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Volume 2 • Issue 48
May 3 - May 15 2017
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Bishop Moore
Dominates the Spring Photos by Bob Gall
Featuring: West Orange, Foundation, Winderemere Prep, Dr Phillips, and MUCH MORE...
Page 2 Florida Sporting News • 5/3/17 - 5/15/17
West Orange Baseball wins District home run of the year and his third-inning run also helped the Warriors overcome that. Seise scored in the third on a wild pitch and error. “I knew a first-pitch fastball was coming,” Seise said of his home run. “They had to throw a strike to start the game, so I knew a fastball was coming.” Nikhazy (7-1), who no-hit Lake Brantley on April 7, struck out nine and walked two.
Chris Seise hit a leadoff homer in the bottom of the first, and Doug Nikhazy pitched six shutout innings Friday as the West Orange Warriors beat Lake Brantley 2-1 to win the District 3-9A baseball title. West Orange (24-3) hosts Dr. Phillips on Tuesday in the Region 1 quarterfinals. Lake Brantley (20-7) plays District 4 champ Boone at Freedom High. But Seise’s eighth
20-plus-pitch innings. As a result, Nikhazy threw 107 pitches. “I tried to work down in the zone and get groundouts, but I had to go out and throw strikeouts,” Nikhazy said. Jack Quayle (5-3) took the loss, allowing three hits and two earned runs in 3 2/3 innings. Reliever Keith Cross pitched out of a fifth-inning jam while hurling 2 1/3 scoreless innings.
“The strategy was to get ahead,” Nikhazy said. “With that long start and high tensions, it was all about making sure pitches were thrown across the plate.” After throwing 65 pitches in his no-hitter vs. Lake Brantley, the Patriots had several threats against the Ole Miss commitment. Lake Brantley’s Jaylen Young was hit by the third pitch of the game and made it to third with one out. But Nikhazy struck out the last two batters to end that threat.
Keano Suarez singled in a run in the seventh for the Patriots, who got to West Orange reliever Noah Janney for three hits in the seventh. But Janney struck out two and induced a weak liner to shortstop to clinch the victory.
“That hurt us, because it took us out of our bunt game,” Lake Brantley coach Eric Entrekin said. “Nikhazy’s tough. He’s good, but we battled. We pitched well enough to win.” That was Lake Brantley’s best threat until the seventh. But the Patriots also forced Nikhazy into three
“We just have to stay up in the dugout,” Seise said. “Stay up and stay positive.”
The Warriors took two from Dr. Phillips earlier this year. But Nikhazy said that leaving eight runners on base will make playoff wins difficult. Seise said it was more mindset.
High school football spring game schedule 2017 The CFOA will be in full force officiating spring football practices this week. Most high school football officials will see local high schools get underway for football programs around the state. Football teams are permitted to take part in up to 20 spring sessions, including games and full contact football scrimmage jamborees. Spring games involving area teams from Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Sumter, Lake and Volusia counties begin May 11 with Lake Nona at Timber Creek and conclude May 26 with West Orange at Gainesville. Wednesday, May 17 Colonial vs. Evans, 4 at Showalter Field Dr. Phillips at Winter Park, 7 at Showalter Field Olympia at Boone, 7 Thursday, May 18 East Ridge at IMG Academy (National Team), 7
Foundation Academy at Lake Highland Prep, 7 International Community at Orangewood Christian, 6 Lake Minneola at St. Cloud, 7 Liberty at Gateway, 7 South Sumter at Springstead, 7 The First Academy at Deltona, 7
New Symrna Beach at DeLand, 7 Orlando University at Ocoee, 7 Osceola at Bishop Moore, 7 Seabreeze vs. Flagler Palm Coast, 7 at Ormond Beach Sports Complex Seminole at Winter Springs, 7
Friday, May 19 Chiefland at Wildwood, 7 Cornerstone Charter at Central Florida Christian, 6 Oak Ridge, Haines City at Celebration, 6 Cypress Creek at Harmony, 7 Daytona Beach Mainland at Port Orange Spruce Creek, 7 Eau Gallie at East River, 7 Faith Christian at Trinity Prep, 7 Father Lopez at Pierson Taylor, 7 Freedom at Edgewater, 7 Hagerty at Lake Mary, 7 Lake Brantley at Lake Howell, 7 Lyman at Oviedo, 7
Saturday, May 20 Deltona Trinity at Space Coast, 7 Wednesday, May 24 Port Orange Atlantic vs. Rockledge, 7 at Spruce Creek Thursday, May 25 Jones at Wekiva, 7 Orange City University at Apopka, 7 Friday, May 26 West Orange at Gainesville, 7, at Citizens Field
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• Florida Sporting News
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Bishop Moore Lacrosse
By Greyson Everidge
When the boy’s lacrosse season began in January, Bishop Moore Catholic High School’s team set a goal to win a district championship and go as far as possible in the playoffs. While they didn’t make it to the state tournament, the Bishop Moore Hornets ended the season on a high note with a 17-3 final overall standing.
close-knit team played a part in their victory at districts and their push into the playoffs. “From the beginning of the season, we knew we had a good group of guys returning, a good group of seniors and underclassmen to back those guys up,” Charlie says. “We’ve really bonded together … the team has come together as one.”
offensively. Robbie Bennett, who was the leading scorer at the mid-point of the season, also had a hand in the team’s success. While he sustained a knee injury, he bounced back just as the team was getting ready for districts.
At the beginning of each game, the players head out on the field with one goal in mind: Be prepared for high intensity and execute According to Head Varsity Coach Reed Reynolds also says junior Will Jones was a the game plan. As the season came to an Reynolds, who is in his fourth year of coachstandout defensive player. He was named end, Reynolds says this team was one of the ing the Hornets, this is one of the best records in BMC history and the best in over 10 All-American this year, an honor that goes to best he and his coaching staff have had the just seven players in Central Florida. It was opportunity to coach and that it was a great years. Their district championship was also a goal that he set for himself at the beginning group of seniors. the first for the team since 2009. Reynolds of the season. attributes the team’s success to their dedicaHe says, “I hope I am forced to keep saying tion, hard work and mental toughness. “I couldn’t have done it without the coaches that every year moving forward and the fuand all the other players,” Will says. “I think ture teams continue to improve.” “I think the ability to overcome deficits and any individual success I’ve had, I’ve only the mental toughness of the group this year Although Bishop Moore lost to Lake Highbeen able to accomplish because of how has probably been key,” he says. land Preparatory School in overtime to stop good our defense is and how good our team their quest for a state title, there is no quesWhile all the players have made a difference is.” tion that the Hornets are on their way to bein the outcome of this season, there have On the offensive side, Reynolds considers coming a top-rated lacrosse team. been several standouts. Charlie Rask, a sesophomore Jake Keifer, who plays attack nior who will be attending Rollins College and mid-field, a strong player because they to play lacrosse next year, has been a star defensive player. He believes their bond as a can rely on him to do whatever is needed
Ryan Popp Logan Beardslee Kaden Baur
Page 4 Florida Sporting News • 5/3/17 - 5/15/17
Dr. Phillips Softball Build Strong Sophomore Class by Doug Nikhazy
The Panthers finished with a record of 19-8 overall (a softball school record for wins), but were taken down by the Lake Nona Lions on April 25th by a score of 4-2. The Panthers seemed to not have trouble hitting the softball, considering they out hit their opponent 7 hit’s to 5. The struggle this game was pushing the runners across home plate. Over the course of the game, the Panthers left 7 DR. PHILLIPS – Softball has come to runners stranded in scoring position a close for the Dr. Phillips Softball team throughout the game. These types of in the Semifinal round of the District mistakes are not uncommon for a young Championship. Although the early team. Despite, the marvelous thing for departure from the playoffs this year, Head Coach Michael Gale is that there is there is much to look forward to for this program. With tons of young blossoming time to make an adjustment and forecast future payoff games for nearly the same talent, and having a bounce back season from former years, the Panthers should be roster of ladies. holding their heads high. This 2017 Panthers softball team only
lays claim to one Senior, Shortstop Nini Underwood. Out of all of the returning players for the 2018 year, there will be one incoming senior. (Hannah Eden- Dr. Phillips starting catcher) As for the rest of the team, it consists of all sophomores and one freshman. This means well for the Panthers to have already had this young group of ladies on varsity together bonding as a team. Even as a young group, the team got some great wins against Olympia (10-4), Cypress Creek (12-1), and Boone (7-5). The future is bright over at the Dr. Phillips Softball program. With a supreme sophomore class, and the possibility of West Orange High School moving out of the same district will grant Dr. Phillips even greater success in the coming years.
SUNSHINE STATE ATHLETIC CONFERENCE APPOINTS ANDREA KNESER TO COMMISSIONER OF GIRLS BEACH VOLLEYBALL SSAC is now excepting Girl’s Beach Volleyball pre-registrations for the 2017-18 school year
Brandon, Fla., Thursday, May 11, 2017 – The Sunshine State Athletic Conference (SSAC) today announced the appointment of Andrea Kneser to commissioner of the conference’s Girls Beach Volleyball league, which recently completed its first year in operation. Kneser has more than 11 years’ experience with Girl’s Beach Volleyball as a player and a coach. Kneser currently serves as the head coach and program director for Bradenton Christian School’s Indoor and Beach Volleyball teams, and is a former Junior Olympic Athlete. “Andrea’s expertise and enthusiasm for beach volleyball will elevate SSAC’s offering of the sport to interested students across Florida,” said Stuart Weiss, president of SSAC. “We’re thrilled she has agreed to join us and take our Girls Beach Volleyball program to the next level.” SSAC’s Girls Beach Volleyball league is the first of its kind in Florida for high school students interested in competing in the popular sport. Last month, the league hosted 22 Florida schools with the Florida Region of USA Volleyball in the first state tournament of the sport in at its sand volleyball complex in Tavares. In addition to Kneser’s appointment to commissioner, the SSAC announced its now allowing schools to pre-register for girl’s beach volleyball for next season. Schools interested in joining the league can reach out to Stuart Weiss, president at SSAC at ssacfootball@gmail.com. Since its inception in 2008, the SSAC has become a fully functioning multiple sport athletic organization comprised of 45 private and charter schools. For more information about the SSAC, visit www. sunshinestateathletics.com.
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• Florida Sporting News
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OARS attends the FSRA Sweeps Championships in Sarasota
“The Men’s Varsity 8 won Bronze at the FSRA Sweeps Championships in Sarasota this weekend. From left to right: Owen Villanueva, Coach Alec Willett, Valentine Lindsay, Sean McKinney, John Stephan, Clarissa Barquist (coxswain), Jack Kiely, Tim Miller, Nathan Kohl, Ryan McKinney, Coach Emily Congdon
The Orlando Area Rowing Society (OARS) attended the Florida State Championships this past weekend in Sarasota’s Nathan Benderson Park, winning 2nd Place in the State on points (517 points behind host team Sarasota Crew’s 563 points) on the strong performance of the entire team – winning 10 medals on 14 entries. In total, 90 of our athletes came home wearing medals. The team-wide performance by OARS included 8 Women’s boats qualifying for Finals (5 medal-winning performances), and 5 Men’s boats qualifying for Finals (all 5 medal-winning performances). Our Women’s 3V won gold. We had many more silver medals: Women’s 1st Freshman 8, Women’s 2nd Varsity 8, Women’s Lightweight 8, Men’s 2nd Varsity 8, Men’s 3rd Varsity 8, and Men’s 4th Varsity 8. The Women’s 4th Varsity 8, Men’s Varsity 8 and Men’s 5th Varsity 8 all won bronze. The 200+ rowers of OARS continue their season working towards the 2017 Southeast Regional Championships (May 13-14, 2017 at the Lake Lanier Olympic Venue in Gainesville, GA), and ultimately the US Rowing Youth National Championships to be held June 9-11, 2017 at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota. Expectations are high, as last season OARS qualified 5 boats for the 2016 Youth Rowing National Championships at Mercer Lake, NJ. Youth athletes interested in learning more about rowing for OARS can find information at www.OARSrowing.com and are encouraged to email either HSMensPD@OARSrowing. com or HSGirlsPD@ OARSrowing.com to learn how to join. Athletes with interest in rowing should come to our upcoming Open Boathouse on May 20 at the Kelsey Boathouse in Windermere. We’ll also be hosting a series of Learn To
“The Women’s 2nd Varsity 8 won Silver at the FSRA Sweeps Championships in Sarasota this weekend. From left to right: Regan Siemienas (coxswain), Destiny Scott, Katie McMullen, Caitlyn Pike, Arden Gill, Katie George, Diana Perera, Maddie Sabis, and Ali Haas
Row camps this summer - see our website for further information: http://oarsrowing.com/ oars-summer-rowing-camps/ OARS, the Orlando Area Rowing Society, began in 1989 with the mission of bringing the benefits of rowing to everyone in central Florida. OARS is a not-for-profit corporation run by a completely volunteer Board of
Directors. For more than a quarter of a century, the club has been attracting – and creating – enthusiasts in this magnificent sport by organizing and sponsoring rowing activities from its base at Kelsey Boathouse at 2457 Maguire Road on the shore of Little Lake Down in Windermere, Florida.
Page 6 Florida Sporting News • 5/3/17 - 5/15/17
Foundation Academy Football Hold Deep Roster For Upcoming Season By Greyson Everidge
WINTER GARDEN – The Foundation Academy Lions Football team are looking strong for this upcoming season, and have done well to prepare themselves so far this spring as they look ahead for their first test of the 2017 season. It all starts at Quarterback for the Lions, where they are expected to have strong rotations as they look for their new starter to replace Jacob Titus. The Lions also have a very strong defensive line, which is comprised of Eddie Loos, Gian Reyes, Warren
Sapps II, and Cameron Gebbers. Loos is looking to win it all. is an All State player for Foundation. “We lost in the Regional Semi-Final Tight End Kenny Ames will also be last year, but this year we are looking key for the Lions, as he works with to win the State Championship.” Said all around stat athlete and running Head Coach Brad Lord. back/corner Lance Axon. Axon has The Foundation Academy Spring already accomplished All State status, game will be played against Lake which has earned him two full scholHighland Prep on Thursday, May arship offers already. 18th at 7pm. It was named in the Coming off the back of a solid season Orlando Sentinel’s Top 10 Spring last year, where the Lions made it to Games, and looks to be an interesting the Regional Semi-Finals before beone which will help set up the Lions ing knocked out. This year, the team for a successful season.
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• Florida Sporting News
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Windereme Prep Football Hopeful In Upcoming Spring Game
By Greyson Everidge
we look good so far,” said Head Coach WINDERMERE – Windermere Prep’s Doss. “We are excited and want to make Football program, led by head coach Jasure that we are in shape as well as cob Doss, have been building a strong program over the last few years which has continued to progress and see growth. Over the last few years, Windermere Prep has sent a number of athletes to colleges to continue their educational and athletic careers, and it looks as if it will be no different in the next few years. The first test for the rising class will come in the spring game for Windermere. On Friday at 7pm, the Lakers will play Orlando Christian Prep in order to get in shape for summer camp and the upcoming fall season. In an effort to nurse some injuries and protect some players, Head Coach Doss said they would be rotating the roster to get younger players more playing time and experience for the next season. One such player who will be rested is freshman wide receiver Blake Stillwell, who underwent hernia surgery last week. Stillwell is expected to make a full recovery for the upcoming season as expected. Rising junior and offensive lineman Jared Blount is expected to contribute to the team heavily this year, using his 6’4 310 pound physique to help hold the line for the Lakers. A number of other returners are expected to step in and play larger roles this year as well, including All Conference quarterback Kai Patterson and starting running back Ismahel Cortez. Full back and linebacker Mason Russell is an All-Conference player who is also expected to lead the Lakers into the upcoming year. Starting center Will Seeling is also expected to anchor the offensive this year after a successful 2016 season. “We have good returners this year, and
healthy come August to give us the successful season we are looking for.”
Page 8 Florida Sporting News • 5/3/17 - 5/15/17
West Orange Softball Win Regional Championship by Doug Nikhazy
WINTER GARDEN – West Orange came out victorious in their contest against the Apopka Blue Darters to punch their ticket to the Regional championship. This brings West Orange Softball one step closer to becoming back to back state champions, a feat which has never been accomplished in school history.
The highly contested rivalry between the two programs made for a great game to witness. With a score of 5-3, the Apopka softball team was not looking to give any handouts. The Blue Darters came out swinging, making the score 2-0 going into the bottom of the 3rd. The Warriors quickly fought back evening the score at 2-2 off of RBI’s from junior Lexie Blair, and senior Hailey Penrose. The following inning, the Warriors tacked on another 3 runs showcasing the team’s ability to feed off one-another and, contagiously hit the softball. West Orange pitcher Lauren Mathis hurled a tremendous game to keep her teammates in the game. Mathis completed all 7 innings recording 9 strikeouts with only 2 hitters reaching on walks. This marquee start in the senior’s career showed off her resilience and ability to own the circle and pitch out of jams.
Looking towards the future, West Orange has set themselves up to play in the 9A Regional Softball Championship against the ladies from Spruce Creek. These Hawks have reinvented themselves as the season has progressed. With a 17-6 record, the Warriors will have to do as they have done all season and show that they are worthy. This game will take place at West Orange High School May 12, @ 7 PM. With only 3 more wins to go, Head Coach Todd LaNeave and the rest of his returning Softball players can already feel the second ring on their fingers. Update: The Warriors won 2-9 against Spruce Creek, placing them in the State Semi-Final game against Palmetto on May 19th.
Timber Creek Advances into Regional Tournament Play Timber Creek is ramped up for its first trip back to the baseball regional tournament since reaching the state semifinals in 2015.
just now getting into it. We’re all starting to hit and everything is working out perfectly at this moment.”
Neilan has been superb on the mound as he’s worked his four-pitch arsenal for an 11-0 record with a 0.97 earned run average and 102 The Wolves, who have inched closer to the strikeouts in 72.1 innings. He’s also third on the Sentinel Super Six rankings in the past two team in hitting with a .339 batting average and weeks, wrapped up the regular season by beating tied for first with 19 runs batted in. four teams that would go on to win district titles. Seniors Cameron Meehan and Arnie Ruiz, Triumphs over DeLand, Boone, Viera and starters on the final four team two years ago, Bishop Moore were part of an eight-game have combined to score 54 runs as the team winning streak that ended with a 3-0 loss at leaders at the plate. Lake Brantley in the season finale. Meehan is batting .369 with 16 RBI. Ruiz is “This is what we’ve been waiting for,” junior hitting .346 with 12 RBI. pitcher Bret Neilan said. “We’re overlooked a “Those guys have been great,” Neilan said. lot and underestimated by everybody and we’re “As a team we’re really coming together,” Timber Creek coach Tim Beaman said.
“They’re definitely the leaders of the team who keep us hyped in the dugout and our heads up during games.” All-Metro honors West Orange had four players selected to the All-Metro West team last week, as voted on by conference coaches. Cole Beavin, Gerry Brown, Chris Seise and Deandre Shelton represented the No. 1 ranked team in the Super Six. Apopka and Ocoee each had two players selected. Lake Nona led the All-Metro East voting with three selections — Blake Adams, Edgar Brito and Gabe Ferrer — despite finishing fifth in the conference. Two players from Timber Creek and Boone also made the list.
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• Florida Sporting News
Local Baseball Camps to Feature College Players
The Florida Collegiate Summer League is pleased to offer summer day camps for youth players age 6-12. The Winter Garden Squeeze and Winter Park Diamond Dawgs are two of six teams in the Florida Collegiate Summer League, a 501c3 non-profit organization that provides a place for players to showcase their talents in front of pro scouts all summer long. Winter Garden and Winter Park players and coaches will serve as instructors for the camps. Winter Garden will host their camps at Turn 2 Sports Performance in Oakland. The Winter Park camps will take place at Ben Crosby Field in Orlando. Camps will run MondayFriday from 9 am – 1 pm. Each location has different camp dates. The dates for each camp can be found at FloridaLeague.com. The camps will cover all aspects of baseball, from pitching to hitting to fielding to base running. Campers are split into groups based on age and talent level. Whether your child is picking up a bat for the first time, or is a Little League All-Star, everyone can learn and have fun at camp! Prices start at $175/week. For more information and to register, please visit floridaleague.com
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Windermere Prep Baseball Building A Strong Team For Now and the Future The Varsity Baseball team wrapped up their regular season last week. The Lakers played against Foundation Academy on Senior Night. The Lakers jumped on the Lions early and finished on top, 14-8. The two seniors, Jonathon Montes and Matt Coles, were both recognized for their hard work and dedication both in the classroom and on the baseball field. Matt Coles will be continuing his baseball career at Florida Institute of Technology and Jonathon Montes will be attending Inspiration Academy to also further his career. The Lakers finished their regular season 11-15. Earlier this week the Laker girls were playing in the state championship tournament. They won the State Quarterfinals 4-1 over Pensacola Catholic on Monday, moving them to the Semifinal vs. Jacksonville Episcopal, which they won 4-3! The girls’ outstanding season came to a close as state runners-up, losing in the Finals to St. Andrews, 1-4. Congratulations on a great season, Lakers!
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Audi South Orlando
• Florida Sporting News
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Page 12 Florida Sporting News • 5/3/17 - 5/15/17