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Volume 2 • Issue 47
Apr 19 - May 3 2017
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Featuring: West Orange, Olympia, Winderemere Prep, Dr Phillips, and MUCH MORE...
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Photos by Bob Gall
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Stronger than Ever!
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Windermere Baseball
Page 2 Florida Sporting News • 4/19/17 - 5/3/17
West Orange Baseball Look Unstoppable
By Greyson Everidge
WINTER GARDEN – The West Orange Warriors Baseball team have been a force to be reckoned with this season, and although they started the season exceptionally well they continue to get better. The Warriors look like one of the teams to beat this season, and are now currently ranked fifth in the state. West Orange is also ranked 22nd nationally in the Max Preps Xcellent 25 National Ranking system. The Warriors have a record of (21-3), with their three losses coming early on in the season. Combined with their near perfect
district record of (9-1) the Warriors have become a driving force for the sport in the area. An added bonus, West Orange are currently on a winning streak of 15 games which looks unlikely to slow down anytime soon. Their last loss of the season to date came against rival Apopka in a game which saw the Warriors lose 10-3. Since then, their 15 straight wins have included wins against respected opponents such as Apopka, Key West, Wellington, Dr. Phillips, Don Bosco and Lake Brantely. The Warriors also beat
rivals Olympia in a double header series which saw West Orange by scores of 5-1 for both games. As their regular season wraps up, the Warriors will look to take home the district championship and progress into the next round of playoffs. Led by strong seniors Cole Beavin, Matt Rinks and Bobby Head and junior pitcher and Ole Miss commit Doug Nikhazy, West Orange should have no issues putting out wins in crucial games in the post season.
4/19/17 - 5/3/17 • Florida Sporting News
Page 3
Olympia Girls Water Polo Win FHSAA State Championship By Greyson Everidge
WINDERMERE – The Olympia Titans have made state, school and area history with a FHSAA State Championship in the Girls Water Polo competition, becoming the first non-private school to win the title in the 13 years in which the FHSAA has hosted the sport. It was also a first for any Orlando team, as well as the first time that Olympia have won a championship in the sport. The State Title game, played against Miami Gulliver Prep in Miami, finished a perfect season for the Titans, who won all 31 of their games to give the team an almost unheard of record of (31-0). Their
opponents, Gulliver Prep, had a record of (23-7) when it was all said and done.
man due to fouls.
After Gulliver equalized at three a piece, The first two goals of the title game came Jillian Delise took matters into her own from Olympia after Gulliver players were hands, scoring three more goals that were ejected on both plays for exclusion fouls. left without a response from Guillver, Throughout the game, Gulliver commitgiving the Titans a 7-4 win in a historic ted foul after foul which was one of the game which is likely to leave a lasting releading factors which led to defeat for the cord for some time to come. losers. All goals came from seniors, and alSenior Grace Whidden was responsible though they graduate here shortly, their for the goals early on for Olympia. In the experience and mentorship will be left start of the second quarter, Lelia Sorrells on those younger players who will help scored to give the Titans a 3-1 lead going move the program further in the right diforward. Four of Olympia’s seven goals rection in the years to come. came when their opponents were down a
Ryan Popp Logan Beardslee Kaden Baur
Page 4 Florida Sporting News • 4/19/17 - 5/3/17
Dr. Phillips Softball Continue To Dominate District by Greyson Everidge
DR.PHILLIPS – The Dr. Phillips Softball team is continuing to dominate their district, which is made up of teams including Oak Ridge, Boone, Freedom and Cypress Creek.
Currently, the Panthers are (7-1) in district play and have a (18-7) record overall. In their games against strictly district opponents, they have beaten Oak Ridge
twice for a combined score of 34-1, Freedom by a combined score of 19-2 and Cypress Creek by a combined score of 23-4. Their only loss so far in their district came against Boone, in a game which ended in a 5-1 loss. In their second game of the double header against the Braves, the Panthers won 7-5. Boone currently sit with a (4-1) record in the district, which could give the Panthers some trouble when the standings finish and the seeds are released for the district tournament. However, for the moment, the Panthers sit in the number one spot and having played – and beaten – all their opponents they could face in the playoffs it gives the Panthers the likelihood of sealing a win to win the championship and advance to regional play. In addition to some of the district wins, the Panthers have beaten teams such as Olympia, Lakes, Winter Park and Ocoee by scores of 10-0, 2-0, 5-3 and 5-1 respectively. The Panthers have a few losses so far this year, including those against rivals Apopka and West Orange. Apopka beat the Panthers 4-0, and West Orange beat them by a more sizeable margin of 112. They also lost to Lake Nona by a combined score of 14-7 in a doubleheader series. Despite these losses, the Panthers are in a great position to keep winning when it matters. Should Dr. Phillips keep focused and play as they have throughout the vast majority of the season, they should have no problem winning a district championship and becoming one of the top teams in the area.
4/19/17 - 5/3/17 • Florida Sporting News
Page 5
Windermere Prep Lacrosse Complete Memorable Season by Greyson Everidge
WINDERMERE – The Windermere Prep Lakers ended the season with a (9-8) record, capturing the winning record for year after a tense and exhilarating final game against Olympia High School. The Lakers played in a tough district this year, facing teams throughout the year such as Olympia, Bishop Moore, Dr. Phillips and The First Academy. In their first winning game of the season, the Lakers beat Olympia (7-10) by a score of 15-14 after an overtime goal secured the win for Windermere. That game, paired with their final game of the season which was also played against Olympia, were the moments of the season for Head Coach Joseph Marasco. In their final winning game against Olympia in the district tournament, the Lakers beat the Titans narrowly by a score of 10-9 to keep an overall winning record. Windermere were led by two sets of brothers, in Patrick and Andrew Hunter and Mitch and Tommy Darrow. Freshman Jack Mayfield was also a key player for Marasco’s team this season, and will continue to do so as he gets older and all the more wiser. “A good fall ball season is going to be important to help us continue to get better for next season.” said Marasco. “Also, our incoming junior and senior players are going to step up and take an important role in season’s team.” In addition, Marasco sees hitting the weight room as an important factor in continuing to develop his players for successful seasons in the following years. Stick work and other technical works are also important factors which will help the Lakers be even more successful.
Paired with a strong middle school program, Head Coach Marasco and his players have much
to look forward to in the upcoming 207-2018 school year.
Page 6 Florida Sporting News • 4/19/17 - 5/3/17
Foundation Academy Baseball Having A Great Season
By Greyson Everidge
WINTER GARDEN – The Foundation Academy lions, who make up one of the major teams in the area in the private school division, are having a great showing so far this year, winning a majority of their games to have a (10-6) record this year. In the district, the Lions are doing even better, winning seven of their ten games for a record of (7-3). Although the Lions started off the new season with a loss to Central Pointe Christian Academy, they quickly got back on track with a win against the same opponent as part of a double header, winning the second game 5-4. Starting mid-March, there was a period where Foundation lost two games in a row, which was a first for the season. The losses came against Master’s Academy both times in a double header. Since then, the Lions have won six of their last seven, which included a six game win streak following the two losses to Master’s Academy. During the six game win streak, Foundation won against the likes of Cornerstone Christian, Legacy and Windermere Prep. The Lions had particularly strong showings against Legacy Charter and Cornerstone, winning 17-6 and 10-3 respectively. The win streak did however come to an end when Foundation lost narrowly by a score of 2-0. Montverde have a very strong program, and have won 12 games this year and only one loss on their record.
In their upcoming games, Foundation play in a double header against Celebration High on April 24th and April 26th. Following those games, the final game of the regular season will be played out on Thursday the 27th against Windermere Prep. Following those games, the Lions will have a good indication as to what they can accomplish in the post season, and as of now, it looks as if Foundation have a real shot at taking home a district championship and regional playoff run this year.
4/19/17 - 5/3/17 • Florida Sporting News
Page 7
Foundation Softball Advance In District Tournament
By Greyson Everidge
WINTER GARDEN – The Foundation Academy Lions Softball team are working hard to improve this season, so that they can make a competitive district run as the playoffs approach in the next few weeks. Though the Lions sit with a record so far of (6-13) their district record of (2-5) shows that they have won games against local opponents and can make a run in the district tournament with continued effort.
Charter in their first game. Ultimately, the Lions would beat their opponents 11-0 in the first round, allowing them to advance to the district semi-final. Now, the Lions are focused on working hard to advance to the district finals, which would give them a chance to move into the region-
The Lions have seen losses to some of the typical suspects, including Cornerstone Prep and Trinity Prep. Foundation have also beaten some of their tougher opponents, including Lake Mary Prep and Legacy Charter. In the game against Lake Mary Prep, the Lions came out on top with a commanding 11-0 win. They also beat Legacy Charter by a solid score of 13-3.
al finals depending on the outcome of their next game. Using tactics and lessons learned throughout the season the Lions have a very real chance on pulling out a great win to continue their season in the coming weeks.
In their final regular season game before the district tournament, the Lions lost to powerhouse Ocoee by a score of 15-0. This led them into the district tournament, where they would come to play Legacy
Windermere Prep Softball Bring Back Program In Grassroots Building Year By Greyson Everidge
WINDERMERE – A few weeks ago, an article was published in which Windermere Prep’s Softball Team was said to be struggling this season. It was reported that two seniors were on the roster which was in error. An updated story on the school’s season follows. Our thanks to Coach Ken Janata for providing Florida Sporting News with the clarification. This past year was a rebuilding year for Windermere Prep’s Softball team in its most literal sense. Ken Janata took over the program for Windermere this past year with nothing. Three years prior, under a different head coach, a senior heavy team graduated and the program was effectively ended as the seniors, who had travel ball experience, graduated. “We had no team last year.” said Head Coach Janata. “We played one scrimmage. We are a beginning team, and 80 percent of our team had never played softball up until this season.” Janata had a vision to recreate the team, and stepped in knowing the difficulty in doing so. So, even though the Lakers ended the season (0-10), without a win, no one was ever playing for a winning record because this season was about more than a record on paper. In its truest sense, it was a grassroots building year. The Lakers played an independent season, picking up games where they could against anyone willing. “We have no seniors this year,” said Janata. “We have mostly sophomores with younger players mixed in, and most of the players have never played softball before.” Games and practices were certainly run under tough circumstances, and some of the players weren’t even in high school, such as Madison Workman, who will start her high school career next year. Workman was one of the youngest players on the team despite being the starting shortstop and player with the highest batting average. In addition, most of the players were two to three sport athletes who never focused on softball before. For example, Maxi Graefe, a rising junior, has lettered in soccer in addition to her season this year on the softball team. Even more notably, Graefe was the place kicker on the football team, an unprecedented accomplishment in and of itself. Other players, such as rising junior Ellen Feliz and rising sophomore Paige Leeber were unexperienced but willing to learn, and will help build the team along with Janata as they progress and develop their games as upperclassmen. Despite their challenges this past season, the Windermere Prep Lakers are on to something big. With con-
tinued hard work and a dedication to improving talent through middle schoolers and freshman like Madison Workman, Ken Janata and the rest of the Windermere Prep team can look not only to have future successes
for themselves, but for those who they have paved the way for through a truly pioneering and inspiring season.
Page 8 Florida Sporting News • 4/19/17 - 5/3/17
West Orange Lacrosse Wrap Up Most Successful Season In School History by Greyson Everidge WINTER GARDEN – The West Orange Lacrosse team just finished their season, and it was definitely one for the record books. Finishing with a (17-3) record overall and a (90) record in their district, the Warriors played their most successful season in school history, scoring over 300 goals throughout the course of the season. The Warriors played and beat some outstanding teams, including Boone, Monteverde, and Apopka. West Orange lost twice to Bishop Moore, and once to Lake Mary by a score of 116. Although they only lost three times the entire season, the Warriors went on a winning streak of 15 games starting with the first game of the season against Boone. The team started their work early on in the year, working on various aspects of their game leading up to the season.
“As a team we were constantly putting in work. Starting in the fall we had been working out after practices, and having team dinners to boost our team chemistry.” said Caleb Haith, a junior player in his first year of varsity ball. “We even gave up our spring break to practice and play games.” Although the Warriors went out in the first round of playoffs to Bishop Moore, it was still a great season. “We fell short in the end,” said Haith. “Regardless it was a great year and we are looking forward to next season already.” Although they had a strong senior class comprised of players such as Timothy Ye and Alex Kouchalakos, there are strong juniors who help the program do
great things next year in Haith, Nick Witten and Mikey Berkman. Despite their early bow out, the Warriors are no doubt proud of their accomplishments set forth this season, with a new record and legacy being left in the wake of the graduating seniors.
4/19/17 - 5/3/17 • Florida Sporting News
Page 9
West Orange Softball Ranked First In District by Doug Nikhazy
WINTER GARDEN - After West Orange Softball comes off of their first state championship victory, this year’s squad has a tough act to follow. With a well fought record of 21-3 overall, having gone 8-0 in their district, things are looking up for the ladies in orange. The warriors started off the season with a pair of losses handed out by Timber Creek (17-3) and Ocoee (10-13-1). Following those losses, the Warriors then went on a 17 game winning rampage to reassert dominance within the softball standings. Most notably knocking off big nationally ranked teams such as Oakleaf (24-2) and Scott Country (20-2). With both teams being featured on the Max Preps Xcellent 25 national rankings list, West Orange is more than showing that they can be contenders heading into this post season. Throughout this winning streak, a key for their success has been the powerful offense. Sporting a solid .373 batting average with 9 long bombs has brought them favorable outcomes. Concurrently with all the Warriors batting success, injury had fell upon the warriors pitching staff. Senior pitcher, Lauren Mathis, suffered a shoulder injury at the beginning of the season. Losing this crucial piece to West Orange’s defense meant that Junior Pitcher, Landry Newgent, had the opportunity to own the circle and the starting position for West Orange during this time of distress. Newgent posted an impressive 1.53 ERA through 50 complete innings. The good news for the Warrior’s defense is that both pitchers will be healthy and available going into district play. As the regular season came to a close, West Orange had their long awaited final game against Winter Springs (19-6). The 7 inning dog fight went down to the wire ultimately with Winter Springs walking away with a 3-1 victory.
Heading into the Warriors first postseason district semifinal game will be played on game, the Warriors hold all the cards being April 25 at 5:00 p.m. the number one seed and will play the winner of Wekiva versus Olympia. The first
Page 10 Florida Sporting News • 4/19/17 - 5/3/17
Windermere Prep Baseball Building A Strong Team For Now and the Future by Greyson Everidge
WINDERMERE – The Windermere Prep Lakers are nearly done with their 2016-2017 season, pending a result from Foundation Academy on April 27th. The Lakers, who have a (9-11) record to this point, have beaten good opponents throughout the year, and pulled off some amazing plays to keep them in tight games against powerhouse teams, such as The First Academy who have a (18-3) record. The Lakers started off their season with a blowout win, by a score of 22-1, against Central Florida Christian Academy (CFCA). Although there were many
notable games and memories to this point in this season, Head Coach Keith Walsh recalls one game in particular, against The First Academy (TFA). The First Academy, who have a record of (18-3) and a Florida state rank of 12, looked poised to beat nearly everyone they were going to play in the regular season. The Lakers, who have a young team comprised of mainly freshman, sophomores and juniors took TFA to extra innings in a tight game which could have easily gone either way. Although Windermere lost, the effort
was not lost to anyone in attendance that night, including Walsh. “It was a great game and a great moment for the team,” said Walsh. “Through dealing with adversity like we did and constantly improving we can play better baseball and have an even more successful season next year.” This year, the Lakers were led by two strong seniors in pitcher Matt Coles and center fielder Johnathan Montes. Their efforts, combined with their younger teammates help to not only create a better team now, but a better team in the future. Next year there will be four juniors who are returning as seniors, including Michael Bacica, a pitcher who is committed to play his college ball at South Carolina. Through more training and more consistent play, Walsh knows that his team can go on to do even better things next season, while helping build the Windermere Prep Baseball program even higher over the next few years.
4/19/17 - 5/3/17 • Florida Sporting News
Audi South Orlando
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Page 12 Florida Sporting News • 4/19/17 - 5/3/17