Plant High School junior quarterback Rex Culpepper, who counts Florida among his 12 Division I offers, talked about the coaching change for the Gators. The 6-foot-3, 215-pounder comes from a line of Florida alums. His father, former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Brad Culpepper, played there, as did his grandfather. Culpepper finished ...
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Thu. Dec. 04, 2014 at 6:23 p.m. | Kelly Parsons
Boca Ciega senior Dan Stefan has signed a letter of intent to play tennis at Vanderbilt. Stefan made it offical Thursday morning in a signing ceremony at the school. "I loved everything about (Vanderbilt),'' Stefan said. "I like the school a lot, the coaches are great, I fit in well ...
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Thu. Dec. 04, 2014 at 12:59 p.m. | Rodney Page
Sports Illustrated is reporting the University of Alabama-Birmingham will anouunce this week that is shutting down its football program. The news leaves recruits with offers from the Blazers in limbo. Countryside offensive lineman Riley Metheney is one of them. Metheny's lone Division I offer came from UAB earlier this year. ...
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Sun. Nov. 30, 2014 at 5:09 p.m. | Bob Putnam
Mitchell senior pitcher Mike Freeman didn't have impressive stats in his junior year with the Mustangs, but his performance in summer leagues was enough to impress the University of North Florida. On Wednesday, Freeman signed a letter of intent to play next year. At Mitchell, Freeman pitched 18.2 innings and ...
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Wed. Nov. 19, 2014 at 8:37 p.m. | Rodney Page
East Lake senior pitchers Ryan Wall and Steve Plaskett made their college choices Wednesday. Wall signed a letter of intent with Ave Maria. Plaskett signed with the Air Force Academy. In two years as a starter for the Eagles, Wall is 14-3 with a 1.21 ERA. Last season he helped ...
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Wed. Nov. 19, 2014 at 11:18 a.m. | Rodney Page
TAMPA — Athletes at Plant showed that their high school is much more than a one-sport school as players from six sports signed letters of intent Monday afternoon. The baseball team had three players sign. Jake Woodford, who has a 95 mph fastball and a 0.43 ERA last season, will ...
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Mon. Nov. 17, 2014 at 7:48 p.m. | Andy Warrener
A week after coming home with a bounty of gold medals at the Class 4A state meet, East Lake held a signing ceremony for its six Division I swimmers during an assembley inside the school's gymnasium. The girls team had five Division I swimmers who all had a role in ...
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Fri. Nov. 14, 2014 at 5:11 p.m. | Bob Putnam
Palm Harbor twins Connor and Jared Prince, two of the bay area's top wrestlers, gathered friends and family inside the school's cafeteria, put shirts and caps from the colleges they were considering on table and made their decision. They each stood up and announced they would be attending Navy everyone ...
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Fri. Nov. 14, 2014 at 4:21 p.m. | Bob Putnam
East Lake receiver George Campbell, the nation's top athlete in the 2015 class according to ESPN, was presented with his jersey for his selection to play in the Under Armour All-America Game on Thursday during an assembly in the gymnasium. Campbell, a five-star recruit who committed to Florida State in ...
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Thu. Nov. 13, 2014 at 11:30 a.m. | Bob Putnam
River Ridge had a signing day bonanza Wednesday with three softball and three baseball players making their college plans official. The three softball players were Makenzie Goluba (Binghamton), Kenzi Maguire (South Carolina) and Madisyn Palmer (Florida Atlantic). Goluba, a pitcher, went 23-4 last season with a 0.34 ERA. Maguire (.598 ...
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Thu. Nov. 13, 2014 at 7:36 a.m. | Bob Putnam
Two Gaither High School seniors signed Wednesday with Division I baseball programs. Blake Hodgens, a left-handed pitcher, signed a letter of intent with Penn State. "Penn State is getting a polished lefty who should be able to help them as a freshman," coach Nelson North said. "Blake will get ...
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Wed. Nov. 12, 2014 at 9:41 p.m. | Times Staff
Mitchell's Taylor Anderson, one of the bay area's premier two-sport athletes, has committed to LSU for swimming and track. Anderson, who has won two straight state swim titles in the 50-yard freestyle and is the defending state champion in the pole vault, said her preference all along was to compete ...
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Wed. Nov. 12, 2014 at 7:28 p.m. | Bob Putnam
Through A
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Wed. Nov. 12, 2014 at 11:18 a.m. | Bob Putnam
Gibbs’ Barry Brown and Sajon Ford sat at tables in the school’s auditorium on Wednesday. With a pair of unwavering hands, Brown and Ford each took a pen and signed their national letters of intent to play basketball at Kansas State and Northeastern, respectively. The Gladiators are the only Pinellas ...
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Wed. Nov. 12, 2014 at 7:20 a.m. | Bob Putnam
Springstead senior Erin Blackwell will sign with Nicholls State for track on Nov. 12, Eagles coach Joel Myers reports. Blackwell was on the Times' all-North Suncoast track and field first team last year with a sixth-place finish at the Class 3A state meet with a time of 2:18.75. Blackwell was also ...
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Thu. Nov. 06, 2014 at 12:00 p.m. | Kelly Parsons
Each week, our HomeTeam staffers nominate male and female Hot Shot athletes from each of the counties we cover. Then we turn the voting over to readers. These nominations span Saturday, Nov. 29 through Friday, Dec. 5. The winners get a T-shirt and bragging rights over every other school in ...
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Sat. Dec. 06, 2014 at 12:50 p.m. | Times Staff
FORT WALTON BEACH -— By blocking a punt in the Armwood end zone in the first quarter of its Class 6A state semifinal with the Hawks on Friday, Choctawhatchee did something Armwood’s 13 previous opponents couldn’t. The ball sailed through the end zone for a safety, and for the first ...
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Sat. Dec. 06, 2014 at 12:14 a.m. | Kelly Parsons
FORT LAUDERDALE — East Lake quarterback Jake Hudson sobbed. Eagles linebacker Carson Lydon trudged off the field, his head low. Tears fell as coach Bob Hudson guided his team into the locker room for the last time. East Lake’s second straight state semifinal appearance ended Friday night in a 45-7 ...
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Fri. Dec. 05, 2014 at 11:38 p.m. | Bob Putnam
BROOKSVILLE — Nature Coast maintained its undefeated mark and lead in Class 5A, District 7 in style. In front of its home crowd, the Sharks emerged with a dominant 53-16 victory over Pasco. Led by standout center Rita Jarque, who came in averaging 15 points, Nature Coast (7-1, 4-0) jumped ...
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Fri. Dec. 05, 2014 at 10:46 p.m. | Derek J. LaRiviere
WESLEY CHAPEL — Freedom was in urgent need of a timeout after seeing a 16-point lead shrink to two. Coach Laurie Pacholke’s message was well received. And it helped to have Taylor Emery among those receiving it. “Be calm. Stay composed,” said Emery, who did just that with layups on ...
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Fri. Dec. 05, 2014 at 10:15 p.m. | Darek Sharp
Halftime couldn’t come soon enough for Indian Rocks Christian in its 54-16 loss to Lakeland Victory Christian. The Eagles gave up a touchdown pass with five seconds left in the second quarter of Friday’s Class 2A state final and trailed just 19-9. They needed to regroup and adjust in the ...
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Fri. Dec. 05, 2014 at 6:50 p.m. | Rodney Page
photo gallery ORLANDO — It would be understandable if Pinellas County high school coaches decided to petition the Florida High School Athletic Association to have the state championship football games moved out of Orlando’s Citrus Bowl. For the third time since 2011, a Pinellas team made it to the Citrus ...
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Fri. Dec. 05, 2014 at 6:12 p.m. | Rodney Page
East Lake has put together an impressive postseason resume the past four seasons with two trips to the region finals (2011-12), followed by two straight appearances in the state semifinals. During their recent success, the Eagles had the benefit of playing nearly every game within the confines of Tampa Bay, ...
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Thu. Dec. 04, 2014 at 7:28 p.m. | Bob Putnam
SEFFNER — After spending his sophomore football season at King High School, linebacker Kyheem Campbell transferred to Armwood in January. As soon as he arrived, coaches sent him straight to the weight room. At King, Campbell said, the weightlifting routine was a breeze. When he walked in for his first ...
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Thu. Dec. 04, 2014 at 6:56 p.m. | Kelly Parsons
In nine previous trips to state high school football finals, Pinellas County teams emerged with runnerup medals. Is this the year the futility ends? Most signs point to yes as Indian Rocks Christian is one win from the Class 2A title. Not that the Golden Eagles are obsessed about becoming ...
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Thu. Dec. 04, 2014 at 4:31 p.m. | Rodney Page
Poor Mark Buchanan. The Indian Rocks Christian football coach had a dilemma. When Jacquan Fuller transferred from St. Petersburg Catholic in the summer, Buchanan suddenly had four quality running backs. There is only one football, so how in the world was Buchanan going to find enough plays to satisfy everyone? ...
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Wed. Dec. 03, 2014 at 6:08 p.m. | Rodney Page
SEFFNER — Caylan Holloway was on the sideline at the Citrus Bowl on Dec. 16, 2011, watching as running backs Wade Edwards and Matt Jones helped Armwood beat Miami Central 40-31 in a Class 6A championship game. From that day on, the freshman running back, who split time between the ...
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Wed. Dec. 03, 2014 at 1:22 p.m. | Kelly Parsons
Tarpon Springs football coach Ron Hawn was suspended six weeks by the Florida High School Athletic Association for his involvement in a fight after the Spongers’ 29-28 loss to River Ridge in the Class 5A region quarterfinals. In the FHSAA letter obtained by the Tampa Bay Times, Hawn was given ...
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Wed. Dec. 03, 2014 at 11:06 a.m. | Bob Putnam
EAST LAKE — Jake Hudson is doing things that no other quarterback at East Lake High School has done. Since becoming the starter last season, Hudson has won more games — regular season and postseason combined — than any starting quarterback at the school, and that includes a former colleague ...
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Tue. Dec. 02, 2014 at 8:29 p.m. | Bob Putnam
The Florida High School Athletic Association fined River Ridge and Tarpon Springs a combined $1,250 and placed both football programs on administrative and restrictive probation stemming from a fight between players at the end of the teams’ Class 5A region quarterfinal last month. The fight occurred after River Ridge ...
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Tue. Dec. 02, 2014 at 7:12 p.m. | Bob Putnam
Indian Rocks Christian, Armwood and East Lake are the last Tampa Bay football teams left standing, and all three hit the road Friday for their fourth-round games. Discover a little about each of the teams they’ll face. Victory Christian (12-1) Opponent: Indian Rocks Christian (12-0) What: Class 2A state final ...
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Mon. Dec. 01, 2014 at 6:12 p.m. | Rodney Page, Kelly Parsons and Bob Putnam
1. Tampa Prep (2-0, 0-0) This week: Thursday at Brooks DeBartolo Lowdown: So far, the Terrapins have been on cruise control, winning their first two games by 22 points or more. Juwan Durham has led the way with an average of 25 points, 10.5 rebounds and 5.5 blocks per game. ...
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Mon. Dec. 01, 2014 at 5:23 p.m. | Bob Putnam
Team of the Week Indian Rocks Christian: The Golden Eagles improved to 12-0 with their 40-19 win over Belle Glade Glades Day. That sets up Friday’s Class 2A state final against Lakeland Victory Christian at Orlando’s Citrus Bowl. It is the first time IRC has advanced to a state final. ...
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Sat. Nov. 29, 2014 at 11:23 p.m. | Rodney Page, Kelly Parsons and Bob Putnam
TARPON SPRINGS — A prodigiously proficient first-half offensive attack has East Lake headed to its second straight state semifinal. East Lake easily handled previously unbeaten Fort Myers 40-7 on Friday. East Lake (13-0) travels to Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas in next week’s Class 7A state semifinals. Jake Hudson completed ...
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Fri. Nov. 28, 2014 at 11:54 p.m. | Darek Sharp
SEFFNER — As Armwood waited on its sideline just before kickoff against Gainesville in Friday’s Class 6A region final, the Hawks’ heads turned when the Hurricanes ran out onto Lyle Flagg Field in a cloud of smoke. The Armwood players were angered to see their opponent having its way on ...
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Fri. Nov. 28, 2014 at 11:49 p.m. | Kelly Parsons
PLANT CITY — The host Raiders finally notched their first-ever win against Strawberry Crest in Thursday’s battle of unbeaten Class 7A, District 7 rivals. Plant City improved to 7-0, 3-0 atop the district, and dropped the Chargers to 6-1, 2-1 with a decisive 55-38 victory. Strawberry Crest’s press backfired with ...
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Thu. Dec. 04, 2014 at 11:11 p.m. | Steve Lee
TAMPA – Last season, Tampa Prep beat Brooks DeBartolo four times, including in the Class 3A, District 7 championship game and in the region semifinals. That dominance continued Thursday as the Terrains took control early and cruised to a 75-49 victory over their toughest district challenger. Tampa Prep (3-0) remained ...
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Thu. Dec. 04, 2014 at 11:05 p.m. | Bob Putnam
ST. PETERSBURG - Having now played every team in Class 7A, District 9 once, Northeast has clearly established itself as the team to beat. Thursday night against Seminole, the Vikings started slowly but eventually pulled away for a 74-45 district win. Zoi Thompson led Northeast with 18 points. Laura Fizell ...
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Thu. Dec. 04, 2014 at 10:01 p.m. | Rodney Page
NEW PORT RICHEY – In a game featuring two of the North Suncoast’s top scorers, it was a little surprising to see offense come at a premium. Whatever the strategy, Land O’Lakes continued its domination of River Ridge in a thrilling 33-31 victory Thursday night to extend its record against ...
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Thu. Dec. 04, 2014 at 9:51 p.m. | Derek J. LaRiviere
DADE CITY — Add another name to the already long list of talented Wesley Chapel underclassmen. Freshman Victoria Mitchell, playing in just her third game after a knee injury, scored early in the second half to give the Wildcats a 3-2 victory over host Pasco on Wednesday. Pasco freshman Jenny ...
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Wed. Dec. 03, 2014 at 11:14 p.m. | Darek Sharp
Largo two-sport star Donavan Hale will miss at least a week of the basketball season after tearing his meniscus and partially tearing his ACL. Hale initially injured his knee on Sept. 26 while quarterbacking the Packers to a 32-26 victory over Lakewood. Last week, he tweaked his knee at basketball ...
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Wed. Dec. 03, 2014 at 10:23 p.m. | Bob Putnam
Tuesday night rewind • Chamberlain’s Elijah Harden scored 15 points and Rashawn Fredericks added 14 in a 60-45 win over Hillsborough. Zach Nimmons led the Terriers with 31 points, including three 3-pointers. • The Terrier girls (6-0) remained undefeated after a 54-16 romp over Chamberlain. Senior Trinity Baptiste led the way with ...
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Wed. Dec. 03, 2014 at 12:15 p.m. | Rodney Page, Kelly Parsons and Bob Putnam
ST. PETERSBURG — After excruciating losses to neighboring rival Lakewood in the district final and region semifinals last season, Gibbs waited nine months to exact revenge. Relying on a suffocating defense and timely outside shooting, the Gladiators got it in Tuesday’s 58-50 win, grabbing an early edge in the Class ...
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Tue. Dec. 02, 2014 at 11:15 p.m. | Bob Putnam
LUTZ — Sickles came out strong against district girls basketball rival Steinbrenner on Tuesday, taking a big lead in the first quarter. But in the two to follow, the Warriors chipped away at the Gryphons’ comfortable advantage until it wasn’t so comfortable after all. Sickles, which had led by as ...
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Tue. Dec. 02, 2014 at 10:43 p.m. | Rodney Page and Kelly Parsons
LAND O’LAKES — Defending state semifinalists Berkeley Prep and Sunlake entered Tuesday’s boys soccer matchup undefeated, and it looked like they would both stay that way. But with five minutes left, Sunlake’s Allan Lewis came up with the special effort needed to solve the scoreless deadlock. The senior forward’s off-balance ...
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Tue. Dec. 02, 2014 at 10:32 p.m. | Darek Sharp
When Plant City’s girls basketball season began, the Raiders admitted to coach Wilt Wilkerson they were a little disappointed. “The girls were upset that there wasn’t a lot of talk about them in the papers when the season started,” Wilkerson said. “I told them ‘Hey, we haven’t earned the right.’ ” ...
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Tue. Dec. 02, 2014 at 6:23 p.m. | Kelly Parsons and Bob Putnam
The PVCA Pinellas County senior all-star volleyball match will be played on Thursday at 7 p.m. at Indian Rocks Christian. Admission is $5. Here are the members of each team: Team Green Head Coach: Kendrea Penrose (Canterbury). Asst. Coach: Logan Widener (Boca Ciega). Players: Abby Walker (PHU), Samantha Schlesman (Seminole), ...
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Tue. Dec. 02, 2014 at 12:13 p.m. | Rodney Page
1. Seffner Christian (4-0, 1-0) This week: Monday at Bishop McLaughlin, Friday vs. Spruce Creek Lowdown: After a week off, the Crusaders play in their second district game of the season tonight in a battle of the unbeatens. With five Crusaders averaging double-digit points per game, we think they stand ...
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Mon. Dec. 01, 2014 at 4:30 p.m. | Rodney Page and Kelly Parsons
Stars of the night • There has been much early talk about Northeast transfer Zoi Thompson, but senior guard Laura Fizell has been just as good in the early season. Fizell scored 16 points against Berkeley Prep in a 52-35 win Tuesday night. She has upped her average to 14.2 ...
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Wed. Nov. 26, 2014 at 12:32 p.m. | Rodney Page, Kelly Parsons and Bob Putnam
TAMPA — Last week Amanda Melosky missed a Wiregrass Ranch basketball practice because she had a soccer game for her Greater Tampa Bay Football Club team. Wiregrass Ranch protocol meant she had to miss the first half of the Bulls' game against Academy of the Holy Names on Tuesday night. ...
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Tue. Nov. 25, 2014 at 10:01 p.m. | Kelly Parsons
