July 13.

The draft is held every summer by conference call among the 30 Major League clubs.

The clubs take turns selecting players in reverse order of their won-lost records at the close of the previous regular season.

Generally, a player is eligible for selection if the player is a resident of the United States or Canada and the player has never before signed a Major League or Minor League contract. Residents of Puerto Rico and other territories of the United States also are eligible for the Draft.

The basic categories of players eligible to be drafted are:

  • High school players, if they have graduated from high school and have not yet attended college or junior college
  • College players, from four-year colleges who have either completed their junior or senior years or are at least 21 years old; and
  • Junior college players, regardless of how many years of school they have completed.

Representing the highest selection from the local community was Sunlake High alum Tommy Mace, now a fourth-year junior from the University of Florida.

Sunlake High product Tommy Mace has been an impactful right-handed pitcher for the Florida Gators baseball program the past four seasons. He was selected 69th overall by the Cleveland Indians in the 2021 MLB first-year player draft. (Courtesy of University of Florida athletics department)

The imposing 6-foot-6, 230-pound right-handed pitcher was taken 69th overall by the Cleveland Indians — in Competitive Balance Round B between the second and third round.

The recommended bonus slot value for that lofty pick is just under $1 million, at $929,800.

If and when Mace signs, he’ll join another local product in the Indians organization — Gaither High product Oscar Mercado, who earned a call-up with the big league club in June.

Mace, 22, very well could’ve turned pro last year, but opted to return to school with hopes of further improving his draft stock.

This past season at Florida he posted a 4.38 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 113 strikeouts in 90.1 innings pitched, along with a 6-2 record.

Across his four-year college career, Mace compiled a combined 4.37 ERA, 1.279 WHIP and 258 strikeouts in 269.2 total innings pitched, with a 22-7 mark.

Mace was ranked as the No. 45 draft prospect, according to MLB.com’s 2021 pre-draft rankings.

He exhibits a four-pitch mix — fastball, slider, curveball and changeup. This includes a sinking two-seam fastball that is viewed as his top offering, touching 96 mph with cutting action, according to various scouting reports, including MLB.com.

MLB.com’s draft profile on Mace otherwise states: “Mace has gotten a bit bigger physically, which could help with consistency of velocity and stuff. He’s always been good at throwing strikes, but has been more a contact, ground ball kind of pitcher, rather than one who misses tons of bats. He did increase his strikeout rate while continuing to fill up the strike zone in 2021.”

Mace has been highly-regarded since his prep days at Sunlake, where he was a three-year varsity letter winner.

As a senior, Mace tallied a 1.29 ERA and 101 strikeouts in 77.2 innings, with an 8-2 record in 11 appearances — guiding the Seahawks to the Class 7A regional finals.

He won 19 games during his high school career, posting a combined 1.65 ERA and 196 strikeouts in 165.2 innings.

Mace was rated as No. 72 prep player in the class of 2017 by Perfect Game and No. 15 overall prep player in all of Florida — including the fifth-ranked, right-handed pitcher in the state.

Wharton High senior baseball standout Zach Ehrhard, left, won Hillsborough County’s 2021 Wade Boggs Athletic Achievement Award on the basis of athletic, scholastic and community achievements. Ehrhard was picked by the Boston Red Sox in the 13th round of the 2021 MLB Draft. Also pictured here is Boggs, middle, and Ehrhard’s older brother, Drew, who also won the award in 2017. (File)

Among other accolades, he was named MaxPreps Second Team All-American and National High School Coaches Association All-Southeast Team.

Mace previously was drafted out of high school in the 12th round (347th overall) by the Cincinnati Reds in 2017.

He, of course, didn’t sign with the Reds, instead opting to pitch for the Gators, which had then come off a 2017 College World Series crown — the first national championship in the program’s history.

Others drafted in later rounds
Mace was one several area players taken, albeit those in later rounds, on day three of the baseball draft.

Wharton High School senior Zach Ehrhard — an Oklahoma State University signee — was picked by the Boston Red Sox in the 13th round (367th overall).

The 5-foot-11, 175-pound switch-hitting shortstop batted .438 this season for the Wildcats, with three homers, 12 doubles, 29 runs scored and 21 RBIs, along with 26 stolen bases.

Ehrhard was this year’s recipient of the Wade Boggs Athletic Achievement Award, which honors a high school baseball player in Hillsborough County on the basis of outstanding athletic, scholastic and community achievements.

Baseball talent runs in the Ehrhard family.

His older brother, Drew, received the same prestigious county award in 2017 and went on to play collegiate baseball at the University of Tampa.

Another area prep position player, Gaither High senior A.J. Graham, was taken with the first pick in the 18th round (523rd overall) by the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The 6-3, 180-pound right-handed shortstop batted .346 with two homers, seven doubles, 18 runs scored, 14 RBIs and 12 stolen bases in 78 at-bats across 23 games this season.

Also picked in the 18th round was Saint Leo University left-handed pitcher Jimmy Burnette, landing 542nd overall to the Toronto Blue Jays.

This season the 6-foot-2, 205-pound redshirt senior led the Lions in innings pitched (45.0), wins (three) and strikeouts (53) to go along with a 5.80 ERA and 1.53 WHIP and a pair of complete games.

Burnette appears to have emerged in the inaugural MLB Draft League, a summer showcase for top draft-eligible prospects providing exposures to scouts, coaches and advanced baseball technologies.

Gaither High/University of Texas third baseman Cam Williams was selected by the Kansas City Royals in the 19th round of the 2021 MLB Draft. (Courtesy of University of Texas athletics department)

Playing for the league’s Mahoning Valley Scrappers in Niles, Ohio, Burnette posted a 3.09 ERA, 1.4 WHIP and 44 strikeouts in 23.1 innings pitched.

A Chicago native, Burnette transferred to Saint Leo from the University of Illinois this past season.

Gaither High/University of Texas third baseman Cam Williams was taken in the 19th round (559th overall) by the Kansas City Royals.

The 6-foot-2, 200-pound Odessa native starred for a Longhorns squad that had a third-place appearance at the 2021 College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska.

The fourth-year senior led Texas with 20 doubles and was second with 12 homers, to go along with .295 average, 42 runs scored and 51 RBIs spread across 61 starts at third base.

Prior to college, Williams led Gaither to the 2016 7A state championship his senior year and was named Rawlings-Perfect Game Honorable Mention All-American.

He was drafted out of high school in the 39th round by the Seattle Mariners, but didn’t sign, opting for Dallas Baptist University and San Jacinto College before transferring to Texas.

Williams’ father, Reggie, played four MLB seasons with the Anaheim Angels and Los Angeles Dodgers.

(Note: While slightly outside our coverage area, Fivay High/University of Mississippi product Gunnar Hoglund went in the first round (19th overall) to the Blue Jays. The 6-foot-4, 220-pound right-hander from Hudson was viewed as one of the draft’s most polished arms, but slipped slightly after having Tommy John elbow surgery in May.)

Robust draft history
It’s not uncommon for at least a few ballplayers from area high schools and colleges to be drafted each year.

In 2020, Steinbrenner High/Florida State University right-handed pitcher CJ Van Eyk went to the Blue Jays in the second round (42nd overall), and Wesley Chapel native/Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High/University of South Florida right-handed pitcher Carson Ragsdale went in the fourth round (116th overall) to the Philadelphia Phillies.

Saint Leo University left-handed pitcher Jimmy Burnette was selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 18th round of the 2021 MLB Draft. (Courtesy of Saint Leo University athletics department)

(Though slightly outside our coverage area on the west side of Pasco, Trinity native/Mitchell High catcher Jackson Miller went in the second round (65th overall) to the Reds.)

The 2019 MLB Draft also yielded a trio of area selections.

Land O’ Lakes High/St. Petersburg College second baseman Dustin Harris was selected in the 11th round (344th overall) by the Oakland Athletics; Pasco-Hernando State College/University of Tampa pitcher Tyler Beck was selected in 30th round (899th overall) by the Minnesota Twins in the; and Steinbrenner High/Mississippi State University pitcher Cole Gordon was selected in the 32nd round (958th overall) by the New York Mets.

Prior drafts yielded several community picks as well, including four in 2018 and six in 2017, respectively.

Locals picked in the 2021 MLB Draft

  • Sunlake High/University of Florida pitcher Tommy Mace (Cleveland Indians, Comp B, 69th overall)
  • Wharton High shortstop Zach Ehrhard (Boston Red Sox, 13th round, 376th overall)
  • Gaither High shortstop A.J. Graham (Pittsburgh Pirates, 18th round, 523rd overall)
  • Saint Leo University left-handed pitcher Jimmy Burnette (Toronto Blue Jays, 18th round, 543rd overall)
  • Gaither High/University of Texas third baseman Cam Williams (Kansas City Royals, 19th round, 559th overall)

Published July 21, 2021

Checking in on locals during MLB’s All-Star break

By

The 2021 Major League Baseball (MLB) season has reached its designated July midway point with the All-Star break — with weeklong festivities like the All-Star Game, Home Run Derby, MLB Draft, Futures Game and Celebrity Softball Game all happening in Denver, Colorado.

The league’s breather offers several days off for ballplayers before returning to the extensive 162-game regular schedule (not including spring training or playoffs)  — with most of the 30 teams out of action from July 12 through July 15.

There are several ballplayers, and a manager, that have their roots in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area.

Here’s a closer look at these locals’ performances, halfway through the Major League season:

Zephyrhills High product Austin Adams is a reliever for the San Diego Padres. (File)

Austin Adams, San Diego Padres, pitcher
Local tie: Zephyrhills High School
Austin Adams has solidified himself as one of the more important bullpen pieces for the contending San Diego Padres (53-40, third in NL West), posting a 1.71 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 48 strikeouts across 31.2 innings pitched in 30 appearances.

Much of the credit for his success harkens to his high-spin slider, which he throws nearly 89% of the time and averages about 87 mph.

The 6-foot-3, 220-pound righty has struggled with command and control at times (issuing 19 walks and MLB-leading 14 hit batters), yet he’s only allowed 14 hits, with batters averaging just .137 against him.

The 30-year-old has had stints in the Majors since 2017, also playing for the Washington Nationals and Seattle Mariners.

Adams grew up in Zephyrhills, playing little league at Sam Pasco Park.

He went on to earn four letters in baseball (and one in basketball) at Zephyrhills High School from 2006 to 2009. He posted a 2.43 ERA and 80 strikeouts in his Bulldog career.

Adams’ high school pedigree led to a baseball scholarship at the University of South Florida, where he was a cog in the program’s first-ever Big East Championship final in 2012, as a junior. Adams went on become an eighth round draft pick by the Los Angeles Angels, signing for $127,500.

Wiregrass Ranch High product John Gant is a veteran right-handed pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals. (FIle)

John Gant, St. Louis Cardinals, pitcher
Local tie: Wiregrass Ranch High School
John Gant began the season in the St. Louis Cardinals rotation, but was assigned to a bullpen role weeks ago.

It’s a role he’s flourished with strike-throwing and walk prevention.

Across 71.2 innings in 21 appearances — the second-most innings he’s thrown in his six-year Majors career — the 6-foot-4, 200-pound righty has posted a 3.52 ERA, 1.59 WHIP and 60 strikeouts, with a 4-6 record for a Cardinals team that sits fourth in the NL Central at 44-46.

Gant’s arsenal features as many as six different pitches, headlined by a sinker (38.6%) and changeup (21.4%), along with a four-seam fastball, slider, cutter and curveball, according to MLB.com’s Statcast metrics.

Like his diverse pitch selection, the 28-year-old also has gone viral on social media for altering hairstyles and facial hair during the course of a season.

He’s sported everything from a full beard and long hair to corn rows to bushy mustache to some more traditional clean-shaven looks.

Gant made his MLB debut in 2016 with the Atlanta Braves, but has played for St. Louis since 2017.

Locally, Gant starred on the Wiregrass Ranch High varsity baseball team from 2008 to 2011 — striking out over 200 batters and sustaining just three losses in four years.

He also was a member of the Wiregrass Ranch basketball and swimming teams. His father, John Sr., was a science teacher at the school and longtime varsity girls basketball coach.

Gant was selected out of high school by the New York Mets in the 21st round of the 2011 MLB Draft, where he signed for $185,000.

Bishop McLaughlin product/Odessa native Nate Pearson is a right-handed pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays. (Courtesy of Major League Baseball Advanced Media)

Nate Pearson, Toronto Blue Jays, pitcher
Local tie: Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School (Odessa native)
Labeled one of baseball’s top pitching prospects, many tabbed Nate Pearson to garner American League Rookie of the Year consideration this year for the Toronto Blue Jays.

It’s been anything but that so far.

The 24-year-old right-hander was quickly optioned to the minors in early May after firing just 2.1 innings in one big league appearance — a 7-4 road loss to the Houston Astros on May 9, where he allowed five walks, four hits and three earned runs.

Since then, Pearson exhibited up and down showings for the Triple-A affiliate Buffalo Bisons (4.74 ERA, 1.176 WHIP, 36 strikeouts in 24.2 innings).

Meanwhile, he hasn’t pitched since June 16 as he nurses a right groin strain — a befuddling injury that has him seeking a handful of different medical opinions, according to various media reports.

Measuring 6-foot-6, 250-pounds — aptly nicknamed “Big Nate,” — Peason’s regarded for a high-velocity fastball that can regularly touch 100 mph and above, along with a mid-80s slider and cutter.

He made his MLB debut during the pandemic-shortened season in 2020, so still maintains rookie-level status.

It remains up in the air if Pearson will pitch for Toronto the rest of this season, which is fighting for positioning in the uber-competitive AL East, where they sit in third place with a 45-42 mark.

Born and raised in Odessa, Pearson starred at Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School, helping the program to the Class 3A state semifinals as a senior in 2015.

He wrapped up his prep career with a career 1.24 earned run average and 144 strikeouts in 101.2 innings pitched, with a 12-1 record.

Pearson went on to play college baseball at Miami’s Florida International University, then transferred to College of Central Florida in Ocala.

Pearson was taken by Toronto late in the first round (28th overall) in the 2017 MLB Draft, signing for a $2.45 million bonus.

Gaither High product Oscar Mercado is an outfielder with the Cleveland Indians. (File)

Oscar Mercado, Cleveland Indians, outfielder
Local tie: Gaither High School
Oscar Mercado was one of the Cleveland Indians final roster cuts during spring training, but has since worked himself back to the big league club, earning a promotion from Triple-A Columbus on June 28.

The 26-year-old has cobbled together a respectable .281/.343/.500 line with nine hits (including a homer, triple and two doubles), five runs, four RBIs, three walks and nine strikeouts across 32 at-bats in 12 MLB games, along with two stolen bases. Defensively, he’s seen action in left field and center field.

The 6-foot-2, 197-pound right-handed hitter had an impressive debut season in 2019. That season he batted .269 with 15 home runs and 54 RBIs in 119 games, adding 70 runs scored, 25 doubles, three triples and 15 stolen bases — finishing eighth in the AL Rookie of the Year race.

But what followed was a subpar 2020 campaign — with a paltry .128 with a .348 OPS in 86 at-bats across 36 games.

Mercado’s since worked to revamp his swing after last season’s slump, with help from the coaching staff and front office, according to various media reports.

He now appears on the right track.

A native of Colombia, Mercado and his family emigrated to the United States, and settled in the Tampa area when he was 7 years old.

He became a four-year starter at shortstop at Gaither High School from 2010 to 2013, leading the program to back-to-back district crowns and ranked among the nation’s top prep middle infielders.

Following high school, Mercado was picked by St. Louis Cardinals in the second round (57th overall) in the 2013 MLB Draft, signing for $1.5 million.

He spent nearly six years working through the Cardinals minor league system until he was traded to the Indians in July 2018.

Gaither High product/Lutz native Kevin Cash is in his seventh year as manager of the Tampa Bay Rays. (File)

Kevin Cash, Tampa Bay Rays, manager
Local tie: Gaither High School
Unlike most other MLB managers and coaches, Kevin Cash will have on-field duties during the All-Star break.

That’s because he was named manager for the AL All-Star squad — a reward designated for leading the Tampa Bay Rays to a World Series appearance last season.

The 2021 MLB All-Star Game— otherwise known as the midsummer classic — is scheduled for July 13 at Coors Field in Denver, Colorado. The game will air live on FOX at 7:30 p.m.

There, Cash will oversee 34 of the sport’s top players during the contest, including two familiar faces in Rays catcher Mike Zunino and super-utility Joey Wendle, who were both named All-Star reserves.

Cash’s encore from last year’s historic Rays campaign hasn’t been too shabby, guiding the franchise to a 53-37 record — good for second in the AL East (1.5 game back of first-place Boston Red Sox) and tops in the Wild Card race.

The seventh-year skipper has done it navigating tough team injuries (like ace pitcher Tyler Glasnow) and melding an eclectic group of rookies and veterans, with ages ranging from 20 years old (rookie infielder Wander Franco) to 41 years old (lefty veteran pitcher Rich Hill).

Likewise impressive, Cash’s ballclub entered the season with MLB’s fifth cheapest payroll at around $69.1 million — ahead of only the Miami Marlins ($58.5 million), Baltimore Orioles ($58.1 million), Pittsburgh Pirates ($55.9 million) and Cleveland Indians ($52.8 million).

Cash is regarded for his relatability to players, plus his quasi-mad scientist approach to managing, with ever-changing batting orders, substitutions, heavy bullpen usage and substitutions, unique defensive positioning and shifts — all designed to maximize the roster and play to player’s individuals strengths.

Locally, Cash spent his younger days growing up in the Valley Ranch Drive neighborhood, situated across from Lake Park in Lutz.

He first hit the national scene in 1989 — then a 12-year-old second baseman for a Northside Little League team that reached the 43rd Little League World Series.
Cash later starred at Gaither High School, penning that into a successful college run at Florida State University and eight-year MLB career as a journeyman catcher mostly.

Cash comes from a baseball family, as his father and uncle both played professionally, the latter reaching the big leagues in the 1970s.

Published July 14, 2021

Zephyrhills runner competes in U.S. Olympic trials

By

Evan Miller’s sprint for a spot on Team USA for the upcoming Tokyo Summer Olympics came up short — but it was still an experience most athletes can only ever dream about.

The Zephyrhills athlete on June 25 competed in the U.S. Olympic track and field trials at the legendary Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon.

Miller — a rising senior at University of South Carolina — clocked 21.04 seconds in the first round heat of the men’s 200-meter dash, finishing 23rd overall.

Zephyrhills native Evan Miller earned an invitation to the U.S. Olympic track and field trials in Eugene, Oregon, where he competed in the men’s 200-meter dash. Miller missed the cut for a spot on Team USA for the Tokyo Summer Olympics, but his track career is far from over. He next gears up for his senior season at the University of South Carolina, where he earned second-team NCAA All-American honors a few months ago. (Zephyrhills native Evan Miller earned an invitation to the U.S. Olympic track and field trials in Eugene, Oregon, where he competed in the men’s 200-meter dash. Miller missed the cut for a spot on Team USA for the Tokyo Summer Olympics, but his track career is far from over. He next gears up for his senior season at the University of South Carolina, where he earned second-team NCAA All-American honors a few months ago. (Courtesy of University of South Carolina athletics department)

He competed in the same heat against other widely known professional sprinters, including Terrance Laird and Jaron Flourney, among others.

The competition was televised live nationally on the NBC Sports Network.

Miller’s trials mark was a shade off his personal best of 20.50 seconds — which he recorded at the Weems Baskin Relays hosted on-campus at South Carolina in late March. He wound up earning second-team NCAA All-American honors during the season, too.

A last-minute heat and lane scheduling change at trials in Oregon arguably impacted his performance, in some form or another.

Miller originally was slated to compete in heat 2, lane 5, but event officials switched him to heat 3, lane 9 just hours before the race.

Here’s why it matters: The middle lanes (such as lane 5) are viewed as more advantageous in track, as it allows sprinters to visibly pace themselves against competitors in real time, Miller said, “to have someone to kind of push me toward where I’m trying to go, how fast I’m trying to run.”

But being positioned in outside lanes (such as lane 9) is more out on an island of sorts — unable to see if you’re going too fast or too slow against the competition. “You’re just out there, (so) you’ve just kind of got to run your own race,” Miller said.

Miller was one of about 30 sprinters nationwide who either qualified or accepted an invitation, and declared for the men’s 200-meter trials event.

From there, the top three men’s 200-meter finishers at trials earned spots on the U.S. Olympic team — Noah Lyles (first, 19.74 seconds), Kenny Bednarek (second, 19.78) and Erriyon Knighton (third, 19.84). (Knighton is a 17-year-old sensation from Tampa who attends Hillsborough High School and became the youngest track and field athlete to join Team USA since 1964.)

While disappointed with his own trials output overall, Miller relished the opportunity so very few earn — let alone coming off a 2020 track season hampered by the COVID-19 pandemic.

He had plenty of support at the momentous event, as both his parents and sister were in attendance, along with several coaches and teammates.

“All around, it was a really good experience,” Miller said. “It was kind of surreal that I was there with the top athletes in the country. It was just a really good feeling. I was kind of trying to take it all in, but I also couldn’t like believe it at the same time.”

Miller has since flown back to the Tampa Bay area, but may soon head back to Columbia, South Carolina, for the remainder of the summer to take on more in-person instruction from college coaches.

He’s already eyeing the next trials in advance of the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics. He plans to be a professional track athlete by then.

Miller appears on the video board ahead of the U.S. Olympic track and field trials at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon. (Courtesy of Erica Miller)

“I’ll definitely be there,” he said. “This isn’t going to be the last time.”

More immediate tasks, however, include the upcoming college indoor and outdoor track seasons, as well as the 2022 World Championships.

Goals are set on running in the low-20s in the 200, somewhere between 20.1 and 20 seconds flat for the time being.

Miller also is considering adding the 400-meter dash to his repertoire, with the aim of reducing his time in the 200, he said.

Focusing on nutrition will be key to moving forward, Miller said. He noted his calves cramped up a few days before the trials, showing perhaps a sign of dehydration.

Further fine-tuning sprint techniques — from starting block to transition and finish — also is on his mind, to yield improvements.

“There’s a lot of stuff I’ve got to work on,” he said, “so that’s why I’m confident that I’ll be able to drop my time, because there’s still a lot to be done.”

From Zephyrhills to Olympic hopes
Miller has generated buzz athletically since his days at Zephyrhills Christian Academy.

He was better known for his play on the football field, but he took track more seriously following a broken ankle while playing in a 7-on-7 tournament.

As a teenager he eventually linked up with AAU track and high school coach BB Roberts, who runs the Wesley Chapel-based Speed Starz Track Club, and lists NFL and MLB athletes as training clientele.

Roberts, a former track star in his own right at Wesley Chapel High School and Coffeyville (Kansas) Community College, worked to correct Miller’s sprinting form and technique, among other tips.

Miller proceeded to win the Class 1A crown 100-meter dash (10.75) at the 2018 FHSAA State Track & Field Championships, as a senior at Zephyrhills Christian. He also was a member of the program’s 4×100 relay team that won back-to-back state crowns in 2017 and 2018, respectively.

He would go on to qualify for AAU nationals, too.

Miller initially planned to compete in football and track at Warner University, a small NAIA school in Lake Wales.

Zephyrhills athlete Evan Miller readies for warm-ups at the U.S. Olympic track and field trials, held at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon. He finished 23rd in the men’s 200-meter dash, clocking 21.04. (Courtesy of Erica Miller)

That was until the more prestigious South Carolina track and field program came calling with an offer from longtime head coach Curtis Frye — who’s overseen over 60 NCAA champions, 121 SEC champions, 20 Academic All-Americans and more than 500 NCAA All-Americans across his 25-year career.

It’s all been a whirlwind for the hometown speedster, from small private school off Eiland Boulevard to joining a blue-blood SEC college program, to much-grander Olympics aspirations.

“I definitely wish I would’ve discovered track sooner, but I really didn’t expect to be able to do all these things,” said Miller.

“The switch from Warner to (South Carolina), that happened so fast, and then, once I got to (South Carolina), I knew, I wanted to be great at anything I do, not just track but anything in general, so I made it work.

“I’m glad I’ve made it to where I am, in such a short amount of time.”

Miller has grown to love the sport over time. It not only feeds his competitive nature, but also forges mental toughness, he said.

Said Miller, “I like to be the best, in anything that I do, but also I started to realize, it’s a very mental sport. You’ve got to be very mentally strong, and that just also helps me with life in general, being able to handle certain situations, having that mental strength to push through anything.

“It definitely helps me push through certain situations, but just everyday training, it just makes me mentally stronger.”

Published July 07, 2021

Local prep athletes shined during 2021 spring sports season

By

As the COVID-19 pandemic wiped out most, if not all, of last year’s high school spring sports season, these local athletes and teams made up for lost time in 2021.

Here’s a closer look at some of the more notable moments from the recent prep spring sports season within The Laker/Lutz News coverage area — games, events and achievements that couldn’t be celebrated in spring 2020.

Pasco tennis standout secures second state title
If not for the coronavirus outbreak last spring, Pasco High varsity boys’ tennis standout Logan Haga very well could’ve been a three-time state champion.

Pasco High tennis standout Logan Haga, a multi-time state champion (File)

Two will have to do though, when he won the 2021 Florida High School Athletics Association (FHSAA) 3A individual singles state title, downing St. Petersburg High sophomore Peter Keber in straight sets, 6-2, 6-2, at Sanlando Park in Altamonte Springs in late April.

He also defeated Pines Charter’s Sumedh Edavalluri in the finals (6-1, 6-2), Viera’s Leo Da Silva in the semifinals (6-3, 6-2) and Matanzas’ Ilya Korolev in the quarterfinals (6-0, 3-6, 11-9).

Haga also won the 3A individual singles crown as a sophomore in 2019, when he beat Venice’s Benjamin Zipay in the championship draw.

The local tennis star next will be competing at Division I Jacksonville University, in Alabama.

He’s set to join a diverse Jacksonville roster, with new teammates hailing from California, Japan, Italy, England, Ecuador and Slovenia, among other locales.

Haga is a four-star recruit by Tennis Recruiting Network, ranked as the state’s No. 25 prospect and No. 139 nationally.

He’s certainly left his mark at a program not really known as a tennis powerhouse like Wiregrass Ranch or private sports academy like Saddlebrook Prep. He trains regularly at the Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center.

Land O’ Lakes’ softball finishes state-runner up
After playing in only 11 games during the 2020 pandemic-shortened season, the Land O’ Lakes High varsity girls softball program made up for lost time this year.

The Land O’ Lakes varsity girls softball team finished runner-up at the FHSAA Class 5A state championship. (Courtesy of Land O’ Lakes High School Athletics)

They finished the 2021 season with a 24-8 mark and earned state runner-up honors after losing 7-6 to Fort Myers High in the Class 5A state championship in Clermont on May 21.

Their run through the state playoffs was impressive, downing Seminole (8-0 win), River Ridge (3-1 win), Palmetto (6-3 win) and Pace (5-4 win) high schools, up until the loss in the title game. The championship game defeat came in excruciating variety, having lead by 3-0 in the top of the first inning, held a 4-3 lead in the fourth and a 6-3 lead in the sixth, until a combination of walks and errors did them in.

Other area teams should beware in the years to come — most of the Gators top contributors are returning next year and beyond, including freshman ace Mia Fields (1.97 ERA, 67 strikeouts and 12 complete games in 96 innings).

The program, led by head coach Mitch Wilkins, has been a powerhouse for some time, also winning a state title in 2017.

Area athletes collect state track and field hardware
Like all other spring sports during 2020, track and field athletes didn’t get an opportunity to showcase their abilities against Florida’s best as competitions abruptly shut down in mid-March last season amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Land O’ Lakes High field athlete Issac Tavo won state titles in the discus and shotput events, in the Class 3A championships. (File)

But local performers and schools made up for lost time during the 2021 Florida High School Athletics Association (FHSAA) state track and field championships, at the University of North Florida’s Hodges Stadium in Jacksonville.

More than two dozen boy and girl athletes from The Laker/Lutz News coverage area ran, jumped and tossed their way to podium honors, or top-eight finishes, across all classifications at the state meet on May 7 and May 8. (Several others earned top-16 overall finishes in the finals, as well.)

The performances included a handful of individual and relay gold medalists.

Land O’ Lakes senior Isaac Tavo showed his pure strength, taking first-place crowns in both the 3A boys shot put (57-7) and discus (154-0). Tavo bested Tallahassee Rickards sophomore La’Darion Dudley in the shot put (55-1.5) and Milton senior Dominic Lucas in the shot put (151-5), respectively.

Gaither senior Elizabeth Lydon claimed first in the 3A girls pole vault, clearing 11-9.75, narrowly edging Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy sophomore Sydney Nicholson, who cleared the same height but lost on fewer misses.

Sunlake senior Daniella Vance earned top crown in the 3A girls javelin, tossing 119-6, to beat the event’s second-place finisher, Harmony junior Thora Gaston (117-11).

Local schools that earned points in the state meet for their respective classification included Bishop McLaughlin, Carrollwood Day, Cypress Creek, Gaither, Land O’ Lakes, Steinbrenner, Sunlake, Wesley Chapel, Wharton, Wiregrass Ranch and Zephyrhills.

Steinbrenner runner named Academic All-State
Steinbrenner High School senior distance runner Zachary Harrigan in April was named to the 27th annual Florida Dairy Farmers Academic All-State Team — a recognition program presented by the FHSAA that honors 24 graduating student-athletes (12 boys, 12 girls) who excel in both athletics and academics.

Steinbrenner distance runner Zachary Harrigan (File)

As part of the designation, Harrigan receives a $1,700 scholarship and commemorative medallion.

Harrigan owned a 4.0 GPA and finished top of his class. He lettered in cross-country and track all four years of high school, and was a member of Steinbrenner’s 2019 FHSAA cross-country state championship team. He also was a 2018 state qualifier in track and field.

Off the course and out of the classroom, Harrigan earned more than 225 community service hours working with the Humane Society, Idlewild Baptist Church and Feeding Tampa Bay. He plans on studying pre-medicine at Auburn University in Alabama this fall.

To be eligible for Academic All-State, students must be a graduating senior with a minimum 3.5 unweighted GPA, and must have earned a minimum of two varsity letters in at least two different sports during their junior and senior year.

Just three other Tampa Bay area student-athletes were bestowed the honor — Plant High’s Brooks Bak and Hartley Hill, and Clearwater Central Catholic’s Kasey Singer.

Spring football returns
Last year’s prep spring football season in Florida was over before it ever got started, when the FHSAA then in late April officially announced the cancellation of all affiliated sports for the rest of the 2019-2020 school year.

The Cypress Creek High varsity football team looked to take advantage of the return of the spring football practice season. (Courtesy of Cypress Creek High School Athletics)

Normalcy returned in 2021 — with gridiron followers again having the chance to see the development of area players and teams, some with new coaches, transfers and different classifications.

Florida high schools were allowed a maximum of 20 practice sessions from April 26 through May, according to FHSAA guidelines.

The first allowable day for full-contact tackling was May 1. Spring games and jamborees were played throughout late May.

The additional practice period provides players an opportunity to have a routine to add strength and conditioning in the weight room, as well as speed, agility, tackling and game strategy drills, under coaches’ supervision.

Schools in Laker/Lutz News coverage area (and their 2020 records):

Hillsborough County: Carrollwood Day School Patriots (5-5), Freedom High School Patriots (0-9), Gaither High School Cowboys (11-1), Steinbrenner High School Warriors (4-3) and Wharton High School Wildcats (7-2)

Pasco County: Academy at the Lakes Wildcats (4-2), Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School Hurricanes (4-4), Cypress Creek High School Coyotes (3-7), Land O’ Lakes High School Gators (1-7), Pasco High School Pirates (5-6), Sunlake High School Seahawks (2-6), Wesley Chapel High School Wildcats (5-4), Wiregrass Ranch High School Bulls (4-5), Zephyrhills High School Bulldogs (8-3), Zephyrhills Christian Academy Warriors (8-3)

Pasco All-Star Game back on the diamond
The annual Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Pasco County All-Star Baseball/Softball Game brings together the best senior players, from every school, to compete in one last game for bragging rights between the county’s east and west sides.

The fourth annual Fellowship of Christian Athletes Pasco County Senior All-Star Baseball/Softball Game returned to Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School. (File)

It returned this year after being canceled in 2020, due to the coronavirus crisis.

Dozens of baseball and softball players were selected for the event, representing the following schools: Academy at the Lakes, Anclote, Bishop McLaughlin, Cypress Creek, Gulf, Fivay, Hudson, Mitchell, Land O’ Lakes, Pasco, River Ridge, Sunlake, Wesley Chapel, Wiregrass Ranch and Zephyrhills.

The May 22 games were played simultaneously on adjacent baseball and softball fields at Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School, in Spring Hill.

The West All-Stars reigned supreme over the East All-Stars in both contests, winning 10-0 in softball and 11-8 in baseball in extra innings.

While winning was important, to players and coaches alike, the showcase was more about capping four years of high school and relishing the prep ballfields one final time with families, friends and teammates, in a relaxed setting.

Rosters were finalized midway through the regular season, where all-star baseball and softball coaches deliberated the best collection of players through a draft format, taking into account offense, defense, and pitching metrics, among other factors.

The all-star event also included an awards dinner banquet the night before, as well as a couple tranquil meetings and practices in the week leading up. The activities led to lasting memories and positive vibes for all involved.

Published June 30, 2021

All-Star showcase offers lasting memory for Pasco seniors

By

For some, it might represent the final time they compete in an organized baseball or softball game.

For others, it’s a confidence-building stepping stone for the launch of their respective collegiate athletics careers.

Academy at the Lakes All-Star East catcher Josiah Bayona dives for a foul tip during game action against the West All-Stars played at Bishop McLaughlin High School. The West beat the East in extra innings. (Fred Bellet)

For all, it was a special event to cherish and remember.

The fourth annual Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Pasco County All-Star Baseball and Softball Game brings together the best senior players, from every school, to compete in one last game for bragging rights between the county’s east and west sides.

About 45 baseball players and 26 softball players were selected for the event, representing the following schools: Academy at the Lakes, Anclote, Bishop McLaughlin, Cypress Creek, Gulf, Fivay, Hudson, Mitchell, Land O’ Lakes, Pasco, River Ridge, Sunlake, Wesley Chapel, Wiregrass Ranch and Zephyrhills.

Besides four designated all-star head coaches, coaches from just about every program pitch in to assist in some form or another.

The May 22 games were played simultaneously on adjacent baseball and softball fields at Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School, in Spring Hill.

Mitchell High School’s No. 12 Keaton Howard heads back to the dugout after slamming his second home run, ending the extra-inning game against the East.

The West All-Stars reigned supreme over the East All-Stars in both contests.

The West claimed victory in the softball game on a 10-0 mercy rule.

Baseball offered more hijinks, as the West won 11-8 on a three-run, walk-off blast from Mitchell’s Keaton Howard in the bottom of the ninth inning to break an 8-8 tie.

While winning was important, to players and coaches alike, the showcase was more about capping four years of high school and relishing the prep ballfields one final time with families, friends and teammates, in a relaxed setting.

Consider it a swan song, of sorts.

“Think about it — this’ll be the last game that these seniors play, not only for the school year, but for their whole high school career, so we’re sending them out with a big bang,” said FCA Pasco area director Bob Durham, who coordinates the all-star showcase.

Fivay High School All-Star West’s Samantha Proctor gets a hit against the All-Star East team during game action at Bishop McLaughlin High School. The West beat the East, 10-0.

“It’s the best players from every school, getting to play with each other, but against the other side of the county, so they’re pretty excited about it, and they’re ready for their summer, but they’re ready for one more game.

“We just try to make it a special experience for these kids and the parents, and the fans and the community. Every school in the county’s involved, so they try to promote it for a week or two before the game to get some attendance out here.”

Rosters were finalized midway through the regular prep season, where all-star baseball and softball coaches deliberated the best collection of players through a draft format, taking into account offense, defense, and pitching metrics, among other factors.

These coaches “sell their players” to one another, Durham said, until they can all agree upon a final roster. Usually, this exercise takes place in a physical meeting room, but this year the selections were made in a virtual setting on Zoom.

The all-star event also included an awards dinner banquet the night before, as well as a couple tranquil meetings and practices in the week leading up.

In the awards ceremony, Durham explained athletes were recognized not only for on-the-field accolades and statistics — like countywide leaders in strikeouts and RBIs — but also in exhibiting FCA’s core values of service, integrity, teamwork and overall excellence; athletes gunning for these awards submitted personal stories of how they exemplified these qualities in their day-to-day life.

Recognition was bestowed for highest GPA and character, as examples.

“We want to honor those values in kids,” said Durham, “so we make it special, not only in just a game with skill, but in virtues and character.”

Putting rivalries aside to have fun
Wiregrass Ranch varsity softball coach Yamani Vazquez said the all-star shindig is an opportunity to put school rivalries aside and celebrate together in pre-game festivities and practices.

Fivay High School’s All-Star West player Erik Scott leads off second base, in the extra-inning game.

Ironically, Vazquez’s daughter, Hailey was a standout pitcher at Cypress Creek High School — a rival of the program he coaches.

“This is the moment that everyone comes together,” said Vazquez, who’s involved in the event each year. “They were really in high spirits. It was like they knew each other and were really talking to each other. It’s good, because it brings all teams together, and that’s what it should be, you bring the best players from all the teams, to play together.”

Wesley Chapel varsity softball coach Lauren Pasquale — serving as East All-Star head softball coach — likened the event as “a fun last hurrah” and “the prom of the softball season.”

Pasquale graduated from Zephyrhills in 2011 and went on to play Division I softball at College of Charleston in South Carolina.

A decade ago, she competed in the prestigious statewide Florida Athletic Coaches Association (FACA) All-Star Classic.

Pasquale didn’t know many of her fellow peers in that event, so there’s something extra special about having a county-specific sendoff for high school seniors, she said.

“Looking back, it would’ve been cool to do this,” Pasquale said, “because it was more kids that you grew up with and played with, so it would’ve been more like a community feel versus a one-in-the-number kind of feel.”

Mitchell High School’s Keaton Howard’s second home run ended the extra-inning game at the fourth annual Fellowship of Christian Athletes Pasco County All-Star baseball game. Girls played in the All-Star softball game on an adjacent field.

Wiregrass Ranch varsity baseball coach Marshall McDougall, serving as East All-Star head coach, also characterized the event in a good light: “I think it’s one last time for the kids to go out and have fun, with kids they’ve grown up with, so they’re all the same age, they all play in this area.

“A lot of kids have played together at younger ages and then with different schools, so I think it’s a really good experience they get to play together again, and their parents get to see them play one last time, in a relaxed setting, there’s no stress, and just have some fun.”

A pair of mid-week practices that coaches organized wasn’t about structured drills or high-intensity workouts, but more so about positive messaging as players head off to new endeavors.

McDougal put it like this: “As coaches, you just like to think you can leave an impression on all the kids, about, ‘Hey, baseball’s supposed to be played for the love of the game, have fun with it, you learn a lot of life lessons from it, so just play baseball.'”

That was the general mindset for Cypress Creek pitcher/shortstop Zachary Buelk leading into the contest.

The 6-foot-4 Buelk — primed for college ball at Georgia’s Thomas University — steered Cypress Creek to a 20-6 mark and the 4A regional quarterfinal in early May, posting a 0.51 ERA and 47 strikeouts in 27.1 innings pitched.

“We didn’t get as far as we wanted to (with Cypress Creek),” he said, “so it’s fun to come out here and have one last game, and not really have stress on it; just come out and just play baseball.”

East All-Star teammate Josiah Bayona was a super utility standout at Academy at the Lakes, leading the team in batting average (.361) and stolen bases (33) this season, among other categories.

The county all-star happening has “just been a great experience” for him.

“It’s sort of like one last high school game — a great end to how it should be, compared to the teams here who ended their seasons early, due to just the postseason (losses),” said Bayona, who’s signed with NAIA Webber International University in Babson Park.

He added: “Some of these guys I played with when I was in Little League when we were 7. You know, it’s fun seeing these guys as we’re growing up and now that we’re seniors.”

Academy at the Lakes right-handed utility Vanessa Alexander will continue her softball career at Brown University, a Division I Ivy League school in Providence, Rhode Island.

Getting picked for the all-star showcase is “really special,” Alexander said, though she acknowledged mixed emotions gearing up for a move some 1,300 miles north of Land O’ Lakes.

“It’s really exciting, but also kind of sad,” Alexander said, before the game. “It’s bittersweet, since this is my last high school game ever, but I’m really excited…to get together and play one last time.”

With the COVID-19 pandemic still on many minds, Alexander said, “I’m really fortunate and glad we were able to play a full season and play this all-star game, which I think is really awesome that they put on every year.”

Sunlake star outfielder Kendra Falby likewise expressed appreciation to organizers for rebooting the all-star event after it was wiped out last year amid the peak of the coronavirus outbreak.

“Because of COVID, we haven’t really gotten to do much, so it’s been nice to come together and put something on for us, so it’s been like super special,” Falby said.

Falby has already made quite a name for herself in the sport on a widespread scale — a Division I University of Florida signee and member of the 2019 Canadian U-19 women’s national team. The 5-foot-7 lefty hitter also boasted the state’s seventh-highest batting average (.678) along with eight doubles, six triples and 29 steals, across 18 contests this past year.

Despite garnering more notable accolades elsewhere, being involved with the local showcase still holds meaning for Falby.

“It’s cool,” she said, “because working hard all season and then it paying off and being a part of a very select few, it’s an honor.”

Pasco County All-Star rosters

Baseball-East team
Head coach: Marshall McDougall, Wiregrass Ranch

Academy at the Lakes
Josiah Bayona
Palmer Bringgold
Alex Carmichael
Jacob Syversen

Bishop McLaughlin
Austin Affrunti
Tanner Boccabello
Jacob Duncan

Cypress Creek
Zach Browne
Zach Buelk
Christian Mendez-Rosado
Anthony Menendez
Peyton Petry

Pasco
Bryce Braxton
Robert Hoffman
Lane Mercer
Brian Schildt

Wesley Chapel
Austin Coultas
Tyler Sullivan
Josh Wollerman

Wiregrass Ranch
Jackson Stebleton

West team
Head coach: Howard Chittum, Mitchell

Anclote
Lucas Galati

Gulf
Ian Burchfield

Hudson
Peter Larkey
Tanner Wohlfiel

Fivay
Will Morrison
Erik Scott
Billy Young

Land O’ Lakes
Brian Holliday
Justin Pimentel
Jacob Ward
Hayden Woods

Mitchell
Anderson Adler
Ezra Brennan
James Hill
Keaton Howard

River Ridge
Nick Cotugno
Austin Erickson
Dillon Linares
Tony Luciano

Sunlake
Dylan Broderick
Kory Doerr
Kyle Doran
Giovanni Felix
Collin Robinson
Myles Vacharasin

Softball-East team
Head coach: Lauren Pasquale, Wesley Chapel

Academy at the Lakes
Vanessa Alexander

Bishop McLaughlin
Samantha Bremer

Cypress Creek
Emma Coon
Hailey Vazquez

Land O’ Lakes
Gracie Stanley

Pasco
Hailee Lethco
Ally Jender
Mackenzie Petty

Wesley Chapel
Jillian Torres

Zephyrhills
Laila Huffman
Aleah Killebrew
Gisele Navarra

West team
Head coach: Mark Williams, Gulf

Anclote
Ashley Morrell

Fivay
Samantha Proctor

Gulf
Reanna Wilson

Mitchell
Alandre Coure

River Ridge
Liberty Argudin
Brooke Blankenship
Giulia Desiderio
Katey Hauschen
Laila Mannion
Keira Wierzbowski

Sunlake
Michelle Busot
Kendra Falby
Mikayla Hoschak
Peyton Welch

Published June 23, 2021

Women’s soccer league blends fun, fitness, fellowship

By

Visit Wesley Chapel District Park on any given Sunday evening, and you’re bound to find about 60 women scattered across four teams playing friendly games of soccer.

The New APSL (Adult Premier Soccer League) has a women’s and men’s division. Both divisions take advantage of the long summer days, with game action continuing after sunset. Here, before field lights are illuminated, the Goal Diggers are silhouetted against a sky of the approaching dusk. From left, teammates Victoria Rybka, Ashley Chevalier, Emily Myers and Briana Breland, all of Spring Hill, have a brief sideline discussion during a water break in their game against the Benito team. Goal Diggers beat Benito, 3-1. (Fred Bellet)

It’s called the New Adult Premier Soccer League, or New APSL, for short.

The recreational club was formed around 2013 by Colin Eke, a former semi-professional soccer player from England, who’s been involved with the game for some 50-plus years.

The New APSL women’s spring league runs through July 11, with summer, fall and winter seasons planned beyond that.

Players come from as far away as Orlando Spring Hill, Brooksville and St. Petersburg, as well as locally in Dade City, Lutz, New Tampa, Wesley Chapel and other area communities.

The club welcomes players of all skill levels, ranging from beginners to advanced.

Goal Diggers player Sarah Gelinas of Spring Hill, right, prepares to take control as Sonic player, Jenna Huetten of Wesley Chapel, covers Gelinas. Gelinas splits her time as a midfielder and goalkeeper.

There’s even a player on the league’s Goal Diggers squad — Hudson High School and Flagler College product Lindsay Zullo — who was part of the 2014 Haiti women’s national football team.

“Anyone can come play,” Eke said, in a recent interview with The Laker/Lutz Newspaper. “There’s no division between how competitive and recreational. They’re all mixed in together, and they’re all there.”

Besides good-natured contests in a welcoming atmosphere, many of these active ladies use the league as a vehicle for exercise and weight loss, and stimulating conversations.

Sarah Gelinas of Spring Hill, left, plays goalkeeper for part of the match and midfielder for another part of the match. Here, she goes high to prevent a goal by the Sonic team.

“Fun is the word,” Eke said the New APSL. “It’s just ladies coming out to have a good run and having a bit of fun on a Sunday night, getting away from the normal routine they would have during the week, and it’s a way of letting off a bit of steam as well. That’s what makes the difference.”

The hardest part of overseeing the year-round women’s league?

Sometimes, Eke jokes, it’s whistling to get the ladies together to start the games on time, because they’re usually “chatting away as if it’s a social event” on the sidelines. The conversations cover everything from relationships, to schooling, to cooking and other hobbies.

“They’re all friends. There’s no rivalry between any of them. They just want to come along, relax and enjoy the camaraderie,” the league organizer said.

Isabelle Martinez and her husband, Antonio Martinez, of Dade City, watch their daughter Silvia Martinez plays soccer in the New APSL.

What also makes the club special, Eke said, is the ability for teenage daughters (ages 14 years old and up) to play alongside mothers or guardians for free, fostering a family bonding outing, of sorts.

“They enjoy that side of it,” he said.

Eke is also quick to note he invites ideas from club members, welcoming suggestions on game times, gameplay rules, field locations, roster sizes and so on.

“I’m just a caretaker. I’m just here to listen to what they want,” said Eke. He subscribes to the notion of having an open-door policy. “If someone wants to talk to me about something different, then I’m prepared to listen to it.”

Playing in one of four new women’s teams in the New APSL (Adult Premier Soccer League), Goal Diggers player Alicia Szilagyi of Hudson, left, squares against Sonic player, Alexandra Baker of Dade City, who comes in to block Szilagy’s kick.

Except for a close friend, who pitches in to help referee games, Eke is “a one-man-band,” coordinating league schedules, reservations and other inquiries, oftentimes in between lunch breaks at his day job at Port Tampa Bay.

“it’s good fun. I enjoy it,” Eke said of running the league. “It’s not a job for me, it’s a hobby, you know. It’s a vocation. I enjoy every Sunday night being a referee.”

He also makes efforts to coordinate a trophy and awards celebration after each season.

League champions generally receive a seasonal prize, such as woolen hats and gloves in the winter, or breathable T-shirts in the summer, along with coffee mugs, beer glasses “or whatever they fancy,” Eke said.

Colin Eke is league director for the New APSL. He also splits his duties as a game referee.

The New APSL offers men’s and Hispanic leagues, too.

Eke also has toyed with organizing indoor soccer, ultimate Frisbee and cricket leagues in the area, if enough interest picks up with those sports.

“There’s a lot of things I’d love to expand into,” he said.

For information, visit newapsl.com or call (813) 610-2278.

Published June 16, 2021

The coveted trophy that will be bestowed to The New APSL league winner, is revealed.