The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local Sports

Local sprinter wins state title, has promising future

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It took an injury playing football for Evan Miller to unleash his potential at the track.

Miller, from Zephyrhills Christian Academy, recently captured the Class 1A boys 100-meter dash title in a blistering 10.75 seconds at the Florida High School Athletic Association Track & Field 2018 Championships at the University of North Florida, in Jacksonville.

Zephyrhills Christian Academy senior Evan Miller won first place in the 1A boys 100-meter dash in 10.75 seconds at this month’s Florida High School Athletic Association Track & Field 2018 Championships. Courtesy of Erica Miller)

Moreover, the senior was the final leg of the school’s gold-medal winning 4×100-meter relay team that scorched the competition with a 42.10 second mark — joining junior NyJohn Moody, sophomore Tyler Davis and senior Calvin Samuel.

Those marked the only first-place finishes at the state meet among athletes from The Laker/Lutz News Coverage area.

The event was held May 4 and May 5.

For Miller, the memorable showing has been a year in the making.

Last summer, the multisport athlete suffered a broken ankle during a 7-on-7 football tournament.

The injury forced Miller, a standout defensive back, to miss several games in the fall as a member of the Zephyrhills Christian Academy varsity football team.

Unable to hit the gridiron, Miller hit the starting blocks instead, as part of his rehabilitation process.

“It was like an epiphany, ‘Well, we could do track,’ to help work him back into shape,” said his mother and track coach Erica Miller. “He still always had his eye on football, but we just didn’t really realize he was that good at track, so it kind of fell into place.

“For him now, a year later (after the injury) to be state champ, that’s awesome; miraculous, really,” she said.

Though Miller ran track his freshman year (then for Wiregrass Ranch High School) and for Zephyrhills Christian Academy as a junior, the speedster admitted this was the first time he really began to seriously train for the sport. His focus on it intensified after his football-related setback.

Around December, Miller linked up with AAU track coach and personal trainer 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 running form and technique, among other tips.

Miller explained: “He helped me with my start. My start was something I really needed to work on — coming off the blocks. And then sprinting, finishing the race. He taught me transitions through the race. It’s not just getting from point ‘A’ to point ‘B,’ there’s a transition, a drive phase, all that stuff…”

The fixtures shaved Miller’s 100-meter personal record from a still-impressive 11.2 to a 10.69 — which he set at the Steinbrenner High Invitational in early April.

Meanwhile, Miller’s time of 10.75 second in the state finals bested a 10.77-second effort from the second-place finisher, Community School of Naples senior Alex Murphey. The next fastest time in the 1A finals was a 10.98.

Miller no doubt believed in himself at the event.

“I was very confident,” Miller said, “because it wasn’t that I was much faster, but every meet I was placing either first or second, so I was very confident going into states and regionals, knowing I’ll be able to win.”

He added: “I was ready to run that day. I went into the finals with the mindset of, ‘I’m going to get a gold medal. I’m going to get first place. I’m not accepting under that.’ So, it felt good to cross the finish line, at first. And, it had me in a good mood for the 4×100 (relay) as well, because that was the next race.”

Miller is also proud to represent his small school — which has about 250 students from prekindergarten through 12th grade — in just its second year offering a boys and girls track & field program.

A budding program, Zephyrhills Christian Academy also reached states last year and came home with gold in the boys 4×100 relay (43.3 seconds). That relay squad featured Miller, Samuel, Jevan Smith and Dominic Moses.

“It’s kinda cool. Since last year was actually our first year ever running track and actually made it to states, it feels good to bring attention to the school for track,” Miller said.

Aside from natural ability and learning to master sprinting fundamentals, Roberts credits Miller’s motivation, determination and never-give-up attitude as reasons for the prep sprinter’s all-but immediate success.

“He had will. He had the potential,” Roberts said. “It wasn’t magic or anything like that. He was willing to listen, willing to learn, willing to take criticism. He came out the very first track meet, and I saw him and I said, ‘Hey, let’s work on this.’ Every other track meet we’d work on something else, until we perfected it.”

Miller just turned 17 and plans to compete in football and track at Warner University, in Lake Wales.

A state title in hand, perhaps Miller’s next goal is supplanting Roberts’ own 100-meter best of 10.64 seconds.

“I’m going to get him past that. I want him to be better than me,” said Roberts, noting he could see Miller reach the 10.4s by July.

The track star has other bold aspirations in sight, too.

Miller explained: “I’m looking to chop down my time as much as I can, maybe even try out for the Olympics. My parents were talking to me about the 2020 Olympics, maybe getting in that if I get my time down, in time. But, I’m just going to keep running track in college, see where I can get from that.”

Roberts acknowledged such a goal is attainable for Miller, with athletic bloodlines to further tap into. Along with his mother who ran track in high school, his father, Selvesta Miller, played football at the University of South Carolina and also had a stint with the Miami Dolphins, as a linebacker/defensive end.

“He can go far,” Roberts said. “He’s definitely an amazing kid, and I’m excited for what the future holds for him.”

2018 FHSAA Track & Field Championships

Results of top finishers in T he Laker/Lutz News Coverage area, for Classes 1A-4A:
1A
Boys
Team(s)
Zephyrhills Christian Academy (tied for 7th out of 57 schools)
Carrollwood Day School (48th)

100-meter dash
1st place: Evan Miller, Zephyrhills Christian Academy (10.75 seconds)

110-meter hurdles
6th place: Seth Cribben, Carrollwood Day School (15.44 seconds)

4×100-meter relay
1st place: Zephyrhills Christian Academy—NyJohn Moody, Tyler Davis, Calvin Samuel, Evan Miller (42.10 seconds)

Triple Jump
9th place: Kavion Mabra, Zephyrhills Christian Academy (12.93 meters)
23rd: Christopher Sheppard III, Carrollwood Day School (11.45 meters)

Girls
Team(s)
Carrollwood Day School (31st out of 48 schools)

Pole Vault
4th place-tied: Hailey Crow, Carrollwood Day School (3.00 meters)

2A
Boys
Team(s)
Zephyrhills High School (tied for 30th out of 55 schools)

Long Jump
8th place: Cartrell Strong, Zephyrhills (6.66 meters)

Triple Jump
5th place: Cartrell Strong, Zephyrhills (13.49 meters)

3A
Boys
Land O’ Lakes High School (tied for 23rd out of 54 schools)
Wesley Chapel High School (tied for 23rd)
Pasco High School (tied for 36th)

100-meter dash
3rd place: Isaiah Bolden, Wesley Chapel (10.75 seconds)

200-meter dash
7th place: Isaiah Bolden, Wesley Chapel (23.07 seconds)

400-meter dash
4th place: Mario Watson, Pasco (48.52 seconds)

3200-meter run
19th place: Alejandro Michel, Freedom (10:11.77 minutes)

4×800-meter relay
16th place: Land O’ Lakes—Adam Hahn, Josiah Pineda, Joseph Pineda, Alex Normandia (8:21.95 minutes)

Pole Vault
2nd place: Tucker Brace, Land O’ Lakes (4.65 meters)

Shot Put
11th place: Gregory Zellers, Sunlake (15.21 meters)
23rd: Thomas Calta, Land O’ Lakes (13.40 meters)

Girls
Gaither High School (tied for 17th place out of 46 schools)
Sunlake High School (tied for 32nd)
Land O’ Lakes High School (46th)

100-meter dash
4th place: LaSarah Hargove, Gaither (11.95 seconds)

200-meter dash
4th place: LaSarah Hargrove, Gaither (24.00 seconds)

1600-meter run
20th place: Natalie Abernathy, Land O’ Lakes (5:27.76 minutes)

3200-meter run
8th place: Natalie Abernathy, Land O’ Lakes (11:15.71 minutes)
24th: Shannon Gordy, Sunlake (12:47.54 minutes)

Long Jump
6th place: Arielle Boone, Sunlake (5.43 meters)
20th: Gianna Levy, Sunlake (4.89 meters)

Triple Jump
13th place: Arielle Boone, Sunlake (11.05 meters)

Shot Put
7th place: Lauryn Beacham, Sunlake (11.20 meters)

Discus
19th: Keyvyn Stinyard, Pasco, (29.54 meters)

4A
Boys
Steinbrenner High School (44th place out of 52 schools)

4×800-meter relay
18th place: Steinbrenner—Marcus Quinones, McCrea Weller, Zachary Harrigan, Zachary Whitmer (8:18.78 minutes)

Girls
Steinbrenner High School (tied for 18th place out of 53 schools)

400-meter dash
6th place: Ken’naria Gadson (56.77 seconds)

1600-meter run
15th place: Sophia Piniella, Steinbrenner (5:17.97 minutes)
18th: Alexandra Staumann, Steinbrenner (5:22.61 minutes)

3200-meter run
8th place: Sophia Piniella, Steinbrenner (11.07. 57 minutes)

4×400-meter relay
9th place: Steinbrenner—Natalie Brown, Serena Gadson, Ken’naria Gadson, Dana Elkalazani (3:58.15 minutes)

Long Jump
10th place: Ashley Allen, Steinbrenner (5.23 meters)

Pole Vault
10th place: Ashlyn Ludovici, Steinbrenner (3.15 meters)

Triple Jump
9th place: Sara Grofter, Steinbrenner (11.07 meters)
16th: Harmony Shellman, Steinbrenner (10.45 meters)

Published May 16, 2018

McGough, other local athletes get NFL shots

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The 2018 NFL Draft has come and gone, and one athlete from The Laker/Lutz News Coverage area had the privilege of hearing his name called during the three-day event from April 26 to April 28 — Gaither High School product Alex McGough.

McGough was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the seventh round (220th overall) as a quarterback out of Florida International University.

Florida International University/Gaither High quarterback Alex McGough was selected in the seventh round (220th overall) by the Seattle Seahawks in the 2018 NFL Draft. (File)

A four-year starter, the 6-foot-3, 214-pound McGough cemented his legacy as FIU’s most decorated passer, completing 807-1335 passes (60.4 percent completion rate) for 9,091 yards, 65 touchdowns and 37 interceptions. He also rushed for 535 yards and 16 touchdowns.

Last season, he guided FIU to an 8-5 record — the program’s third-ever winning season and first since 2011 — a mark achieved in Butch Davis’ first season as FIU head coach.

“I couldn’t be happier for Alex,” Davis said, in a released statement on McGough’s draft selection. “His passion, leadership and performance last year was incredible. He played a huge role in our team’s success, and he has absolutely earned this opportunity to play in the NFL.”

In a post-draft media conference call, McGough said he’s “beyond grateful” to get chosen by the Seahawks, adding he’s “ready to get to work.”

Said McGough, “I wanted to come into the draft just kind of open-minded, and obviously, whatever happened, happened…The only thing I could control was the work I put in. I’m very happy with what I put in, and Seattle saw that and they took me.”

Though he didn’t earn an invite to the NFL Scouting Combine in March, many NFL draft analysts viewed McGough as a late-round sleeper, spotlighting his physical tools, poise, and red zone accuracy, while also spotlighting his limitations.

An ESPN.com draft analysis characterized McGough as “a good athlete with a good frame, though his hands (9 1/8 inches) are on the smaller side. His 30:19 touchdown-to-interception ratio over the past two seasons isn’t ideal.”

Seattle brought McGough in for a private workout a few weeks prior to last month’s draft. During his visit McGough said he developed a connection with quarterbacks’ coach Dave Canales and came away overall impressed with the organization.

“It’s an organization full of great people, and they want to win bad,” McGough said.

McGough was one of 13 quarterback prospects taken in this year’s draft and the

first by the Seahawks since Russell Wilson was selected in the third round of the 2012 draft.

Besides Wilson, Seattle’s starting quarterback and a four-time Pro Bowler, the roster includes two other quarterbacks — seven-year veteran Austin Davis and second-year player Stephen Morris.

McGough likely will have to beat out one of those backups in training camp and preseason to solidity a roster spot.

“I’m a competitor that wants to win and I’ll do everything to win,” McGough said. “I just want to play football and succeed.”

Though he’s facing a relative uphill battle, McGough is no stranger to perseverance, nor proving doubters wrong.

He most recently underwent a full recovery from a broken left collarbone he suffered in the Bad Boy Mowers Gasparilla Bowl in December.

And, despite a noteworthy high school career — amassing more than 5,100 career passing yards and 52 touchdown passes in four varsity seasons — McGough was rather under-looked. He earned just two football scholarship offers (FIU and Colgate University, in upstate New York). He went on to achieve instant success at FIU, setting numerous school passing records and then becoming the program’s eighth player to be drafted in its 14-year football history.

Meanwhile, McGough joins rare company as just the fifth player from a Hillsborough County high school to be drafted as a quarterback in the last 50 years. The others are Robinson’s John Reaves (1972), Leto’s Gary Huff (’73), Chamberlain’s Dean May (’84) and Plant’s Aaron Murray (2014). (McGough transferred from Wesley Chapel High School to Gaither following his freshman year.)

Besides McGough, a handful of other athletes with ties to The Laker/Lutz News coverage area have been given shots with various NFL teams, signing as either priority undrafted free agents or invited tryout players.

Each will have an opportunity to stick with their respective teams at rookie mini-camps, which run from May 11 through May 14.

Here’s a closer look at the others:

Janarion Grant, receiver — Baltimore Ravens (mini-camp tryout invitation)
College: Rutgers University (Piscataway, New Jersey)
High School: Pasco High School; graduated in 2013

(File)

When healthy, the 5-foot-9, 177-pound receiver was one of the most electrifying offensive playmakers in college football, chiefly in the return game. But, Grant struggled to stay on the field of late, playing in a combined 11 games the last two seasons, dealing with an ankle injury and other nagging ailments. Despite limited action in 2016 and 2017, Grant

became Rutgers’ all-time kickoff return-yardage leader (2,857 yards) and tied for the NCAA record for combined kick return touchdowns (eight). That skill on special teams perhaps gives him a leg up on other tryout players the Ravens signed.

Before college, Grant left a lasting legacy at Pasco High School, where he was a four-year starter and still holds the county record for most career touchdowns (77) by a skill player. He was also a two-time All-State selection.

Also notable, Grant is the grandnephew of Lacoochee native Jim “Mudcat” Grant, a 14-year MLB veteran and two-time All-Star, who, in 1965 became the first black pitcher to win 20 games in a season in the American League and the first black pitcher to win a World Series game for the American League.

Trey Johnson, defensive back—Pittsburgh Steelers (priority undrafted free agent)
College: Villanova University (Villanova, Pennsylvania)
High School: Steinbrenner High School; graduated in 2013

(Courtesy of Villanova University Athletics)

A standout defensive back at a small school in the FCS ranks — 45 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, one interception and 13 pass break-ups in 2017 — Johnson further landed on NFL scouts’ radars after showcasing elite athleticism at Villanova’s Pro Day in late March. At the sanctioned workout, the 5-foot-11, 177-pound Johnson touched 36 inches in the vertical jump, reached 10-foot-8 in the broad jump and posted a sizzling 4.37-second 40-yard dash.

Johnson becomes the first Steinbrenner High graduate to sign an NFL contract. There, Johnson earned four varsity letters in football, as well as three in basketball and two in track. He was also inducted into the National Honor Society.

Jacob Pugh, linebacker — Seattle Seahawks (priority undrafted free agent)
College: Florida State University
Schools: Godby High School (Tallahassee); Jefferson County High School (Monticello, Florida); Pasco Middle School (Dade City native)

(Courtesy of Florida State University Athletics)

A decorated high school player and highly-touted blue chip prospect who won state championships at two different north Florida programs, the Dade City native never seemed to fully blossom at Florida State, where he posted a combined 108 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, seven sacks and two interceptions across four seasons.

Solid numbers, sure, but a bit anticlimactic considering Pugh was named an Under Armour High School All-American and widely viewed as one of the nation’s top five linebacker prospects in the 2014 recruiting class.

Blessed with length, agility and athleticism in a sturdy 6-foot-4, 246-pound frame, Pugh has moldable traits to stick on an NFL roster.

Pugh attended Pasco Middle School before his family moved to the Panhandle, where he began, and ended, his prep career.

His ties to east Pasco run deep. His uncles, Darren and Troy Hambrick, led Pasco High to the county’s only state championship (1992) before spending five years each in the NFL. He’s also related to Pasco High alums Janarion Grant (Rutgers) and Josh Johnson, a former NFL who now plays in the Canadian Football League. Pugh is also cousins with fellow Auburn wide receiver Nate Craig-Myers, a Dade City native who attended Tampa Catholic, where he was one of the most prized football recruits to come out of the Tampa Bay area in years.

Shaheed Salmon, linebacker—Tampa Bay Buccaneers (mini-camp tryout invitation)
College: Samford University (Homewood, Alabama)
High School: Land O’ Lakes High School; graduated in 2014

(File)

The 6-foot-2, 232-pound outside linebacker solidified himself as one of the most dominant tacklers in the FCS ranks the last two seasons, racking up a combined 202 tackles, 28.5 tackles for loss, and 5.5 sacks in 2016 and 2017. Though an undrafted player from a lower-level division of college football, a path to the NFL isn’t out of the question for Salmon, as more than 150 FCS players made NFL active rosters in 2017.

At Land O’ Lakes, Salmon was a four-year starter and an All-State selection as a senior. He also competed in basketball and track.

Published May 9, 2018

Academy at the Lakes savors first winning season

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After five seasons of varsity baseball, senior Eric Hutchison can finally say he was part of a winning team.

“It’s always nice to be the first success in something. The fact that I’m a senior makes it much better,” said Hutchison, a team captain pitcher/infielder who’s played for Academy at the Lakes (AATL) since eighth grade.

The Wildcats just wrapped up its first winning season in program history, posting a 12-9 regular season mark, under third-year head coach John DiBenedetto.

Pitcher/infielder Eric Hutchison is one of just two seniors on Academy at the Lakes’ baseball roster. He finally got to celebrate a winning season after five seasons of varsity baseball. (Courtesy of Brian Teeter)

As several other of the school’s sports programs achieved notable success of late—namely football, basketball and softball— baseball often lagged behind.

The baseball team suffered five consecutive winless seasons from 2006 to 2010, and went a combined 17-45 from 2011 to 2015.

Hutchison remembers some of those trying years.

“When I played in eighth grade, it was rough,” he said. “We only won one or two games and that was due to forfeit…”

It hasn’t been the case the past three years under new leadership, however.

Since the 27-year-old DiBenedetto took over, the program has quietly been on an upward trajectory, going 8-11 in 2016, 9-12 in 2017 and then 12-9 this season.

A former standout at Blake and Newsome high schools, and later playing college baseball on scholarship in New Hampshire, DiBenedetto has brought an approach that prioritizes skill development and proper fundamentals, and mastering game situations via organized, purposeful practices and workouts.

A sign of the team’s previous struggles, DiBenedetto is already the program’s winningest coach with 29 career wins.

“He’s a really fun dude to play for,” said freshman middle infielder Jordan Oladokun, who’s played varsity baseball since seventh grade. “Honestly, I was thinking about quitting baseball, and he was the one that made me keep continuing my baseball career. …So, if it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be here playing baseball right now.”

DiBenedetto’s in-game strategy is best described as “overly aggressive” — taking extra bases, stealing often, and manufacturing runs via hit-and-run plays.

The Wildcats collectively have 93 stolen bases (out of 103 attempts).

It’s a style that puts added pressure on opposing pitchers and defenses in the 2A ranks, forcing them to “make a play.”

“Because they’re high school kids in the moment, it’s not easy to field a ground ball and make a throw,” DiBenedetto said of the strategy.

But, the Wildcats newfound success is more than just a byproduct of small ball.

A quick glance at the numbers and it becomes clear why the Wildcats have enjoyed a breakout campaign.

The team batted a collective .351 with a .456 on-base percentage, setting a program record in about every offensive statistical category, from home runs (nine) and doubles (34), to RBIs (142) and runs scored (169).

The lineup showcased four .400-plus hitters — Oladokun (.455), freshman Andrew Kilfoyl (.452), Hutchison (.424), and freshman Jack Teeter (.411) — and two others batting over .350—freshman newcomer Spencer Boynton (.359) and senior Joel Eason (.353).

The pitching staff, anchored by Hutchison and others, likewise held its own, posting a 3.62 team ERA and 174 strikeouts in 120 innings pitched.

Making the most of a young roster
It was all done with a thin roster of just 11 healthy players, composed mainly of freshman, sophomores and eighth-graders.

Though young, the team was battle-tested with many who’ve played varsity since seventh grade and eighth grade, under DiBenedetto, respectively.

Players suggest the prior seasons together yielded greater camaraderie and trust, and therefore more success.

Academy at the Lakes celebrated its first-ever winning season with the help of a roster chock-full of young players, including, from left, freshmen Jack Teeter, Andrew Kilfoyl and Spencer Boynton.

“We kept the same guys here the whole time, so we all got closer, all started getting to know each other. We really got to know each other better, so that was really good,” Oladokun said.

“We play for each other,” Kilfoyl added. “We’ve been playing together, not so much for ourselves, but as one whole team.”

Meanwhile, DiBenedetto had an inkling 2018 was time for a breakout, after building up the program the last couple years.

Entering the season, the coach saw “a much more well-rounded team” with a strong batting order top to bottom and a deep pitching staff — even following the graduation of Darin Kilfoyl, Andrew’s older brother, who was perhaps the most dominant pitcher/hitter in program history. He now plays at St. Johns River State College in Palatka.

“We kind of knew coming in that, if it wasn’t last year, it was going to be this year,” the Wildcats coach said of a winning season.

“You didn’t have the superstar (Darin Kilfoyl) anymore, and that was the only fear at first…but, they’ve all complemented each other in their own certain outright way,” he said.

Along with a roster chock-full of underclassmen, the Wildcats racked up victories despite losing two key players to injuries in the first week of the season.

Not having a true home field was another challenge they’ve overcome.

While the team practices at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, its handful of “home games” was at Northwest Little League near Leto High School in Hillsborough County, at least a 45-minute drive from the Academy at the Lakes campus. It’s a neutral site, at best, the coach said.

Moreover, several road games were in Citrus, Hernando, Pinellas and Polk counties.

“We’re traveling all over the place and to be where we are right now, it’s a credit to them,” DiBenedetto said.

Exceeding opponents’ expectations
Wherever they play and no matter the competition, DiBenedetto noted Wildcats players this year always came to the ballpark with a winning attitude and belief in themselves.

It resulted in winning several close games and coming from behind in others — each the makings of “a good baseball team.”

Third-year head coach John DiBenedetto, pictured with freshman middle infielder Jordan Oladokun, has helped turn around the Wildcats baseball program. A former college baseball player, DiBenedetto brings an aggressive coaching style combined with a focus on skill and player development.

Said DiBenedetto: “We have the conversation, ‘Prove everyone wrong because nobody expects you to do stuff. Continue to prove people wrong, and battle and chip, and fight and claw for what you deserve.’ That’s kind of been the motto we’ve adopted and hung onto all year, so we’ve embraced it; it’s been fun.”

Ask players their favorite game this season and it’s unanimous: A 6-5 win against Canterbury in early March — the Wildcats’ first-ever victory against the rival St. Petersburg-based private school.

Oladokun summed it up best: “Played them every single year, can’t beat ‘em. Played them twice a year, can’t beat ‘em. And, this year, everyone kind of was doubting us because we didn’t have Darin Kilfoyl, ‘the man.’ Everyone’s doubting us, and we went in there, beat ‘em 6-5, close game.”

The contest had extra meaning for Hutchison, the senior leader.

Two years ago, Hutchison allowed the winning run in the ninth inning of the district quarterfinals Canterbury, a 3-2 loss.

“It was super, super depressing because a bunch of seniors left that year, and we kind of sent them off on not the best note,” Hutchison recalled.

This time around, however, Hutchison made the last play to end the game.

“I got the ‘last say’ essentially. That was such a great feeling,” he said.

And, it’s likely not the last time Academy at the Lakes will get the best of Canterbury or other teams who previously dominated the once-floundering baseball program.

With a solid young corps to build around combined with coaching stability, the outlook seems promising for 2019 and beyond.

“It’s been a really fun year, and I’m looking forward to next year,” said Boynton, a shortstop/pitcher in his first year at Academy at the Lakes after attending Benito Middle School. “Hopefully we can get some more wins next year, too.”

DiBenedetto said the goal is to make modest improvements each season.

Still, he can’t help but think about the possibilities once his crop of talented freshman, like Boynton, become seniors.

“Just imagine three years from now when they’re going to be big and strong. It’s going to be crazy. It’s going to be exciting,” he said.

Published May 2, 2018

Spring football preview for area teams

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Spring football practices are underway at high schools across the state — though the first games of the 2018 season remain several months away.

Florida high schools are allowed a maximum of 20 practice sessions from April 23 to May 31, according to Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) guidelines.

Here are five points to consider as spring practices ramp up:

How does Academy at the Lakes follow last year’s championship season?
The Academy at the Lakes Wildcats capped off a remarkable 11-1 season by winning the school’s first-ever eight-man state football championship.

Academy at the Lakes won the FCAPPS (Florida Christian Association of Private and Parochial Schools) eight-man state title en route to an 11-1 season in 2017. (File)

What will they do for an encore?
For starters, the Wildcats will need to manage without running back/linebacker Daniel Gonzalez, one of the most dominant two-way players in the Florida 8-man ranks. Besides rushing for more than 1,000 yards and scoring 25 total touchdowns, the team captain was equally dominant on defense with138 total tackles and 7.5 sacks. Gonzalez isn’t the only significant departure. The Wildcats also must find reinforcements for other All-State players including wideout Isaiah Smith, kicker Zachary Moore and All-Conference center Evan Lutz.

But, the cupboard isn’t totally bare on either side of the ball.

Key returnees include sophomore quarterback Jalen Brown (684 passing yards, 19 total touchdowns, one interception); senior tailback Jamaal Johnson (725 scrimmage yards, nine total touchdowns); and a pair of All-State honorees in senior defensive lineman Dylan Price (98 total tackles, 15.5 sacks) and sophomore offensive lineman Andrew Kilfoyl.

Also working in the Academy’s favor is the return of head coach Shawn Brown, who was recently named Florida Christian Association of Private and Parochial Schools (FCAPPS) Football Coach of the Year. Many of his assistants are expected to return, too.

Chad Walker, a former college coach, is Land O’ Lakes High’s new varsity football coach.
(File)

Can Land O’ Lakes turn the corner with its new coaching staff?
With new head coach Chad Walker in place, Land O’ Lakes hopes to reverse its streak of four consecutive losing seasons. Even at just 34, Walker brings a wealth of experience as a former college coach and professional player in Europe — knowledge he’ll use to try to inject excitement to one of the county’s most historic programs.

The Gators — coming off a 4-5 mark last year under former coach Brian Wachtel — won’t require a complete rebuild; they likely will feature some different schemes and wrinkles under the new coaching staff. Working in the program’s favor is a sizable senior class that includes 1,000-yard running back Kyle Leivas, leading pass catcher Nate Howard (14 receptions, 202 yards, one touchdown), and top defender Myron Bloom (76 total tacklers, five tackles for loss, two sacks). The role of quarterback, however, remains a question because of Ethan Forrester’s transfer to Wharton High School. Forrester, a rising junior, threw for nearly 800 yards along with five touchdowns and seven interceptions.

Will Cypress Creek show improvements in the program’s second year?
First-year sports programs typically struggle.

Cypress Creek High went 0-10 in their inaugural football season in 2017. (Courtesy of Cypress Creek Football)

Such was the case with newer Pasco County programs like both Sunlake and Wiregrass Ranch high schools back in 2007, when those programs went 0-10 and 1-9, respectively.

The same was true, more recently, for Cypress Creek, which completed its inaugural slate of 10 games without a single win. A new, young coaching staff combined with a senior-free roster and a mix of challenging opponents made Year One a long one, in which the Coyotes failed to score in seven games.

But, don’t be surprised to see the tide to shift a little in 2018 under second-year head coach Mike Johnson. He’ll finally have a large group of seniors at his disposal, including a talented pair of offensive playmakers in Devin Santana (10 receptions, 134 yards) and 6-foot-4 target Trevor Maxwell (10 receptions, 75 yards). Of course, development at the quarterback spot will be key. Rising junior Jehlani Warren completed just 37 percent of his passes and threw seven interceptions last season.

Can Zephyrhills continue winning without Charles Harrison III?
Whoever is named Zephyrhills High’s next starting quarterback no doubt has big shoes to fill.

The Zephyrhills High Bulldogs must replace graduating quarterback and three-year starter Charles Harrison III. (File)

For the past three years, the Bulldogs were fortunate to have one the county’s most prolific athletes under center in Charles Harrison III. He guided the Bulldogs to three consecutive playoffs appearances, including its first 10-win season in more than 20 years. Along with his on-field leadership, Bulldogs fans won’t soon forget the left-handed quarterback’s flashy playmaking ability with his arm and legs. That was most evident in last season, when Harrison III tallied 47 total touchdowns and more than 3,100 yards — numbers good enough to earn him Sunshine Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year.

He won’t be the only major departure from the defending District 8-5A champions, however. The Bulldogs also lose 1,000-yard rusher Elijah Thomas and several key defenders, including Zac Masci, Myles Carter and Sterlin Williams.

Even so, don’t be surprised if Zephyrhills finds a way to notch an eighth-straight winning season. Besides a steadying coaching presence in third-year head coach Nick Carroll, the Bulldogs have arguably the county’s most talented and explosive receiving corps in Ja’Quan Sheppard, Tre’Pavis Mobley, Cartrell Strong and Tyrese Wigfall. Both Sheppard and Strong hold Division I FBS offers.

Is Pasco in store for a winning season?
The Pasco High Pirates are looking to avoid a fourth-consecutive losing season. They were on track early in 2017 winning their first two contests. But, they ended the season on a six-game losing streak — including a 42-13 sour defeat to crosstown rival Zephyrhills in the season finale.

Pasco High is looking to avoid a fourth-straight losing season in 2018.
(Courtesy of Pasco High Football)

On the surface, the Pirates have the offensive talent to find more success this time around. Experienced senior quarterback Dylan Wood should have ample help with senior running backs Early Knight (778 yards, six touchdowns) and Jacquez Mobley (551 scrimmage yards, four touchdowns), along with one of the county’s most lethal receiving threats in junior wideout Darrion Robinson (25 receptions, 577 yards, eight touchdowns) — who’s also a threat in the defensive secondary (four interceptions, three passes defensed).

Defense as a whole, however, could once again pose issues as the Pirates graduate its top 11 tacklers from last season, including All-Conference linebacker Cameron Smith. The Pirates allowed nearly 30 points per game last season.

A challenging 2018 schedule won’t help matters, either. Just three if its 10 opponents (Gulf, Cypress Creek, Sunlake) had losing campaigns a year ago.

Five players to watch:

  • Chris Butash, quarterback, Carrollwood Day School, senior
  • Dylan Ridolph, linebacker, Wiregrass Ranch, junior
  • Jeromy Reid, running back, Gaither, senior
  • Deon Silas, running back, Steinbrenner, sophomore
  • Javion Hanner, running back/cornerback, Zephyrhills Christian Academy, senior

Schools in Laker/Lutz News Coverage Area (and their 2017 records)
Hillsborough County:

  • Carrollwood Day School Patriots (Class 2A-Region 3): (2-7 overall, 1-2 district)
  • Freedom High School Patriots (Class 7A-Region 8): (3-6 overall, 2-4 district)
  • Gaither High School Cowboys (Class 7A-Region 8): (7-4 overall, 5-1 district)
  • Steinbrenner High School Warriors (Class 8A-Region 6): (2-7 overall, 1-5 district)

Pasco County:

  • Academy at the Lakes Wildcats (8-man-Florida Christian Region 2): (11-1 overall, 7-0 district)
  • Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School Hurricanes (Independent-Sunshine State Athletic Conference (SSAC): (3-7 overall, 2-2 district)
  • Cypress Creek Middle High School Coyotes (Class 4A-Region 3): (0-11 overall, 0-0 district)
  • Land O’ Lakes High School Gators (Class 6A-Region 6): (4-5 overall, 1-3 district)
  • Pasco High School Pirates (Class 6A-Region 6): (4-7 overall, 0-4 district)
  • Sunlake High School Seahawks (Class 6A-Region 6): (4-6 overall, 2-2 district)
  • Wesley Chapel High School Wildcats (Class 5A-Region 8): (6-4 overall, 4-3 district)
  • Wiregrass Ranch High School Bulls (Class 7A-Region 8): (9-3 overall, 4-2 district)
  • Zephyrhills High School Bulldogs (Class 5A-Region 8): (10-2 overall, 7-0 district)
  • Zephyrhills Christian Academy Warriors (Class 2A-Region 2): (8-3 overall, 0-1 district)

Spring game schedule
May 17
Zephyrhills Christian Academy at Cypress Creek, 7 p.m.
Lecanto at Land O’ Lakes, 7 p.m.
Mitchell at Wesley Chapel 7 p.m.
Zephyrhills at East Ridge, 7 p.m.
Jamboree: Alonso, Gaither, Steinbrenner at Sickles, 6 p.m.
Jamboree: Freedom, Hillsborough, King at Wharton, 6 p.m.

May 18
Hernando at Sunlake, 7 p.m.
Wiregrass Ranch at Tampa Catholic, 7p.m.
Pasco at Fivay, 7 p.m.

May 19
Carrollwood Day at Bishop McLaughlin, 1 p.m.

May 24
Jamboree: Lakeside Christian, Solid Rock, Academy at the Lakes at Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, 6 p.m.

Published April 25, 2018

Wiregrass Ranch boys lacrosse thrives in first FHSAA campaign

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As several Pasco County schools this year fielded inaugural FHSAA (Florida High School Athletic Association) varsity lacrosse programs, one newcomer stands above the rest.

The Wiregrass Ranch High School boys lacrosse team recently clinched the No. 2 seed in District 15 — best among all Pasco County schools.

And, a win in the district playoffs this week guarantees a spot in the regional tournament on April 27.

The Wiregrass Ranch High boys lacrosse program has experienced immediate success in its transition to Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) competition. The team is 12-2 and 7-1 in district play, as of April 15. A win this week in the district playoffs qualifies them for regional play, which begins April 27. (Courtesy of Danielle Leggett)

As of April 15, the team stands with a 12-2 record and 7-1 district mark.

A club team last year competing in the Florida Gulf Coast Lacrosse League, the Bulls have had little trouble transitioning to FHSAA play under second-year head coach T.J. Fitzsimons.

Its success is evident by the Bulls’ current nine-game win streak and its ease in dismantling other Pasco schools, including Sunlake (14-2 win on Feb. 28; 15-5 win on March 16); Wesley Chapel (11-4 win on March 29); and Mitchell (14-6 win on April 4).

Meanwhile, its lone defeats have been at the hands of well-established Hillsborough County programs at Sickles and Newsome, who stand 15-2 and 13-2, respectively.

“We had some thoughts from people that we’d be good, but nobody expected us to be where we’re at,” said Fitzsimons, a former NCAA Division III lacrosse player at State University of New York Maritime College in the Bronx.

“We’ve turned a lot of heads this year,” he said.

The coach credits a large, skilled group of upperclassman—nine seniors and eight juniors—many who have played for years through the Wesley Chapel Athletic Association youth lacrosse program.

Fitzsimons explained: “Most of the guys that are seniors this year have been playing together for almost eight years now…since they started at like 10 years old. We’ve got a solid group of about 16 solid players—and you only need 10 to play the game.”

Senior defender Patrick Sullivan noted the group’s leadership, too, has proved critical to its winning ways.

“We…keep people going. “We’ve got some really good guys who get people excited,” Sullivan said.

One of those seniors leading the charge is attacker Jeremy Handman, also a team captain.

Handman, who leads the team with 41 goals, has signed to play NCAA Division II lacrosse at South New Hampshire University — the Bulls only committed college player.

He follows in the footsteps of his older brother, Jeffrey, who’s a senior lacrosse player at NCAA Division II Lincoln-Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee.

Handman, a lacrosse player for about seven years, said his game “skyrocketed” into a bona-fide college prospect.

“I’m a much better player,” Handman said, comparing his game to his freshman year.

“My passing has been a lot better, and my shooting accuracy has been a lot better.”

Though his contributions on offense don’t go unnoticed, Handman is quick to credit the team’s defensive prowess.

The Bulls average about 11.4 points, while allowing just 6.4 points per game.

“Defense has been huge,” Handman said, applauding the team’s new defensive coach Seth Kanowitz for improvements and adjustments. “He put in the defense, and it’s just gotten so much better since.”

Handman also lauds Fitzsimons for implementing varied offensive combinations and formations, based upon each opponent. “He knows how to change up the offense depending on the defense, so he does a pretty good job with that,” Handman said.

Sanctioning lacrosse at Wiregrass Ranch and other Pasco schools has been in the works the past few years.

In 2016, the Pasco County Lacrosse Alliance (PCLA), a nonprofit organization, announced an agreement with Pasco County Schools to manage the transition of a select number of high school boys and girls lacrosse from a club sport to a FHSAA-sanctioned sport, beginning with the 2018 spring season.

In addition to Wiregrass Ranch, other FHSAA varsity programs in Pasco include Land O’ Lakes (girls team only), Mitchell, Sunlake and Wesley Chapel. Cypress Creek will have an FHSAA-sanctioned girls team in 2019.

The agreement was similar to a three-year pilot program approved for 10 schools in Hillsborough County in 2014.

“It’s one of the fastest growing games in the country,” Fitzsimons said. “Because of the way football is declining, basketball and lacrosse are taking off. The fact that there’s girls and boys on both sides of it is a very good Title IX adjuster.”

Known primarily in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, lacrosse has recently made waves in the Sunshine State.

According to the National Federation of High Schools, Florida saw a 70 percent increase in participation to about 8,600 players from 2008 to 2013.

Moreover, more than 150 Florida schools are currently sanctioned to play for state titles in both girls and boys lacrosse. In 2005, there were 52 schools playing boys lacrosse in the FHSAA and 42 schools playing girls lacrosse.

“What used to be a very Northern sport is getting a lot popular down here,” Sullivan said.

“I think it helps that people come down here a lot from the north, and people pick it up. I know my neighbors started playing. I see young players playing all the time.”

Growing up playing baseball, soccer and football, Sullivan found his true calling with lacrosse and its nonstop action.

“Lacrosse is great because it mixes everything I like about sports,” Sullivan explained. “It’s fast. You get to run. You get into (contact with) people. It doesn’t stop all the time. It’s very fluid. It’s just on the fly.

“It helps to just have a good strategic understanding of how to play the game. It’s critical thinking. You have to be able to think on the fly, because you’re adapting to situations. You’re always adapting to something new,” he said.

The Wiregrass Ranch boys team actually has three players on the roster who never played sanctioned lacrosse and another two who picked up the stick again after not playing for several years.

Fitzsimons said mastering the sport takes ample practice and determination.

“It’s a pretty tough game,” Fitzsimons said.

“Lacrosse is not one of those (easy) games because in order to be out on a field, you have to learn how to throw and catch, you have to learn how to cradle, and how to move the stick; and all that stuff takes time,” the coach explained.

Florida District 15 boys lacrosse standings, as of April 15

  • Sickles (5-0; 15-2 overall)
  • Wiregrass Ranch (7-1; 12-2 overall)
  • Steinbrenner (4-2; 9-8 overall)
  • Tampa Catholic (0-2; 8-7 overall)
  • Mitchell (2-3; 5-7 overall)
  • Sunlake (1-5; 1-7 overall)
  • Wesley Chapel (0-6; 0-14 overall)

Published April 18, 2018

Saint Leo baseball to retire jersey of its first MLB draftee

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Nearly 50 years have passed since Fred Cambria last sported a Saint Leo University baseball uniform, but his contributions to the program won’t be forgotten.

Cambria — the first Major League Baseball draftee in Saint Leo history— will have his No. 22 jersey retired by the school on April 14, prior to a Lions home game against Sunshine State Conference foe Rollins College at 1:30 p.m.

In a pregame ceremony, Saint Leo’s athletic department will unveil a sign saluting No. 22, which will hang on the outfield fence at Thomas B. Southard Stadium.

Fred Cambria was a standout pitcher for Saint Leo University from 1966 to 1969 for the then-Monarchs, under coaches Bill Meyer, Norm Kaye and Bob Sullivan. He became the school’s first Major League Baseball draftee after the Pittsburgh Pirates selected him in the third round (58th overall) in the 1969 draft. (Courtesy of Saint Leo Athletics)

Cambria will throw out the first pitch surrounded by family, university administration, alumni and other special guests.

Cambria was a standout pitcher for Saint Leo from 1966 to 1969 for the then-Monarchs under coaches Bill Meyer, Norm Kaye and Bob Sullivan.

His skillset on the mound eventually caught the eye of the Pittsburgh Pirates, who selected him in the third round (58th overall) of the 1969 MLB Draft.

The former big leaguer was “overwhelmed” when he received a call a few weeks back from Saint Leo athletic director Fran Reidy about the plan to retire his jersey.

“It’s a great honor for me. It really is,” Cambria, now 70, said.

“There are no words to put into it because if it wasn’t for Saint Leo, I don’t know where I would be. It was a great fit for me…and it really was just perfect for me; couldn’t ask for anything more,” he said.

Cambria, at 6-foot-2, originally intended to play basketball at Saint Leo after enrolling from Queens, New York. However, he changed his mind after seeing a bulletin board posting for baseball fall tryouts.

“I don’t think I had a career in basketball, so I went with baseball, and it’s the best decision I ever made,” said Cambria.

“I thought the great opportunity was in baseball, and Mr. Kaye, who was the baseball coach at that time, also gave me a great opportunity to pitch, and things started to work out pretty well.”

Cambria also credits coach Meyer for his development as a ballplayer. Meyer, who also served as a baseball scout for a handful of MLB organizations, taught Cambria various nuances like locating inside, throwing sliders and altering pitch speeds.

Said Cambria, “He knew a lot about pitching and helped me tremendously on getting to the next level. That’s how I really matured on the mound, with Bill’s guidance.”

Among Cambria’s favorite memories in a Saint Leo uniform was a home game against Florida State University that was played at then-Mickens High School in Dade City.

Florida State, ranked No. 1 at the time, “came down to beat up on us a little bit,” Cambria said. But, he recalls leading Saint Leo to a 3-2 victory after racking up 18 strikeouts and hitting a home run, to boot.

“It was a lot of scouts in the stands to see Florida State, and I think they turned their attention a little bit to me on that one; that was pretty good,” Cambria said.

After he was drafted out of Saint Leo, Cambria went on to pitch for five seasons in the Pittsburgh Pirates and New York Yankees organizations, including for the 1970 National League champion Pirates.

At just 22, Cambria pitched six games for the Pirates, including five starts, posting a 1-2 record, and 3.51 ERA and 14 strikeouts in 33.1 innings.

A young player seemingly destined for a lengthy career, he was never the same after suffering a rotator cuff injury that season.

With few developments in treating sports injuries at the time, Cambria tried making a comeback. But, he toiled in the minors, and he was released twice in one year — out of baseball by age 25.

“I saw the writing on the wall,” Cambria said. “I was disappointed for about six months, ‘Why me?’ But, I tried to never think of it that way. It was a blessing in disguise.”

Though a hapless ending to what could’ve been, Cambria still savors the short time spent in the majors.

That included the opportunity to suit up with three of the game’s most recognizable names in the Pirates organization: Roberto Clemente, Willie Stargell and Bill Mazeroski.

Said Cambria, “Its kind of rare today that a young feller, just coming up to the big leagues, played with three Hall of Famers. I think that’s what made the Pirates such a dynasty in the ‘70s, because they had great leadership because of those three guys. “Roberto Clemente was a great leader, a great ballplayer; and the same for Willie Stargell. They molded this team, they were respected, and it was great camaraderie. So that was a great feather in my cap, having those gentlemen teach me the game the right way and playing it the right way.”

After his playing career, Cambria spent the next decade-plus in the business world as an Izod salesman.

He returned to the game — and school — he loved, when he served as Saint Leo’s head baseball coach from 1990 to 1991. He compiled a 55-46 record in those two seasons.

Incidentally, the coaching opportunity arose following his 1987 induction into Saint Leo’s athletic hall of fame, where he reconnected with Kaye, the school’s athletic director at the time. Kaye later thought of Cambria when searching for a baseball coach in 1990.

“I enjoyed it very much. It was very interesting,” Cambria said of coaching at his alma mater. “I learned a lot about the game of baseball. Because you play, it doesn’t mean you know it, and how to teach kids and things like that.”

Cambria noted he was lucky to work alongside “a great assistant coach” in Frank Verdi for those two seasons. Verdi played in the New York Yankees organization in the ’40s and ’50s and later spent three decades managing for several Triple-A organizations recording over 1,300 wins.

Meanwhile, Cambria stayed closely tied to America’s pastime after his coaching stint ended at Saint Leo.

He served as a pitching coach for the San Diego Padres organization in the Arizona Fall Instructional League and the Australian Professional League.

He also became the commissioner of the Atlantic Collegiate Baseball League (ACBL) and was selected to its hall of fame. (Cambria played in the ACBL in the summer during his Saint Leo career and was the first player out of the ACBL to make it to the MLB).

More recently, Cambria in 2013 became the first-ever commissioner of the Hamptons Collegiate Baseball League (HCBL), a summer baseball organization located in The Hamptons in New York.

Now retired, Cambria today lives in Northport, New York, staying busy with volunteer work in surrounding communities.

Cambria said he last visited Saint Leo about a year ago, as part of a seminar to guide student-athletes in career development and gaining employment after college.

“I was so amazed with the university and how it’s grown, and what a great campus it is,” Cambria said.

Published April 11, 2018

Sunshine Athletic Conference awards announced

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High school coaches from the Pasco County School District recently announced the Sunshine Athletic Conference All-Conference Teams, Athletes of the Year and Coaches of the Year, for the 2017-2018 winter sports season.

Selections were made for both the East and West division.

The following high schools from our coverage area were represented in the East: Cypress Creek, Land O’ Lakes, Pasco, Sunlake, Wesley Chapel, Wiregrass Ranch and Zephyrhills.

This is a listing of the recipients within The Laker/Lutz News coverage area:

Winter Sports-Boys
2017-2018 SAC EAST All-Conference

  • Boys’ Basketball Coach of the Year: Mike Novak, Zephyrhills
  • Player of the Year: Mekhi Perry, Land O’ Lakes

First-Team All-Conference

  • Mekhi Perry, Land O’ Lakes, sophomore
  • Elijah Ramsey, Wiregrass Ranch, junior
  • Isaiah Ramsey, Wesley Chapel, sophomore
  • Roney Webster, Pasco, senior
  • Kurt Robbins, Zephyrhills, senior

Second-Team All-Conference


  • Chase Farmer, Land O’ Lakes, sophomore
  • Jamal Wright, Sunlake, junior
  • Derico Quiles, Zephyrhills, sophomore
  • Daniel Biglow, Wiregrass Ranch, senior
  • Justin Rush, Wiregrass Ranch, senior

Honorable Mention

  • Trevor Maxwell, Cypress Creek, junior

2017-2018 SAC EAST All-Conference Soccer

  • Boys’ Soccer Coach of the Year: David Wilson, Wiregrass Ranch High
  • Offensive Player of the Year: Justin Amis, Wiregrass Ranch
  • Defensive Player of the Year: Royce Luedde, Wiregrass Ranch

First-Team All-Conference

  • Justin Amis. Wiregrass Ranch, freshman
  • Royce Luedde, Wiregrass Ranch, senior
  • Tyler Dueker, Pasco, senior
  • Ethan Sternberg, Sunlake, freshman
  • Ian Flores, Wiregrass Ranch, senior
  • Malcolm Lewis, Wiregrass Ranch, sophomore
  • Grant Dresson, Sunlake, senior
  • Jackson Trudel, Wiregrass Ranch, senior
  • Anthony Rodriguez, Sunlake, senior
  • Ryan Al-Khatib, Wiregrass Ranch, senior
  • Santiago Esparza, Sunlake, senior

Second-Team All-Conference

  • Jacob Hill, Wiregrass Ranch, senior
  • Jason Nicolette, Pasco, junior
  • Javier Todd, Sunlake, junior
  • JP Torres, Wiregrass Ranch, senior
  • Jake Rodriguez, Sunlake, sophomore
  • Collin Corrao, Land O’ Lakes, junior
  • Jake Bierhurst, Wiregrass Ranch, sophomore
  • Adam Mihalek, Wiregrass Ranch, freshman
  • Martin Montoya, Pasco, senior
  • Sebastian Victoria, Sunlake, freshman
  • Carter Corrao, Land O’ Lakes, sophomore

Honorable Mention

  • Carlos Morales, Zephyrhills, sophomore
  • Tyler Richmond, Wesley Chapel, junior
  • Marco Svolinsky, Cypress Creek, freshman

2017-2018 SAC EAST All-Conference Wrestling


  • Coach of the Year: Sergio Matos, Sunlake
  • Wrestler of the Year: Khaled Khatib, Wiregrass Ranch
The Sunlake Seahawks wrestling team captured the Sunshine Athletic Conference (SAC) championships in February. Eight Sunlake wrestlers earned All-Conference honors, and their coach, Sergio Matos, was named SAC East Coach of the Year. (File)

First-Team All-Conference


  • 106-pound: Ross Jennings, Sunlake, senior
  • 113-pound: Sullivan Harris, Sunlake, sophomore
  • 120-pound: Jacob Thornton, Pasco, sophomore
  • 126-pound: Travis Knowlton, Pasco, sophomore
  • 132-pound: Colson Mullis, Pasco, sophomore
  • 138-pound: Sean Gratten, Land O’ Lakes, junior
  • 145-pound: Jake Koener, Sunlake, junior
  • 152-pound: Scott Kren, Land O’ Lakes, junior
  • 160-pound: Khaled Khatib, Wiregrass Ranch, senior
  • 170-pound: Mark Kialer, Wiregrass Ranch, sophomore
  • 182-pound: Tyler Estep, Sunlake, senior
  • 195-pound: Troy Royal, Wesley Chapel, senior
  • 220-pound: Cayman Wiseman, Sunlake, sophomore
  • Heavyweight: Demetrius Wright, Zephyrhills, sophomore

Second-Team All-Conference

  • 106-pound: Morgan Ray, Land O’ Lakes, freshman
  • 113-pound: Kyle Eldridge, Land O’ Lakes, sophomore
  • 120-pound: Dante Reese, Land O’ Lakes, sophomore
  • 126-pound: Alex Alvarez, Wiregrass Ranch, junior
  • 132-pound: Victor Graves-Velez, Sunlake, junior
  • 138-pound: Alex Hall, Sunlake, junior
  • 145-pound: Victor Nelson, Land O’ Lakes, junior
  • 152-pound: Caleb Dakin, Wesley Chapel, senior
  • 160-pound: Matthew Paduani, Sunlake, junior
  • 170-pound: Greyson Plummer, Land O’ Lakes, senior
  • 182-pound: Cyrus Baker, Land O’ Lakes, sophomore
  • 195-pound: Tim Johnson, Pasco, junior
  • 220-pound: Anthony Jay, Land O’ Lakes
  • Heavyweight: Tevon Davies, Sunlake, junior

Honorable Mention

  • Tyson Gillott, Cypress Creek, junior

Winter Sports-Girls
2017-2018 SAC EAST All-Conference Soccer


  • Coach of the Year: Mark Leonard, Wesley Chapel
  • Offensive Player of the Year: Sydny Nasello, Land O’ Lakes
  • Defensive Player of the Year: Abigail Monken, Sunlake
Six athletes from the Land O’ Lakes girls soccer team earned All-Conference honors. From left, Emma Skantze, Morghan Craven, Brooke Hannigan, Sydny Nasello, Avery Wild and RaeAnna Casler. (Courtesy of Jennifer Craven)

First-Team All-Conference

  • Sydny Nasello, Land O’ Lakes, senior
  • Jordan Kadlub, Pasco, junior
  • Morghan Craven, Land O’ Lakes, senior
  • Jennifer Luna, Pasco, senior
  • Karissa Olsen, Wesley Chapel, senior
  • Brooke Hannigan, Land O’ Lakes, senior
  • Abigail Monken, Sunlake, senior
  • Juliana Ponce, Wiregrass, senior
  • Emma Skantze, Land O’ Lakes, senior
  • Samantha Gasbarro, Wesley Chapel, senior
  • Mackenzie Spurling, Wiregrass Ranch, junior

Second-Team All-Conference


  • Isabella Jaramillo, Wesley Chapel, senior
  • Rylind Robinson, Wiregrass Ranch, senior
  • Nathalie Sawczuk, Pasco, senior
  • Jessica Amis, Wiregrass Ranch, junior
  • Avery Wild, Land O’ Lakes, sophomore
  • Brianna Luna, Pasco, junior
  • Vyctoria Boger, Wesley Chapel, senior
  • Ysa Novak, Wiregrass Ranch, junior
  • Isabella Vazquez, Sunlake, senior
  • RaeAnna Casler, Land O’ Lakes, junior

Honorable Mention

  • Caitlyn Leavines, Cypress Creek, junior
  • Jaydean Ireland, Zephyrhills, sophomore

2017-2018 SAC EAST All-Conference Girls Basketball


  • Coach of the Year: Reesa Pledge, Sunlake
  • Player of the Year: Andrea Wallace, Sunlake

First-Team All-Conference


  • Andrea Wallace, Sunlake, senior
  • Kiara Broner, Pasco, senior
  • Kasia Ramirez, Sunlake senior
  • Zoi Evans, Wiregrass Ranch, freshman
  • Niya Darby, Land O’ Lakes, senior

Second-Team All-Conference


  • Alexis Bolden, Wiregrass Ranch, senior
  • Mary Mora, Sunlake, senior
  • Valeria Burbano, Wesley Chapel, senior
  • Alexis Couzens, Wiregrass Ranch, freshman
  • Chelsea Jones, Zephyrhills, junior

Honorable Mention

  • Cassidy Middleton, Cypress Creek, junior

2017-2018 SAC EAST All-Conference Competitive Cheerleading


  • Coach of the Year: Karlee Roach, Land O’ Lakes
  • Cheerleader of the Year: Taylor Watson, Wesley Chapel

First-Team All-Conference


  • Mikiah Peeples, Sunlake, senior
  • Juliette Pacheco, Sunlake, sophomore
  • Hannah Kilmer, Sunlake, sophomore
  • Taylor Pudoka, Wiregrass Ranch, senior
  • Emily Weiser, Pasco, senior
  • Hope Wainraich, Land O’ Lakes, senior
  • Claire Gottermann, Land O’ Lakes, senior
  • Reagan Steele, Land O’ Lakes, junior
  • Taylor Watson, Wesley Chapel, senior
  • Ashley Regan, Zephyrhills, junior

Second-Team All-Conference


  • Taylor Broderick, Sunlake, senior
  • Hannah Ahonen, Sunlake, senior
  • Brooke Hodge, Sunlake, junior
  • Alyssa Loo, Wiregrass Ranch, senior
  • Alyssa Rodriguez-Urich, Pasco, senior
  • Emma Runkel, Land O’ Lakes, freshman
  • Emily Bendert, Land O’ Lakes, senior
  • Chloe Covington, Wesley Chapel, senior
  • Zion Morgan, Wesley Chapel, junior
  • Taryn Clower, Cypress Creek, freshman

Honorable Mention

  • Paige Zimmer, Zephyrhills, junior
  • Olivia Michalski, Pasco, senior

2017-2018 SAC East All-Conference Weightlifting


  • Coach of the Year: Denise Garcia, Sunlake High
  • Weightlifter of the Year: Veronica Salazar, Land O’ Lakes

First-Team All-Conference

  • 101-pound: Prestine Carter, Pasco, junior
  • 110-pound: Madison Burnstein, Land O’ Lakes, freshman
  • 119-pound: Madison Kaylor, Pasco, senior
  • 129-pound: Loah Castro, Sunlake, junior
  • 139-pound: Gianna Levy, Sunlake, sophomore
  • 154-pound: Paige Berryman, Sunlake, junior
  • 169-pound: Veronica Salazar, Land O’ Lakes, junior
  • 183-pound: Abigail Schmook, Sunlake, sophomore
  • 199-pound: Jessica Guadarrama, Zephyrhills, senior
  • Unlimited: Abby Shaffer, Zephyrhills,

Second-Team All-Conference


  • 101-pound: Allison Price, Wiregrass Ranch, senior
  • 110-pound: Savannah Lee, Wesley Chapel, sophomore
  • 119-pound: Maria Espinal, Sunlake, senior
  • 129-pound: Valerie Busot, Sunlake, junior
  • 139-pound: Juliette Pacheco, Sunlake, sophomore
  • 154-pound: Grace Hrenko, Sunlake, senior
  • 169-pound: Abigail Monticco, Wesley Chapel, senior
  • 183-pound: Alyssa Kramer, Land O’ Lakes, sophomore
  • 199-pound: Antoinette Farmer, Sunlake, sophomore
  • Unlimited: Cynthia Wilkes, Zephyrhills, junior

Honorable Mention 

  • Amanda Reyes, Cypress Creek, junior

Published April 4, 2018

Offense, cohesion carry Cypress Creek softball

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In east and central Pasco County, softball programs such as Academy at the Lakes, Land O’ Lakes, and Sunlake have garnered much of the attention of late.

And, rightly so.

As of March 25, there’s just a single loss combined among the three schools—Sunlake suffered its lone loss to Land O’ Lakes on March 2— and each team ranks among the state’s top 20 or so softball programs.

But, there’s another local program on the rise — quickly proving itself as a force in the Tampa Bay region.

The Cypress Creek Middle High Coyotes sit at 9-4 overall and 6-2 in district play.

The team entered spring break on a four-game winning streak.

Instant success hasn’t come without adversity, however.

A first-year program with no seniors, the Coyotes were forced to play much of their pre-spring break schedule on the road because the team’s new softball field wasn’t game-ready until a week ago.

Team captains, left to right, Anna Margetis, Neely Peterson and Ashley Nickisher are all transfers from Wesley Chapel High School. The trio is no stranger to winning, helping guide the Wildcats to its first winning season and first playoff appearance in 2017.
(Courtesy of Gigante Productions)

Ongoing maintenance also prevented the upstart Coyotes from participating in fall practices together; instead many were forced to train with their respective travel squads up through January, until they were able to practice with Coyotes coaches.

The team also suffered an unexpected depth setback before the season began, forcing a freshman into action and reducing the varsity roster to just 10 regulars.

Outfielder Cassidy Middleton, a .308 hitter as a sophomore last season at Wesley Chapel High School, tore her ACL while playing on the Cypress Creek girls basketball team. She’s been replaced in the lineup by Emma Coon, who’s batting .381 through 46 plate appearances as the team’s lone freshman.

Challenges aside, Cypress Creek sits just a game back of Nature Coast Tech for second place in the District 7-5A standings; each are chasing division-leading Hernando High (10-2 overall, 8-0 districts).

First-year head coach Mike Peterson credited the group’s effort, teamwork, and perseverance for contributing to the team’s strong start.

“They’re working hard in practice, knowing it’s not where we start, it’s where we end. They’re all on the same page. There’s nothing but fight in the girls, which is nice,” Peterson said.

Despite its thin roster, Cypress Creek is heavy on talent.

Opponents facing them quickly discover that the Coyotes feature some of the hottest bats in the region.

The team is batting a combined .403 and averaging about 10 runs per game.

The most potent of the bunch is junior catcher Neely Peterson, the head coach’s daughter and one of the team’s many transfers from Wesley Chapel.

A Colorado State University commit, Peterson sports a whopping .636 average with four home runs, 10 doubles and 29 RBIs — all team highs. Her batting average is second in all of Pasco, trailing only River Ridge’s Hailey Smith (.708).

The standout catcher said she’s become more comfortable and relaxed at the plate, after batting .443 as a sophomore and .290 as a freshman, respectively.

Becoming more relaxed, at the plate
“As I grow older, the less pressure I put on myself the better that I’ll do, because I know that my freshman year, I was really tense to like, ‘I need to make a statement,’ but now I just let my play speak for me,” Neely Peterson said.

Other Coyotes batting over .400 include sophomore first baseman Anna Margetis (.485) and junior infielders Payton Hudson (.471) and Jasmine Jackson (.429).

Juniors Jordan Rosenberg (.382) and Ashley Nickisher (.333, two home runs) join Coon as players hitting above .300.

That menacing offensive skill has helped gain early, sizable leads in road games, putting stress on home teams by making them play catch-up the rest of the way.

Employing that score early-score often strategy, the team has come to embrace road games, Neely Peterson said.

“We almost didn’t like playing at home because when you’re on the road you get to hit first so we like putting up those runs, so we kind of got acclimated to playing on the road. But, we like playing here (at home), obviously,” Neely Peterson said.

A prime example came in a recent 16-0 road victory against Fivay High School. The Coyotes scored 10 runs in the first inning and six in the second to mercy rule the host Falcons in three innings.

“When you’re able to score the first runs in the first inning you get that confidence of, ‘Oh, we’ve got this,’ whereas, at home, you have to hold them first and then go,” Nickisher said.

“Playing games on the road, you really have to get your mind set because you’re going into their house. And, you want to show what you have,” Margetis said.

Cypress Creek’s pitching—somewhat of a question mark entering the season—has also proven resourceful.

Junior Avery Lee—a Wiregrass Ranch High transfer—has a 2.47 ERA and 25 strikeouts in 68 innings pitched.

“We have a solid foundation. Avery’s come in and has given us solid innings, solid outings, worked on her mental toughness; she’s been terrific,” Mike Peterson said.

Sticking together is key to success
While the team prides itself on strong hitting and crafty pitching, the Coyotes head coach stressed improvements must be made on the defensive end in order to hang against better competition. The team has committed 23 errors this season.

“I have no doubt that we can hit with any team. It’s just we get a couple of mental lapses in the field that have hurt us in a couple of games. We clean that up, we’ll be fine,” Mike Peterson explained.

“I tell them, ‘There’s nothing you guys can’t accomplish if you stick together as a team, play as a team, ” he added.

With their cohesiveness and unwavering attitude, players are confident the team can make some noise come playoff time in late April.

Many know the feeling because they were members of last year’s Wesley Chapel varsity squad that experienced its first winning season and playoff appearance in program history. That team went 19-7 and advanced to the regional semifinals.

“We work together and we trust each other…and we’re just able to work together and have each other’s back,” Nickisher said, acknowledging she was initially upset to leave Wesley Chapel.

“Everyone on this team wants to help each other, no matter if we’re doing good or not,” she added.

“I think we’re having a lot of fun with it, and that’s a big part,” Neely Peterson said. “I think that our mindset really is to win and, if we don’t, we’ll make it difficult for the other team to beat us. I think we’re all really competitive in the sense that we really want to win. We’ve had some tough losses, but we know that we’re going to play them again — teams like Hernando and Nature Coast — so we get a second chance so that’s good.”

Margetis added: “These games—they matter—but when districts come around, I feel like we’ll dig deep and find out what we really have to do to beat the opponents.”

School pride also is at stake.

Other boys and girls sports programs at Cypress Creek have mainly struggled in their first year, but the softball team is bucking that trend.

“It’s just wanting to be the team…that everybody can look to and say, ‘Hey, they’re doing something right.’” Neely Peterson said.

Cypress Creek Coyotes varsity softball roster

  • Alexis Aponte, outfielder, sophomore
  • Emma Coon, outfielder, freshman
  • Payton Hudson, middle infielder junior
  • Jasmine Jackson, middle infielder, junior
  • Avery Lee, pitcher, junior
  • Anna Margetis, first baseman, sophomore
  • Cassidy Middleton, outfielder, junior
  • Paige Mulford, outfielder, junior
  • Ashley Nickisher, third baseman, junior
  • Neely Peterson, catcher, junior
  • Jordan Rosenberg, utility/pitcher, junior

 

District 7-5A Standings (as of March 25)
Team records

  • Hernando — (10-2 overall, 8-0 district)
  • Nature Coast Tech — (9-5 overall, 7-1 district)
  • Cypress Creek — (9-4 overall, 6-2 district)
  • Hudson — (6-7 overall, 2-3 district)
  • Gulf — (3-9 overall, 2-5 district)
  • Central — (2-9 overall, 2-6 district)
  • Fivay — (0-12 overall, 0-6 district
  • Ridgewood — (1-13 overall, 0-7 district)

Published March 28, 2018

Local soccer player scores prestigious statewide honor

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Whenever the Land O’ Lakes Gators needed a score, Sydny Nasello was there to answer the call.

And, she delivered often, racking up 120 goals during her four-year varsity soccer career.

In this past season alone, the senior tallied 45 goals and 13 assists — guiding the Gators to the regional finals, a 23-3 record and undefeated (7-0) district mark.

Land O’ Lakes High School senior forward Sydny Nasello was named Class 3A Player of the Year. She tallied 45 goals and 13 assists this season, leading the Gators to a 23-3 mark. (File)

Her skills on the field — combined with remarkable statistics — have since garnered attention statewide.

Earlier this month, Nasello was named Florida Dairy Farmers Class 3A Player of the Year. She was a finalist for the 2018 Miss Soccer award, too, finishing third in voting by coaches and the media in Florida.

Locally, Nasello was a shoo-in for the Sunshine Athletic Conference Girls Soccer Player of the Year, also announced this month.

The recent accolades recognize Nasello’s commitment.

“When I first heard about it, it was just like everything I’ve been working for in life and just in soccer — like everyone else can see it and it’s paying off,” the forward/midfielder said.

Nasello added she’s proud to “leave a mark” at Land O’ Lakes, and to be an influence to the program’s younger generation.

She was one of a trio of Gators seniors, also including Brooke Hannigan and Morghan Craven, who played all four years on varsity.

During that time, the Gators went a remarkable 90-10-3 with three Final Four appearances, and captured three district and regional crowns apiece.

“I don’t think anyone has ever done that at Land O’ Lakes,” Nasello said, matter-of-factly.

Her role transformed, too.

“I went from freshman year, being like the little kid — super nervous, having all these older role models — to being the role model for the freshmen and the sophomores,” she said.

A University of South Florida signee, Nasello has sights set on a professional career in the National Women’s Soccer League.

Someday she hopes to represent the United States in the Olympic Games, too.

She looks to be on the right track for each.

She was one of just 24 players to take part in a training camp for the under-18 national teams late last fall in California. The U-18 team provides a transition for a number of players that could possibly make up the core of the team that would attempt to qualify for the following U-20 women’s World Cup, or even contribute to the current cycle of U-20s, according to the United States Soccer Federation.

“It was very beneficial,” Nasello said of last year’s tryout. “Basically you can compare yourself to the best of the best around the world, see where you stand, see what you need to improve upon, see what these girls are doing better than you, so you know where to start.”

Lauded for her speed, versatility and flashy attacking on-ball style, Nasello has worked on improving her runs off the ball “because that’s what my college coach wants me to do.”

She credits Gators head coach Vicky King as a key influence in her development as a player.

“She’s never let up,” Nasello said of her high school coach. “Like, she’s probably harder on me than she was any other player, and sometimes I would think, ‘She’s just being mean or whatever,’ but really she’s just pushing me to do my best in all areas of life, whether it’s on or off the field.”

King — who’s coached multiple Division I soccer players over the past three decades — describes Nasello as an “excellent player” who’s “really matured and grown over the last few years.

“She can be a difference-maker in the game. She has a nose for the ball and can play anywhere on the field,” King said.

“She’s really driven to succeed,” the coach added.

Part of it stems from her family’s ties to the game.

Those familiar with the local high school soccer scene are well aware of the Nasello name. Her two older sisters, Lacy and Holly, both were standouts at Land O’ Lakes and eventually played college ball, at University of Tampa and Point University (Georgia), respectively. Younger sister, Lexy, also plays soccer and her father, Tim, played college soccer.

Nasello strived to follow in the footsteps of Lacy — now a sophomore at University of Tampa — who she was teammates with at Land O’ Lakes for two seasons, in 2015 and 2016. Lacy was regarded as a stellar defenseman, with goal-scoring prowess.

“(Lacy) was basically the best of the best,” Nasello said. “She was the big, aggressive one, and I always looked up to her and always wanted to be who she was, what she was on the field, played at what her level was, so we used to work out all the time together in the summer.”

Being around other skilled, experienced players on the team also helped, her high school coach noted.

“We’ve had some other very talented players, and I think her observing them also helped her grow into a better player, as everyone always has someone to grow and improve like that,” King said.

Nasello is currently playing for the Tampa Bay United club soccer team and gearing up for the Elite Club National League championships in May.

Nasello is eager for the next phase of her soccer and academic career.

“I’m so excited to start college,” she said.

Her future USF coaches are also eager for her to arrive.

“Sydny is an amazing talent,” USF head coach Denise Schilte-Brown said in a released statement. “She is arguably the most creative attacking player to come out of the state in quite some time…We are tremendously excited to get her here on campus and continue her development at the next level.”

Published March 21, 2018

Solid year for local hoops

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Florida high school basketball has wrapped up, and while no teams from The Laker/Lutz News coverage area won a state title, several boys and girls squads nonetheless achieved impressive performances during the 2017-2018 season.

Here’s a look back at some of the teams and players who stood out:

Boys
Carrollwood Day School Patriots (Class 4A)
Record: 24-4 overall, 8-1 district 4-4A

Four more points — that’s how much Carrollwood Day School needed to clinch a win to reach the Class 4A Final Four.

The Patriots lost to Oviedo Master’s Academy 71-68 in the region finals on Feb. 27.

Yet nothing should be taken away from first-year coach Teddy Owens, a former assistant at the University of Nebraska.

Owens tripled the Patriots’ win total from the prior year — the team went 8-12 during the 2016-2017 season — and steered the program to its first winning season since 2012.

A bevy of talent helped, too.

The Patriots had one of the Tampa Bay area’s most electrifying players in 6-foot-1 junior guard Malcolm Whitlow, who averaged a whopping 32 points, seven assists and nine rebounds per game, and set a school-record 47 points during a game against Durant High in January. The program also received major contributions from 6-foot-3 guard Edgar Ziegler (17.5 points, 4.6 rebounds) and 6-foot-8 senior center Owen Mixon (10.9 points, 10.5 rebounds).

Keystone Prep Knights (Class 2A)
Record: 20-10 overall, 10-3 district 4-2A

Keystone Prep boys basketball celebrated its first 20-win season and first district championship. The Odessa-based school was also just one win away from reaching the Class 2A state semifinals. (Courtesy of Keystone Prep High School)

It was a year of firsts for Keystone Prep.

The Odessa-based school celebrated its first 20-win season, first district tournament win, first district championship, first playoff win and first region final appearance — and was just one win away from the Class 2A state semifinals.

It was an utter turnaround from last season, when the Knights won just four games.

Keystone Prep was particularly dominant throughout district play, outscoring opponents by an average margin of 36 points.

The team was led by a trio of seniors in Myikel Wilson (19.6 points, 5.7 assists, 5.3 rebounds, 5.7 steals), Ryan Sanders (14.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.1 steals) and Jairen Embry (10.4 points, 3.8 assists, 3.5 rebounds, 3.3 steals).

Despite losing a strong senior class, the Knights may to be in good shape next season should they return juniors James Pursley (14 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.3 blocks), Jalon Pittman (11.9 points, 9.7 rebounds, 1.7 blocks) and Mario Lovett (8.8 points, 4.7 rebounds).

It also helps that the program has a young, up-and-coming coach in Matt Grossenbach. An alumnus of Academy at the Lakes, Grossenbach was that school’s first player — male or female — to score more than 1,000 career points (1,189). He later served as an assistant coach at the Academy before taking the Keystone Prep gig.

Wharton High Wildcats (Class 8A)
Record: 23-6 overall, 11-3 district 8-8A)

Under longtime head coach Tommy Tonelli, Wharton High once again showed itself as one of Tampa Bay’s most consistent hoops programs, by surpassing the 20-win mark for the ninth straight season.

They did so in exciting fashion, too.

In addition to a nail-biting 51-50 victory over Bartow High in the Class 8A region quarterfinal, Wharton finally downed crosstown rival Plant High to capture its first district crown since 2014. The Wildcats lost to Plant twice earlier in the season before getting revenge a third time around.

The Wildcats next season will be without three players who are 6-foot-4 or taller in

team captains Ryan Anders and DJ Henderson, and Nate Barnes.

However, the team will return top player and Division I prospect Darin Green Jr., a 6-foot-4 junior shooting guard, who claims scholarship offers from a handful of mid-majors, including Cal State-Fullerton, Florida Gulf Coast and Rider universities.

Other notable boys teams:

  • Land O’ Lakes High Gators (18-8 overall, 4-2 district 8-7A)
  • Wiregrass Ranch High Bulls (17-9 overall, district 8-8A)
  • Wesley Chapel High Wildcats (16-11 overall, 10-6 district 8-6A)
  • Zephyrhills High Bulldogs (20-9 overall, 14-4 district 8-6A)

Other notable boys players:

  • Elijah Howell, junior, Wiregrass Ranch: 12.4 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 1.8 APG, 1.7 SPG
  • Mekhi Perry, sophomore, Land O’ Lakes: 17 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 4.3 APG, 1.3 SPG
  • Isaiah Ramsey, sophomore, Wesley Chapel: 18.7 PPG, 4.9 RPG
  • Angelo Sardegna, junior, Steinbrenner: 12.6 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 1.7 APG, 1.3 SPG
  • Roney Webster, senior, Pasco: 18.3 PPG, 6.3 RPG
  • Jamaal Wright, junior, Sunlake: 15.5 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 1.4 SPG, 1.3 BPG

Girls

Carollwood Day School girls basketball won 28 games and finished Class 4A state runner-up. The team is poised for another successful season in 2019, as the roster is composed entirely of underclassmen. (Courtesy of Carrollwood Day School)

Carrollwood Day School Patriots (Class 4A)
Record: 28-4 overall, 8-1 district 4-4A

After a resounding 32-point victory over Gainesville P.K. Yonge in the Class 4A state semifinals, it appeared as though Carrollwood Day School was well on its way to a state championship. Alas, the Patriots run fell just short after losing to Miami Country Day — with that team claiming its fifth straight state title.

Even so, the Patriots are no flash in the pan.

Its entire roster is comprised of six sophomores, two eighth-graders, a junior and a freshman. Four of those players — each a sophomore— averaged double figures in scoring: Tarriyonna Gary (15 points), Tiasia McMillan (14 points), Nabaweeyah McGill (12.6 points) and Cairah Mays (10.1 points).

Additionally, the team is coached by Karim Nohra, one of the most successful girls basketball coaches in Tampa. The Patriots also won 28 games last year — Nohra’s first with the program after leaving Academy at the Lakes.

Sunlake High Seahawks (Class 7A)
Record: 20-8 overall, 6-1 district 8-7A

Buoyed be a senior-laden group of contributors, Sunlake won 20 games for the first time in school history, captured its third straight district title, and fell just one win shy of reaching the Class 7A Final Four. They also earned a four-game sweep of district rival Mitchell High.

Its ability to force turnovers proved troubling for opposing offenses all season long. The Seahawks allowed just 39 points per game and gave up 50 or more points in just five contests.

Like last season — when the team won 18 games — the Seahawks were carried primarily by the same four players: 6-foot-1 forward and double-double machine Andrea Wallace (13.3 points, 10.6 rebounds) and guards Kasia Ramirez, Mary Moran and Elizabeth Moran. All seniors, finding capable replacements will be a must for the team to have a fourth straight winning season in 2019.

Wiregrass Ranch High Bulls (Class 8A)
Record: 20-9, 11-3 district 8-8A)

Wiregrass Ranch celebrated yet another 20-win season— it’s fifth straight and sixth in the last seven years under head coach John Gant. No small task as the Bulls play in a tough district that also features Plant, Steinbrenner and Freedom high schools. More striking, perhaps, is the Bulls’ extremely young roster. Outside of senior guard Alexis Bolden (10.8 points), the 2018 team was composed entirely of freshman and sophomores. That means Wiregrass should be exciting to watch for the next several years, thanks in part to the freshman duo of 6-foot-2 forward Zoi Evans (11.6 points, 11.4 rebounds) and 5-foot-7 guard Alexis Couzens (9.9 points, 4 rebounds).

Other notable girls teams:

  • Steinbrenner High (15-10 overall, 10-4 district 8-8A)

Other notable girls players:

  • Kiara Broner, senior, Pasco: 14.6 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 2.6 APG, 2.6 SPG
  • Valeria Burbano, senior, Wesley Chapel: 9.9 PPG, 12.1 RPG, 5.2 SPG
  • Regina Henry, senior, Wharton: 8.1 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 2.0 SPG
  • Isabella Prada, freshman, Bishop McLaughlin: 16 PPG, 3.2 APG, 3 RPG, 4 SPG
  • Ashauna Jones, freshman, Zephyrhills Christian Academy: 10.8 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 2.1 SPG
  • Lexi Kilfoyl, junior, Academy at the Lakes: 11 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 5 BPG

–Stats compiled using MaxPreps.com—

Published March 14, 2018