The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Carrollwood Day School

The Laker/Lutz News wins 10 Florida Press Association awards

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The Laker/Lutz News received 10 awards during the 2017 Florida Media Conference on Aug. 11 at The Ritz-Carlton Naples.

The newspaper garnered three first-place, six second-place and one third-place prize in the Florida Press Association’s Better Weekly Newspaper Contest.

This image of 91-year-old Pat Caldwell competing in a billiards tournament at the Lutz Senior Citizen was one in a series of photographs that yielded top honors from the Florida Press Association for photographer Fred Bellet. Bellet is a regular contributor to The Laker/Lutz News. (Fred Bellet)

The contest drew 1,154 entries from 56 newspapers. Winners were selected by judges in Arizona, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and New York. Work receiving recognition was completed in 2016.

Fred Bellet, a regular contributor to the newspaper, received first place for a Photo Series in One Issue for “Cueing up for a good time,” a full page section front photo essay on a pool tournament at the Lutz Senior Center.

The judge noted that every photo showed expressions of emotion.

“Good photos deserve big play, and the deep page-width shot of the 91-year-old eventual tourney winner bending over to line up his shot qualified for that play. Laughs to grimaces to concentration displayed in the six photos told the story.”

Richard Riley, another regular contributor to the newspaper, received top honors for his Feature Photo entry, “Sister Helen Lange turns 103.”

“Moment captured. Emotion. Action. The picture is worth at least 10,000 words,” the judge wrote.

This prize-winning photo by Richard Riley shows paramedic John Ward helping Sister Helen Lange blow out the candles during her 103rd birthday celebration at Heritage Park in Dade City. (Richard Riley)

A column by Tom Jackson, a former contributor to the newspaper, received top honors in the Serious Column category.

The judge extolled the quality of Jackson’s entry, “Appreciating Joe Hancock’s Legacy.”

“Community columnist Tom Jackson is a master craftsman of the language and the ability to create impactful images,” the judge wrote. “His tribute to a local man killed when his bicycle was struck by a car begins at the burial ceremony at a cemetery, works backwards to show what kind of man the victim was, and concludes with this idea of a tribute to him: ‘And, near the spot of the crash, a suitable plaque, affixed to a German Focus (bicycle). So, we remember, always, and drive, or cycle, accordingly.’”

Staff writer Kevin Weiss received second place in the Sports Feature Story category for his entry, “Player returns to soccer, after 17 broken bones.” The story chronicled the impressive battle of Carrollwood Day School soccer player Spencer Peek’s to get back on the field after undergoing four surgeries and extensive rehabilitation following a serious car accident.

The judge summed up the entry this way: “Great story of overcoming the odds.”

B.C. Manion, the newspaper’s editor, received five second-place awards.

She was honored in the Community History category for her entry, “Telling Wesley Chapel’s Story.”

Photographs such as this one, of a car parked at the end of a cypress log in the 1930s, help tell the story of Wesley Chapel’s history. The car illustrates the enormity of the trees that were felled in the area. Large timber companies or trusts acquired vast tracts of land that were depleted of lumber. Many deserted the claims, once the limber was harvested and the properties were sold for tax deeds. (Courtesy of Madonna Jervis Wise)

The judge wrote: “The black and white pulled me in. The words kept me reading. Good use of photos.”

She also was honored in the Faith and Family Reporting category for her entry, “Finding Hope in the Heart of Darkness,” for a story about Immaculee Ilibagiza, a survivor of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Ilibagiza detailed her ordeal and the power of faith during two talks at St. Timothy Catholic Church in Lutz.

The judge remarked: “The details of this subject’s gripping story made for a compelling read.”

Manion’s other winning entries were for Education Reporting, “Guiding Pasco Schools is a Big Job;” Local Government Reporting, “Tampa Bay Express Aims to Address Region’s Congestion;” and Feature Story Profile, “Sister Helen’s Secrets to a Good Life: Work Hard, Love People.”

Staff writer Kathy Steele received third-place in the Business Reporting category for her entry, “Residential Building Momentum in Pasco.”

The judge described the entry this way: “Detailed story about a housing boom in Pasco County, with the additional touch of featuring one family who moved from Michigan for sunshine and a small-town feel. And one set of their parents will soon make the move as well. There were 116 homes being built in the subdivision in 2016. Bigger picture reporting showed 1,900 permits to contractors by mid-2016, matching all of 2015. Story contrasts current boom with 2005’s 7,252 permits and 2011’s 884. Story also notes that starter homes are in short supply, so apartments are taking over the market. Good information for those considering if and where to relocate and for those living there to assess the boom and what it might mean to them.”

The Laker and Lutz News are free community weekly newspapers delivered every Wednesday to homes and businesses in the suburban north Tampa communities of Lutz, Odessa, Land O’ Lakes, Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills, Dade City and San Antonio.

The newspapers are independently owned by Publisher Diane Kortus, a resident of Land O’ Lakes. The Laker has been published in Pasco County since 1981. The Lutz News has been published in Hillsborough County since 1964.

Published August 16, 2017

Wiregrass Ranch football loses two playmakers

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The 2017 football season is two months away, but one of Pasco County’s top teams already has taken a hit.

In a week’s span, two varsity standouts from Wiregrass Ranch High School — cornerback Shamaur McDowell and quarterback/safety Raymond Woodie III — have exited the rising program, which last season finished Class 7A, District 8 runner-up, making its first playoff appearance since 2010.

Senior cornerback Shamaur McDowell has transferred to IMG Academy, a boarding school and sport-training destination in Bradenton. (File)

On June 16, Woodie III, a 6-foot-2, 185-pound junior, announced he was enrolling at Sheldon High School in Eugene, Oregon, a move that allows him to reconnect with his father, an assistant football coach at the University of Oregon.

“…I would like to thank everyone at Wiregrass for taking me in and giving me the opportunity to be successful on and off the football field,” Woodie III said, in a statement. “I will forever be grateful to the coaches and players, and wish them nothing but the best this season. With that being said, my family and I have decided it is best for me to move out to Oregon with them and attend Sheldon High School.”

Just four days later, McDowell, a 5-foot-11, 184-pound senior, announced his intention to transfer to IMG Academy, a boarding school and sport-training destination in Bradenton.

“My parents and I felt like it was the best decision,” McDowell said, in a statement. “It will allow me to focus on being the best student-athlete I can be. It will also prepare me for the next stage in my life.”

Both are widely regarded as elite prospects for their respective classes.

And, noteworthy losses for Wiregrass Ranch, which figures to be one of the better teams in Pasco in 2017.

Woodie III, who landed at Wiregrass Ranch after transferring from Carrollwood Day School in the offseason, is rated by 247Sports as a three-star prospect and the nation’s eighth-best dual-threat quarterback for the 2019 class, and boasts scholarship offers from over 20 Division I football programs.

McDowell, a three-year varsity player for the Bulls and verbal commit to the University of Minnesota, is rated by 247Sports as a three-star prospect and ranked among the state’s top 300 players for the 2018 class; he also holds scholarship offers from nearly 20 Division I schools.

Junior quarterback/safety Raymond Woodie III has transferred to Sheldon High School in Eugene, Oregon, a move that allows him to reconnect with his father, an assistant football coach at the University of Oregon. (File)

For McDowell, the transfer to IMG Academy offers an opportunity to further enhance his skills, and raise his national profile.

The academy, ranked as the top prep program in Florida, typically plays a national schedule.

This season, IMG Academy (11-0 in 2016) will play games in Arizona, California, Maryland, Washington D.C., Utah, Alabama and Virginia, facing some of the nation’s other top prep football schools.

Throughout the school year, McDowell will receive training inside state-of-the art facilities from a staff of full-time coaches, trainers and nutritionists.

He will also compete alongside other top talent — IMG’s entire roster is actively recruited by FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision) schools.

Meanwhile, the Bulls remain stockpiled with impact players, even with the two departures.

It all starts with senior defensive back Jordan Miner.

The four-star prospect is ranked one of the state’s top 50 players for the 2018 recruiting class, and claims nearly 30 Division I scholarship offers, including Penn State University, University of Maryland, University of North Carolina and University of Tennessee, among others.

Last season for the Bulls, the 6-foot-1, 177-pound Miner tallied 38 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, three interceptions and 12 passes defensed.

He also racked up nearly 500 all-purpose yards on offense, defense and special teams.

Besides Miner, the Bulls have numerous players with standing college scholarships offers, including wide receiver/safety Daniel Biglow (Fort Lewis College), safety/running back Kwesi Littlejohn (Webber International University), tight end/defensive end Devaun Roberts (Warner University, Webber International) and wide receiver/slot back Adrian Thomas (Webber International).

The return of 1,000-yard rusher Da Da McGee and a potential breakout campaign from junior quarterback Grant Sessums should also help mask the exodus of Woodie III and McDowell.

Save for anymore unforeseen departures from the program, the Bulls look to build on last season’s success, under third-year coach Mark Kantor.

Kantor, who previously coached at Hudson High School, orchestrated an impressive turnaround from 2015 (2-8 record) to 2016 (7-3 record).

But, the upcoming season won’t be easy.

Besides facing tough district opponents like Plant, Gaither and Wharton high schools, the Bulls kick off the 2017 slate against nondistrict opponents Zephyrhills, Wesley Chapel and Sunlake high schools — which went a combined 22-7 last season.

The challenging schedule may come in handy near playoff time, however.

The Florida High School Athletic Association’s new playoff system for football stresses strength of schedule, along with overall record. After the four district champs in Class 7A, Region 2, the other four playoff teams will be determined by a points-based system.

In preparation for the rigors of a demanding 2017 schedule, Kantor arranged a May 19 spring game against Tampa Catholic (33-27 loss) and August 18 preseason classic against Clearwater Central Catholic (9-2 record in 2016).

—Stats were supplied by coaches on Maxpreps.com

Wiregrass Ranch High 2017 football schedule
Aug. 18 – at Clearwater Central Catholic
Aug. 25 – Zephyrhills High School
Sept. 1- at Wesley Chapel High School
Sept. 8 – Sunlake High School
Sept. 15 – at Sickles High School
Sept. 22 – Wharton High School
Oct. 6 – at Gaither High School
Oct. 13 — at Freedom High School
Oct. 20 — Leto High School
Oct. 27 — Plant High School
Nov. 3 – at Auburndale High School

Published July 5, 2017

Servin’ aces on the sand

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When Bethany Randall began playing beach volleyball nearly two years ago, she never envisioned it could lead to a Division I athletic scholarship.

“It really just started with trying to get in shape,” said Randall, a Land O’ Lakes resident and senior at Seffner Christian Academy.

Starting next spring, Randall will play women’s beach volleyball at Jacksonville State University, a Division I school in Jacksonville, Alabama — roughly eight hours north of Tampa and about 90 miles west of Atlanta, Georgia.

That’s quite an achievement, considering the sport became sanctioned in Florida just last year — through a partnership with the independent Sunshine State Athletic Conference (SSAC) and the Florida Region of USA Volleyball.

Land O’ Lakes resident Bethany Randall began playing beach volleyball nearly two years ago. After competing in the sport as a senior at Seffner Christian Academy, she earned a scholarship at Jacksonville State University, a Division I school in Jacksonville, Alabama.
(Courtesy of Jeff Randall)

The inaugural 2017 season — comprised of 22 Florida schools — concluded in April with a state championship tournament at Hickory Point Beach, a 21-court beach volleyball facility in Tavares, Florida.

Besides Seffner Christian, several Tampa Bay area schools fielded squads in Year 1, including Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School, Carrollwood Day School and Indian Rocks Christian School.

Similar to many girls, Randall grew up playing indoor volleyball, taking up the sport in middle school and playing all through high school.

She — like many peers — initially viewed the sand-based sport as just a fun, noncompetitive alternative to oft-expensive indoor club leagues.

“Honestly, before I realized it was a college sport, I didn’t think of playing it,” Randall said.

Before long, however, she was hooked.

“I picked it up as quick as I could,” she said.

“It just turned into something she fell in love with,” added her father Jeff Randall, also Seffner Christian’s beach volleyball coach.

As passion for the sport grew, her skill did, too.

She became Seffner Christian’s top-seeded player this past season — catching the attention of college coaches.

Though she considered in-state schools such as Florida Gulf Coast University and Stetson University, Bethany Randall couldn’t resist the out-of-state university’s offerings.

“I liked the family atmosphere — (the coaches) put a big emphasis on that,” she said. “As for the scenery, it’s in the mountains, so it’s just a different experience than Florida,” she said.

Aside from the obvious, several distinctions exist between indoor and outdoor volleyball, beginning with the size of the half courts — a beach volleyball square is eight meters and the indoor square is nine.

Also, beach volleyball is played between teams of two rather than six, with no substitutions. Matches use rally scoring and are best-of-three sets played to 21, though the third set is played to 15.

Similar to high school tennis matches, sand matches are officiated by the players.

And, each team fields four pairs per match, though only the top three pairs, or seeds, count toward the final results.

The sand sport, according to Jeff Randall, lends itself to well-rounded players, as opposed to primarily offensive or defensive volleyball specialists prevalent with indoor volleyball.

“You’ve got to be able to do it all. You’ve got to hit, you’ve got to pass, you’ve got to serve, you’ve got to receive, you’ve got to block. You’ve got to do everything.”

It also requires more strategy and game planning, plus accommodating for factors like wind speed and sun direction.

“It’s like a pawn game,” Jeff Randall said.

That — and the added responsibilities having just one teammate — makes the sport more challenging than the traditional game, Bethany Randall said.
“It requires a lot more athleticism,” she said. “Just moving in the sand, you have to be able to (quickly) get back down and get back up.”

Even so, Bethany Randall finds the sport ” a lot more enjoyable” than indoor volleyball.

Thousands seem to agree, as its popularity nationwide has risen in the past decade.
According to the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA), nearly 500,000 females ages 13 to 25 have taken up the sport since 2007.

Women’s beach volleyball, moreover, has been labeled the fastest growing NCAA sport — ever.

In 2012, there were just 16 Division I teams. It since has burgeoned to 54 during the 2016-2017 season.

And whether it’s college or high school, it doesn’t take much to sponsor a program — mostly because of low overhead costs compared to other sports.

“It’s such as easy sport to field,” Jeff Randall said. “There’s little equipment — you buy two balls, you go to a public court; and, you really only need six girls.”

From a coaches’ perspective, Jeff Randall anticipates the sport soon will be played in dozens more Florida high schools, and eventually will be sanctioned by the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA), the main governing body for high school athletics in the state of Florida

“Five years from now, it’s going to be so different — every school will have a team,” he said, assuredly.

The sport isn’t just reserved for the younger generation, either.

“It’s something you can play a long time,” Jeff Randall said. “I’m 47 years old and am still playing fairly competitive, where a lot of sports you’re just done at a certain age.”

Published May 17, 2017

Wesley Chapel High softball reaches first regional appearance

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The banner season for Wesley Chapel High softball isn’t quite over.

The Wesley Chapel High varsity softball team has advanced to its first regional appearance. They face the Robinson Knights (22-5) in the Class 6A Regional Quarterfinal on May 3 at 7 p.m.
(Courtesy of Wesley Chapel High Softball)

At 18-6, the Wildcats already have secured the program’s best record — and first winning season — in its 10-year history.

Now comes the school’s first playoff appearance.

The team is set to face the Robinson Knights (22-5) in the Class 6A Regional Quarterfinal on May 3 at 7 p.m.

The game, at Robinson High School in Tampa, looks to be an intriguing matchup, as both squads sport potent offenses and legitimate aces.

A slightly better offense statistically, the Knights average 7.3 runs per game, with a .344 team batting average; the Wildcats average seven runs per game, and bat .337.

In the circle, Wesley Chapel will rely upon freshman Jordan Almasy (2.91 ERA, 121 strikeouts). Robinson, though, has multiple starting pitcher options, and could turn to either junior Cassidy Renninger (0.78 ERA, 64 strikeouts) or senior Sammy Conlan (1.39 ERA, 51 strikeouts).

The main difference between the squads is experience.

Outside of one senior, the Wildcats roster consists entirely of freshman and sophomores.

The Knights, however, employ a handful of juniors and seniors, plus Conlan and Renninger.
Beyond matchups, the bigger question for Wesley Chapel is maintaining confidence after its nine-game winning streak was shattered on April 26 — an “emotional” 10-0 loss to Land O’ Lakes High in the District 7-6A finals. (Both the district champion and district runner-up qualify for regionals.)

“It was very tough on them,” Wesley Chapel head coach Steve Mumaw said, describing the impact of the defeat. “They were disappointed they didn’t play as well as they know they could’ve played.”

Land O’ Lakes High also advanced to regionals, after winning the District 7-6A title on April 26.
(Courtesy of Land O’ Lakes High Softball)

Since the setback, Mumaw and his staff have strived to ensure the team doesn’t waver psychologically, during the most critical point of the season.

“I think with any athlete, you want to try to stay on an even keel as much as possible, and not be on that (emotional) roller coaster — but especially with a young team,” Mumaw explained. “That’s something that we’re trying to teach them, so that they can learn that everything doesn’t just ride on one game.

“It’s difficult for them to learn, but it’s something that as they learn and mature, then it’s going to make them a lot better in the future,” he said.

Besides the mental aspect, shoring up the team’s defense — “just all over”— and putting balls in play — “with authority”— are other priorities.

In the Land O’ Lakes loss, Wesley Chapel committed three errors, and cobbled together just four hits against Gators sophomore standout Callie Turner (0.21 ERA, 200 strikeouts).

On the upside, the Wildcats struck out just seven times against Turner, who averages about 13 strikeouts per start.

Another positive, Wesley Chapel should have more depth entering regionals, as sophomore outfielder Cassidy Middleton (broken finger) is expected to make a full return to the lineup.

Prior to her midseason injury in March, Middleton was the team leader in RBIs (10).

“She’s a very valuable outfielder,” the Wildcats coach said. “We’re just now starting to get her back where she can swing the bat without a splint on.”

No matter its playoff outcome, Wesley Chapel’s 2017 season won’t soon be forgotten.

Until now, the school’s varsity softball program never experienced a winning record.

Coaching instability and talent deficiencies yielded paltry results since the program began in 2007.

In its first five years, the Wildcats went 1-15, 2-20, 2-21, 1-22 and 2-21. Ensuing seasons were similarly frustrating, as the team went 5-14, 0-24, 2-22 and 7-17.

“It’s just incredible,” Mumaw said, of the 2017 season. “Once the season is over, I’m sure they’ll look back on it and realize all of the things that they’ve been able to accomplish this year.”

Considering the youthful makeup of the roster, Wesley Chapel figures to be competitive against each school in its district — chiefly Land O’ Lakes and River Ridge — for the next several seasons.

Future aside, the Wildcats’ focus is squarely on this week’s playoffs.

“We’re going to play as hard as we can,” Mumaw said, “and see how long we can play in it.”

Other regional softball teams in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area:
Class 8A: Steinbrenner High (17-5); Wharton High (16-5)
Class 7A: Sunlake High (18-6); Gaither High (15-8)
Class 6A: Land O’ Lakes High (24-3)
Class 3A: Carrollwood Day School (10-6)
Class 2A: Academy at the Lakes (19-2)

Published May 3, 2017

Spring football preview: Hillsborough County

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Spring football practices are now underway for high schools across the state. Though the first games of the 2017 season remain several months away, Florida high schools are allowed a maximum of 20 practice sessions from April 24 to May 31, according to Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) guidelines.

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

Carrollwood Day School
Coach: Mark Jones (2nd year)
2016 record: 2-6

Carrollwood football coach Mark Jones went 2-6 in his first season.
(File)

The Carrollwood Day School Patriots are hoping to rebound after a challenging season under first-year head coach Mark Jones. After a promising 64-0 victory over Avant Garde Academy in August, the Patriots suffered a six-game losing streak, then closed the season with a 34-7 win over St. Petersburg Catholic; the Patriots were outscored by a 240-33 margin during the losing streak.

Youthful last season, the Patriots may see significant improvements in 2017 following an offseason of polishing. Rising junior quarterback Chris Butash (448 passing yards, three touchdowns) could be in for a breakout season, especially with the return of top target Kyle Benedict (20 receptions, 225 yards). Meanwhile, defensive tackle Pierre Alsint (62 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks), the team’s top pass rusher, is also expected to return for his senior season.

 

Second-year Freedom coach Floyd Graham looks for a turnaround in 2017.
(Courtesy of Freedom High)

Freedom High School
Coach: Floyd Graham (2nd year)
2016 record: 3-7

A relatively difficult district schedule and an ineffective offense led to a disappointing 3-7 season for the Freedom Patriots under first-year head coach Floyd Graham. In 2016, Freedom scored just five touchdowns all season, failing to score more than seven points in all but three games. An offensive resurgence this fall likewise could be tough with the exit of running back Trent Burnett (420 all-purpose yards) and wideout Carlos Ridicio (167 all-purpose yards). However, Graham has engineered a program turnaround before. While at Steinbrenner High from 2009-2011, Graham guided the Warriors from a 1-6 record, to 5-5 and 7-3 marks.

 

Gaither High School
Coach: Kirk Karsen (1st year)
2016 record: 5-5

The Gaither Cowboys will have a new head coach in 2017. Kirk Karsen, a former Sickles and Alonso defensive coordinator takes over a Cowboys squad that went 5-5 last fall.
(Courtesy of Gaither High)

Kirk Karsen, a former Sickles and Alonso defensive coordinator, takes over a Gaither program that loses quite a bit of offensive talent from last year’s 5-5 squad. Gone are senior tailback TJ Williams (1,253 all-purpose yards, 19 touchdowns) and quarterback Gavin DenBoer (1,218 yards, 10 touchdowns), who has transferred to Alonso High. The Cowboys also will miss a pair of Division I-caliber linebackers in Decalon Brooks (Florida State University) and Estefano Feliciano (Old Dominion University), a duo that combined for 195 tackles, 35 tackles for loss and nine sacks last season.

But, the cupboard isn’t completely bare.

The Cowboys still return leading receiver Cayden Jordan (22 receptions, 449 yards, one touchdown) and leading tackler Matthew Wood (112 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, three sacks). Another Gaither player to watch in 2017 is Donovan Jennings, a 6-foot-6, 310-pound offensive lineman, who’s beginning to receive interest from multiple Division I programs.

Steinbrenner High School
Coach: Andres Perez-Reinaldo (6th year)
2016 record: 5-4

The Steinbrenner Warriors are looking for their third straight winning season in 2017— and it may be difficult.

The Steinbrenner Warriors are looking for their third straight winning season this fall.

The Warriors must mold a new starting quarterback, following Collin Wray’s defection to Clearwater High School. The program also needs to unearth additional weapons for the new signal caller, following the graduation of standouts Brett Bitter (43 catches, 652 yards, seven touchdowns) and Carson Kaleo (53 receptions, 502 yards).

Other significant losses include leading tackler Dane Coleman (103 tackles), outside linebacker/defensive end Devon Connors (56 tackles, nine tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks) and kicker/punter Noah Ruggles (nine field goals made, 36.6 yards per punt).

Some potential impact Warriors players in 2017 include: tailback Josh Harris (355 yards, four touchdowns), receiver Brandon Garcia (28 receptions, 371 yards, three touchdowns), linebacker Charles Stephens (99 tackles) and defensive tackle Juan Batista (87 tackles).

 

Wharton High School
Coach: David Mitchell (13th year)
2016 record: 4-5

The Wharton Wildcats are seeking a rebound season after going 4-5 in 2016.
(Courtesy of Wharton High)

After a 4-5 setback last fall, the Wharton Wildcats look to regain its 2015 form, when the team finished 8-2. That starts with unseating district foes like Wiregrass Ranch and Gaither high schools — easier said than done. Even with the graduation of versatile athlete Randy Haynes Jr. (Ohio Wesleyan University) and productive defensive tackle Justin Visconti (Southeastern University), the Wildcats still should remain competitive in 2017. Expect significant contributions from powerful tailback Shannon King (5-foot-10, 210 pounds) and cornerback John Dixon (44 tackles, two interceptions).

Meanwhile, the Wildcats most prized prospect is Lavel Dumont, a 6-foot-5, 270-pound offensive tackle transfer from Brooks Debartolo Collegiate High School. The three-star recruit has garnered several Division I offers, such as Marshall University and Western Kentucky University.

Published April 26, 2017

Area softball preview

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The high school softball season in Florida is underway, and several of the top players — and teams — in the state reside right here in our coverage area. From Land O’ Lakes to Steinbrenner, there’s no shortage of prep softball talent.

Academy at the Lakes’ Alexis Kilfoyl
(File)

Some players to watch, as the season progresses:

 

  • Pitcher Alexis Kilfoyl, sophomore, Academy at the Lakes: Just a few weeks into the 2017 season, the 6-foot-1 sophomore ace and University of Alabama commit is already living up to the national hype she received throughout the preseason. Kilfoyl, a varsity standout since seventh grade, has won her first five starts, tallying a 0.50 ERA and 50 strikeouts through 28 innings. Her presence is also being felt at the plate, with a .471 average and a team-leading three home runs. Kilfoyl was selected in January to join the 2017 USA Softball Junior Women’s National Training Team, along with just 23 other athletes nationwide. She is known for her ability as a drop-ball pitcher.
  • Infielder/Outfielder Isabella Huff, junior, Sunlake High: A transfer from Bishop McLaughlin, the versatile fielder is on a tear this season for the Seahawks, batting a whopping .625, with two home runs, a triple and seven RBIs, through five games. It’s not a surprise, considering Huff had a breakout season in 2016, batting .441, with four home runs, six triples and 18 RBIs. Huff is also a threat on the base paths (nine steals in 2016). She was a 2016 Miracle Sports All-State Class 3A Honorable Mention.
  • Pitcher Callie Turner, sophomore, Land O’ Lakes High: This season, Turner has been tasked with assuming the ace pitcher role vacated by Shannon Saile, now at Florida International University. Through five appearances, Turner has handled the challenge swimmingly, compiling a 0.68 ERA and 68 strikeouts through 31 innings. A University of Tennessee commit, Turner is quickly establishing herself as one the region’s top pitchers. As a freshman in 2016, Turner won five games, netting a 0.46 ERA and 79 strikeouts in 46 innings.
  • Pitcher Hailee DeCicco, junior, Gaither High: The 5-foot-10 right-hander is picking up precisely where she left off in 2016. Through two starts, DeCicco has a 0.00 ERA and 20 strikeouts through 12 innings. Last season, DeCicco was one of the most unhittable pitchers in Hillsborough County, compiling a 0.91 ERA and 86 strikeouts in 100.1 innings. In 2016, she was a Hillsborough County Western Conference American Division First-Team selection and a 2016 Miracle Softball All-state Class 7A Second-Team selection.
  • Shortstop/Catcher Emma Frost, senior, Carrollwood Day School: Perhaps the most consistent hitter in our coverage area, Frost is looking to put together one of the more impressive four-year prep careers in recent memory. An immediate impact player since her freshman year, Frost has eye-popping career numbers in several categories, including batting average (.664), triples (21), doubles (24), hits (103), runs (92) and stolen bases (51). Through four games this season, Frost has already slugged two homers and is batting .615. A Florida International University signee, Frost is lauded by coaches for her all-around athleticism and deep understanding of the game.

Other key players:
Catcher Kameron Aitken, senior, Wiregrass Ranch
P/INF Emalee Jansen, senior, Steinbrenner
INF Tia Williams, junior, Land O’Lakes
3B Ashley Nickisher, sophomore, Wesley Chapel
P/SS Jordyn Kadlub, sophomore, Pasco High

Three teams to keep an eye on:

Land O’ Lakes High’s varsity softball team looks to return to the state tournament in 2017.
(Courtesy of Edwin Rodriguez)

Land O’ Lakes High: Despite graduating three starters — including former dominant ace Shannon Saile — the Gators, coached by Mitch Wilkins, are still primed as a regional powerhouse. Plenty of skill and depth remain from last year’s 27-win team that advanced to the Class 6A state semifinals. A trio of juniors — Tia Williams, Ashley Smith, Brianna Lindner — expect to offer plenty of support for sophomore ace Callie Turner. Meanwhile, opponents will have to contend with several heady baserunners, like sophomore Shelby Westbrook and senior Jessie McCallister. The Gators are currently 5-1.

Academy at the Lakes: Armed with one of the nation’s elite pitchers in Alexis Kilfoyl, the Wildcats also add a bevy of power-hitting youngsters in eighth-graders Kendra Falby, Brooke Blankenship and Devyne Davis, each of which are already making an immediate impact for the 6-0 Wildcats. It doesn’t hurt, either, to have an experienced Division I coach anchoring the program. In the offseason, the Wildcats hired Diane Stephenson to oversee the team’s move to Class 3A. Stephenson served as the head softball coach at Indiana University from 1987 to 2002. She was also an assistant softball coach at both the University of Iowa (2008-2010) and Purdue University (2010-2013). More recently, Stephenson was the head softball coach at Division II Saint Joseph’s College (2014-2015) in Renssalaer, Indiana.

Steinbrenner High: Already off to a blistering 6-0 start, the Warriors’ winning ways don’t appear to be going away anytime soon, especially under third-year coach Brenda Leach. In addition to having one of Hillsborough County’s top pitchers in Emalee Jansen (a University of Tampa signee), the Warriors return five .300 hitters from the 2016 squad. Also a solid team defensively, the Warriors figure to win several close games. Over the last two seasons, Steinbrenner has 40-13 combined record.

Published March 8, 2017

Carrollwood Day falls in state title game

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The remarkable run is over.

In its first-ever state appearance, the Carrollwood Day School girls basketball team fell just shy in claiming a 3A state championship, losing to Tallahassee FAMU Developmental Research School 46 to 37 on Feb. 23 at the Lakeland Center.

The Carrollwood Day School girls basketball team is loaded with talent — and youth. This year’s roster of 10 players included just two sophomores, six freshmen, an eighth-grader and a seventh-grader.
(Courtesy of Carrollwood Day School)

Carrollwood (27-3) couldn’t overcome a full-court pressure (33 turnovers) nor shaky shooting (30.2 percent) against FAMU (24-9), which now has won its third straight title — the first two coming in Class 2A.

Nabaweeyah McGill, a 6-foot-2 freshman center, led Carrollwood with 12 points and 12 rebounds, and Tarriyonna Gary added 10 points and nine rebounds.

But, it wasn’t enough to keep the Patriots 16-game winning steak intact.

Eighth-grade sisters Erin and Erica Turral led the charge for FAMU, combining for 23 points and 12 steals. Senior Dominique Jeffery, FAMU’s only starter taller than 5-foot-7, contributed eight points, 11 rebounds and four steals.

The Rattlers, coached by Erika Cromartie, have been a kryptonite of sorts for Patriots first-year coach Karim Nohra.

Nohra, a 24-year coaching veteran who previously coached at Academy at the Lakes, has now lost to FAMU in the state tournament five consecutive times.

Carrollwood Day’s future under Nohra remains bright, however.

The Patriots 2017-2018 squad again will be chock full of youthful talent.

This season’s roster of 10 players included just two sophomores, six freshmen, an eighth-grader and a seventh-grader. All five starters were freshman, including top player Tiasia McMillan, a forward who averaged 15.8 points and 7.6 rebounds.

The Patriots, meanwhile, were the lone high school basketball team (boys or girls) from our coverage area that advanced to the state tournament.

In the 3A semifinals on Feb. 21, Carrollwood Day defeated Bradenton Christian 73 to 37.

Key Returnees:

  • Cairah Mays, 5-foot-7 freshman guard: 7.1 PPG (points per game), 5.2 RPG (rebounds per game), 6.8 APG (assists per game)
  • Tarriyonna Gary, 5-foot-8 freshman guard: 12.2 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 3.7 APG
  • Tiasia McMillan, 6-foot freshman forward: 15.8 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 48 percent FG (field goals)
  • Nabaweeyah McGill, 6-foot-2 freshman center: 13.5 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 54 percent FG

Published March 1, 2017

Sunlake falls short of state title bid

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They were just one win shy from reaching the Class 7A state tournament.

Yet, as the performance in their first-ever region final would indicate, Sunlake’s varsity girls basketball team still has some work to get there.

The Seahawks (17-9) — the last girls hoops squad standing in Pasco County — suffered a devastating 66-24 loss to Orlando Edgewater (16-14) on Feb. 17 at Wiregrass Ranch High School.

Sunlake fell one win shy of reaching the Class 7A state tournament. However, they return all but one player for the 2017-2018 season.
(Kevin Weiss)

A sizable Seahawks crowd — loud and proud in pre-game warmups — was quickly silenced as Edgewater roared to a blazing 24-0 start, less than 7 minutes through the opening quarter.

The Eagles attacked Sunlake’s 2-3 zone, mostly by hitting 3s, drawing fouls and getting second-chance opportunities.

Edgewater’s well-rounded athleticism and on-ball traps, too, proved a problem for the Seahawks throughout the contest.

The first Sunlake points finally came with 51 seconds left in the first quarter — a three-point play by 5-foot-10 junior guard Elizabeth Moran, who led the team with eight points.

It was far from enough, though.

By halftime, Edgewater’s lead grew to 53-16.

A running clock ensued in the second half.

For the game, Edgewater made 18 three-pointers, and out-rebounded the Seahawks 27-12.

Edgewater, which has won four state championships since 2007, is now playing in the state tournament for the sixth time in 10 years.

Despite the lopsided defeat, Seahawks coach Reesa Hendrix Pledge remained upbeat.

“Sometimes you’re just not ready,” Hendrix Pledge said, honestly. “But, we’ll be ready next year. We’ll be back.”

There’s a solid chance of that, considering Sunlake has just one senior— guard Cheyenne Yucatonis — graduating from a team that returns five juniors, two sophomores and three freshmen.

“They’re babies,” Hendrix Pledge said. “There’s two of them that started last year, and the rest of them are just now playing.”

The 2016-2017 season, she noted, was more about “coming together as a team.”

“The greatest thing,” Hendrix Pledge said, “is they love each other more, and they fight for each other.”

Sunlake’s final basket of the season, fittingly, was scored by Yucatonis. The senior was subsequently pulled out of the game as a show of gratitude for her contributions to the program.

“She’s meant everything,” Hendrix Pledge said. “She’s worked hard, she’s been the first one to practice, she’s been the one that helps clean up, she’s (taught) them what it takes to work year-round and to get better.

“That’s what we needed this year — that leadership — and she showed it.”

Prior to the setback to Edgewater, Sunlake won four consecutive playoff games, defeating Springstead twice, Land O’ Lakes and Brandon high schools.

Elsewhere in our coverage area, the Carrollwood Day School’s varsity girls basketball team advanced to the state tournament for the first time in school history. Under first-year coach Karim Nohra, the Patriots (27-2) are heading to Lakeland to play in the Class 3A state semifinal, following a 51-43 victory over Orlando Christian Prep in the region final on Feb. 14.

Nohra previously guided Academy at the Lakes to the final four in five of his six years before departing to CDS in October.

The Patriots enter the state tournament with youth — and lots of it. The roster of 10 players includes just two sophomores, six freshmen, an eighth grader and a seventh grader. Additionally, all five starters are freshman, including top player Tiasia McMillan, a guard who averages 15.8 points and 7.6 rebounds.

Key returnees for Sunlake in 2017-2018

  • Andrea Wallace, junior center: 11.9 PPG, 13.0 RPG, 2.2 blocks per game
  • Mary Moran, junior guard: 9.6 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 2.5 steals per game (SPG)
  • Kasia Ramirez, junior guard: 8.3 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 2.1 SPG

Published February 22, 2017

Academy softball player makes national team

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Academy at the Lakes’ Alexis Kilfoyl is a softball prodigy, of sorts.

She’s been a varsity star since the seventh grade.

Alexis Kilfoyl, a sophomore at Academy at the Lakes, was selected to join the 2017 USA Softball Junior Women’s National Training Team, along with just 23 other athletes nationwide. She is the youngest of the group. Last season, the 6-foot-1 ace won 11 games, compiling a 1.36 ERA and striking out 163 batters in 103 innings.
(Courtesy of John Faith)

She was a freshman when she committed to the University of Alabama, which is perennially one of the nation’s top softball programs.

As a sophomore, she’s already one of the area’s top pitchers and hitters.

Now, she’s among elite company.

On Jan. 3, the 6-foot-1 ace was selected to join the 2017 USA Softball Junior Women’s National Training Team, along with just 23 other athletes nationwide.

Ten of the chosen athletes will be competing with their NCAA Division I universities, while 14 players will still be a part of their respective high schools prior to the summer team.

Of those qualifying, Kilfoyl is the youngest.

She made the team following a two-day selection process in Clearwater.

Using her signature drop-ball pitch, Kilfoyl said she felt “very confident” following tryouts, despite matching up against older peers.

“I definitely knew it wasn’t going to be just a cakewalk,” said Kilfoyl, who’s played softball since she was 8 years old. “But, what made me think I could make the team was I pitched strong…in all the late innings I pitched.”

In June and July, Kilfoyl and others will compete in a training camp and exhibition games in Oklahoma City at the World Cup of Softball XII. From there, the final roster for the 2017 USA Softball JWNT will be narrowed down to 17 players. The 17-player roster will then compete at the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Junior Women’s World Championship from July 24 to July 30 in Clearwater.

Alexis Kilfoyl, on committing to the University of Alabama as a freshman:
“When we showed up there, the whole culture of everybody was so different. We showed up, all the coaches were there. They all dedicated their time to us, and they were really…focused on you, and not just anything else.”

The summer experience will give Kilfoyl the opportunity to receive additional top-level coaching, from the likes of Oregon State head coach Laura Berg, Arizona State head coach Trisha Ford, University of Texas-Arlington head coach Kristie Fox and University of Kansas associate head coach John Rittman.

Furthermore, it’s all just another step in Kilfoyl’s dream of playing in the 2020 Olympics.

“That’s a very high projection,” she said, acknowledging the lofty target.

For Kilfoyl, however, the goal seems attainable.

Diane Stephenson, first-year coach at Academy at the Lakes, said the Junior Nationals should take Kilfoyl’s “mental game to a totally different level.”

“I think she’ll be even more dominant,” Stephenson said, “because of that experience of being around people that are all as good as her.

“So many times, when you’re an elite athlete, you don’t have the opportunity to be around and be challenged by other people.”

Perfecting the emotional and cerebral side of the game, Kilfoyl agreed, will be a major emphasis this season.

“We’re really going to try and focus on my mental game,” Kilfoyl said. “I feel like it will go really well with my physical (abilities).”

Meanwhile, Stephenson, who coached for two decades at Indiana University and was inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame last October, knows she has quite the difference maker in Kilfoyl, at the Academy.

“It’s really only the very elite, elite athletes that are making (college) commitments in ninth and even eighth grade,” Stephenson said, referring to Kilfoyl’s verbal commitment to Alabama.

“The best schools in the country are trying to solidify their roster as soon as they feel like someone is developed enough that they can make a difference in their program,” the coach said.

The new Academy coach also commended Kilfoyl’s personal pitching instructor, Kaci Clark Zerbe, who pitched on UCLA’s 1995 national title team.

“She’s been pretty instrumental in (Kilfoyl’s) development over the last two years…and helping to get where she is,” Stephenson said. “There’s a lot of very talented people, but if you don’t have great coaching, you don’t make something like the (Junior National) team.”

Meantime, Kilfoyl is looking to build off what was an eye-popping freshman campaign — both in the circle and at the plate.

Last season, Kilfoyl won 11 games, compiling a 1.36 ERA and striking out 163 batters in 103 innings.

“I just kind of have to get a feel for the hitters — where their strong spots are, where their weak spots are,” Kilfoyl said of her pitching strategy.

At the plate, Kilfoyl batted a team-leading .561, hitting three home runs, along with six doubles and 20 RBIs.

The Wildcats open the 2017 season with a preseason tournament — Springstead Invitational — on Feb. 9. Their first regular season game is at Carrollwood Day School on Feb. 16.

Practices began on Jan. 23.

Stats compiled using maxpreps.com.

Varsity Stats
Freshman
Pitching: 11 wins, 1.36 ERA, 163 strikeouts in 103 innings
Hitting: .561 average, three home runs, six doubles, 20 RBIs

Eighth grade
Pitching: 12 wins, 0.72 ERA, 111 strikeouts in 87.1 innings
Hitting: .458 average, four home runs, eight doubles, 25 RBIs

Seventh grade
Pitching: 14 wins, 2.61 ERA, 118 strikeouts in 115.1 innings
Hitting: .309 average, four doubles, 12 RBIs

Published January 25, 2017

Thomas leads makeshift AATL hoops team

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Imani Thomas has had to adapt —and lead — in the face of mass exodus.

The Academy at the Lakes senior, like others, wasn’t even sure if the private school would field a basketball team prior to the 2016-2017 season.

Senior Imani Thomas has helped guide an Academy at the Lakes team with a new coach and a bevy of young, inexperienced players.
(File Photo)

The program had lost its uber-successful coach — Karim Nohra— who “retired” then wound up at Carrollwood Day School. It lost its most prolific scorer — junior Audra Leipold (24.8 points per game) — who defected to Seffner Christian Academy. As if that wasn’t enough of a blow, the program, too, lost a pair of battle-tested seniors — Janise Cassanello, Lulu Santiago — from last year’s 2A state runner-up squad.

“It’s basically a new team, a new environment,” said Thomas, a two-time Florida Association of Basketball Coaches All-State selection. “It’s very different.”

“It’s more pressure on the (players) that came back,” she added.

Including Thomas, the team returns Nini Chester and Loren Wells, also seniors.

Everyone else — including head coach Todd Huffman — is new.

So, too, is the style of play — slower and more deliberate.

They’re finding a way to make it work, however.

Despite the turnover — and just seven healthy players — the team stands at 6-2 (as of Dec. 9).

Much of that record can be attributed to the efforts of Thomas, a 6-foot power forward many consider as one of the premier frontcourt players in Tampa Bay.

ESPN’s high school girls basketball recruiting service — HoopGurlz—pegs Thomas as a three-star recruit and the nation’s 68th best forward for the 2017 class.

Dan Olson, proprietor of Collegiate Girls Basketball Report, describes Thomas as a “strong, physical interior prospect with nimble footwork and soft touch in the block.”

Others suggest it’s Thomas’ ability to rebound and score consistently that makes her such a force in the paint.

“She’s just really dominant,” Chester said. “She knows how to keep the ball in her hands and keep pushing through any type of defense. She’s willing to get that ‘And-1.’”

AATL’s first-year coach is equally effervescent in his praise of Thomas, citing her back-to-the-basket skills and on-court leadership.

“She is incredibly intelligent, a very smart player,” said Huffman, a former assistant men’s basketball coach at Hillsborough Community College. “She understands the game, and reads and reacts to situations with split-second adjustment.”

That comprehension of the game is a rarity, he added.

“There are players that…either have sense like that or don’t,” Huffman said, “and she possesses both the skill sets that you can develop as a coach and from a teaching standpoint to make her better.

“She has a lot of that ingrained in her DNA, so to speak.”

Considering half the Wildcats roster is new to the sport, Huffman acknowledged his first season has had its share of challenges.

But, having core players — like Thomas — has made the transition run more smoothly.

“The kids that are out there…have done a fabulous job of developing chemistry and really working hard to do what we as a coaching staff have asked of them,” said Huffman. “I just think they’re such a joy to coach, regardless of who has experience — like Imani’s experience — versus some of the other players that may not have played before.”

The work is starting to show.

Since early setbacks to Carrollwood Day School (63-to-19) and Bishop McLaughlin (48-to-46), the Wildcats have reeled off six straight wins, including a 25-point victory over Land O’ Lakes High School on Nov. 28.

“We kind of lost our confidence in the beginning,” Chester said, “but, we’re starting to come back around.”

That starts with Thomas, who averaged 12.6 points and 12.8 rebounds per game last season, and has over 1,000 career points.

“She has had to take a leadership role,” Chester said, “and be patient with the younger girls who are trying to learn…”

Thomas, meanwhile, has her sights on playing basketball at the U.S. Naval Academy next year.

Until then, she has one goal.

“Make it to states,” she said.

Published December 14, 2016