FSN #21 1/27/16 - 2/10/16

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Volume 2 • Issue 2

Jan 27 - Feb 10 2016

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Bishop Moore Wins District Championship!

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Featuring Florida Hall of Fame, Florida Cup, Boys Basketball, Girls Soccer and Much More . . .

NFL Alumni of Central Florida is a 501c3 non profit organization composed of former professional football players who have joined together to support local Orlando youth charities. Our “Caring for Kids” mission is achieved with fundraising, community service and social events. Please visit NFLalumnicf.org and like us on facebook.com/nflalumnicf. Call 848.218.9009 for more info.

Page 2 Florida Sporting News • 1/27/16 - 2/10/16

Bishop Moore Girls Soccer Win Big in District Playoffs DAYTONA BEACH – The Bishop Moore Hornets girls’ soccer team won big on Jan. 12th, as they put 8 past Father Lopez (12-6-2) and triggered the mercy rule on their opponents. The Hornets, who have a (19-1-3) record, hardly tried against their fellow Catholic school, who have not performed badly in regular season play

ponents in the area during the season in Lake Highland, and Freedom. Father Lopez was no exception, either.

up until the match against the Hornets.

lacking any kind of killer instinct as a group.

They tied opponents such as Seminole, and Lake Mary Prep. They lost to St. Joseph Academy and Lake Highland Prep. They did however, pull it together leading into playoffs as they recovered from a 4 game losing streak.

The Hornets have an impressive record and have been consistent throughout the season. They have a hardworking group of individuals who work well as a team and the cohesive nature of the squad has carried over seamlessly into the playoffs.

The Hornets put down some of their bigger op-

The Green Wave of Father Lopez has had an average season

With the 8-0 win, the Hornets moved up their ranking even further as they continue to turn heads in the 2A standings. The win also put

them through to the District Finals, which is to be played on the 14th against Lake Highland Prep. Lake Highland goes into the finals with an 8-8 record but have looked strong despite that record.

The game is expected to be a very good one and will no doubt show how good a team the Hornets are if they can keep it together to walk away with a win on Thursday night.

1/27/16 - 2/10/16 • Florida Sporting News

Page 3

Windermere Prep’s Bright Future

by Sarah Acevedo

(ORLANDO) The Lakers of Windermere Prep have had a phenomenal 20-3 season this year, no doubt as a result of their functionality as a team. Point guard and captain Parker Davis is having an excellent season with a personal count of 330 points.

While Davis has been proving himself worthy of his title as captain, he has essentially been prepping fellow point guard, David Nickelberry, to take the baton and run with it when Davis leaves his Laker legacy behind after this season.

Nickelberry, a junior at Windermere Prep, has always had big dreams of playing basketball.

“I picked up a basketball when I was three years old and immediately I knew that I wanted to play,” quipped Nickelberry when asked about his relationship with basketball. Following in Davis’ footsteps is seemingly a breeze

for Nickelberry as the 328 points he scored this season come just two points shy of Davis’ 330 points. According to Nickelberry, he and Davis are a duo of sorts.

The Junior at Windermere said “I would compare Parker and I to Lebron James and Kyrie Irving because we are both constant offensive players.” It is clear that the dynamics between Nickelberry and Davis, as well as the team as a whole, are astounding.

Windermere is undefeated in their conference.

As for their three losses this season, Nickelberry is confident they have mastered the necessary skills to avoid the same kinds of losses in the future. “We just weren’t focused. We had everything we needed to beat all three of those teams, we just weren’t really there.” said Nickelberry.

Everyone is excited to see what new heights Nickelberry will lead Windermere to.

Page 4 Florida Sporting News • 1/27/16 - 2/10/16

Orlando Has A Less Than Magical Night Against Sixers

By Sarah Acevedo

After securing a win on the road in November, the Orlando Magic went head to head with the Philadelphia Seventy-Sixers. Sadly, there was no magic to be made this time around.

Last Wednesday, Orlando let Philly take home a win with a score of 96-87.

While Orlando held their own in the first half, ultimately the third quarter was their downfall. Okafor alone scored 20 points in the whole game, and even though Elfrid Peyton scored a competitive 21, Philadelphia’s 34 point third quarter stole the show from Orlando.

In the first quarter, Philadelphia had Orlando by only two points. Aside from the score, Orlando was putting up a great offensive effort with Peyton’s initial driving layup and his secondary layup with Vucevic on the assist. Layup after layup, Elfrid still managed an offensive rebound before the end of the first. Evan Fournier was also showcasing his shooting abilities when he cleared both of his two free throws in the

throws. It wasn’t until the second quarter that Orlando regretted benching Vucevic for Smith, as Smith missed several lay ups. Mario Hezonja made his two free throws, as well as several defensive rebounds. The loss aside, this game proved to be vital for his credibility as a younger player in the NBA.

first. Just before swapping Vucevic out for Jason Smith, Tobias Harris wowed the crowd with a driving dunk and brought the score to 23-21.

The second quarter seemed promising for Orlando as they closed out the half with the lead. While Jerami Grant took a foul shot for Philadelphia, Keith Appling drew the ball out and made one of his two free

The second half of the game was ultimately where Philadelphia dominated, scoring 49 points over Orlando’s 41. The game appeared to slip through Orlando’s fingers as a result of inconsistent defense.

Having a team full of shooters is worthy of bragging rights until faced with another predominantly offensive team, and then it is simply a recipe for disaster. Although Philadelphia walked out of the Amway Center with a win, Orlando’s record is still significantly more noteworthy.

1/27/16 - 2/10/16 • Florida Sporting News

Page 5

Ricardo Miller: The Comeback Miracle

by Sarah Acevedo

The world of professional football is rigorous, all-consuming, and above all else it is competitive. The tale of a noteworthy athlete who does not realize all that he is are getting himself into is a tale as old as time. However, Ricardo Miller’s tale is from a different storybook all together. After leaving behind a remarkable high school football legacy for the University of Michigan, Miller was ready to take his football career to the next level. After college, Miller did the unthinkable, he found himself. What is next to come for Miller is yet to be declared, but it is undoubtedly going to be promising.

Miller started high school in 2009 and he spent his Freshman year at Freedom High School. His sophomore year, he made the switch to Doctor Phillips and stayed there until the second half of his senior year when he prematurely enrolled at the University of Michigan as both a student and a wide receiver. Although that many changes of scenery can end up being a hindrance to keeping focused, Miller thrived on his moves. “At first it was nerve wracking to leave all of the friends I’d made at Freedom, but once the kids at Doctor Phillips got to know me I wasn’t worried about my social

When it came time to decide which of his offers he’d accept, it was a nobrainer. Despite offers from schools like the University of Florida, Alabama, Stanford, Miami, and LSU, Miller knew Michigan was the place for him. “My mom has a lot of family in Flint and my dad’s side of the family is from Detroit, so it wasn’t really a question for me when it came time to choose” admitted Miller.

life. I made great friends there too” said Miller.

After his first Senior semester at Doctor Phillips High School, Miller enrolled at the University of Michigan to get a head start on both his academic and athletic careers.

There is no life lived without a few twists and turns, and Miller is no exception to this rule. During his senior year, he transferred to the University of Massachusetts to finish out his college career. After what would’ve been his time to appear in the NFL draft, Miller took some time off to get his mind right. In the winter of 2014, Miller took his talents to Atlanta, Georgia to work with a trainer. Midwinter he left to train himself, which Miller says he only has the ability to do after practicing under Coach Tom Shaw.

After a brief stint in Brazil playing in a semi-professional league, Miller is back in the states and looking to fall back into the swing of things with his one true love - the game.

Page 6 Florida Sporting News • 1/27/16 - 2/10/16

Lake Highland Prep Brings Home Win Against Trinity Prep

by Andrea Lerner

ORLANDO - The Lake Highland Prep girls soccer team (8-10-2) won their away match against Trinity Prep (6-8-3) recently this month. The Highlanders left the match with high heads after their 3-0 win. “This was a big game for us to win,” said Sofia Visconti, senior.

The Highlanders were focused on winning the district match against Trinity. The girls worked hard for the win so they could continue the season together. Seeing the excitement after each goal kept them going so they continued to strive to do their best on the field.

“From the start of the game, our team was doing great,” stated Visconti. For a game to not have many mistakes, the Highlander players were thankful to have this opportunity to advance. Before and after the

game, coaches encouraged the team to stay motivated to play their best and stay positive. “I knew I needed

to play like it was the last game,” explained Visconti.

Going into each game, players like Visconti give everything they have into each play. As a senior, Visconti wants to make her last year on the high school field the best one yet.

She did not want to have her season end that night against Trinity, so she and her teammates brought it all to the table to win. Visconti is more than thankful to her coaches and teammates for not only playing an amazing game, but for season in general.

“I have always been self-conscious,” said Visconti. Just as in any other game, worries and fears can take over a player’s mind. Each time players like Visconti step on to the field, they try to overcome any internal insecurity they have. Each and every one of the girls on the Highlander team works hard to be aggressive and confident to get the ball and help her team win.

The Lake Highland girls team went on from their win against Trinity to an upset loss against Bishop Moore.

Even with this loss, the girls are still proud to have the season that they did. Coaches and family members are more than proud of the team for sticking together and creating some amazing weeks on the field for the sport that they all love.

1/27/16 - 2/10/16 • Florida Sporting News

Page 7

Young Equestrian Attends College Preparatory Invitational

by Andrea Lerner

WINTER GARDEN - The College Pre- off on the wrong foot, and basically paratory Invitational, also known as CPI, losing the class because of it. Instead of is an action packed event that invites horseback riders from grade levels 9-12 to experience college level competition and scholarship opportunities.

Sarah Smith, junior at Foundation Academy, was one of many to take part in this opportunity on the advanced level on January l6th.

“It felt weird and a little scary,” said Smith. At the event, riders were given random horses to compete with, based on a drawing. Smith rode two different horses and had to adjust to not being on her own horse.

While riding at a local barn in Winter Garden, she is attached and comfortable with her horse and admits the complicating factor is not being aware of what the horse might do.

need to know in the future. “Learning how to work with a large animal has really impacted me,” said Smith.

While this sport has been a huge investment for riders like Smith, she is ecstatic about doing what she loves. Working with any animal is a new experience, and flying over random objects adds to the difficulty.

The competition and practice has shown Smith how to work for what she wants. She is happy that she found her passion at such a young age.

After this event, Smith is contrying to pick up, she stopped and started fident she can overcome her struggles, over to give herself another chance and such as picking up the right lead when try to overcome her mistakes. “I’ve defi- she canters. nitely learned that I need to slow down just a little,” explained Smith.

She is also focused on just settling and letting the horse’s stride carry her when Riding each jump alone and perfect is she jumps into a line. Before this oppordefinitely a lesson well learned from this tunity, Smith would have never found “I picked up the wrong lead at the begin- experience of having a different horse such small quirks of her riding that she ning,” stated Smith. With the challenge each event. Smith says she just wants to needed to fix. The CPI strongly benefited of a random horse, comes the challenge be smoother next time and is thankful for her and her future. of a course. Smith admits to have started this experience to teach her what she will

Page 8 Florida Sporting News • 1/27/16 - 2/10/16

Windermere Prep Holds Strong Over Loss to Father Lopez

by Andrea Lerner

WINDERMERE - The Windermere Prep girls soccer team (2-11-2) lost by a score of 3-0 to the Father Lopez Green Waves earlier this month.

Even with this outcome, the Windermere Prep Lakers are headstrong in their players and field play. “I would like to see our team fight the way they did again,” said Kelly Roswell, senior.

During the game, the Lakers never once gave up on a play or move. Teammates ignored the score until the end, not letting the numbers affect how they played. Roswell, starting goalkeeper, says it was amazing to watch her team from the goal, work hard and continue to push on.

“We weren’t able to keep possession of the ball,” stated Roswell. From the goal, the game has an entirely different view.

While the Lakers struggled most of the match with ball control, they made up for it with hard work and dedication. Not a single player stepped onto the field unprepared to play.

“Personally, I try to organize my defense and take control of the field,” explained Roswell.

Making sure the opposite team is marked is a key factor in the game. If the opponent has any room for a shot, it is the goalie’s job to deny that access. For Ro-

swell, this is on her mind during every second of the game. She plans to make sure everyone is in their correct positions at all times. Although admitting she has struggled with this capability in the past, she is more than confident that she has overcome the struggle this season.

“This sport has always impacted my life,” said Roswell. Playing since the age of 6, teammates like Roswell hold soccer extremely tight in their hearts. Already aware of her future, Roswell will be furthering her soccer career at Rollins College after she graduates this year. The sport has brought her many friends and life experiences that she never thought she would have.

The Windermere Prep Lakers are confident in their goalies’ to get them through the rest of the season.

They plan to work together to finish out the season strong. Coaches and players are grateful for the season they have had.

1/27/16 - 2/10/16 • Florida Sporting News

Page 9

Windermere Prep vs. The First Academy

by Aleeshia Hatcher

The Windermere Prep Lakers took on their rival team The First Academy Royals with the Lakers winning 64-60.

the Lakers in the lead.

The Royals were down 10 points at the beginning of the fourth quarter and came up to six before Brown fouled out of the game with only three minutes left. Isaiah Richardson continued to catch them up by scoring a lay up, Jordan scored again making the score 62-60 with 14 seconds left, but Xion Golding (24) shot two free throws for the Lakers finishing the game 64-60.

This is a continuation of both teams going back and forth for the district and state title. It was one of the largest crowds this season, getting the whole building on its feet, especially in the fourth quarter.

The Lakers are ranked No.1 and The Royals are ranked No. 2 in the Sentinel Super 16 since their Christmas tournament. The Royals are also ranked No. 3 in the 3A state boys’ basketball ranking.

With the Royals being District Champions last year they have to continue to win the rest of there regular season.

The Royals Chaundee Brown Jr. average about 19 points per game also Malik William who average 13 points and 10 rebounds per game.

Some players that had a good game were David Nickelberry (15,) who had 21 points and three rebounds, and Parker Davis (4), who had 19 points keeping the lead for the Lakers. For the Royals Malik Williams (22), who scored 15 points and got seven rebounds, Elijah Jordan (13) with 13 points, and Chaundee Brown Jr. (23) scored eight points.

The Lakers kept a few points ahead the whole game. Davis hit three 3’s and

Even though the Lakers won the Royals continued to fight until the end. This was a game that will be remembered.

These two teams won’t see each other again unless they both reach class 3A state final like last year.

Right now the Lakers record is 20-3 while the Royals record is 18-4.

Nickelberry made 7 of 9 free throws keeping

Page 10 Florida Sporting News • 1/27/16 - 2/10/16

Shakhtar Donetsk play out draw against Fluminense ESPN WIDE WORLD OF SPORTS – Two international soccer clubs played out a 1-1 draw in the Florida Cup this past week, as high level soccer continues to come to the Orlando area. Shakhtar Donetsk from Ukraine, and Fluminense from the Brazilian first division played an even match as they showcased some the younger talent that they possess in their squad.

Both teams showed some signs that they weren’t fully match fit and up to the level they needed to be at, but that did not mean the players didn’t put full effort into the match. It was a great opportunity to get match fit before going back into the season after the break and the players took full advantage.

Shakhtar got the first goal and dominated much of the first half, however Fluminense started to create more and more chances as

Time: 2pm to 10pm Date: Jan. 24, 2016

the first half progressed.

Led by Eduardo Baptista, Fluminense came into the second half with a new urgency.

With both teams making many substitutions, the dynamic of the match totally shifted.

It was then when Fluminense hit the equalizer later on in the second half.

Donetsk improved in the final minutes, yet could not find that final goal to take the lead.

Some major stars appeared on the pitch for the fans, as Srna and Teixeira took the field for Donetsk and Fred of the Brazilian National Team played for the fans of Fluminense.

The game also marked the debut of some January transfer window singing’s for Fluminense as Diego Souza, Henrique, and Richarlison appeared for the first time in the Tri-color shirt.

As the mid-season tournament continues to move forward, Shakhtar Donetsk will face Corinthians, who are also a team from the Brazilian first division. Fluminense faces

International in their next tie in a game which is an exciting match for the fans to look forward too.

Across the board, the Florida Cup continues to bring good games and pull in fans from all corners of Orlando.

Party with NFL Players Sample Award Winning Cuisines

1/27/16 - 2/10/16 • Florida Sporting News

Jones knocked off by Lake Highland Prep

by Matthew Anetrella

Orlando -The Lake Highland Prep Highlanders (22-3), faced off against The Jones Fightin Tigers (15-8), on January 12, 2016, in a home conference game.

Jones wanted to make a mark on the Highlanders and possibly give them their fourth loss on the season while they hoped to find their sixteenth win.

Jones fought hard in the first quarter, trailing by one. By the end of the second quarter The Highlanders had pushed their lead to 9 points with Jones trailing 32-23. The third quarter was really when the Highlanders fought hard to pull away from Jones and try to get an important home win. The Highlanders outscored the Tigers 22-12. By the end of the third quarter, the Highlanders had a demanding 54-35 lead.

Jones highest scorer was Senior Guard Kornelia Wright. She had a great game, fighting hard to get her team the win, but unfortunately the Highlanders had already pulled away by too many points. Jones went down by a score of 68-52.

Wright had had a team-high 26 points and 3 three pointers in the game. Wright was also very good from the free throw line, making five of her seven attempts.

One girl from Lake Highland had an outstanding game, possibly one of the best games she played all year. Senior Guard Jordan Lewis scored a team-high 30 points, making nine of the twenty attempts.

She also recorded 3, three-pointers, made an impressive 9 free throws out of 13 attempts, racked in 5 rebounds, and really showcased her passing ability by dishing out 7 assists. She was also active on the defensive side picking up 3 steals.

In their next game, the Highlanders faced The Trinity Prep Saints (Winter Park, FL) in a 4A District 6 game, on Thursday, January 14.

Lake Highland Prep won 62-17.

With the defeat, Jones moves to 11-8 on the year. The Fightin’ tigers travel to West Orange (Winter Garden, FL) to face the Warriors in a non-league game on Monday, January 18. The Warriors enter the game with a record of 10-9. Jones won that game 58-42.

Page 11

Page 12 Florida Sporting News • 1/27/16 - 2/10/16

Hogan Named Florida Sports Hall of Fame Executive Director

by Andrea Lerner

Longtime collegiate athletics administrator and public relations specialist Wayne Hogan has been named Executive Director of the Florida Sports Hall of Fame, Board President Barry Smith announced. Hogan is owner and CEO of Mango Media, a public relations consulting firm in St. Petersburg, FL, which he will continue to manage.

Hogan, a Tallahassee native, spent more than 35 years in collegiate athletics administration, 17 of those at his alma mater Florida State University where he was sports information director, assistant AD and then served as interim athletic director in 1994-95. After a eight-year stint as athletic director at the University of Montana, Hogan recently served nine years as an associate AD for External Operations at Georgia Tech before returning to his native Florida to open Mango Media in 2014.

“The Florida Sports Hall of Fame is extremely fortunate to have someone with Wayne’s background and experience available to manage our day-to-day operation,” said Smith, a former standout wide receiver at FSU and in the NFL. “I’ve

known Wayne for more than 30 years and can attest to his administrative acumen, creativity and people skills, which will be a valuable asset to the Hall of Fame.”

Hogan recently served as Chair of the Florida Sports Hall of Fame’s 2015 Enshrinement activities held in Hollywood, FL in November. The two-day event was an overwhelming success with record corporate involvement and a sold-out enshrinement ceremony.

Hogan begins his duties immediately and will be coordinating a series of state-wide events during 2016 presented by the Florida Sports Hall of Fame to include golf, fishing and sporting clay tournaments, meet-and-greet opportunities and tailgate style autograph sessions, all featuring celebrity Hall of Famers.

1/27/16 - 2/10/16 • Florida Sporting News

Page 13

Lake Highland Basketball Continues to Dominate

by Matthew Anetrella

Lake Highland’s Girls Basketball (22-3), team have been unstoppable at home this season with a 10-0 record so far in the season.

They faced off against Winter Park (20-5), in a non-conference duel.

Winter Park has an away record of 8-2, so it was a good night to see these two teams faceoff. Lake Highland is ranked #2 in the state and Winter Park is ranked #19 according to Max Preps.

The first quarter was close but Lake Highland led 1612. In the second LHP led by 5, 27-22. In the third quarter LHP still had a 5-point lead of 42-

37. The fourth quarter was when LHP pushed hard and fought their way to a win by outscoring Winter Park 21 to 14. Lake Highland won 63-51 to improve their record to (21-3,) on the season. Winter Park fell to (20-4).

Jordan Lewis, Senior Guard for Lake Highland came to play against Winter Park scoring

20 points, grabbing 4 rebounds, dished out 6 assists, and had 1 steal. She shot 5/17 from the field but led Lake Highland in scoring. Next for Lake Highland in scoring was Junior Guard Rachel Jablonski who shot 4/12 from the field recording 13 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals.

Lake Highland’s next game was against Colonial Grenadiers (20-4) who are ranked #5 in the state according to Max Preps.

This was good game to watch and Lake Highland won 60-45. Lake Highland extended their win streak to an impressive seven games. Winter Park’s next game is against Timber Creek (9-13) on January 27. Winter Park recently played Wekiva and picked up an 18 point win by a score of 51-33.

Page 14 Florida Sporting News • 1/27/16 - 2/10/16

Bishop Moore Girls Soccer Win District Championship ORLANDO – The Bishop Moore Hornets (19-1-3) won 4-0 in the 2A District 7 Championship on the 14th against Lake Highland Prep (8-9,) in a game which didn’t look like a tough matchup for the Hornets. The Hor-

nets had a great season with a good win on Thursday, however it is far from finished.

With the win, the Hornets secured a spot in the regional playoffs, which will be played later this month.

The team looked very strong during the regular season and carried that over into the playoffs with their win against the Green Wave of Father Lopez. In that 8-0 mercy

rule, they put down any doubts that they were a real competitor for not only the District Championship, but the Regional Championship as well.

The 4-0 win against the strong Lake Highland team didn’t hurt either.

Lake Highland ended their season on a bad note, taking their record negative on the last game of the season.

Moving forward, the Hornets will continue to do what has worked for them thus far. They have strong individuals who not only stand out on their own, but always come together as a team to accomplish the task at hand. They take it game by game, and don’t worry about improving individual stats, even when winning by large margins in easy games. Their mentality is that of a winning team, and it is one of the reasons that the team is so strong.

Regionals will prove to be a tough job for the Hornets but they can progress further as they chase the Regional championship should they continue to play the way they have been all season.

1/27/16 - 2/10/16 • Florida Sporting News

Page 15

Lake Highland Prep and Trinity Prep Warm Game

by Sarah Acevedo

Last season, Trinity Prep lost to Lake Highland Prep by a single point in the district championship. This season, three of Trinity Prep’s players from last season joined the Lake Highland Team.

Even though the tension should’ve been palpable in the air, there was only one common theme at this year’s district championship - unity.

The two teams, as well as both fan bases, showed up head to toe in purple to celebrate the strength of Trinity Prep attendee John Michael Night. Night is a lacrosse player for Trinity Prep who tragically suffered a brainstem stroke that has rendered him completely paralyzed.

Although Night watched the game from afar in his Atlanta hospital room, it goes without saying that the kind of unity it takes to abolish a rivalry is tangible from the lengthiest of distances.

Trinity Prep busted onto the court with a seemingly unforeseen energy. After reeling over a single point loss for a whole year, it is no wonder that Trinity Prep took it upon themselves to make sure that this year would be very different.

This game was the first played at home since Night’s accident, so the team was more than willing to show their support upon hitting the

court. Aside from the excellence in numbers that Trinity Prep displayed, none of what they did to

they players put up during the game weren’t the only digits that meant a cause for excitement. All of the proceeds made at the district championship game went directly to Night’s family to assist with the medical fees they are currently facing. Proving to be loved by many, Night has already had upwards of $300,000 raised in his honor, and the lovely Lake Highland team presented the headmaster of Trinity Prep with a $14,000 check prior to the beginning of the game.

The kind of love and positivity that was spread throughout the gym during the district championship is exactly what makes miracles happen.

win their district championship was done for the numbers, it was done for Night.

The most noteworthy visual of the evening might just be the giant #24 balloon suspended above the ticket table, put there to show respect for Night’s lacrosse career at Trinity Prep.

The numbers that

Page 16 Florida Sporting News • 1/27/16 - 2/10/16