FSN #64 by Jersey Sporting News

Volume 2 â&#x20AC;¢ Issue 64

May 29 - June 12 2018

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A YEAR IN REVIEW

Featuring: Windermere Prep, West Orange, Dr Phillips, Olypmpia and more.

Page 2 Florida Sporting News • 5/29/18 - 6/12/18

Dr. Phillips High School Season In Review Greyson Everidge

State Championship for the 8A Class level in football, capping off an amazing season. Over the past few years they have been itching for it, getting closer and closer until it finally happened this year in December. It wasn’t until this spring, right before the spring season, that it became even realer as they were presented with the championship ring at their annual banquet.

DR. PHILLIPS – The most notable program at Dr. Phillips over nearly the past three decades has been their football team. With many state championships, regional championships and plenty district runs, they have been known for their football program. They are also known for their baseball team, who have turned out professional ball players over the year. This past school year, Dr. Phillips have lived up to the hype in both sports, and plenty others. This past year, the Panthers won the

The baseball team, also a highlight, are now in the State Championship match for the 9A title. With a (19-13) record, and a stellar season to date, the Panthers beat out Lake Mary by a score of 6-3 in the Semi-Finals, and they are working hard to get their ring this season, too. Boys’ volleyball also made a great run for a State Championship, but fell just short. After winning the District Championship against Apopka, they made a run all the way to the State Finals. They fell 3-1 to Celebration, who won the State Title. The Flag Football team won its eight District Championship in nine years, which is something no other school has

done in recent years in the sport. Basketball player Daniel Love climbed the leaderboard in all time points scored, scoring of 1,300 career points while also signing to play for Mercer next season. Weightlifting senior Shaquille Kellyman won the Regional Championship, where he went on to the State Finals. He also set a school record with a bench press of over 400 pounds. The athletes who competed this past year ranged in size, shape, sport and gender. Across the school teams won and players competed hard, upholding the schools reputation. And, just like the year before, and the year before that, they will look hard to do it once again in the upcoming year.

5/29/18 - 6/12/18 â&#x20AC;˘ Florida Sporting News

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West Orange High School Season In Review Greyson Everidge

WINTER GARDEN – West Orange High has long been one of the top athletic schools in Orange County, even having some teams ranked nationally over the last few years. Once again this year, the Warriors had a number of highly successful teams across both the girls and boys teams. Girls Volleyball won the State Championship this year, going undefeated all the way to the end for over 20 games won in a row. They only lost a handful of sets the entire season. Baylor Bumford led the team, and will be continuing her volleyball career at the University of North Carolina Wilmington in the fall. Girls Beach Volleyball also won the State Championship, with many of the same girls winning their second championship ring as they played with both the beach and indoor teams. Football showed well in the district, and had a number of players sign to play football across all three divisions of play. These players include Brennen Harrell of Franklin Pierce University, Franklin Jackson of Florida Atlantic, and Andrew Brickweg of the University of West Florida. Brickweg was also named a member of the AllState First Team, and the All-Area team, a huge honor and testament to his great kicking all season long. Girls Soccer had two commits this year, with Addy Claborn of the University of South Carolina Upstate and Kayla Strehle of Spalding University. On the boy’s side, they also had a successful signing year with Affonso Temporal, Felipe Cardona and Marco Ribeiro signing to Oglethorpe, Florida Atlantic and the University of Central Florida, respectively. Girls and Boys lacrosse both won the district championship, completing a double which is rarely seen at any sport at the high school level. Softball is also playing in the State Semi-Final on May 23. The track team also made an appearance at the State Finals, with junior Cole Miller being a standout for the Warriors. All in all, the athletic program competed very well in all areas, beating out rival teams and other top teams in the area many times over. With a home field advantage in play again next season for West Orange, the teams will look to do even better in the 2018-2019 year.

5/29/18 - 6/12/18 • Florida Sporting News

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Windermere Prep High School Season In Review Greyson Everidge

WINDERMERE – Windermere Prep attract some of the best athletes in the area because of their great coaching, facitilites and academics. This year, Windermere Prep had some top teams in the State. fident in their abilities. Under Jacob Doss, They also had one of the most inspirational their program had gone and the players had stories in recent years, in their softball team. been inspired to fight for the guy next to them. That carried into the final game. Even The headlining team for the Lakers this though they lost 49-21, they showed great season was no doubt their football team. fight. The program was also rewarded with After a great season last year, they had an multiple players signing to play football at even better one this year having built upon the college level. the foundation they worked so hard for the year prior. This year, the Lakers football team reached the State Championship after previously going (10-0) on the season. Having been undefeated, they went into the final against St. Stephens Episcopal con-

The boys’ soccer team ended (9-8-1) improving upon last season. The girls team did very well too, ending (11-4) when the season came to a close. The baseball team ended (14-11) and ended (3-3) in the dis-

trict, which proved to be a successful season for them. The real story of the season lies in the softball team. Last year, they had middle school players and ball players who had never even played before. Some of the girls were athletes from other sports. Despite being beaten every game and failing to win one, they persevered and worked hard. This year, some of those same girls played on the team once again. Now better, with a new head coach and a few competitive travel ball girls, the team did much better and now ended with a record of (10-7). With a positive season, Head Coach JD Wood helped guide the girls to a great finish which doubled as a heartwarming story. Their team, and others, represent Windermere Prep in a great light and show who they are as a school and athletic department.

Page 6 Florida Sporting News • 5/29/18 - 6/12/18

Foundation Academy High School Season In Review Greyson Everidge

WINTER GARDEN – Although a small school, Foundation Academy breed top tier athletes in a number of top tier sports. The Lions pride themselves on developing not only great athletes, but great students who excel in a number of different areas. This past year, there were many athletes and teams who displayed this mission, many of whom were given the credit they deserved for their efforts. The baseball team played a thrilling game against the Central Florida Christian Academy in the first round of the district playoff which would ultimately see the Lions lose by a score of 4-3. Despite the loss, Foundation fought hard to end a season which was something the school and players could be proud of. Senior Emily Wagner had a spotlight run on her

which outlined her ability to be both a leader in soccer and track and field for Foundation Academy, where she became integral to both programs there. She won a district championship in the 400 meter sprint for the Lions in 2017. The boys’ soccer team had their best ever season, going undefeated in the district to be named champions. They then went on all the way to the Regional Finals, led by goalkeeper and senior Daniel Garcia. The basketball team had a great season as well, earning wins against multiple top level teams in the area. The football team also played out a great year. The Lions had a great season, ending (7-3) with a purposely hard schedule. But, under the

currently rules for teams in 1A-4A, they were not allowed to progress to the Regional round of playoffs because of a point average system. They fell half a point short, the difference between 35 and 35.5, from being admitted to the next round. The frustration aired by Head Coach Brad Lord caused a meeting amongst coaches in the area, where they worked to enact change to the rules so that more teams such as Foundation Academy do not get held back over what most agree to be a ridiculous rule. Foundation proved to be a top class school once again and without a doubt will continue to be a top class school under new athletic director Lisa Eaves.

5/29/18 - 6/12/18 • Florida Sporting News

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Bishop Moore High School Season In Review Greyson Everidge

ORLANDO – Bishop Moore Catholic High School have propelled themselves to the top in terms of athletic teams in a number of sports over the past few years, with most recognizing the football and lacrosse teams for being some of the best – if not the best in the entire state of Florida. That being said, it was another outstanding year for the Hornets who once again proved they deserved the praise that so often came their way.

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The Lacrosse team had an even better year. After winning in the first round of Regionals against West Orange, who won their District Championship, they went all the way to the State Championship. Ending the season with a record of (19-3), they would lose to Jupiter by a tight score of 11-8. They couldn’t quite pull out the victory, but that shouldn’t distract from the fact that they were one of two teams This year, the Football team had another in the State to play at that level. They beat great run under Head Coach Matt Hedrick. out amazing teams and built upon last season After a State Championship a few years back, to have a year that the boys and the school they were knocked out this year by Plantation can be proud of. High School in the playoffs by a score of 5627. Despite this, they had an amazing season, The boys’ golf team also took to States, where they too were runners up after a long ending the year with an overall record of (9-

and drawn out season. They placed second after placing third last year, improving upon an already great year. They were led by Ignacio Arcaya, Nicolas Diebel, Trey Diebel, Brad Hull and Ryan Hull. The boys’ soccer team won their District Championship and lost in the Regional Semi-Finals to West Shore by a score of 1-0 in a tight overtime match. The girls’ team also lost in the Regional Semi-Finals in another tight game which ended in penalty kicks.

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Olympia High School Season In Review Greyson Everidge

will go on to play football at the Division 1 level with the University of Michigan.

WINDERMERE – Usually compared to their rivals, West Orange, Olympia’s sports team fared well not only against the Warriors, but against other top level teams in the state. With state championships, district championships and other individual awards split amongst the teams, it is easy to see why they have become one of the teams to beat in nearly every sport in the district.

Baseball beat West Orange this year having lost to them last year, winning in the District Semi’s and advancing into not only the District Final but the regional round of playoffs. Boys’ soccer won the district championship, once again beating West Orange. West Orange won the tournament last year, beating Olympia in the finals, but the Titans turned it around this year to walk away with both the Friendship Cup (Beating Dr. Phillips) and the district trophy.

Most notable this year are the State Championship winning water polo team. The boy’s team won their Florida State Championship this year after beating out South Broward in the finals by a score of 18-5. They finished the year with a (29-2) record and won exactly one year after the girl’s water polo team had won a State Championship of their own. Freshman Hanna Douglas of the girls track team placed third at the State Championship race in Jacksonville, an incredible feat for anyone as young as she is. She is set up to continue to improve and be even better during next year’s season.

The Girls’ volleyball team also made a strong run, making it to the State Semi-Finals before being beat out by West Orange. The football team became a force to be reckoned with in the area, and they even beat their rivals West Orange for the first time in a few years to show-up in the post-season. They also are graduating quarterback Joe Milton, who

Combined, it was a great year for Olympia sports teams, who all displayed excellent sportsmanship, grit, and passion which should make parents, coaches and players proud.

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5/29/18 - 6/12/18 â&#x20AC;˘ Florida Sporting News

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Windermere High School Season In Review Greyson Everidge

WINDERMERE – Windermere High School had a tough athletic season this past year. Every program was brand new, with new coaches, players and facilities. Some fields such as the football field weren’t even completed until well after the season ended. All teams had to play with the disadvantage that they were missing an entire senior class – one who had all stayed behind at West Orange High. Despite these unique challenges, the teams of Windermere High did their best in the face of adversity. Some teams, like the girls soccer team and the baseball team stood above the other teams and helped pave the way for future successes in the program. The girls’ soccer team made it all the way to the District Final, where they lost to Montverde Academy. Montverde is a highly trained and developed program who have been the best high school and academy team in the State in the sport of soccer for a number of years. Losing to them in the inaugural season is not a true loss because it signals a competitive edge in the girls’ team already. All players who played last year will also be returning, with some now being seniors. The baseball team also was strong this year. Led by pitcher Noah Janney, the baseball team were able to win the District Championship in their first season, something unusual for any new program. Just like the girls soccer team, all players will be returning for the following year which will give them an even stronger team with the new addition of senior class players.

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The football team this year failed to win a game. Seriously disadvantaged with no time to recruit or train, they will hope to get back on the right track next year. With seniors and training time, they will look to get on the scoreboard more often and to win as many games as possible. They will also have a home stadium, something they did not have during season. With a new home field advantage, they will hope to begin to make a name for the program which will take a number of years at the minimum to develop into a top level football school.

5/29/18 - 6/12/18 • Florida Sporting News

SUNSHINE STATE ATHLETIC CONFERENCE RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS AWARD FROM FLORIDA REGION OF USA VOLLEYBALL

The Ernest Langford Pioneer Award recognizes the organization’s commitment to regional growth of girl’s beach volleyball Tampa, Fla., Monday, May 7, 2018 – The Sunshine State Athletic Conference (SSAC) was named a recipient of the Ernest Langford Pioneer Award from the Florida Region of USA Volleyball at its Florida Region Awards Ceremony on Friday, April 20. The award, given to a Florida Region member or partner who is considered a trailblazer and has contributed greatly to the growth of girl’s beach volleyball within the region, was accepted by Stuart Weiss, president of SSAC. “We’re honored to receive this award from our partner, Florida Region of USA Volleyball,” said Weiss. “Since its creation last year, our girl’s beach volleyball league has experienced momentous growth and enabled SSAC to form a solid partnership with USA Volleyball. We look forward to continuing our work to grow this incredible sport.” In 2017, SSAC debuted its girl’s beach volleyball league – the first-of-its-kind in Florida for high school students interested in the competitive sport. In its first championship, the Conference hosted its state tournament at Hickory Point Beach Complex. Since then SSAC has expanded the league, completing its second season earlier this month with more than forty schools from across Florida participating. “The Florida Region of USA Volleyball is proud to present the Ernest Langford Pioneer Award to Stuart Weiss and SSAC for their partnership and shared vision in officially launching high school beach volleyball in Florida,” said Steve Bishop, executive director and president of Florida Region of USA Volleyball. “Speaking on behalf of our staff and board of directors, we appreciate SSAC’s care and concern for the athletes involved and we admire their desire to produce a first-class program for high schools across Florida. The future is bright for high school beach volleyball and we look forward to a longterm partnership with SSAC.” Since its inception in 2008, SSAC has become a fully-functioning multiple sport athletic organization comprised of 85 private and character schools. For more information about SSAC, visitwww.sunshinestateathletics.com.

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