Local Sports

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

Freedom High names new football coach

April 13, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

A former longtime Tampa Bay area football coach has been hired to lead the Freedom High Patriots program in 2016.

Floyd Graham, a former head coach at both Steinbrenner High (2009-2011) and Newsome High (2004-2005), was named as the Patriots’ new head football coach on April 1.

He replaces Todd Donohoe, who was fired after compiling a 15-25 combined record in four seasons. The team finished the 2015 season with a 3-7 record.

Floyd Graham is Freedom High School’s new head football. He was named to the position on April 1, but his first day on the job won’t be until April 18. Previously, he coached at Steinbrenner and Newsome high schools. (Courtesy of Freedom High School) — Floyd Graham is Freedom High School’s new head football. He was named to the position on April 1, but his first day on the job won’t be until April 18. Previously, he coached at Steinbrenner and Newsome high schools.
(Courtesy of Freedom High School)

Graham most recently was a defensive line coach at Carroll High School in Ozark, Alabama. He stepped down at Steinbrenner in 2012 to help take care of his cancer-stricken mother in Alabama, who passed away in January.

“Tampa’s basically my second home, because I was there for so many years. My wife and I were real happy when we were at Steinbrenner,” Graham said.

“It was always in our mind to come back.”

With many new head coaching hires made in January or February, Graham will have to make a quick turnaround to implement his program and coaching philosophy.

While it may be a disadvantage to start the job in the spring, it doesn’t compare to what Graham was forced to do at both Newsome and Steinbrenner high schools, where he built the football teams from scratch.

“To me, it’s already a luxury that we’ve already got all of our helmets, we’ve already got all of our equipment, we’ve already got coaches on staff and the kids have already been lifting,” Graham said. “I’ve been in situations where we’ve been so disadvantaged or were already fighting uphill that right now, this is something that’s going to be different and less challenging.”

“It’s going to be exciting to go into an already established program with athletes that have been doing something for awhile and have been together for awhile,” he added. “It’s not one of these things where we’re trying to build an identity, so I’m real excited about that.”

Graham’s first day on the job will be April 18, where his first duties will include keeping the current assistant coaching staff together and overseeing offseason workouts for Patriots players. He also plans to bring one of his former assistants at Steinbrenner, Cedric Roberts, in to coach defensive backs.

Graham has leafed through the roster and watched some game film on last year’s squad. He’s already noticed one team quality that gives him confidence in the team’s outlook for success.

That quality is speed, Graham said, with a tinge of glee in his voice. “They have a tremendous amount of potential. The athletes are there. The kids are there. It’s just that we have to start them at a young age and keep them on the right track. As long as they buy in and believe in us in what we’re trying to do, it will happen.”

As Graham tries to boost Freedom’s record in the win-loss column, he will have to make sure he can keep his player’s academically eligible.

“We’re going to put academics first, because the bottom line is my job is to try to create better men, which will create better fathers and husbands,” he said.

“That’s what I try to do, and we’re going to take every step that we can to make it happen.”

Perhaps what excites Graham the most is the opportunity to transition a downtrodden team into a superior one.

“The process is fun,” he said. “You can win all kinds of games, and you can lose all kinds of games. But, the process of making something from nothing and making those kids — that come in as ninth-graders — where they leave playing and understanding the game and being a better man, that’s what’s fun.”

Published April 13, 2016

Sunlake softball returns to 2012 form

April 13, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

After five seasons at the helm, Sunlake softball coach Nelson Garcia finally has “the system” in place.

That system has helped guide the Seahawks to their best record (16-8) since 2012 (17-6), Garcia’s first season as coach. That year, he had the fortune of leading a team that featured several standouts with post-secondary softball talent — Stephanie Francis (Jacksonville University), Courtney Durbin (Rollins College) and Amy Szymanowski (Florida State University).

The Sunlake softball team is having its best season in four years with a 16-8 record. It recently clinched the No. 2 seed for the Class 7A, District 10 tournament. (Courtesy of Nelson Garcia) — The Sunlake softball team is having its best season in four years with a 16-8 record. It recently clinched the No. 2 seed for the Class 7A, District 10 tournament.
(Courtesy of Nelson Garcia)

Rebuilding years in 2013 (9-11) and 2014 (9-16) have paved the way for a team that currently stands at 15-8 and recently clinched the No. 2 seed for the Class 7A, District 10 tournament.

Despite a key injury to an already youthful pitching staff, the Seahawks have stayed afloat with a potent lineup that has a combined .393 batting average and .479 on-base percentage.

With a bevy of .400 hitters, including one of the area’s top power threats in senior Gianna Basilone, Garcia likens the stacked order to those of the old New York Yankee teams, where opposing pitchers are worn down by the time they’ve gotten through the lineup.

“I like to try to do to people what the Yankees used to do from a few years ago,” he said. “I want them to be tired by the time they get through our order. Then we can go small ball.”

A combination of an offseason weight training program and “a lot of detail work” including station-to-station hitting drills has facilitated an increase in the team’s offensive output.

“The biggest thing is the team has got to buy into the program, and they’ve got to really want to be there,” Garcia said. “And this group, this is probably the best. They’ve really all gelled together.”

Facing some of the top teams within the district — Mitchell and Osceola — and outside the district — Land O’ Lakes and Gulf— has battle-tested Garcia’s group for a deep playoff run.

“We try to keep the attitude of: ‘Whoever shows up on the other side of the dugout, that’s the one we want to beat,’” he said.

“I think we can compete against anyone, especially if we’re playing our game.”

For Garcia, “playing our game” means everyone on the roster handles the job they are assigned, whether that’s making plays in the field, laying down a bunt to move a runner over or driving in runs.

The Seahawks are getting hot at the right time, and could be poised to be a bigger threat than just a few weeks ago as a previously injured pitcher returns to the starting rotation.

Freshman pitcher Morgan Boudreau was slated to be the team’s second arm in the rotation alongside sophomore workhorse Mariah Melendez (2.94 ERA in 21 starts), until she broke her ankle during a preseason game.

“That changed a lot of things,” Garcia said about Boudreau’s absence. “The pitching staff was supposed to be a little different. We had two very good pitchers coming in, …and she was also supposed to be our starting first baseman.”

“We’ve taken adversity and have done well with it,” he added.

Boudreau appears to be working her way back to the lofty expectations the coaching staff set upon her before the season, striking out three in two shutout innings in a 15-0 win over Fivay on April 1.

Now armed with a fully stocked pitching staff to complement a deep lineup, the Seahawks ought to be able to “compete against anyone.”

Published April 13, 2016

Senior nears Sunlake home run record

April 6, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

From Courtney Durbin to Stephanie Frances, Sunlake softball coach Nelson Garcia has seen his fair share of power hitters in his five seasons at the school.

Perhaps none is more powerful than senior catcher/third baseman Gianna Basilone, who leads all Tampa Bay area hitters with seven home runs, through 19 games. One more dinger and she’ll tie Sunlake’s single-season home run record set by Samantha Dittman in 2009. In addition to her home run total, Basilone has 28 RBIs to go along with an eye-popping .448 batting average.

Sunlake senior Gianna Basilone is one of the top power hitters in the Tampa Bay area. She has a scholarship offer on the table from Oklahoma State University.
(Courtesy of Nelson Garcia)

The senior’s performance, both at the plate and behind the plate, has led to a scholarship offer from Oklahoma State University, which is coached by Kenny Gajewski, a former assistant with the Florida Gators.

The Sunlake slugger is still waiting on a financial package from the university before she commits.

Coach Garcia called Basilone a “coach’s dream” because of work ethic, leadership and, of course, on-field results.

“You get these certain players, I won’t say every year, but you get these players, you can’t replace them. They’re irreplaceable,” Garcia said. “Somebody can come in and say they can hit eight home runs or nine home runs, but it doesn’t replace these players. As people, they’re awesome, and as teammates and leaders. It’s the same thing with (former players) Stephanie Francis or Courtney Durbin.”

While Basilone has always been known for the pop her in her bat—she mashed six home runs last season—she’s become an even more imposing slugger after Garcia implemented a team weight-training program in the offseason.

The program has helped Basilone get stronger and quicker — aspects that are imperative for making an impact at the Division I level.

“There’s always things I can like improve on,” said Basilone, who started attending Sunlake as a sophomore after moving from Pittsburgh. “It’s such a higher pace up in college.”

As Basilone has filled up the stat sheet, some opposing teams have started to approach her at-bats differently. Instead of giving her pitches to hit, teams have resorted to giving her a free pass to avoid facing her.

“After my first few at-bats, they try to find a weakness that I have. Or, some people just walk me or hit me,” Basilone said.

“There was one game (against Hudson on Feb. 26) she had two home runs. …I was surprised they pitched to her the second time,” Garcia said, adding, “I wouldn’t have pitched to her.”

The strategy of avoiding Basilone’s bat only works so well, as Sunlake (13-7) features a lineup with seven everyday players batting over .350.

In his lineups, Garcia opts to place senior Cassidy Roberts (.435 batting average, 16 RBIs) ahead of Basilone, and freshman sensation Shelby Lansing (.438. 20 RBIs) behind her in the lineup.

“I like to try to do to people what the (New York) Yankees used to do from a few years ago,” Garcia said. “I want (teams) to be tired by the time they get through our order. Then we can go small ball.”

With a 7-3-district mark, the Seahawks have aspirations of winning their district, and making a deep run into the postseason.

“I’ve told these girls from Day 1 when we started practicing that I’m very confident that if we play our game, and stay within ourselves, we can go out and compete against anybody out there,” Garcia said.

Basilone added this year’s team is “definitely” the best one she’s been on in her three seasons at Sunlake.

“All the girls that I’m playing with want to go to college, and they all are here for a reason,” she said. “They give their full effort…and they’re just all really competitive.

“That’s how we all click, too.”

Published April 6, 2016

Former pro cyclist organizes community rides

April 6, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

A former professional cyclist has created a weekend community cycling ride in Dade City that welcomes riders of all skill levels.

The ride, organized by Josh and Kaleigh Thornton, takes place each Saturday at 8 a.m., at the parking lot next to 14112 Eighth Street in Dade City.

Rides are typically two hours long, with varying paces, depending on each member’s skill level.

Josh Thornton, 37, has organized a Dade City community cycling ride on Saturdays. The free rides are open to cyclists of all skill levels. (Photos courtesy of Josh Thornton) — Josh Thornton, 37, has organized a Dade City community cycling ride on Saturdays. The free rides are open to cyclists of all skill levels.
(Photos courtesy of Josh Thornton)

Thornton, a professional cyclist from 2005 to 2009 and former member of the U.S. National Team, wanted to create a community ride to promote the cycling industry and bike advocacy in the area.

He said there’s currently a core group of 10 to 15 riders that have been showing up each Saturday over the past few months.

“It’s a really good ride, because it truly is for all skill levels,” Thornton, 37, said. “There’s other rides that are very fast and for very skilled riders, and a lot of people are intimidated by that, so this is kind of neat because it’s for anyone. We wanted something that really started in Dade City; there was nothing like that.”

“There’s no cost. Just show up and go, and hopefully hang out and meet some new people,” he added.

Throughout the course of the two-hour ride, the cyclists usually log about 30 miles, pedaling at an average pace of 13 mph to 15 mph. However, some less-experienced riders can opt to start out slow, and work their way up.

Thornton noted the group will typically “head out toward the hills” and ride along Darby Road. Other times, they’ll head north and hop on the Withlacoochee Trail.

“The roads that we pick are generally the less-traveled roads. That’s generally how most cyclists try to think,” he said. “We do have a couple different routes that we’ve done.”

Instead of trying to finish first, the rides are more about enjoying the scenery, and getting in some early weekend exercise.

“We have a protective group; we’re looking out for the other riders,” Thornton said. “You ride differently when you’re thinking like that as opposed to where you’re muscling around with the guys, jockeying for position.”

A regular group of about 10 to 15 people has been taking part in the rides for the past few months.

While still a small group, Thornton hopes the local rides will grow to the point where there can be multiple groups — like an A, B and C group —that can more closely match each rider’s skill level.

Although no longer a professional racer, Thornton is still very much involved in the cycling industry.

He operates a bike promotions and coaching business called Wicked Awesome Racing, and has also spawned a cyclo-cross racing series.

As opposed to a road race on pavement, Thornton’s Wicked Awesome Racing Series events are held on closed courses, like at Stanley Park in Lacoochee.

According to Thornton, cyclo-cross is currently the fastest growing form of cycling.

“It’s a much different form of cycling,” said Thornton, who competed in both road races and closed-circuit races (criteriums) as a professional. “It’s almost like a minor steeplechase kind of a race. It reminds me of cross-country in high school. You have a modified road bike— a little bit wider tires with knobs on them and the brakes are more like a mountain bike style brake.”

“The cool part about it is it’s a seven- to eight-minute loop, so you see the (racers) multiple times. It has this spectator-friendly aspect to it that you really don’t get when you go to a road race,” he added.

With Pasco County’s rolling hills and varying elevation points, the area offers an ideal setting for the cyclo-cross races, Thornton said.

“I’m from New England originally, and people see photos of (the course) and they don’t believe its Florida, because they think it’s flat as a pancake and there’s (only) beaches here,” he said.

For more information about the community rides, e-mail or call (352)-444-6413.

Published April 6, 2016