Staff Report
The Weightman Middle boys basketball team completed its second straight perfect season and claiming consecutive East Pasco Conference championships Feb. 27 by defeating Rushe Middle.
The eighth-graders are the first for the program to end their middle school career without a loss since the 2008-09 squad that was led by current Wesley Chapel senior forward Erik Thomas and Wiregrass Ranch senior guard Chris Parra.
Weightman was led by leading rebounder Reggie Jennings, a center, and lockdown defender Sam Schneidmiller, a point guard.
The squad averaged 40 points per game while limiting the opposition to 22. Jennings averaged a team-high 14.0 points, while Schneidmiller and guard Kalin Timmons posted 7.0 and 8.0.
The squad was without last year’s MVP in guard Devin Singletary (6.5 points) because of an ankle injury. Guards Raymund Reddick and Thomas Cogan stepped up to fill his shoes, combining to average 3.5 points.
New to the team this year was football standout Jordan Thompson, whose physical play at forward kept opposing big men off the boards and out of the scorebook. He chipped in 2.5 points.
“It has been a pleasure coaching these guys the last two years,” said Wayne Ackett, who has coached the squad the last two seasons. “This year has been a little challenging with injuries and other issues, but they persevered and overcame the obstacles in a truly admirable manner. I am going to enjoy watching their high school careers unfold.”
The team would like to express their appreciation for staff, cheerleaders and fans who supported them this year. A special thanks to the local businesses that donated team meals: New York New York Pizza, Woody’s Pizza, Papa Johns, Golden Corral, Subway, Winner’s Sports Grill, Sweetbay Supermarket and Firehouse Subs.
The squad includes Raymund Reddick, Mykh’ael Chavis, Devin Singletary, Thomas Cogan, Bryan Sangar, Sam Schneidmiller, Alex Cogan, Kalin Timmons, Jamison Cohick, Kyle Brown, Kyle Gardner, Aaron Beardsley, Reggie Jennings, Zach Hinchee, Jordan Thompson, manager Jay Baker and Ackett.
