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Adapting to the times

Mike Ridaught
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Adapting to the times

It’s hard to believe we’ve gone from a society that usually has sports as an outlet when times are challenging, to having to adapt with no sports and the challenges we are all facing in these unprecedented times.

A week ago “out of an abundance of caution” due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19), Alachua County Public Schools were closed through March 30 effective last Monday, March 16. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had announced on Sunday, March 15, that people throughout the United States should avoid events of 50 people or more for the next eight weeks.

We posted a poll question on Friday in response to an article that was written last week stating the Florida High School Athletic Association should “lead and cancel sports” for the rest of the school year.

Well, things have changed, again.

For now, all public county schools in Florida are out until April 15th.  The FHSAA had canceled sports through April 15, but last week they “made the decision to postpone all scheduled FHSAA meetings, conferences, and athletic events until further notice.”

We are doing our best to stay involved for our partners/sponsors, and you. Even though we don’t have high school sports right now, we are still producing our weekly high school shows at Sonic Drive-In (until further notice).

Last Monday night (March 16), we had both state champion basketball teams from Hawthorne on the show.

Congratulations to Hawthorne’s Cornelius Ingram on being named the Florida Dairy Farmers Girls Basketball Class 1A Coach of the Year and congratulations to his brother, Greg Bowie, on being named the Boys Basketball Class 1A Coach of the Year.

We did another show at Sonic even though the patio has been closed (March 23), but without any guests.  We practiced safe distancing too.

We were pleased to learn that many of our colleagues in the sports industry were still employed, even if it meant some of those had to transition into news reporting.  Unfortunately, some have been laid off.

Among the other topics on Monday’s show was the fact that officials/umpires are being affected by this outbreak too.

For now, and things tend to change by the day, we will continue to deliver high school sports in an effort to inform, as well as try and keep everyone’s spirits up.

Anytime Fitness of Gainesville is currently offering a 15-minute complimentary wellness session/Fitness consult over the phone or video chat.  Please contact AF trainer & nutritionist Jill Thomas at 386-266-3350 or via email at revjillycpt@gmail.com for more information.

Stay safe, and positive!!!

THE PREP ZONE’S WEEKDAY COVERAGE

**For our Gainesville audience, tune in to ThePrepZone.com Sports Report presented by SunState Federal Credit Union every weekday morning between 7:50-7:55 a.m. on 106.9 FM in Gainesville/Ocala. These are a little over 60 seconds in length and air Monday-Friday. The past 30 days are archived here.

**For those in the Tri-County area (Gilchrist, Levy & Dixie County), tune in to ThePrepZone.com Nature Coast Sports Report presented by SunState Federal Credit Union every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 7:28 a.m. and repeating at 5:28 p.m. They are two minutes in length and air on 93.1 FM & 940 AM in Chiefland/Trenton and 96.3 FM & 1240 AM in Cross City. Listen LIVE here**

(POSTPONED)**Tune in to our weekly radio interviews talking high school sports on ThePrepZone.com Sports Report presented by SunState Federal Credit Union on WRUF-98.1 FM & 850 AM in Gainesville every Thursday at 4 p.m. on “The Tailgate” with hosts Jeff Cardozo & the Gainesville Sun’s Pat Dooley**

The Prep Zone Show – March 23rd

Mike Stanton
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The Prep Zone Show – March 23rd

Monday, March 23 – “The Prep Zone” Sports Show presented by Sonic Drive-In (broadcast from Sonic Drive-In on 39th Avenue in Gainesville)

Join Mike Ridaught & Marty Pallman as they talk high school sports from Sonic Drive-In of Gainesville.  These are difficult times for many in the sports industry.  For now, the FHSAA has only canceled high school sports until further notice. We’ll discuss an article that was written last week that the FHSAA should cancel spring sports.

We’ll also give you feedback on how sports writers, sports broadcasters, etc. are adapting.  Plus, we’ll devote a segment to the fitness industry.  Our partner, Anytime Fitness of Gainesville, is offering virtual fitness classes and free consultations on what each person can do from their home to stay active since all gyms are closed, as well as nutrition advice. 

Finally, we will catch you up to date on high school sports from the Players of the Year from girls & boys basketball, and our all-classification regional rankings powered by Anytime Fitness of Gainesville.

Finalists announced for 2020 Mr. Basketball and Boys’ Basketball Coach of the Year

Mike Ridaught
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Finalists announced for 2020 Mr. Basketball and Boys’ Basketball Coach of the Year

GAINESVILLE (March 23) — The seven individual class finalists for the 2020 Florida Dairy Farmers Mr. Basketball and Boys’ Basketball Coach of the Year have been announced following balloting by a statewide panel of high school boys’ basketball coaches and prep media members.

Every finalist was the leading vote-getter in their classification, making each one the Player of the Year or Coach of the Year in their class. The two winners will be announced following a final round of balloting by coaches and media.

Area players/coaches in bold

The seven finalists for the 2020 Mr. Basketball Award:

Ga’Khari LaCount, Senior, Guard, Coral Park, Class 7A Player of the Year
Led his team to a 17-9 record by averaging 31.0 points, 7.6 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 2.8 steals per game. He shot 37 percent from 3-point range and 73 percent at the free line while leading Dade County in scoring.

Dionte Blanch, Senior, Guard, East Lake, Class 6A Player of the Year
Blanch led his team to a 26-4 record and a spot in the Final Four by averaging 24.2 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game. He has signed to play college basketball at Murray State.

Emanuel Sharp, Sophomore, Guard, Blake, Class 5A Player of the Year
Led his team to a 22-6 record by averaging a state-leading 31.9 points per game. Added 3.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.5 steals per game while shooting 81 percent from the free throw line.

Isaiah Adams, Senior, Guard/Forward, Paxon (Jacksonville), Class 4A Player of the Year
The UCF signee led his squad to a 25-6 record and a spot in the Final Four by averaging 23.0 points, 11.0 rebounds and 4.0 blocks per game, including 25.0 points, 13.0 rebounds and 5.0 blocks per game in the postseason.

Yussif Basa-Ama, Senior, Center, St. Andrew’s, Class 3A Player-of-the-Year
Basa-Ama led his team to a 26-5 record and the Class 3A state title by averaging 15.3 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.4 blocks per game. He has committed to play basketball at Yale University.

Ven Allen-Lubin, Sophomore, Forward, Orlando Christian Prep, Class 2A Player of the Year
Led his team to a 29-2 record and the Class 2A state title by averaging 13.2 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. Averaged 16.0 points and 12.0 rebounds per game in his team’s state semifinal and final victories.

Marcus Niblack, Senior, Guard, Wildwood, Class 1A Player of the Year
Niblack led his team to a 21-8 record and a spot in the regional finals by averaging 20.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 2.2 steals per game. He has committed to the University of Mississippi.

The seven finalists for the 2020 Boys’ Basketball Coach of the Year:

Tramaine Stevens, Miramar, Class 7A Coach of the Year
Stevens led his squad to a 24-6 record and the Class 7A state title. In five years at Miramar, he has posted a career record of 103-42 and has one other Final Four appearance (2018).

Terrence McGriff, Bartow, Class 6A Coach of the Year
McGriff led his squad to a 31-1 record and the Class 6A state title. In 18 years at Bartow, he has posted a 328-127 record with two state titles (2010 and 2020) and three other Final Four appearances (2009-13-14).

Eli A. Bryant, Rickards, Class 5A Coach of the Year
Bryant led his squad to a 21-7 record and the Class 5A state title. In 15 years at Rickards, he has a 243-114 record with three state titles (2010-11-20) and a total of five Final Four appearances.

Terrence Williams, Stranahan, Class 4A Coach of the Year
In his third year as the Stranahan head coach, Williams produced a 24-9 record and led his squad to the school’s second straight state championship. His overall record is 71-22.

John O’Connell, St. Andrew’s, Class 3A Coach of the Year
O’Connell’s squad posted a 26-5 record and won the Class 3A state title. It was the first state title for the 35-year coaching veteran who reached three other state finals (1995, 2006 and 2013) while compiling a career mark of 672-262.

Treig Burke, Orlando Christian Prep, Class 2A Coach of the Year
Led his squad to a 29-2 record and the Class 2A state title. It was the third state title in Burke’s four years at OCP, where he has compiled a 100-21 record while also adding a state runnerup finish in 2019.

Greg Bowie, Hawthorne, Class 1A Coach of the Year
Bowie led his squad to a 25-3 record and his school’s first Class 1A state title. In 13 years at Hawthorne he has posted a 285-82 record with five Final Four appearances, including two state runner-up finishes and this year’s title.

Final voting numbers by class (top three):

Class 7A
Player School Points
Ga’Khari LaCount Coral Park 74
Giancarlo Rosado Palm Beach Lakes 56
Justin Neely Miami Senior 54

Coach School Points
Tramaine Stevens Miramar 110
Sylvester Wynn Sanford Seminole 52
Tony Watson Forest Hill 34

Class 6A
Player School Points
Dionte Blanch East Lake 81
Devin Carter Doral Academy 64
Jordan Sears Mainland (Daytona Beach) 44

Coach School Points
Terrence McGriff Bartow 104
Steve Faulkner Columbia (Lake City) 68
Britt Taylor East Lake 42

Class 5A
Player School Points
Emanuel Sharp Blake 78
Max Jones Clearwater 50
Dallas Graziani Pembroke Pines Charter 40

Coach School Points
Eli Bryant Rickards 82
Dave Roca Pembroke Pines Charter 50
Garrett Hull Naples 42

Class 4A
Player School Points
Isaiah Adams Paxon (Jacksonville) 132
Hunter Hogland Hudson 41
Deebo Coleman West Nassau (Callahan) 38

Coach School Points
Terrence Williams Stranahan 104
Toby Frazier Paxon (Jacksonville) 83
Don Dziagwa Tampa Catholic 45

Class 3A
Player School Points
Yussif Basa-Ama St. Andrew’s 76
Matt Bennett Neumann 46
Logan West Andrew Jackson (Jacksonville) 44

Coach School Points
John O’Connell St. Andrew’s 115
James Collins Andrew Jackson (Jacksonville) 69
Greg Donahue Community School of Naples 39

Class 2A
Player School Points
Ven-Allen Lubin Orlando Christian Prep 54
Percy Pederson Canterbury 42
A.J. Lopez Schoolhouse Prep 36

Coach School Points
Treig Burke Orlando Christian Prep 84
Ben Jones Impact Christian (Jacksonville) 74
Steven Hayes Mount Dora Christian 32

Class 1A
Player School Points
Marcus Niblack Wildwood 96
Jacob Crews Hilliard 83
Torey Buie Hawthorne 54

Coach School Points
Greg Bowie Hawthorne 117
Myron Saunders Hilliard 66
Jeff Bradley Paxton 37

Finalists announced for 2020 Miss Basketball and Girls’ Basketball Coach of the Year

Mike Ridaught
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Finalists announced for 2020 Miss Basketball and Girls’ Basketball Coach of the Year

GAINESVILLE (March 20) — The seven individual class finalists for the 2020 Florida Dairy Farmers Miss Basketball and Girls’ Basketball Coach of the Year have been announced following balloting by a statewide panel of high school girls’ basketball coaches and prep media members.

Every finalist was the leading vote-getter in their classification, making each one the Player of the Year or Coach of the Year in their class. The two winners will be announced following a final round of balloting by coaches and media.

Area players/coaches in bold

The seven finalists for the 2020 Miss Basketball Award:

Sophia Jones, Senior, Guard, Cypress Bay, Class 7A Player of the Year
Led her team to a 16-6 record and a district championship, averaging 25.3 points per game. She has signed to play college basketball at San Jose State University.

O’Mariah Gordon, Junior, Guard, Braden River, Class 6A Player of the Year
Led her team to a spot in the state Final Four by averaging 23.1 points, 4.2 steals, 6.8 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game.

Mikyla Tolivert, Junior, Guard, Palm Bay, Class 5A Player of the Year
Led her team to a 23-6 record and a spot in the regional finals by averaging 30.9 points, 8.4 rebounds, 5.9 steals and 3.4 assists per game.

Jordana Codio, Sophomore, Forward, Delray American Heritage, , Class 4A Player of the Year
Averaged 22.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.3 steals and 2.0 assists per game. Has committed to the University of Wisconsin.

Kailyn Gilbert, Sophomore, Guard, Tampa Prep, Class 3A Player of the Year
Averaged state-leading 32.1 points per game and added 11.2 rebounds and 3.5 steals per game.

Jillian Schenk, Senior, Forward, Lake Worth Christian, Class 2A Player of the Year
Helped her team to a 15-4 record by averaging 24.2 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.5 blocks and 2.5 steals per game.

Renee Clines, Senior, Guard, Lafayette (Mayo), Class 1A Player of the Year
Led her team to the regional finals with a 17-10 record by averaging 23.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 3.5 steals per game.

The seven finalists for the 2020 Girls’ Basketball Coach of the Year:

Carrie Mahon, Plant, Class 7A Coach of the Year
Led her team to a 30-2 record and a state runnerup finish. In 18 years at Plant, Mahon has posted a 387-110 record with another Final Four appearance in 2004.

Henry McNabb, Blanche Ely, Class 6A Coach of the Year
In his third year as a head coach, and his first at Blanche Ely, McNabb led his team to a 28-6 record and the Class 6A state title. In his first two years of coaching, he posted a 37-14 record and won two Class 3A titles at Somerset Prep.

Greg Farias, Plantation American Heritage, Class 5A Coach of the Year
Farias led his squad to a 25-4 record and a third straight state championship. In five years he has posted a 116-29 record with another Final Four appearance in 2017.

Al Honor, Lake Highland Prep, Class 4A Coach of the Year
Honor led his squad to a 29-2 record and the Class 4A state title. In nine years at LHP, Honor has posted a 224-47 record with three state championships and five Final Four appearances.

Karim Nohra, Carrollwood Day, Class 3A Coach of the Year
Nohra guided his team to a 27-2 record and the Class 3A state championship. In four years at Carrollwood Day, he has a 110-11 record with four Final Four appearances. Nohra has five other Final Four appearances in his 30-year coaching career at five Florida schools while compiling 645 wins.

E.J. Murray, Florida Prep, Class 2A Coach of the Year
In his third year at the school, Murray led his squad to a 24-7 record and its second straight state title. His overall record is 63-27.

Cornelius Ingram, Hawthorne, Class 1A Coach of the Year
Ingram compiled a 29-2 record and won the Class 1A state title. In three years he has posted a 64-16 record, including a Final Four appearance in 2019.

Final voting numbers by class (top three):

Class 7A
Player School Points
Sophia Jones Cypress Bay 80
Jasmine Edwards Haines City 64
Amari Wright Sandalwood (Jacksonville) 57

Coach School Points
Carrie Mahon Plant 102
Sam Baumgarten Miami Senior 91
Freddie Clinton Timber Creek 49

Class 6A
Player School Points
O’Mariah Gordon Braden River 83
Erin Turral Lincoln 77
Jaleah Williams Blanche Ely 47

Coach School Points
JR McNabb Blanche Ely 87
Tommie Butts Wekiva 81
Johnnie Lawson Winter Haven 71

Class 5A
Player School Points
Mikyla Tolivert Palm Bay 105
Taiyah Wyche Plantation Amer. Heritage 56
Nasia Powell Vanguard (Ocala) 42

Coach School Points
Greg Farias Plantation Amer. Heritage 109
Christina Godwin Pine Forest 79
Harold Jacobs Jones 54

Class 4A
Player School Points
Jordana Codio Delray American Heritage 92
Jasmyne Roberts Bishop Kenny (Jacksonville) 62
Anabel Ellison Tarpon Springs 60

Coach School Points
Al Honor Lake Highland Prep 120
Charlsea Clark Bishop Kenny (Jacksonville) 89
Aisha Patrick Cocoa 35

Class 3A
Player School Points
Kailyn Gilbert Tampa Prep 106
Chloe Kitts The Master’s Academy 58
Khadiya Faye Father Lopez (Daytona Beach) 56

Coach School Points
Karim Nohra Carrollwood Day 102
LeighAnn Hughes The Master’s Academy 72
David Gaulman St. Stephen’s 49

Class 2A
Player School Points
Jillian Schenk Lake Worth Christian 79
Emma Risch Florida Prep 60
Mel Garbarsky Trinity Christian (Lk Worth) 51

Coach School Points
EJ Murray Florida Prep 116
Ericka Cromartie FAMU HIgh 85
Karrmayne King Keswick Christian 32

Class 1A
Player School Points
Renee Clines Lafayette (Mayo) 113
Kinzie Nelson Holmes County 98
Cera McElreath Branford 37

Coach School Points
Cornelius Ingram Hawthorne 137
Kenneth Parker Port St. Joe 57
Christopher Neal Madison County 46

The Prep Zone Power Poll powered by Anytime Fitness – 2019-20 Boys Basketball Poll #6 (FINAL)

Mike Ridaught
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The Prep Zone Power Poll powered by Anytime Fitness – 2019-20 Boys Basketball Poll #6 (FINAL)

Andrew Jackson (Jacksonville) edges Paxon (Jacksonville) for top spot in final boys’ basketball all-classification regional rankings after second consecutive state runner-up finish

GAINESVILLE — Two teams shuffled the top spot of The Prep Zone Power Poll for boys basketball during the 2019-20 season.

And as the season drew to a close, Andrew Jackson (Jacksonville) made the final move to finish at the top of the final all-classification regional poll.

For the second year in a row, the Tigers (25-4) finished as a state runner-up, this time in Class 3A.  Andrew Jackson knocked off #9 Providence (Jacksonville) in the Region 1-3A semifinal, then edged Windermere Prep 54-53 to advance back to Lakeland.

After beating Community School of Naples 65-53 in the state semifinal in Lakeland, Andrew Jackson came up short in the 3A state title game, falling 57-50 to St. Andrew’s (Boca Raton).

The Tigers, who were the 5A state runner-up in 2019, received four of the nine first-place votes to move past Paxon (Jacksonville), which was ranked #1 in the previous poll heading into the regional playoffs.

The Golden Eagles, who received two first-place votes, end up 2nd after their second consecutive state semifinal appearance.

Paxon (25-6), which made its first final appearance in 54 years last year, knocked off #17 Bolles (Jacksonville) in the Region 1-4A semifinal and #7 Bishop Kenny (Jacksonville) in the region final to advance back to Lakeland, where they lost 59-54 to eventual state champion Stranahan (Fort Lauderdale).

Another team that ended a long state semifinal drought is Columbia (Lake City), which remained third.

The Tigers (28-3) won three thrilling regional playoff games at home against Chiles (Tallahassee), Lincoln (Tallahassee), and #11 Mainland (Daytona Beach), in the Region 1-6A final, to advance to their first state semifinal appearance since 1968.

Columbia, which received one first-place vote, had Dillard (Fort Lauderdale) on the ropes in the 6A state semifinal in Lakeland before losing in double overtime.

Robert E. Lee (Jacksonville) finished 4th.

The Generals (23-5) were knocked out at home in the Region 1-5A final by eventual state champion Rickards (Tallahassee).

Rounding out the top five is Class 1A state champion Hawthorne, which captured the Hornets’ first boys state basketball title since 1987.

Hawthorne, which had to replace nine seniors, including all five starters from a team that lost in the region final in 2019, knocked off then-#8 Wildwood in a region final to advance to Lakeland.

This time the Hornets (25-3) took care of business, knocking off Paxton 70-58 in the state semifinal and then edging #13 Hilliard 42-38 in the 1A state championship game.

Hawthorne, which advanced to the state semifinals for the fifth time since 2012, received the final two first-place votes as they move up seven spots from the previous poll to round out the top five.

Leading off the second five is 2A state runner-up Impact Christian Academy (Jacksonville).

The Lions (19-9) upset then-#5 North Florida Educational Institute (Jacksonville) in the Region 1-2A semifinal and edged FAMU (Tallahassee) to advance to Lakeland.

ICA slipped past Schoolhouse Prep (Miami) in overtime in the state semifinals before Orlando Christian Prep ended their state title hopes in the state championship game.

Rounding out the top 10 is No. 7 Bishop Kenny, North Florida Educational Institute, Providence, and Eastside (Gainesville).

Eastside, which won its third straight district title, moved up five spots and into the top 10 after beating RV Eustis and then-#9 The Villages to advance to the Region 2-4A final, where the Rams (22-8) lost at Lake Highland Prep (Orlando).

Mainland is also a big mover in the final poll as the Bucs (19-11) leap six spots to finish at #11 in the final rankings after losing in the Region 1-6A final at Columbia.

Forest (Ocala) is the only new team to the rankings at No. 20 as the Class 6A Wildcats replace 1A Madison County in the final poll.

The Prep Zone Power Poll ranks the top 20 high school football, basketball, baseball & softball teams (regardless of FHSAA classification) across 26 counties in North Florida (Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Citrus, Clay, Columbia, Dixie, Duval, Flagler, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Hernando, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Levy, Madison, Marion, Nassau, Putnam, Sumter, St. Johns, Suwannee, Taylor, Union & Volusia counties). It is voted on weekly by sportswriters and sportscasters and it is powered by Anytime Fitness of Gainesville.

THE PREP ZONE POWER POLL – 2019-20 BOYS BASKETBALL POLL #6 (FINAL)
(School, followed by classification, first-place votes, final record, and total voting points)
1. Andrew Jackson (Jacksonville) (3A) (4) (25-4) – 175
2. Paxon (Jacksonville) (4A) (2) (25-6) – 169
3. Columbia (Lake City) (6A) (1) (28-3) – 162
4. Robert E. Lee (Jacksonville) (5A) (23-5) – 143
5. Hawthorne (1A) (2) (25-3) – 140
6. Impact Christian Academy (Jacksonville) (2A) (19-9) – 135
7. Bishop Kenny (Jacksonville) (4A) (24-5) – 126
8. North Florida Educational Institute (Jacksonville) (2A) (23-5) – 109
9. Providence (Jacksonville) (3A) (19-10) – 99
10. Eastside (Gainesville) (4A) (22-8) – 89
11. Mainland (Daytona Beach) (6A) (19-11) – 77
12. Wildwood (1A) (21-8) – 74
13. Hilliard (1A) (23-4) – 72
14. Palatka (4A) (19-8) – 70
15. The Villages (4A) (21-7) – 60
16. Fleming Island (Orange Park) (6A) (20-9) – 53
17. Bolles (Jacksonville) (4A) (19-9) – 43
18. Mount Dora Christian Academy (2A) (27-2) – 31
19. Leesburg (5A) (17-10) – 17
20. Forest (Ocala) (6A) (20-8) – 15
Also receiving votes: Madison County (1A) (20-6) – 14; Eustis (4A) (15-12) – 3; Orange Park (5A) (15-11) – 1; St. Augustine (5A) (16-9) – 1.

FHSAA CORONAVIRUS Update – March 18, 2020

Mike Ridaught
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FHSAA CORONAVIRUS Update – March 18, 2020

GAINESVILLE, FL – In response to Governor DeSantis’ closure of Florida schools through April 15th, and following the Florida Department of Education Guidance Memorandum from March 17, 2020, the FHSAA has made the decision to postpone all scheduled FHSAA meetings, conferences, and athletic events until further notice.

Pending schools are back in session and afforded the opportunity to resume activities after April 15th, by Federal, State and Local authorities, the FHSAA will follow the recommendations and guidance available to us at that time regarding the continuance of all FHSAA spring sports and other planned meetings and conferences.

In his press conference on March 17th, among numerous other academic accommodations, Governor DeSantis did afford parents the choice to retain their child.

Be advised that FHSAA Bylaw 9.5.1, will still be in effect. It states:

A student is limited to eight consecutive semesters of eligibility beginning with the semester he/she begins ninth grade for the first time. This does not imply that the student has eight semesters of participation. After eight consecutive semesters, the student is permanently ineligible.  Any possible change to this Bylaw would need to be addressed by the FHSAA Representative Assembly.

The health and safety of our student-athletes, coaches, administrators, officials, fans and local communities are our top priority. We appreciate all member schools’ cooperation in following Federal, State and Local recommendations and mandates during this time.

For the most up-to-date information, please visit the FHSAA website. The FHSAA staff will continue to follow the latest developments and will continue to provide updated information as deemed necessary.

The FHSAA office will remain closed following the Governor’s recommendation. However, staff will continue to work remotely, during regular business hours. For staff contact information, click here.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Florida Health Department Update

The most recent update from the Florida Department of Health states the following:

“If you have returned from ANY international travel or a cruise within the last 14 days and you’re sick, call your health care provider or county health department.  The elderly and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems and diabetes are more likely to develop serious illness. Wash your hands with soap & water. Cover your coughs & sneezes with your arm, not your hands. If you’re sick, stay at home & avoid crowds.”

Finalists announced for the 2020 Florida Dairy Farmers Mr. Soccer and Boys’ Soccer Coach of the Year

Mike Ridaught
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Finalists announced for the 2020 Florida Dairy Farmers Mr. Soccer and Boys’ Soccer Coach of the Year

GAINESVILLE (March 18) — The six individual class finalists for the 2020 Florida Dairy Farmers Mr. Soccer and Boys’ Soccer Coach-of-the-Year have been announced following balloting by a statewide panel of high school boys’ soccer coaches and prep media representatives.

Every finalist was the leading vote-getter in their classification, making each one the Player-of-the-Year or Coach-of-the-Year in that class. The 2020 Mr. Soccer and Boys’ Soccer Coach-of-the-Year will be announced following a final round of balloting by coaches and media.

The six finalists for the 2020 Mr. Soccer Award:

Area players/coaches in bold

Joao Negrao, Senior, Midfield, Boca Raton, Class 7A Player of the Year
Led his team to a 28-0 record and the Class 7A state title by scoring 19 goals and adding 25 assists.

Brian Schaefer, Senior, Midfield/Forward, Fletcher (Neptune Beach), Class 6A Player of the Year
Led his team to a 14-4 record by scoring 19 goals and adding 26 assists. Has signed to play college soccer at the University of South Florida.

Carson Bien, Senior, Forward, Tampa Jesuit, Class 5A Player of the Year
Led his team to a 24-3-2 record and the Class 5A state title by scoring 28 goals, including 11 game-winning goals, and adding 10 assists.

Leonardo Perez, Senior, Forward, Cape Coral Mariner, Class 4A Player of the Year
Led his team to a 25-5-1 record and a state runnerup finish by scoring 69 goals and adding 30 assists. Perez will continue his soccer career at the U.S. Naval Academy.

Joel Castellanos, Senior, Forward, NSU University School, Class 3A Player of the Year
Led his team to a 21-0-2 record and the Class 3A state title by scoring 29 goals and adding 12 assists.

Patrick Horan, Senior, Forward, Canterbury, Class 2A Player of the Year
Led his team to a 17-3 record by scoring a state-leading 72 goals and adding 22 assists. Has committed to play college soccer at Rollins College.

The six finalists for the 2020 Boys’ Soccer Coach of the Year Award:

Marcello Castillo, Boca Raton, Class 7A Coach of the Year
Castillo posted a 28-0 record and led his team to the Class 7A state championship. Has posted a 332-46-22 record in 15 years with three state titles (2010-16-20) and two state runnerup finishes (2009 and 2014).

Wes Nelson, Niceville, Class 6A Coach of the Year
Nelson led his squad to a 25-0-2 record and the school’s first state championship. He has a career record of 389-81-41 in 20 years of coaching.

Eric Sims, Tampa Jesuit, Class 5A Coach of the Year
In his 19th year as a head coach, Sims posted a 24-3-2 record and won his first state championship. He has an overall career record of 355-80-33 (154-28-9 at Jesuit and 201-62-24 at Gaither) with six Final Four appearances.

Chris Bart-Williams, Gulliver Prep, Class 4A Coach of the Year
In his second year at Gulliver Prep, Bart-Williams led his squad to a 15-7-4 record and the Class 4A state title, after posting a 5-10-3 record in 2019.

Thiago Oliveira, NSU University School, Class 3A Coach of the Year
Led his squad to a 21-0-2 record and the Class 3A state title. In five years at NSU he has posted a 112-21-17 record and in 2012 won a state title coaching American Heritage-Plantation.

Jason Montoya, Shorecrest Prep, Class 2A Coach of the Year
Led his squad to an 18-3-2 record and the Class 2A state title. In three years he has posted a 59-9-4 record with a Final Four appearance in 2018 and a state runnerup finish in 2019.

Final voting numbers by class (top three):

Class 7A
Player School
Joao Negrao Boca Raton 69
Jose Escobar Ft. Pierce Central 40
Christian Lizyness Olympia 29

Coach School
Marcelo Castillo Boca Raton 94
Vito Bavaro Lakewood Ranch 40
Claude Davis Boone 27

Class 6A
Player School
Brian Schaefer Fletcher (Neptune Beach) 67
Spencer Mallion St. Thomas Aquinas 48
Liam Etan Niceville 32

Coach School
Wes Nelson Niceville 80
Pamela McDonald Doral Academy 54
Lionel Brown South Broward 38

Class 5A
Player School
Carson Bien Jesuit 72
Andrew Zalewa Stanton (Jacksonville) 41
Juan Parra Cape Coral 34

Coach School
Eric Sims Jesuit 105
Robbie Schank Lely 49
Nicholas Lue Young Pembroke Pines Charter 36

Class 4A
Player School
Leonardo Perez Mariner 92
Zach Auger Baker County (Glen St. Mary) 35
Christian Dohler North Broward Prep 27

Coach School
Chris Bart-Williams Gulliver Prep 84
Martin Cardenas Mariner 58
Matt Case Bishop Kenny (Jacksonville) 22

Class 3A
Player School
Joel Castellanos NSU University School 52
Delwin Flores American Heritage 45
Dean Hogg Keystone Heights 42

Coach School
Thiago Oliveira NSU University School 87
Kevin McCarron Tampa Catholic 60
Jonathan Frias American Heritage 47

Class 2A
Player School
Patrick Horan Canterbury 54
Gabriel Anez Riviera Prep 44
Vander Alves Rocha Lake Mary Prep 42

Coach School
Jason Montoya Shorecrest Prep 84
Andy Warner Maclay 62
Staci Wilson The Pine School 35

Finalists announced for the 2020 Florida Dairy Farmers Miss Soccer and Girls’ Soccer Coach of the Year

Mike Ridaught
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Finalists announced for the 2020 Florida Dairy Farmers Miss Soccer and Girls’ Soccer Coach of the Year

GAINESVILLE (March 16) — The six individual class finalists for the 2020 Florida Dairy Farmers Miss Soccer and Girls’ Soccer Coach of the Year have been announced following balloting by a statewide panel of high school girls’ soccer coaches and prep media representatives.

Every finalist was the leading vote-getter in their classification, making each one the Player of the Year or Coach of the Year in that class. The 2020 Miss Soccer and Girls’ Soccer Coach of the Year will be announced following a final round of balloting by coaches and media.

Following are the six finalists for the 2020 Miss Soccer Award:

Area players/coaches in bold

Madelaine Rhodes, Senior, Forward, Vero Beach, Class 7A Player of the Year
Rhodes led her squad to a 18-2 record and a spot in the Final Four by scoring 50 goals and adding 13 assists. She has signed with the University of Florida.

Mia Atrio, Senior, Forward, Our Lady of Lourdes Academy, Class 6A Player of the Year Led her squad to a 18-2-1 record and the Class 6A state title by scoring 30 goals and posting 11 assists. She scored the winning goals in the state semifinal and championship games. University of Miami signee.

Jordyn Pitter, Senior, F/MF/D, Archbishop McCarty, Class 5A Player of the Year
Helped her squad to a 22-1-2 record and the Class 5A state title with outstanding play at every position except goalie. She scored 17 goals and had 11 assists. Signed with University of Central Florida.

Chloe Iuliano, Senior, Forward, Bishop Kenny (Jacksonville), Class 4A Player of the Year
Led her team to a 16-4-2 record and the Class 4A state title by scoring 18 goals and adding 13 assists. She has committed to play college soccer at Mississippi State University.

Olivia Candelino, Senior, Forward, The Bolles School (Jacksonville), Class 3A Player of the Year
Led her team to a 23-6 record and its third straight state title by scoring 41 goals and adding 40 assists. She has signed to play college soccer at Auburn University.

Paige Crews, Junior, Midfield, St. Johns Country Day (Orange Park), Class 2A Player of the Year
Crews led her school to its ninth straight state title by scoring 12 goals and adding 12 assists. She has committed to play college soccer at Texas Christian University.

Following are the six finalists for the 2020 Coach-of-the-Year Award:

Jen Rodriguez, Bartram Trail (St. Johns), Class 7A Coach of the Year
In her 19th year as head coach at Bartram Trail, Rodriguez posted a 21-1-3 record and won her first state championship to go along with three other Final Four appearances. She posted her 300th career win in the state semifinals.

Ramiro Vengoechea, Our Lady of Lourdes Academy, Class 6A Coach of the Year
Led his squad to an 18-2-1 record and the Class 6A state championship. In three years at Lourdes, Vengoechea has posted a 55-5-2 record with two state titles (2018 and 2020).

Mike Sica, Archbishop McCarthy, Class 5A Coach of the Year
In his 10th year at Archbishop McCarthy, Sica led his squad to a 22-1-2 record, a third straight Final Four appearance and his first state title. He has a career record of 202-39-21.

Tom Devenny, Bishop Kenny (Jacksonville), Class 4A Coach of the Year
Devenny posted a 16-4-2 record in leading his squad to the Class 4A state title. In three years, Devenny has posted a 38-13-4 record.

Matt Tracy, The Bolles School (Jacksonville), Class 3A Coach of the Year
Tracy led his squad to a 23-6 record, its seventh straight Final Four appearance and its third straight state title. His career record of 307-77-28 at Bolles includes six state titles and 12 Final Four appearances.

Mike Pickett, St. Johns Country Day (Orange Park), Class 2A Coach of the Year
Pickett led the Spartans to a 24-1 record and their ninth straight state title. In 22 years at St. Johns, he has won 12 state titles and has an overall record of 465-57-30.

Final voting numbers by class (top three):

Class 7A
Player School
Madelaine Rhodes Vero Beach 89
Ella Dudley Bartram Trail (St. Johns) 51
Hannah Johnson Oakleaf (Orange Park) 38

Coach School
Jen Rodriguez Bartram Trail (St. Johns) 120
Kate Dwyer Cypress Bay 40
Daniel Dickens Vero Beach 34

Class 6A
Player School
Mia Atrio Lourdes Academy 69
Kimberly Slinkosky Cooper City 36
Kat Jordan Venice 31

Coach School
Ramiro Vengoechea Lourdes Academy 84
Gary Bolyard Venice 78
Calvin Dixon Viera 34

Class 5A
Player School
Jordyn Pitter Archbishop McCarthy 47
Delmis Reyes Englewood (Jacksonville) 41
Guiliana Johnston Suncoast 34

Coach School
Mike Sica Archbishop McCarthy 91
Dave Silverberg Ponte Vedra 58
Matt Diamond Estero 25

Class 4A
Player School
Chloe Iuliano Bishop Kenny (Jacksonville) 52
Sydney Polivka Cardinal Gibbons 47
Reece Oliver LaBelle 44

Coach School
Tom Devenny Bishop Kenny (Jacksonville) 95
Margo Flack Cardinal Gibbons 65
Katie Cook Lemon Bay 41

Class 3A
Player School
Olivia Candelino The Bolles School (Jacksonville) 121
Jeanette Galvan Crescent City 34
Ella Simpson The First Academy 29

Coach School
Matt Tracy The Bolles School (Jacksonville) 95
Jason Streets Lakeland Christian 56
Eric Vasquez Carrollton School 31

Class 2A
Player School
Paige Crews St. Johns Country Day (Orange Park) 67
Haley Woodaz Carrollwood Day 58
Natalie Gorji Out-of-Door Academy 29

Coach School
Mike Pickett St. Johns Country Day (Orange Park) 115
Neal Wolfrath Shorecrest Prep 57
Christina Nair International Community 22

Union County’s Mahailya Reeves Named Miss Weightlifting

Mike Ridaught
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Union County’s Mahailya Reeves Named Miss Weightlifting

GAINESVILLE (March 16) – Union County sophomore Mahailya Reeves has been selected the 2020 Florida Dairy Farmers Miss Weightlifting.

Reeves, who repeated as the state champion in the Class 1A unlimited division, set a state-record in the bench press with a 375-pound lift, shattering the state record of 360 pounds she set last year, added a 225-pound lift in the clean-and-jerk, and finished with a state-record 600-pound total, 55 pounds more than the 545-pound state record she set in 2019.

Sunlake’s Denise Garcia earned Coach-of-the-Year honors for the second straight year after leading her squad to back-to-back Class 2A state titles in her 12th year as the school’s head coach. Sunlake’s championship performance included two state-title winners plus a pair of runnerup finishes and one third-place finisher, beating out Navarre (28-26) for the title.

The Florida Dairy Farmers High School Sports Awards program exemplifies Florida Dairy Farmers’ commitment to the state’s youth. This is the 28th year of these unique awards as we honor the state’s top athletes and coaches in all 30 FHSAA sanctioned and recognized sports. The program also emphasizes to young people the importance of keeping dairy products a primary part of their diet in their overall nutrition plan.

Hawthorne Basketball – 2020

Mike Stanton
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Hawthorne Basketball – 2020

Monday, March 16 – “The Prep Zone” Sports Show presented by Sonic Drive-In (broadcast from Sonic Drive-In on 39th Avenue in Gainesville)

Join Mike Ridaught & Marty Pallman as they talk high school sports from Sonic Drive-In of Gainesville.  Their guests include Hawthorne girls basketball coach Cornelius Ingram and Hawthorne boys basketball coach Greg Bowie, along with members of both state championship teams.  The girls won their first state title in school history while the boys won their first state title since 1987.

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