Local Sports

Saint Leo coach ‘fascinated’ about opportunity

May 18, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

Anthony Crocitto is “looking to build something special” in his new role as the new women’s basketball coach at Saint Leo University,

Crocitto, named Saint Leo’s new women’s basketball coach on May 4, replaces Missy West. She resigned on March 29 after a 14-40 record in two seasons, including a 5-22 record last season.

Anthony Crocitto was named Saint Leo’s new women’s basketball coach on May 4. He spent the past seven seasons coaching at the New York Institute of Technology, finishing with a 115-89 career record. (Photos courtesy of Saint Leo Athletics) — Anthony Crocitto was named Saint Leo’s new women’s basketball coach on May 4. He spent the past seven seasons coaching at the New York Institute of Technology, finishing with a 115-89 career record.
(Photos courtesy of Saint Leo Athletics)

Despite the team’s struggles in the win-loss column the past two seasons, Crocitto is “fascinated” by the opportunity to rebuild the women’s hoops program. He is confident it has all the ingredients to become a national contender at the Division II level.

“I believe with the facilities, the location, the academics and the support that Saint Leo athletics receives, there’s an opportunity to really take the program to another level — a national level in basketball,” Crocitto said. He last coached at NYIT (New York Institute of Technology) for seven seasons, guiding that program to three 20-win campaigns over the last four years.

“There are a lot of plusses to relocating to Saint Leo, for sure,” he said.

After more than 20 years of collegiate coaching, Crocitto plans to use his experience from his time at NYIT and as an assistant coach at places like the University of Central Florida (2006-07) and Hofstra University (2004-06).

Senior guard Chelsy Springs is one key player returning for Saint Leo in the 2016-2017 season. Springs led the team in scoring (16.2 points per game) and rebounding (7.6 rebounds per game) last season.

“I have the luck of working for some very good people at the Division I level, even my first job at the Division II level,” he said.

Crocitto said former Hofstra head coach (now University of Buffalo head coach) Felisha Legette-Jack was a major influence on his career. “I’ve been blessed with learning from some great people, so you combine all that together…and the opportunities at (Saint Leo) are greater because I’m combining the experience. As an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at a few stops, I was able to help rebuild three or four programs along the way, so…it leads to hoping we can reproduce what we did at (NYIT).”

Realistically, it may take a few seasons to see a major overhaul in the team’s winning percentage, but that won’t stop Saint Leo’s new coach from immediately implementing a change in the team’s style of play.

“I want to get up and down, and play fast,” he said. “Push the tempo as much as possible, but we got to grind it out on the defensive end, too. It’s really a big, big part of creating easy opportunities on the offensive end.”

To do that, he’ll need players — talented ones at that.

“At this level, to win, you’ve got to recruit some Division I kids, and you want to shoot for the moon and land on a star — you get a couple stars, and you’re a winner. It takes horses to win the derby,” Crocitto said.

“You can be the greatest coach in the world, but you still need players,” he said.

One player the incoming coach will have at his disposal for the 2016-2017 season is senior guard Chelsy Springs, the team’s leading scorer (16.2 points per game) and rebounder (7.6 rebounds per game) last season.

“I do like some of the pieces that are coming back,” Crocitto said. “We have an exceptionally talented young lady in Chelsy Springs that you can build her senior year around. We’re trying to bring in a couple players in the next few weeks as we’ve got some positions available, and I think it’s going to lead to an exciting season.”

In his first year, Crocitto said he’d “like to at least double the wins” from last year. Within four years, he wants the team to finish in the top four of the Sunshine State Conference.

“Obviously, I’m not that patient,” Crocitto said, echoing the sentiment of many basketball coaches nationwide. “But, you just don’t know what injuries you’re going to have, how your recruits are going to pan out, what level your returning players are truly at, so you want to do your best to see that happen. But, that’s a realistic goal.”

Anthony Crocitto
Head Coach
New York Institute of Technology (2009-2016)
Record: 115-89
Assistant coach
Longwood University (2007-09)
University of Central Florida (2006-07)
Hofstra University (2004-06)
Fairleigh Dickinson University (2002-04)

Published May 18, 2016

Land O’ Lakes state title bid falls short

May 18, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

The score wasn’t indicative of how closely the game was played. At least that’s the opinion of Land O’ Lakes varsity softball head coach Mitch Wilkins on his team’s 5-0 loss to Plantation American Heritage in the Class 6A FHSAA (Florida High School Athletic Association) state semifinals on May 6 in Vero Beach.

“I thought we played right even with them,” Wilkins said with authority. “Their bloop hits fell in and ours didn’t.”

Four of the Gators’ top hitters return next season, including sophomore Brianna Lindner, who led the team in home runs (6) this season. (Photos courtesy of Land O' Lakes Softball) — Four of the Gators’ top hitters return next season, including sophomore Brianna Lindner, who led the team in home runs (6) this season.
(Photos courtesy of Land O’ Lakes Softball)

Missed opportunities to score runs in the second, fifth and seventh innings handcuffed the Gators (27-3-1) from mounting a rally against American Heritage (26-2), the eventual Class 6A state champs.

Though Wilkins believes his squad matched up well with the Patriots, he acknowledged American Heritage was likely the best all-around team the Gators faced all year.

“I’d say their pitching was pretty close to Springstead (High), but hitting wise, I thought they were a little bit better than anyone we’ve faced other than maybe River Ridge,” the third-year Gators coach said.

While the Gators fell short in their hopes of winning a state title, advancing to the semifinals, or “Final Four,” will motivate the team to achieve even more success next year, Wilkins said.

“Getting the girls together and making the trip, it put a taste in their mouth that I think they’re looking to get back there,” he said. “We’re disappointed for the outcome, but in the same respect, we’re really excited and really wanting to get at it again.

“The girls were really looking forward to this season, because they knew they weren’t going to stop in the district (playoffs). They knew they were going to get to the postseason this year. They couldn’t wait to get started, and I think we’ll have the same feeling coming into next year knowing there’s a little unfinished business there,” he said.

The Land O’ Lakes Gators lost to Plantation American Heritage 5-0 in the Class 6A state semifinals on May 6 in Vero Beach.

Reaching the state tournament again won’t be an easy undertaking, as the Gators will no longer be able to rely upon the dominant arm of ace pitcher Shannon Saile, arguably the best pitcher in Pasco County this season. Saile, a Florida International University softball signee, compiled a 0.78 ERA and 269 strikeouts in 134 2/3 innings in her senior year.

Handling the loss of Saile’s immense production in the circle is something the Land O’ Lakes coaching staff will address in the offseason and into fall ball.

The team’s No. 2 pitcher Callie Turner (0.46 ERA, 79 strikeouts in 46 innings) is likely to step into the starting role now vacated by Saile, assuming the freshman continues to show the promise she displayed in the circle this past season.

“She’s got all the tools that it’ll take to become as dominant as Shannon (Saile) was this year. She just probably needs a little more experience,” Wilkins said about the rising sophomore. “She just needs to mature a little bit and keep her emotions in check, and understand what her job is. She doesn’t have to do everything — we’ve got a solid defense behind us — and she doesn’t have to strike out every batter, she just has to keep the ball off the fat part of the bat.”

Finding quality pitching won’t be the only aspect the Gators’ head coach will focus on as he looks to build an even more successful squad next season. He also plans to tackle the hitting woes the Gators experienced down the stretch of the state playoffs. In their final three games, Land O’ Lakes scored a total of two runs — each scored in one-run victories over River Ridge High and Springstead High, before being shut out by American Heritage.

“In the last three games, we didn’t hit as well as we needed to,” Wilkins said, “so that’s something that we’ll definitely be working on.”

Luckily, the Gators’ top four hitters are returning in Ashley Smith (.449 avg.), Jessie McCallister (.442 avg.), Tia Williams (.433 avg., four home runs) and Brianna Lindner (.373 avg. six home runs.)

However, putting those hitters in the right spots in the batting order, as new faces are added to the lineup, is the challenge going forward.

“We have to figure out how we’re going to realign our lineup,” Wilkins said, “and figure out what the best combination is going to be…and what works best (to) score some more runs later in the season when it counts.”

Key Departures:

Pitcher Shannon Saile (0.78 ERA, 269 strikeouts)
Catcher Tayler Holt (.347 avg, 14 RBIs)
Infielder Kendall Tipton (.311 avg, 12 doubles, 15 RBIs)

Key Returnees:

Pitcher Callie Turner (0.46 ERA, 79 strikeouts)
Outfielder Jessie McCallister (.442 avg., 14 RBIs)
Third baseman Brianna Lindner (.373 avg., six home runs, 29 RBIs)
Utility player Ashley Smith (.449 avg., two home runs, 16 RBIs)
Shortstop Tia Williams (.433 avg., four home runs, 32 RBIs)

Published May 18, 2016

Former Wharton standout back in Tampa Bay

May 11, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

It’s not often a local high school football star is drafted in the NFL.

It’s even less likely for a prep star to be drafted his hometown NFL franchise in the first round of the draft.

But that’s what happened when former Wharton High cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III was picked 11^th overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2016 NFL Draft on April 28.

Hargreaves, who graduated from Wharton High in 2013, still reminisces the three years he spent on the Wildcats’ varsity football team, playing for longtime Wharton head coach, David Mitchell.

Wharton High alum Vernon Hargreaves III was drafted in No. 11 overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2016 NFL Draft on April 29. (Courtesy of Tampa Bay Buccaneers) — Wharton High alum Vernon Hargreaves III was drafted in No. 11 overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2016 NFL Draft on April 29.
(Courtesy of Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

“Those were great,” Hargreaves said about his Wharton playing days, during a recorded media conference. “You know, Coach Mitchell’s a great coach. …He taught me how to work hard, he taught me how to be a great player, how to be the best and I’m excited to be back home.”

The opportunity to “be back home” was a dream come true for Hargreaves, who played three collegiate seasons with the Florida Gators before declaring for the NFL Draft.

“It’s surreal. It was the best thing I ever could have asked for,” the two-time All-American said. “It doesn’t get better than to get drafted by your home team. …I’m 40 minutes away from the facilities and it’s great. I can see my mom (Jackie) when I want to now, it’s awesome.”

Hargreaves, the son of Vernon Hargreaves Jr. — a linebackers coach at the University of Arkansas — believes he has the skillset and football acumen to make an immediate impact for the Bucs as a rookie.

“Playing in the SEC (Southeastern Conference) gave me the experience and the opportunity to cover guys of that (NFL) caliber. Seeing them already…gives me a place to start on how I can slow these guys down,” he said.

“I’m very confident in myself, very confident in my abilities.”

Listed at 5-foot-10, some pundits feel Hargreaves lacks the desired height to succeed against taller receivers at the next level.

Jason Licht, Bucs general manager, disagrees with those sentiments.

“There have been a lot of Pro Bowl corners – a lot – that have been his size: 5-10 and a half,” Licht said during the media conference. “Great players come in a lot of different sizes and different packages. We feel that his thickness and his build, he’s a sturdy player, he can press, he can tackle and he’s very quick and athletic and has good ball skills. Vernon is a guy that we feel brings a lot of versatility.”

“I’m just an overall good football player,” Hargreaves said. “Love to play ball, can adapt to any type of defense, any type of receiver. I’ve covered them all. I can play bump-coverage, can play man-coverage. All of that is in my game.”

At Wharton, Hargreaves was widely considered one of, if not, the best high school cornerback in the nation for the 2013 recruiting class. During his time in a Wildcats varsity uniform, Hargreaves racked up 203 tackles and nine interceptions. He was also a standout track athlete, where his long jump (22’ 3.50) ranks second in school history, and his 100-meter dash (11.17 seconds) ranks fifth in school history. His natural athleticism, combined with his on-field football prowess made him a consensus five-star recruit boasting more than 50 college scholarship offers, before he chose the University of Florida.

Though he’s just months removed from his college career and a few years removed from his high school career, Hargreaves isn’t shy about stepping into the NFL spotlight.

“It’s going to be exciting,” he said. “I’m ready to showcase my skills.”

What experts are saying about former Wharton High standout Vernon Hargreaves III:

“He has as many tools and attributes for long-term NFL success as any defensive back in the (2016) draft class: speed, range, aggression, good hands and short-area quickness. If he is able to dial back his more passionate tendencies, avoid thinking too much about contact and focus on his assignment more often, Hargreaves could easily show up as an perennial Pro Bowler and a legit No. 1 shutdown guy.” –Doug Farrar, Sports Illustrated.com

“He’s the best corner maybe I’ve seen in two or three years. Now he’s only 5-foot-10, but he’s thick. Great feet and change of direction. He finds the football in the air.” –Mike Mayock, NFL.com

“Hargreaves is an undersized cornerback who is one of the most instinctive and natural man coverage cornerbacks in the 2016 draft class. …Overall, he has the football intelligence, the movement skills and the willingness in run support to develop into a quality starting cornerback outside the hashes or become one of the better nickelbacks in the NFL.” –Kevin Weidl, ESPN.com

“Hargreaves plays with a decisive reactor to maintain proper positioning and make plays on the ball (38 career passes defended), but his timing and spacing have room for improvement. Although he has only ordinary size, Hargreaves is above average in three main areas for the position: play speed, instincts and competitive toughness.” –Rob Rang, CBSSports.com

“He does it all—tackles, passes defensed. He has the hands to flip the field and create turnovers. But, what I like most about him is his explosion and agility on short routes. He takes away targets…and I think he’s going to be a playmaker because of that in the NFL.” -Matt Miller, BleacherReport.com

Published May 11, 2016

Batter up: Seniors welcome in this league

May 11, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

Local senior citizens looking for fun, fitness and friendships don’t have to look much further than the North Tampa Bay Senior Softball League.

Since it’s inception over four years ago by Walt Bockmiller, the league has been growing each year.

The 2015-2016 NTBSS season was dedicated to the late Tom McDonald, a former member of the league. From left to right are Tom Mcdonald Jr., Cindy Rush, Corey Ann and Walt Bockmiller. (Courtesy of Walt Bockmiller) — The 2015-2016 NTBSS season was dedicated to the late Tom McDonald, a former member of the league. From left to right are Tom Mcdonald Jr., Cindy Rush, Corey Ann and Walt Bockmiller.
(Courtesy of Walt Bockmiller)

The league began with about 20 players, but had more than 90 players when the most recent season ended on April 29.

Men and women of all skills levels are welcome.

But you can’t play in this league unless you are least 60.

Bockmiller, a former longtime parks and recreation official, said it’s ideal for seniors who’ve never played organized softball to get involved with the league.

“All levels play,” Bockmiller said. “They come out, they hit, run, throw and catch, and they’re all placed on a team by a draft.”

While scores are kept during the 7-inning games played at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, more emphasis is placed on having fun and enjoying the game rather than on winning.

In other words, sportsmanship rules over player excellence and competition.

“They come and get a smile,” Bockmiller said about the league’s players. “They make errors, they hit and they have excitement. They do good, they do bad, but they all have fun.”

Bockmiller noted the league is a great way for local residents to meet new people and develop long-lasting friendships, too.

“That’s the big side benefit, the best thing of it,” said Bockmiller, acknowledging he didn’t know anyone when he moved to Land O’ Lakes in 2009. “The playing gives you the fitness, but the other big benefit is the smiles that they get by…forming relationships.

“Many of these people that have met other people now go on cruises with (each other), or they go out to eat together,” the league organizer added. “It’s the socialization factor.”

Games are typically played Friday mornings between 9 a.m. to noon from September through April, with a winter break between December and January.

The league’s past season was dedicated to the late Tom McDonald, who passed away in July 2015 after suffering a heart attack.

McDonald, a retired police officer who was heavily involved in the league, was described as “gregarious” and someone who “loved to make friends,” Bockmiller said.

McDonald’s death sparked the idea for the league — which recently incorporated as a nonprofit organization— to work toward purchasing a defibrillator to ensure player safety.

Bockmiller noted the league has about “98 percent” of the funding to purchase a defibrillator, which typically costs somewhere between $1,200 to $1,400.

“We’re taking donations to make sure we get the goal accomplished,” he said. “Because of Tom’s passing, we realized we needed that.”

Once purchased, Bockmiller plans to have every league member trained on the device in the case of an on-field emergency, which is especially critical, considering the league has some players who are over age 80.

“I want everybody to know how to operate that thing — not just four people,” Bockmiller said. “Everybody’s got to know. The device is there, so you’ve got to (know how) to use it.”

With the softball season over, Bockmiller is currently creating a growth plan to expand the league, hoping to add more players and more teams.

Meanwhile, he’s organizing indoor pickup basketball, volleyball and Ping-Pong for seniors until next year’s softball registration.

“We are always growing. Each year, we grow,” Bockmiller said.

Published May 11, 2016

Area spring football preview: Pasco County

May 4, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

Spring football practices are underway for high schools across the state. While the first games of the 2016 season are still several months away, Florida high schools are allowed a maximum of 20 practice sessions between April 25 to May 31, according to FHSAA (Florida High School Athletic Association) guidelines.

Here’s a look at what schools in our coverage area are working with:

Land O’ Lakes High School
Coach: Brian Wachtel (6th year)
2015 Record: 3-7

The Land O' Lakes Gators are looking to avoid a third straight losing season. A more manageable season in 2016 should help. (File photos) — The Land O’ Lakes Gators are looking to avoid a third straight losing season. A more manageable season in 2016 should help.
(File photos)

Last season was rough for the Gators, who failed to win a home game at “The Swamp,” and were shutout by their primary rival in Sunlake High. Playing five consecutive road games didn’t help the cause, either. To relive their magical 8-2 season back in 2013, the Gators must find some consistent play at the quarterback position, whether that is from rising senior Spencer Childress or rising junior Jude May. Though the team loses their top two rushers from last season in Rashawn Kindell (526 yards rushing, 5.7 yards per carry) and Tommy Farmer (417 yards, 7 TDs), the Gators may have a breakout candidate in tailback Quintin Smith, who’ll be a senior. On defense, the Gators return standout safety Justin Kren, a capable tackler (51 solo tackles) and ballhawk (five interceptions).

Pasco County High School
Coach: Tom McHugh (9th year)
2015 Record: 4-6

A difficult schedule and some tough breaks steered the Pirates into a losing 2015 season. Despite starting the year 3-0, Pasco High ran into some tough competition in the middle of the season, losing four straight games to North Marion, Jesuit, Mitchell and Sunlake high schools. A heartbreaking 44-43 overtime loss to Springstead High added fuel to the fire. While the win-loss total doesn’t show it, the Pirates were loaded with talent, including cornerback Jayvauhn Myers (Auburn signee), offensive lineman Jamal Mention (Coffeyville (Kansas) Community College signee) and tight end Nick Bryant (Middle Tennessee signee). Coach McHugh must find a way to replace those productive players, and find a reliable quarterback after Michael Penix Jr. transferred to Tampa Bay Tech.

Sunlake High School
Coach: Bill Browning (9th year)
2015 Record: 8-3

The Sunlake Seahawks are looking to have their seventh straight winning season. To do so, Coach Bill Browning will have to replace several starters on the offensive line.

Another year, another terrific record. That’s been the narrative for the Seahawks over the past six seasons under the leadership of head coach Bill Browning. Since 2010, the team has a combined record of 53-13. Though the team returns several players at the skill positions, one of the big questions leading into the season is how the team will fare on the offensive line, with the departures of Bryce Cooley (Angelo State signee), Joe Russum (Black Hills State signee) and Leo Baez (Bluefield College). If the Seahawks can create cohesion and provide enough protection in the trenches for standout pro-style quarterback Justin Hall (1,729 yards, 17 TDs, 3 INTs), they should be in store for another winning season.

Wesley Chapel High School
Coach: Anthony Egan (1st year)
2015 record: 2-8

The Wildcats have suffered four straight losing seasons, and now it’s up to first-year head coach Anthony Egan — a former River Ridge High assistant — to turn the program around. Luckily for Egan, the cupboard isn’t bare. Signal-caller Jacob Thomas (44 percent completion, 1,825 yards, 17 TDs, 13 INTs) returns as well as pass-catchers Ben Goins (31 receptions, 403 yards) and Devin Singletary (23 receptions, 240 yards). On defense, the Wildcats return their top three tacklers in Marcus Gillott, Ellrie Allen and Christian Austin. To improve their record, the Wildcats must find a way to develop a consistent rushing attack (rushers averaged just 2.6 yards per carry) and they must win close games (the team lost three games by seven points or fewer in 2015.)

Wiregrass Ranch High School
Coach: Mark Kantor (2nd year)
2015 record: 2-8

Coach Mark Kantor embarks on year two of what is perhaps a long-term rebuilding job. Prior to Kantor’s hiring in 2015, the Bulls had three coaches in four years, combining for an 8-32 record during that span. To improve in 2016, the Bulls must find a way to stay healthy (19 season-ending injuries were suffered in 2015) and significantly improve on offense. The team averaged just 10.6 points per game in 2015, and was shutout in half of their games. If the Bulls can’t muster up better production from the quarterback position, it’ll be tough to secure a winning record.

Zephyrhills High School
Coach: Nick Carroll (1st year)
2015 record: 8-3

The Bulldogs notched their fourth straight winning season in 2015, but they’ll enter the 2016 season with a new head coach in Nick Carroll, a former Sunlake High assistant. Carroll will try to duplicate the success of former coach Reggie Roberts, but will have a challenge on his hands. Running back Antwione Sims, the team’s leading offensive playmaker, tore his ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) over a month ago, and will likely miss several games in 2016. Additionally, Carroll must find a way to get Bulldogs players to gel, and learn the style of offense and defense he’s implementing. Carroll expects several incoming freshmen and sophomores to make an impact in his first season.

Zephyrhills Christian Academy
Coach: Mike Smith (2nd year, 11-man)
2015 Record: 4-4

The Warriors had a respectable 2015 season, if you consider it was their first season playing 11-man football after they dominated the 6-man ranks for several years. However, the team may be in for a setback in 2016, as they’ll be without their top offensive player, wide receiver Issac Johnson (62 receptions, 1,013 yards), and top defensive player, defensive lineman J’ Won Pickett. Both Johnson (Iowa Western Community College) and Pickett (Minnesota State Community College) are playing football at junior colleges next season. The Warriors will also have to develop a new quarterback with the impending graduation of Matthew Iovine, an accurate passer (67 percent completion, 1,475 yards). Being without last year’s quarterback and top receiver may open the door to additional carries for returning running backs such as John Emmanual, Dwight Thomas and Mykh’ael Chavis.

Published May 4, 2016

Area spring football preview: Hillsborough County

May 4, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

Spring football practices are underway for Hillsborough County schools in our coverage area. Programs such as Gaither High and Freedom High are hoping for turnarounds, while Steinbrenner and Wharton high schools are trying to build off last season’s successes. Carrollwood Day School fits the bill as a possible team on the rise for 2016.

Carrollwood Day School
Coach: Lane McLaughlin (10th year)
2015 record: 7-4

Carrollwood Day School prep fans should be excited about the potential for an entertaining season, and not just because the private school’s football team will be playing at a brand-new athletic complex in 2016. A majority of Carrollwood’s young playmakers on offense return, including incumbent quarterback Raymond Woodie Jr., leading rusher Yahsin Wooten (740 yards, 8 TDs) and leading receiver Markeis Colvin (20 receptions, 501 yards, 4 TDs.) The Patriots also return their top two tacklers from last season in linebackers Ryan Verscharen and Stephen Walters, who will be seniors. Replacing the production of two sack artists in Zac Watson-Parcells and Corey Shamley will be key to take a step forward in 2016.

Freedom High School
Coach: Floyd Graham (1st year)
2015 record: 3-7

Freedom High School Coach Floyd Graham is likely in for a rebuilding year. (File photo) — Freedom High School Coach Floyd Graham is likely in for a rebuilding year.
(File photo)

It’s likely a rebuilding year for new Freedom coach Floyd Graham, who was officially hired on April 1. The good news for those that closely follow Freedom’s program is it’s something Graham should be able to handle, considering he created football programs from scratch at both Newsome and Steinbrenner high schools. However, Graham will have some uphill battles to climb in year one. Being hired in April doesn’t give him much time to implement his coaching philosophy, and develop a rapport with both players and assistant coaches. Also, the team is losing a plethora of seniors from 2015, including do-it-all playmaker Nasir Core.

Gaither High School
Coach: Jason Stokes (6th year)
2015 record: 4-6

In order to improve in 2016, the Cowboys must make some strides on the offensive side of the ball. The team scored nine points or fewer in six out of their 10 games. Luckily for Coach Stokes, bellcow running back Alex Rodriguez returns. Getting quarterback Gavin Denboer to cut down on his interceptions (10) is a must. The Cowboys defense should be able to hold its own, with the return of linebacker Decalon Brooks, last year’s leading tackler (114). The 5-foot-10, 190-pound Brooks, the son of Tampa Bay Buccaneers legend Derrick Brooks, is widely viewed as one of the top players in all of Tampa. The consensus three-star recruit already has Division I scholarship offers from Florida International University, Florida State University, University of Illinois and University of South Florida.

Steinbrenner High School
Coach: Andres Perez-Reinaldo (5th year)
2015 record: 9-2

The Warriors finally had a breakout season in 2015 under the tutelage of head coach Andres Perez-Reinaldo. Thanks to a potent offense and an at-times smothering defense, Steinbrenner’s only two setbacks last season were against dynasty prep programs in Manatee (Bradenton) High and Dr. Phillips (Orlando) High. On offense, quarterback Collin Wray (56 percent completion, 1,634 yards) returns, as do two of his favorite targets in Brett Bitter (35 receptions, 600 yards) and Carson Kaleo (34 receptions, 277 yards). Replacing the production of 1,000-yard rusher Jayquese Dantley is something the team will need to address. On defense, Coach Perez-Reinaldo and his staff must find some players that can carry the load, since the Warriors lose three leading tacklers in Tyler Mirabella, Patrick Lukert and Zack Deitz.

Wharton High School
Coach: David Mitchell (12th year)
2015 record: 8-2

The Wildcats enjoyed a successful 2015 campaign, with sizable victories over the likes of King High, Gaither High, Wiregrass Ranch and Leto High. However, it won’t be easy to replicate the scoring outputs (at least 30 points in seven games) from 2015. Coach Mitchell will have to replace quarterback Bryce Martin, leading rusher Miles Williams (1,102 yards, 10 TDs) and leading receiver Devontres Dukes (18 receptions, 360 yards) from last year’s squad. They also lost defensive stalwarts in linebacker Hayden Parks (75 tackles) and defensive lineman Godey Coleus (six sacks). One possible breakout candidate to watch is two-way player Shannon King, who will be a junior. The powerful 5-foot-10, 210-pounder rushed for nearly 400 yards, adding 6.9 yards per carry.

Published May 4, 2016

Coach ‘excited’ for next season, despite obstacles

April 27, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

Zephyrhills High first-year football coach Nick Carroll took over a program in turmoil when he was hired nearly three months ago.

He took the job in February amidst a report of an on-campus sex scandal implicating some of the team’s players, and was dealt another blow last month when news broke that its top offensive player had torn his ACL (anterior cruciate ligament during) during a football camp.
Running back Antwione Sims, who is set to begin his senior year, ran for a school-record 2,093 yards and 24 touchdowns last season. But, he will likely miss a significant portion of the 2016 season.

The 5-foot-11, 196-pound Sims—a Rivals.com two-star recruit with multiple college scholarship offers—accounted for nearly 57 percent of the Bulldog’s total offense last season.
“He’s taking care of it,” Carroll said in regards to Sims’ injury. “He’s going to get on the field as fast as he can. I know he’s very, very motivated.”

After losing one of the top skill players in Pasco County, Carroll is more focused on the players who are healthy, as he prepares his squad for the upcoming season.

(File Photo) Antwione Sims, left, goes up for a ball against former Sunlake player Terrence Jackson. The Zephyrhills Bulldogs will be without the star running back for a portion of the 2016 season due to a torn ACL. Sims rushed for a school-record 2,093 yards last season, helping to lead the Bulldogs to an 8-3 record. — Antwione Sims, left, goes up for a ball against former Sunlake player Terrence Jackson. The Zephyrhills Bulldogs will be without the star running back for a portion of the 2016 season due to a torn ACL. Sims rushed for a school-record 2,093 yards last season, helping to lead the Bulldogs to an 8-3 record. (File Photo)

“We’re going to pick up the pieces and find other playmakers,” said Carroll, who replaced veteran Bulldogs’ coach Reginald Roberts. “I got faith in the kids that are here. They want this opportunity just like any other kid does, and I think we’re going to be okay.”

One player that brings intrigue as a possible replacement for Sims at the running back position is Elijah Thomas, who will be a junior.

Thomas, a 5-foot-6, 150-pound scat back, was the team’s third leading rusher last season after totaling 222 yards on 18 carries (12.3 yards per carry). What he lacks in size, he more than makes up in speed—evident by his track results this spring.

Competing in the Sunshine Athletic Conference East track meet, the sophomore sprinter placed third in the 100-meter dash (11.26 seconds) and fourth in the 200 meters (23.81).
While Carroll certainly has a capable rusher in Thomas, the Zephyrhills coach acknowledged his staff must “mix up” the offense and create a more balanced attack to stifle opponents.

That philosophy places additional pressure on incumbent senior quarterback Charles Harrison III, who threw for 634 yards and 12 touchdowns, but completed only 45 percent of his passes.
Other players that may get looks at quarterback include rising senior Nick Loss, junior Jake Adams and freshman Dylan Wood.

Whomever starts at quarterback will also have to build a rapport with some new pass-catching threats with the impeding graduation of Jackie Tucker, who was last year’s leading wideout (24 receptions for 477 yards and 9 touchdowns).

Carroll said receivers Ja’quan Sheppard and Tre’pavis Mobley, who will be sophomores, have stood out thus far in offseason workouts. Those workouts have consisted of extensive weightlifting, speed and agility training, and route running drills.

“There’s some young kids that are really doing well against the air this spring, and we’re excited,” the head coach said. “We have been putting our time in and watching kids work on the field in regards to how competitive they are and seeing (them) compete against one another.”

Another receiving option that may figure into the equation is rising senior Darius Causey, who didn’t get playing time last year.

“He’s working hard in the weight room,” Carroll said. “He’s 6-foot-2 or 6-foot-3, and we’re looking at him to make some plays as well.”

Despite the injury to his top player and being tasked with trying to build trust as a new coach, Carroll has been very satisfied with what he’s seen from the roster since taking over the program.

“I’ve been really happy with how the kids have come together and the work they’ve put in as a team,” he said. “They’ve gotten a lot stronger. They are coming together as one.
“Now, we’re just excited for the opportunity to put it on the field and get things rolling,” Carroll said.

Published April 27, 2016

Land O’ Lakes baseball’s memorable season ends

April 27, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

It was a case of too little, too late.

The Land O’ Lakes High School’s Gators’ baseball team’s memorable season came to an end on April 19, after an upset loss to the Zephyrhills High School’s Bulldogs in the Class 6A, District 7 semifinals at Pasco High.

The score was 3-2.

The Gators entered the game with a 20-4 record and an unblemished 10-0 mark in district play, before falling to a Bulldogs team that hadn’t won a district game in nine years.

However, the Gators didn’t have much of an answer when matched up against Zephyrhills senior right-hander Riley McClellan (2.49 ERA), who held the Gators to four hits in the game. McClellan did not allow a run until the seventh inning, when Land O’ Lakes junior outfielder Brayden Lyman hit a two-run home run. But, it was not enough to overcome the Bulldogs, who amassed eight hits and three runs against Land O’ Lakes senior righty and High Point (North Carolina) University signee Kirby Osborn.

Despite an impressive overall record, the Gators were somewhat reeling down the stretch of the regular season with non-district losses to Sunlake High (2-0) on April 8 and Fivay High (4-3) on April 12.

Armed with two of Pasco County’s best pitchers in Osborn (0.84 ERA, 76 strikeouts) and junior right-hander McCabe Sargent (0.48 ERA, 55 strikeouts), the Gators had their eyes set on a deep playoff run, with state championship aspirations.

“We had something a lot of teams didn’t have—two really good pitchers,” Gators coach Jeff May said. “Pitching was definitely our backbone. It wasn’t because of our hitting.”

With a team .273 batting average that lacked power hitters—Land O’ Lakes hit two home runs all season— the Gators often would get just enough hits to win a ballgame.

Though the Gators had a .83 win percentage, several of the team’s victories were by small margins. Of the team’s 20 wins, seven of them were by two runs or fewer.

May acknowledged a lot of those games “really could’ve gone either way in the end.”

Oftentimes, the Gators struggled to put runs on the board, placing additional pressure on the pitching staff. They scored three runs or fewer in 10 games, including the loss to Zephyrhills—a team they had beaten twice this season.

“That’s been our problem all season, and it came back to bite us,” May said about the team’s dearth of offense throughout the season.

Their season ends on a sour note, and short of their lofty postseason expectations, but the Gators expect to be one of Pasco’s better teams in 2017.

They will lose productive seniors in Osborn, catcher Jake Weber and outfielder Austin Forest, but much of the team’s key pieces return, including Sargent, shortstop Max Law (.389, six doubles, 14 RBIs) and second baseman Dustin Harris (.354, 21 runs scored). Pitcher Troy Klemm (1.81 ERA in 27 innings pitched), a lanky 6-foot-5 right-hander, also figures to emerge as the No. 2 pitcher after Sargent next season.

The Gators certainly won’t lack experience, as the roster is expected to feature more than a dozen seniors in 2017.

There’s always next year:
The Land O’ Lakes Gators figure to be one of the more senior-laden teams in the area next season, with more than a dozen seniors expected to be on the 2017 varsity roster.
Key Returnees:

Pitcher/Third Baseman Lance McCabe Sargent
Shortstop Max Law
Second baseman Dustin Harris
Pitcher Taylor Klemm

Key Departures:

Pitcher Kirby Osborn
Outfielder Austin Forest
Catcher Jake Weber

Published April 26, 2016

A dominant ‘Sargent’ on the mound

April 20, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

Land O’ Lakes High School junior Lance McCabe Sargent admits that if you watched him throw two years ago, you’d never expect him to be one of Tampa’s top prep pitchers.

“I didn’t have the best mechanics,” said Sargent, who doubles as the Gators’ starting third baseman. “When I’d go in from third (base) to pitch, I’d be all around the place, just kind of poor mechanics. I’d just go on the mound and throw because I had a pretty decent arm, so I’d just sling it.”

Lance McCabe Sargent has the lowest ERA (0.49) in Pasco County. His presence on the mound is one reason why Land O’ Lakes High School stands at 19-3 overall. (Photos courtesy of Lorraine Sargent) — Lance McCabe Sargent has the lowest ERA (0.49) in Pasco County. His presence on the mound is one reason why Land O’ Lakes High School stands at 19-3 overall.
(Photos courtesy of Lorraine Sargent)

Through 43 innings, the 6-foot-1, 185-pound right-hander boasts a miniscule 0.49 ERA — the best mark in Pasco County — making him one of the area’s toughest pitchers to face.

Though he’s always had a powerful arm, the Land O’ Lakes coaching staff wasn’t quite sure they had a pitching gem on their hands, until the start of the season.

“Their first words to me were, ‘Why haven’t you told me you could pitch before? Why haven’t you asked me to throw in the bullpen?’” said Sargent, who’s in his first year pitching on the varsity level after throwing extensively in summer travel ball.

“We had an idea he was a pitcher, but he didn’t pitch at all last year,” said Land O’ Lakes head coach Jeff May. “We didn’t know how good of a pitcher he was going to be — we just knew that he had a very good arm. He was a little wild when he first came up with us, but…as he’s gotten bigger and stronger, he’s been throwing harder, and it kind of dawned on us, ‘Hey, let’s give him a shot,’ and he’s performed really well.”

Sargent’s path to success this year began in the offseason and over the summer. He worked extensively with Tampa-based pitching instructor Anthony Telford, a former MLB middle reliever who spent parts of 10 seasons playing for the Baltimore Orioles, Montreal Expos and Texas Rangers throughout the ’90s and early ’00s.

Telford focused on improving Sargent’s pitching motion and follow-through, which has allowed the Land O’ Lakes standout to increase his fastball velocity from 82 mph to 89 mph, paving the way for a dominating junior season.

Once his senior year rolls around, Telford wouldn’t be surprised to see Sargent’s fastball velocity increase even further, perhaps reaching the low-to-mid 90s.

In addition to his duties on the mound, Sargent is the starting third baseman for the Land O’ Lakes Gators.

“He’s certainly strong enough,” Telford said. His arm action works real well — he has the athletic ability. What we focused on mostly with McCabe was just the mechanics…. of trying to get him to be able to throw the ball in the strike zone consistently.

“There’s a lot more development. He’s got the physical ability, and the thing that he does the best is he loves to compete,” Telford added.

In addition to a blazing fastball, Sargent is equipped with a curveball, slider and changeup — which he uses to keep opposing hitters off-balance.

“On the lower part of the lineup, I throw more changeups just to not waste the curveball,” said Sargent, who models his game after New York Mets all-star pitcher Jacob deGrom. “In the 3, 4 and 5 hole, I’ll mix in a curveball, because they’re a little bit better hitters.”

The difference in pitch speed between his “violent” fastball and changeup has allowed Sargent to be virtually unhittable, and roll through opposing lineups with ease in the process.

“When you throw harder, it’s going to make your off-speed pitches that much better, and he’s got a very good off-speed pitch, too,” his varsity coach said. “It’s a good one-two punch.”

“He’s got a natural ability that you can’t teach a lot of guys, which when you’re a coach, you’re immediately drawn to it,” May added. “He’s in the learning curve right now of becoming a good pitcher; he’s got the tools, and he’s (still) learning the game of pitching, too.”

Sargent’s current stats and high ceiling have already caught the eyes of several major Division I collegiate baseball programs, including the University of Central Florida, Florida Gulf Coast University, Alabama A&M, Stetson University, Radford (Virginia) University and High Point (North Carolina) University.

As he manages the extra attention — getting inundated with phone calls and messages from college coaches — Sargent is trying to stay focused on the task at hand: leading Land O’ Lakes (20-3) through a deep playoff run.

Beyond that, the right-hander has a more ambitious long-term goal in mind.

“My main goal has always been to play in the big leagues,” he said. “Since I was a little kid, that’s what I grew up wanting to do.”

Lance McCabe Sargent
Land O’ Lakes junior starting pitcher and third baseman
Pitching Stats: 43 innings pitched, 3 complete games, 7 wins, 0.49 ERA, 53 strikeouts, .137 opponent batting average
Batting Stats: .394 batting average, 1 home run, 6 extra base hits, 17 runs, 16 RBIs
Travel Club: Orlando Scorpions
College interest: University of Central Florida, Florida Gulf Coast University, Alabama A&M, Stetson University, Radford (Virginia) University and High Point (North Carolina) University.
MLB pitching comparison: New York Mets right-hander Jacob deGrom

Published April 20, 2016

Land O’ Lakes softball primed for deep playoff run

April 20, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

Land O’ Lakes High School softball coach Mitchell Wilkins is taking things “one game at a time.”

Despite wrapping up a marvelous regular season (24-2-1), the third-year coach is trying not to get ahead of himself in looking at the pathway to a state title, though he knows his team matches up well against most opponents.

Head Coach Mitch Wilkins has led the Gators to two straight 20-win seasons. The team will compete in the Class 6A FHSAA regionals, starting April 20. (Courtesy of Land O' Lakes Football) — Head Coach Mitch Wilkins has led the Gators to two straight 20-win seasons. The team will compete in the Class 6A FHSAA regionals, starting April 20.
(Courtesy of Land O’ Lakes Football)

The Gators are rolling into the playoffs as one of the state’s hottest teams—reeling off 15 straight wins, many by large margins of victory.

“I think we’re set,” the third-year coach said. “I have in my mind how I want to approach as we go through regionals.”

To win the Class 6A FHSAA (Florida High School Athletic Association) state title, the Gators will have to win five straight games in the process, starting on April 20.

But, Wilkins is careful not to look too far ahead.

“I can’t be distracted by that, because we know what happened last year—we lost in the second round at the districts semifinals and didn’t get to go any further — so we have to look at each game and figure out what’s the best approach for that game before we start looking at a state championship.”

After finishing 24-3 last season—district semifinals’ hiccup aside— Wilkins knew he had an established team with lofty expectations entering the 2016 season.

“We knew we had good players, but we wanted to see how they matched up — and so far so good,” Wilkins said. “We’re really happy with what we have, not only one through nine, but we’ve got weapons on the bench that I can put in and feel just as comfortable having play.”

One player that Wilkins is always comfortable playing is senior ace pitcher Shannon Saile (four no-hitters, 0.66 ERA), who’s struck out 221 batters —which ranks fifth in the state. Her ability to throw all her pitches—fastball, curveball, screwball, riseball— in each quadrant of the strike zone has made the FIU (Florida International University) softball commit a nightmare for opposing hitters.

“She’s been a monster,” her coach said. “She hits both sides of the plate. …She loves to pitch at the bottom of the strike zone.

“She gets a lot of swinging strikes—pitches out of the zone—because the (opposing) girls know they have to be ready and swing early, because she throws so hard.”

Averaging more than two strikeouts for every inning pitched, Saile’s presence in the circle has taken a significant burden off of the team’s defense, Wilkins said.

“Defensively, when I only have to account for one out an inning — that is such a blessing,” the Gators coach said. “That takes a lot of stress off our defense. The most stressful thing they have is waiting to see if somebody’s going to hit the ball and put it in play. …They have to stay on the balls of their feet the whole time, if somebody does hit it.”

Giving the Gators additional assurance heading into the postseason is the emergence of several young players, including two-way freshmen Callie Turner and Shelby Westbrook, and sophomores Brianna Lindner, Ashley Smith and Tia Williams.

“We have a good mixture of youth and veterans,” Wilkins said, noting eight of the team’s 14 players will earn their first varsity letter. “This year, we are better pitching, but we haven’t hit quite as well as we did last year—but we haven’t needed to. In the same respect, we’ve played better competition this year.”

That “better competition” includes Springstead (24-1)— a team the Gators fell to 1-0 in extra innings in the season opener—whom Land O’ Lakes may rematch if both teams reach the regional finals.

“We know they’ve made some improvements since then, and we’ve made some improvements since then, so it’ll probably be a little bit different game,” Wilkins said, adding, “we’re confident we can play with them.”

“We feel — especially with Shannon pitching and our defense, and the emerging offense from our sophomore starters — that we can compete with anybody in the state.”

Land O’ Lakes Gators softball
Head Coach: Mitchell Wilkins (3rd year)
Record: 24-2-1
Player to watch: Senior pitcher Shannon Saile (15-2 W-L, 0.66 ERA, 221 Ks, four no-hitters)

“Shannon’s been great. She’s done everything we’ve asked her to do and more. She elevated her game a couple summers ago when she realized she had the opportunity to be the No. 1 pitcher. She added some miles per hour to her pitching speed and worked on her different pitches to be that dominant pitcher. She has worked hard to become that.” –Coach Mitchell Wilkins

Sophomore sluggers: Brianna Lindner (.375 avg., 4 HRs, 26 RB)
Tia Williams (.463 avg., 4HRs, 30 RBI)
Ashley Smith (.443 avg., 2 HR, 16 RBI)
X-Factor: Freshman Shelby Westbrook (29 runs scored, 16 stolen bases)

“Shelby has really emerged as a weapon just with her speed. She creates a lot of havoc when she’s on base. All she has to do is put the ball in play, and it’s a really good opportunity for her to get on base.” –Coach Mitchell Wilkins

Published April 20, 2016