Freedom graduate takes fourth
Former Freedom High track and field athlete Calvin Smith II placed fourth in the 400-meter dash at the NCAA Outdoor Championships June 11.
Smith is a senior at the University of Florida (UF) and the performance in Eugene, Ore. earned him the 17th all-American title of his college career, most of anyone ever at UF.
The former Patriot finished with a time of 45.37 seconds. The winner, Kirani James from the University of Alabama, came in first with a time of 45.05 seconds.
Smith also played football while at Freedom.
Eric Williams on all-state basketball team
Wiregrass Ranch boys basketball player Eric Williams was recently named to the Class 4A all-state second team. Sports writers from across Florida voted on the team.
Williams is a 6-foot-9, 185-pound center and power forward and is also a team captain. He had a team-leading 163 blocks, 268 rebounds and 15.5 points per game while shooting 57 percent from the field last season. Williams also added 27 steals and 18 assists in helping the Bulls finish with a 21-6 record.
Williams has committed to play at St. Petersburg College next school year.
Amber Henson in Youth Olympics
Sickles High all-American junior Amber Henson was recently named to the U.S. Youth Olympics basketball team. The inaugural games will be played in Singapore Aug. 14 to 26.
Henson, center, was selected to the team June 11 after competing with 35 other players from across the nation.
Henson has verbally committed to play at Duke University after her senior year. She led the Gryphons with 22.1 points per game, 137 blocks and 340 rebounds while adding 54 steals and 88 assists.
It is estimated 5,000 athletes from about 200 nations will compete in 26 different events at the games. Basketball teams in the event will play a 3-on-3 competition in a half-court format with three, five-minute periods. Teams will play to 33 points or the end of regulation.
All-conference baseball team
The Sunshine Athletic Conference coaches have selected the top baseball players in Pasco County. The east first team includes:
Cole Miraglia, Sr., P, Wesley Chapel
Geoff DeGroot, Sr., INF, Wesley Chapel
Spencer Bowles, Sr., C, Wiregrass Ranch
Cyler Porter, Sr., INF, Wiregrass Ranch
Josh Johnson, Sr., OF, Wiregrass Ranch
John Michael Gant, Jr., INF, Wiregrass Ranch
Michael Wilson, So., OF, Zephyrhills
Trey Dudley-Giles, So., OF, Pasco
Brennan Allen, Sr., INF, Pasco
Austin Aubuchon, Sr., INF, Land O’ Lakes
Lutz Independence Day 5K race
The Lutz Independence Day 5K (5 kilometers or 3.1 miles) race will start at 8 a.m. July 3 at the Lutz Community Center near the Lutz Branch Library.
There will also be a 1-mile fun run for children who want to race. After the event runners will be able to cool off in the community center.
Those interested in entering should call Terry Donovan at (813) 949-6659.
Zephyrhills coaching conference
Zephyrhills High will host a coaching summit from 6 to 8 p.m. June 24.
Bulldogs principal Steve Van Gorden helped organize the event that is open to east Pasco County coaches, athletic directors and league administrators.
One session at the conference will include the state of youth athletics in Zephyrhills. The event is also designed to encourage participation in area sports, how to cross-promote different sports leagues, open communication and set up future coaching clinics.
For more information on the coaching conference, call (813) 794-6100.
-All stats as recorded to Maxpreps.com by coaches as of June 21. Kyle LoJacono can be reached at or (813) 909-2800.
