Two local players were taken on Day 2 of the 2014 MLB first-year player draft — Peter Miller (Cambridge Christian/Florida State) and Thomas Dorminy (Alonso/Faulkner University). Current/former local high school and area small-college players joining them on Day 3 were: 

2B Mike Abreu, HIllsborough Community College (17th, 510, Diamondbacks): The 6-foot, 170-pound sophomore from Key West hit .259 with 17 RBIs and 11 stolen bases this season for the Hawks.

1B Corey Baptist, St. Petersburg College (17th, 520, Tigers): Baptist opted not to go to Mississippi and instead had a huge year for the Titans. He hit .397 with nine home runs and 41 RBIs, all team highs. As a senior at Seminole, Baptist hit .455 with 28 RBIs, five doubles, six home runs and 19 stolen bases. He was the Tampa Bay Times’ Pinellas County Player of the Year in 2013 and was also a member of the Times’ all-Suncoast team. Baptist was undrafted last year. He has the distinction of being the highest Pinellas player taken in this year’s draft. Baptist said he will sign with the Tigers and report to rookie camp within the next few days. “At least it’s not too far from home,’’ Baptist said. “I’m excited to get started.’’

RHP Preston Packrall, University of Tampa (24th, 712, Phillies): The Clearwater Central Catholic alum recently completed his senior season with the Spartans. He was 11-0, pitched 80.2 innings, had a 2.12 ERA and 45 strikeouts. Packrall transferred to Tampa from High Point (N.C.) University. He was a Times’ all-county honorable mention in 2010. 

2B Casey Turgeon, University of Florida (24th, 735, Cardinals): This is Turgeon’s second time through the draft. He was taken  in the 22nd round by the Mets in 2011 after a stellar career at Dunedin. He is the Falcons’ leader in runs (157), walks (133), hits (132), times on base (293) and innings played (745). At Florida this season, he played in 62 games, hit .255 with 32 RBIs and 11 doubles. In his Florida career, he has started 185 games at second base.

RHP Dylan Barrow, University of Tampa (25th, 752, Yankees): The 6-foot-3, 190-pound Durant High alum went 4-2 with a 3.78 ERA last season as a sophomore at Santa Fe College, notching 42 strikeouts in 50 innings. 

SS Josciel Veras, Cumberland University (30th, 905, Reds): The 5-foot-8, 166-pound King alum just finished his senior season in Tennessee. He started 57 of 58 games for the Bulldogs, hitting .299 with 39 RBIs and four home runs. The Times’ all-Hillsborough County first-teamer in 2010 hit .372 his senior year at King, with five doubles, two homers, 14 RBIs and 19 steals.  

1B Dexture McCall, Hillsborough CC (31st, 916, Astros): McCall, a Middleton graduate, played in 47 games this season as a sophomore.  He made the most of his plate appearances, hitting .360 with 34 RBIs and five home runs. 

RHP Brad Deppermann, East Lake High (31st, 919, Cubs): The University of North Florida commit had a big season for the Eagles. On the mound he was 6-2 with two saves. He had 100 strikeouts in 75 innings and a 0.93 ERA. He also hit .327 with a home run and six doubles. When he wasn’t pitching, Deppermann played both third base and first base. 

C Sal Giardina Jr., Lynn University (31st, 943, Braves): The Bloomingdale grad just finished his senior season for the Fighting Knights, where he led the team in batting average (.359), RBIs (40) and home runs (five). He was a four-year varsity player while at Bloomingdale. 

C Jose Lopez, King High (33rd, 995, Reds): In this final high school season, Lopez hit .261 with 13 RBIs for an underclassmen-heavy Lions squad that reached the Class 6A region finals. He also was selected to play in the Hillsborough-Pinellas senior all-star game.

LF Michael Danner, University of Tampa (34th, 1008, White Sox): The Gaither alum just finished his senior season with the Spartans. He was third on the team in hitting with a .326 average and second in RBIs (46) and home runs (eight). As a senior at Gaither in 2010, the Times’ first-teamer led Hillsborough County with 40 RBIs and hit .427.

RHP Cobi Johnson, Mitchell High (35th, 1047, Padres): The 6-foot-4 Florida State signee was regarded as one of the draft’s top 100 prospects. Elbow inflammation sidelined him for part of his senior season, but  he still struck out 51 batters this spring and pitched the Mustangs to the playoffs. A low-90s fastball that touches 94 mph helped him strike out 103 batters with a 1.68 ERA as a junior. His father, Dane, pitched in the majors and serves as the Blue Jays’ minor-league pitching coordinator. 

1B Fran Whitten, Saint Leo University (37th, 1109, Angels): As a senior, the University of Maine transfer was a first-team all-Sunshine State Conference selection. He had a conference-high 11 home runs and hit .368 with 41 RBIs. 

RHP Keith Weisenberg, Osceola High (38th, 1131, Blue Jays): The 6-foot-5, 195-pounder has committed to Stanford. He was 9-2 this season for the Warriors and used his 92-94 mph fastball to strike out 88 in 64 innings. Weisenberg had a 1.09 ERA and threw four complete games. He also hit .329 with two home runs, but his future is as a pitcher. With the late pick, expect Weisenberg to go to Stanford and try the draft again in three years. 

CF Diamond Johnson, Hillsborough High (40th, 1189, Cubs): The St. Pete College commit was a four-year starter for the Terriers. He’s hit around .320 the past two seasons, and had team highs as a junior in runs scored (25), hits (22) and extra-base hits (eight). 

RHP Alex Faedo, Alonso High (40th, 1210, Tigers): The University of Florida commit was taken in the final round of the draft. He was 6-2 for the Ravens with a 0.58 ERA in 48.1 innings pitched. The son of Alonso coach Landy Faedo, Alex was just about as good as a junior, when he had a 1.14 ERA and once struck out 17 batters in one game.

Boys

Athlete of the year: Devon Jerothe, River Ridge, Sr.

Why we picked him: After finishing fourth at state in the pole vault last year, Jerothe dominated the event this season, winning conference, district and region titles. But the performance that put him over the top was at the Class 3A state meet at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, where he came from behind to win what had been an elusive title with a leap of 14 feet. Jerothe was the only competitor in 3A to clear that mark and was the only boys athlete from the North Suncoast to win a state title this season. 

Most impressive accomplishment: Because of wind and heavy rain, the pole vault event was delayed twice during the state meet. In warmups, Jerothe landed awkwardly in the pit and felt something pop in his elbow, but it turned out to be just a sprain. Then Jerothe missed his two attempts at 13 feet and was down to his final jump before being eliminated. Jerothe needed his final attempt to clear the next height, too. But he continued to survive and watched as the rest of competitors continued to be eliminated until he was the only one left.

Did you know? Jerothe comes from a family of vaulters. His father, Russell, vaulted in high school and is now a coach. Devon’s older brother, Ryan, is an All-American vaulter at Nova Southeastern. And Devon’s younger brother, Garrett, vaults for the Knights and finished 10th at state. 

What’s next: Jerothe plans to attend West Florida, but will be unable to continue vaulting because the school does not have a track program. He still is trying to see if he can land a track scholarship elsewhere. 

Coach of the year
Craig Moore, Land O’Lakes: Blessed with numbers other teams could only imagine, Moore put all the pieces in the right places as the Gators overwhelmed the competition, winning conference and district titles by whopping margins and finishing third overall at the region meet. 

First team

High jump, Bobby Harris, Springstead, Sr.: Defending state champion finished fifth in the high jump (6-4) at the Class 3A state meet.

Pole vault, Brian Swanson, Ridgewood, Jr.: Finished eighth at the Class 2A state meet with mark of 13 feet.

Long jump, Thomas Kernan, Ridgewood, Sr.:  Took third at the region meet and was the North Suncoast’s lone state qualifier in the event.

Triple jump, Stefan Zepata, Land O’Lakes, Sr.: Leaped 44-7 to take third at the Class 3A state meet. 

Discus, Chris Branfield, Ridgewood, Sr.: Took eighth at the Class 3A state meet with a throw of 145-11.

Shot put, Chris Branfield, Ridgewood, Sr.: Placed 10th at the 3A meet with a mark of 46-9.75.                                                                                     

100, Jordan Roberts, Zephyrhills, Sr.: SAC and district champion in the event.

200, Mosi Davis, Sunlake, Sr.: SAC and district champion in the event.

400, Jordan Burkes, Nature Coast, Sr.: District runnerup had North Suncoast’s fastest time (52.88) in the postseason.

800, James Harkless, Nature Coast, Sr.: The North Suncoast’s only state qualifier in the event. 

1,600, Tyler Stahl, Land O’Lakes, Sr.: Finished ninth at the 3A state meet in 4:21.48.

3,200, Jake Poore, Land O’Lakes, Sr.: Took sixth at the 3A state meet in 9:18.68.

110 hurdles, Jamaree Ried, Anclote, Sr.: Took eighth at the 2A state meet in 15.26.

300 hurdles, Jamaree  Ried, Anclote, Sr.: Finished 11th at state in 40.14.

4x100, Land O’Lakes (Javin Tandy, Rashawn Kindel, Deionte Strozier, Isaac Cabrera): State qualifiers also were SAC and district champions.

4x400, Fivay (Christian Coleman, Zachary Daniels, Robert Brown, Michael Ferlita): SAC champs also finished as district runners-up.

4x800, Land O’Lakes (Jake Poore, Andrew Dowler, James Clarke, Ethan Weilant): State qualifiers were the best on the North Suncoast all season.

Second team

High jump: Brent Dawson, Jr., Zephyrhills 

Pole vault: Garrett Jerothe, So., River Ridge

Long jump: Deionte Strozier, Land O’Lakes, Sr.

Triple jump: Thomas Kernan, Ridgewood, Sr.

Discus: Jacob Tinch, Weeki Wachee, So.

Shot put: Thomas Kernan, Ridgewood, Sr.

100: Dean Simon, Hudson, So.

400: Jordan Roberts, Zephyrhills, Sr.

800: Troy Shea, Mitchell, Sr.

1,600: Jake Poore, Land O’Lakes, Sr. 

3,200: Tyler Stahl, Land O’Lakes, Sr.

110 hurdles: Jamel Clark, Land O’Lakes, Sr.

300 hurdles: Devonte Luis, Anclote, Sr.

4x100: Nature Coast (Jordan Burkes, Jalen McFarland, Brian Haygood, DeShawn Smith)

4x400: Anclote (Jamaree Ried, Devonte Luis, Darius Brown, Trent Crawford)

4x800: Springstead (James Amodie, Jeffrey Amodie, Jai Jackson, Joshua Page)

Honorable mention

Anclote: Darius Brown (110 hurdles), Andrew Janus (high jump), Devonte Luis (long jump, triple jump), Jonte Scott (high jump); Bishop McLaughlin: Will Beatty (shot put); Central: Austin Gray (3,200); Fivay: Zachary Daniels (300 hurdles), Michael Ferlita (400); Gulf: Wesley Best (1600); Hernando: Connor Foradas (shot put), 4x800; Hudson: Robert McCarty (discus); Land O’Lakes: Jamel Clark (400), Andy Dowler (800), Tumba Kanyinda (400), Ian Mini (pole vault), Dylan Mohamed (200), Travis Nichols (3200), Shaheed Salmon (discus), Deionte Strozier (triple jump), Ethan Weilant (discus, 800), 4x400; Mitchell: 4x800; Nature Coast: James Harkless (1,600), Brian Haygood (triple jump), Austin Mulyck (3,200), DeShawn Smith (long jump, 100), 4x800 rlay; Pasco: Dominick Graham (100), Kevin Hernandez (800), 4x100, 4x400; Ridgewood: Cameron Coleman (high jump), Peter Cabrera (300 hurdles), Darnell Lindsey (200); River Ridge: Jason Dovydaitis (800); Springstead: Tyler Mahla (triple jump, 110 hurdles, 300 hurdles), 4x400; Sunlake: Stephen Brown (1,600, 3,200), Mosi Davis (100), Donte Johnson (long jump, 100), 4x100; Wesley Chapel: Joseph Edwards (200), Jacob Lehman (1,600), Jamil Santiago (high jump), James Valentine (200), Mailyke Williams (110, 300 hurdles), 4x100, 4x400; Weeki Wachee: Marcus Jones (hurdles); Wiregrass Ranch: Jaye Miner (shot put), Jordan Mutcherson (shot put), Leon Tilman (100), 4x100, 4x800.

Girls

Athlete of the year: Alfreda Steele, Pasco, So.

Why we picked her: Steele established herself as one of the state’s premier sprinting specialists after placing third at state in the 100 meters as a freshman last season. She made even bigger strides this season, placing in the top two in both the 100 and 200 at nearly every major meet. But it was the Class 2A state meet where she really shined. Steele won the 200 (24.05 seconds), was the runnerup in the 100 (11.99) and long jump (18-3.75), and anchored the Pirates’ 4x100 relay team to a seventh-place finish (50.88). She accounted for 28 of Pasco’s 30 points, which helped the team place seventh overall. The state title in the 200 was Steele’s first at the high school level and she was only one of four North Suncoast female  athletes to win a state title this season. What set Steele apart was how well she did in a multitude of events. 

Most impressive accomplishment: Steele’s best event was the 100, but she did not have enough to catch defending state champion Deanna Hill of Lake Highland Prep. In the 200, she zeroed in on Hill, her biggest nemesis. This time, Steele held her off to win with a time that was a personal best. 

Did you know? Steele became the first female athlete from Pasco to win a state title in track and field.  

What’s next: Steele will continue to run in the offseason to prepare for her junior season. 

Coach of the year
Rock Ridgeway, Land O’Lakes: He won his conference title as the Gators’ coach and guided the team to a district title and a second-place finish at the region meet.  

First team

High jump, Desiree’ Nathe, Bishop McLaughlin, Sr.: Won the Class A state title by clearing 5 feet, 2 inches; Hurricanes’ first state champ in any sport.

Long jump, Wilena Little, Springstead, Sr: Finished second at the 3A meet with a mark of 18-1.25.

Triple jump, Kassidy Wallace, Land O’Lakes, Sr.: Placed 10th at the 3A state meet with leap of 34-10.50.

Discus, Lanashia Pope, Pasco, So.: Took sixth at 2A state meet with throw of 107-2. Shot put Eunique Byrd, Pasco, Sr.: Capped off high school career by finishing seventh at 2A state meet with throw of 38-1.

Shot put (adaptive), Scarlett Lawhorne, Zephyrhills, Sr.: State champion won the 3A event with a toss of 12-7.5. 

100, Alicia Gentz, Nature Coast, Sr.: Placed sixth at 2A meet in 12.60. 

200, Ashley Gentz, Nature Coast, So.: Took eighth at state in 25.58.

400, Hallie Grimes, Land O’Lakes, Sr.: Finished third at 3A state meet in 56.08.

800, Erin Blackwell, Springstead, Jr.: Placed sixth at 3A state meet in 2:18.75.

1,600, Emily Kerns, Mitchell, Jr.: Took seventh at 3A state meet in 5:13.42. 

3,200, Emily Kerns, Mitchell, Jr.: Finished 11th at 3A state meet in 11:43.

100 hurdles, Madelyn Nurge, Anclote, Jr.: State qualifier also was SAC and district champion.

300 hurdles, Jasha Patrick, Hernando, Jr.: Finished sixth at 2A state meet in 46.52.

4x100, Pasco (Abigail Smith, Lezareia Gilbert, Richonda Samuel, Alfreda Steele): Took seventh at 2A state meet in 50.88.

4x400, Nature Coast (Ashley Gentz, Eboni Johnson, Nilsa-Marie Rodriguez, Crystal Burchhardt): Placed eighth at 2A state meet in 4:03.74.

Second team

High jump: Emily Gauvey, Anclote, So.

Pole vault: Casey Chitty, Wiregrass Ranch, Jr.

Long jump: Kassidy Wallace, Land O’Lakes, Sr.

Triple jump: Victoria Cannata, Land O’Lakes, So.

Discus: Lauren Plaugher, Hernando, Jr.

Shot put: Rita Jarque, Nature Coast, Jr. 

100: Kara Young, Zephyrhills, Sr.

200: Wilena Little, Springstead, Sr.

400: Ty’Rhonza Harris, Springstead, Sr.

800: Brianna Horn, Nature Coast, Sr.

1,600: Elise Cedre, Wiregrass Ranch, Sr.

3,200: Kerry Reilly, Wiregrass Ranch, Fr.

100 hurdles: Bronte Cameron, Nature Coast, Jr.

300 hurdles: Emily Gauvey, Anclote, So.

4x100: Zephyrhills (Tyrhonda Mathis, Aaliyah McKenzie, Mya Neal, Kara Young) 

4x400: Land O’Lakes (Christa Haran, Lindsey Weilant, Makenzie Fish, Hallie Grimes)

4x800: Land O’Lakes (Cheyenne Heron, Lindsey Weilant, Christa Haran, Chloe Phaup)

Honorable mention

Anclote: Emily Gauvey (100), Johnetta Swinton (discus), 4x100, 4x800; Bishop McLaughlin: Rachel Verscharen (discus, shot put); Fivay: Rachael Bradley (100 hurdles, 300 hurdles),  Amber Malas (high jump), Leah Neck (300 hurdles), 4x400; Gulf: Jaylin Banks (400), Jasmine Jackson (discus), Kayla Kavinski (long jump); Hernando: Jasha Patrick (triple jump, 100 hurdles); Hudson: Ashley Dugan (long jump); Land O’Lakes: Victoria Cannata (high jump), Makenzie Fish (400), Hallie Grimes (long jump), Jhade Hayes (shot put, discus), Kelsey McKee (shot put), Colleen Mitchell (pole vault), Lacy Nasello long jump), Kassidy Wallace (100 hurdles), Alyssa Woodard (100), 4x100; Mitchell: Alani Alexander (discus), Taylor Anderson (100), Alina Merceron (high jump), Ansley Phillion (pole vault, high jump), 4x800; Nature Coast: Kaylee Arvay (3,200), Crystal Burchhardt (1,600), Bronte Cameron (300 hurdles), Alicia Gentz (200), Ashley Gentz (100), Eboni Johnson (400), Alexa Lacy (3,200),  Nilsa-Marie Rodriguez (100), Zavana Schmidt (high jump), 4x100; Pasco: Lezareia Gilbert (high jump), Brianca Roberts (triple jump); Ridgewood: Michelle Gorski (100 hurdles), Kimberly Mendoza (400), Samantha Williams (shot put); River Ridge: Darien Davis (100, 200), Baylee Lewandowski (200), 4x100; Springstead: 4x400, 4x800; Sunlake: Katelyn Ortiz (300 hurdles); Wesley Chapel: Amber Maxwell (3,200), 4x100; Wiregrass Ranch: Madison Conway (800), Trakyra Kidd (400), Kerry Reilly (1,600), Alyssa Woodard (100), 4x100, 4x400, 4x800; Zephyrhills: Aaliyah McKenzie (triple jump)

Boys

Athlete of the year: Jack Guyton, Jr., Plant

Why we picked him: No boys runner in Tampa Bay this track season was able to win two gold medals at state, as the Panther pulled off the 1,600- and 3,200-meter double at the Class 4A meet in Jacksonville. Guyton was a dominant force in his events this season. In the 1,600, he was especially strong, beating the nearest county competitor by eight seconds at the county meet, 14 seconds at the district meet and 11 seconds at the region meet. In his state championship win, he won by five seconds, running a career-best 4:11.56. Not bad for a guy who began the year with one goal: to run the 1,600 under 4:20. He did that at the USF/Steinbrenner meet, and changed his goal to 4:15. When he ran a 4:16 at regionals, he changed his goal one last time -- win the 1,600 at state. Coming back an hour later to win the 3,200 was icing on the cake. “I did not even imagine winning both at the beginning of the season,’’ he said.

Proudest accomplishment:“When I started this season, I did not imagine winning in both events,” Guyton said. At regionals, Guyton lost to Sickles’ James Zentmeyer in the 3,200, casting some doubt, but came back the next week to beat him, and everyone else, at state, catching the leader with his tremendous kick. “I was about 40 meters behind,” he said. “I wasn’t thinking I was going to win. I thought, “second-place is pretty cool”….but then I realized I could catch him.”

Future plans: Guyton will do what all distance runners do in the offseason -- run and log miles. He’ll also fish and play Frisbee with friends.

DId you know? Guyton became only the second Hillsborough County runner to win gold in the 1,600 and 3,200 at the same state meet, joining Berkeley Prep’s Rolf Steier, who did it in 2000 and 2001. 

Coach of the year
Kevin Sharpe, Newsome: His team surprised everyone by winning the county meet, which carried over to an impressive district title for the Wolves, who scored nine points at state.

First team

Discus, Brad Smith, Sr., Gaither: Threw 159-7 at state to finish fourth; in better conditions, he threw 166-2 the week before at regionals.

Shot put, Byron Cowart, Jr., Armwood: Won district and had a Tampa Bay-best toss of 55-2.5 to win regionals before taking eighth at state.

High jump and triple jump, Dwayne Lawson, Jr., Hillsborough: Had the best high jump in the county with a 6-6 and won county, district and region titles, and kept the triple jump state title in Terrier hands with a winning leap of 47-6.75.

Long jump, Deiondre Porter, Sr., Jefferson: Didn’t win county, but saved his best for last, sweeping the postseason and jumping 23-6 at state to finish second.

Pole vault, Nick Catchur, Sr., Jesuit: Didn’t defend his state title (finished fourth), but there was no doubting who the best in the county was this season.

110 and 300 hurdles, Samson Moore, Jr. Gaither: Swept both hurdles at district and region meets; sixth at state in the 300.

100 and 200, Shug Rhynes, Sr., Middleton: Swept both events at districts and regionals; biggest track surprise of season won regional in blistering career-best 10.37 and took third at state in 10.65. 

400, Todd Jackson, Sr., Newsome: Closed out career with third-place finish at state in 48.03 to go with county championship.

800, Kevin Heron, Sr., Bloomingdale: Battled teammate Matt Butler, with three of their last four races decided by fewer than 1.5 seconds. Heron edged him 1:56-1:59 at state.

1,600, Jack Rogers, Jr., Robinson: One of the best 1,600 (and 800) runners in Tampa Bay, advancing to state in both events.

3,200, James Zentmeyer, Jr., Sickles: Beat POY Jack Guyton at regionals in the 3,200, an event he often won by wide margins. 

4x100 King (Javonte Brice, Emerson Tyler, Darian Wright, Dionte Poole Jr.): Swept through county, district and region meets, and closed out season sixth at state in 42.64.

4x400 Riverview (Kendall Carolina, Maraice Poole, Justin Coffie, Robert Cottrell): Ran a season-best 3:23 at regionals, and finished 12th at state a week later.

4x800 Bloomingdale (Andrew LeBlanc, John Bryant, Matt Butler, Kevin Heron): County champs ran a season-best 7:54.07 to take bronze at state meet.

Second team

Discus: Jamari Johnson, Jr., Seffner Christian

Shot put: Jack Taylor, Sr., Jesuit

High jump: Chamir Dixon, Sr., Leto

Long jump: James Hambrick, Jr., East Bay

Triple jump: Marc McCoy, Jr., Spoto

Pole vault: David Kornitzer, Jr., Newsome

110 hurdles: Dontae McGee, Jr., Brandon

300 hurdles: Jordan Greene, Jr., Armwood

100: Kevin Merrell, Sr., Steinbrenner

200: T.J. Harrell, Sr., Tampa Catholic

400: Nathan Nammour, Sr., Tampa Catholic

800: Oscar Skjaerpe, Sr., Tampa Prep

1,600: John Bryant, Sr., Bloomingdale

3,200: Carlos Andino, Sr., Plant

4x100: Newsome (Cameron Woods, Todd Jackson, Bruce Anderson, Aaron Wade)

4x400: Tampa Prep (Tyler Lawrence, Oscar Skjaerpe, Blake Dorman,Qaseem Wajd)

4x800: Durant (Duncan Fisher, Daniel Butler, Haftom Fliegelman, Jake Brownfield)

Honorable mention

Alonso: Brandon Robinson (long jump); Armwood: Jordan Griffin (shot put) , 4x400; Berkeley Prep: Ben Root (discus);  Blake: Jermal Wiley (400);  Bloomingdale: Ryan Voyles (long, triple jump), Matt Butler (800); Cambridge Christian: Josh Wolcott (triple jump); Carrollwood Day: Elias Earley (100, 200); Durant: Jevonte Reaves (discus); East Bay: Ryan Rannie (400), James Hambrick (200); Hillsborough: 4x800; Jefferson: Juwuan Brown (shot put), Deiondre Porter (200), Jeremiah Baltrip (triple jump); Jesuit: Vincent Jackson (shot put),  Dante Newberg (hurdles, high jump), Jack Taylor (discus), Sammi Abboud (pole vault), Clarence Williams (400), Jack Hughes (pole vault), 4x400; Leto: Rodney Jackson (100); Middleton: Daniel Dean (1600, 3200); Plant: Carlos Andino (1600);  Plant City: Montel McBride (shot put); Riverview: Jaylin Vereen (shot put); Seffner Christian: Jamari Johnson (shot put), Robbie Shell (long jump); Spoto: James Betha (long jump); Steinbrenner: Jacob Goncalves (high jump), Cody Burgess (hurdles); Strawberry Crest: Chauncey Thomas (triple jump);  Tampa Bay Tech: Malik Wright (100, 200); Tampa Catholic: Jacob Rios (shot put, discus), TJ Harrell (200), 4x400;  Tampa Prep: 4x800 relay, Qaseem Wajd (800); Wharton: Allan Robinson (100, 200). 

Girls

Athlete of the Year: Janae Caldwell, So., Spoto

Why we picked her: Caldwell may have been the county’s best 200 runner this season, winning the county, district and region meets in that event, while finishing fourth at state. But the 400 was Caldwell’s signature event, and there was no one better as she raced to the gold at the Class 3A state meet. It was a particularly satisfying win for Caldwell, who ran a career-best time last year and finished second in the event. This time, she was in control throughout, winning the first state championship of any sort for Spoto. Caldwell is a rarity these days, a pure track athlete who has been competing since she was 7. And while she could run any sprint she wanted and probably add a couple of jumping events, too, Caldwell has settled on the 400 for the same reason many avoid it. “It’s a very brutal event,’’ the sophomore said of the one-lap all-out sprint. “Not everyone can do it.” And no one did it better this year.

Proudest accomplishment: Caldwell decided last year she wanted to win a gold medal in the 400 and set out to do so with tougher workouts and a healthier diet. She ran a career-best 55.50 this year and is only getting faster.

Future plans: Caldwell is going to stretch herself out and run cross country in the fall and begins training next week. There is little reason to doubt she’ll find the same success in the woods as she did on the track. And Caldwell has her eyes on another gold medal, in the 200. Her goal is to make a serious run at pulling off the 200-400 double by her senior season.

DId you know? Janae is Caldwell’s middle name. The only person who calls her Eriqa anymore? Grandma.

Coach of the year
Anthony Traina, Wharton: With a wealth a young freshman talent, Traina helped steer the Wildcats to district and region titles over rival Steinbrenner, and his squad scored 10 points at state. 

First team

Discus, Ashley Wilson, Sr., Freedom: Won county title and took third at state with a toss of 126-8 feet.

Shot put, Addi Harden, Sr., Berkeley Prep: Double qualifier at state in discus as well, her fourth-place finish in the shot was the best for Tampa Bay competitors.

High jump, Anna Peyton Malizia, Jr., Plant: Jumped 5-0 at county meet for third and was 10th at state, but best jump was 5-4 at regionals.

Long jump, triple jump Lynette Robertson, Sr., Alonso: Won county and district championships in both events, and a region title in the long jump; qualified for state in both.

Pole vault, Nicole Carroll, So., Tampa Catholic: Now 2-for-2 at state after winning another Class 2A gold with a clutch 12-foot vault.

100 hurdles, Maia Carter, Sr., Riverview: County champ in the 100 and second in the 300; 15.02 in the 100 was good enough for sixth at state.

300 hurdles, Anel Smith, Sr., Freedom: County champion won in a career-best 45.29, and followed that up with district and region championships.

100, 200 Deja Rodgers, Sr., Middleton: Electrifying sprinter won the county championship in the 100, ran a career-best 11.94 at regionals and was fifth at state; added seventh in the 200.

400, Savyon Toombs, Fr., Chamberlain: Another of the county’s young talents, will be Caldwell’s toughest competition next two seasons; exceptional in the 100 and 200 as well.

800, Rachel Cazares, Sr., Gaither: Third-place finish at state in 2:15.61; also won USF/Steinbrenner Invite this season

1,600, Bryanna Rivers, Fr., Wharton: Splashy debut for the rookie, dominated her event and took eighth at state in 5:14.83.

3,200, Bailey Sullivan, Sr., Plant: Won county meet by 15 seconds, and shaved 19 seconds off that time with a 11:15.12 at state for fifth place.

4x100, Jefferson (LaKirah Davis, Keziah Walker, Tanelia Walton, Donviyah Brooks): County, district and region champs; had a season-best time of 48.18.

4x400, Wharton (Jasmine Robinson, Avonti Holt, Searra Woods, Amanda Lewis): Season-long battle with Alonso and Steinbrenner culminated at state with Wildcats finishing ninth, Warriors 10th.

4x800, Wharton (Mariah Henderson, Jasmine Robinson, Bryanna Rivers, Searra Woods): Ran a 9:34.35 to finish fourth at state meet.

Second team

Discus: Ty’china Bush, Jr., Plant City

Shot put: Alise Davis, Fr., Tampa Catholic

High jump: Mercedes Innocent, Sr., Sickles

Pole vault: Loren Scherschel, Sr., Steinbrenner

100 hurdles: Aria Tate, Fr., Wharton

300 hurdles, triple jump: Daneesha Davidson, Fr., Wharton

100, long jump: Jada Roberson, Jr., Hillsborough

200: J’Nai Taylor, Fr., Riverview

400: Madison Cox, Sr., Cambridge Christian

800: Bryanna Rivers, Fr., Wharton

1,600: Lindsay Shealey, Sr., Armwood

3,200: Anna Montgomery, Sr., Plant

4x100: Riverview (J’Nai Taylor, Kaylx Woodborn, Cassidy Howard, Kierra Haywood)

4x400: Alonso (Tia Steward, Savannah Torres, Megan Wetzel, Holliston Wagner)

4x800: Steinbrenner (Samyah Maddox, Tiyera Joseph, Emily Petrus, Alexandra Sikoryak)

Honorable mention: 

Academy of the Holy Names: Jazymne McCloud (triple jump, hurdles), Gillian Anthony (100, 400), Claire Snyder (1600, 3,200), 4x800, Colleen Doherty (1,600), Siobhan Lynch (hurdles), Natalie Hahn (800), Becca Patterson (200); Berkeley Prep: Addi Harden (discus), Vicky Lozano (triple jump), Amanda Dumar (pole vault), Nicole Stambo (pole vault), 4x400; Bloomingdale: Theadra Turaga (discus);  Armwood: KiKi Newsome (shot put);  Brandon: Nina Ochoa (3,200); Cambridge Christian: Madison Cox (200); Chamberlain: Maggie Parrish (3,200), Savyon Toombs (200); Freedom: Bianca Igwe (shot put); Hillsborough: Jada Roberson (long jump), Faith Brown (400); Chloe Jones (shot put), Aejona Chambers (shot put); Jefferson: Erika Jerone (400); King: ChaNita Foster (high jump); Plant: Rachel Goding (pole vault), Anna Montgomery (1,600), Bailey Sullivan (1,600); Plant City: Ty’china Bush (shot put); Riverview: 4x400; Robinson: Emily Vaughan (pole vault);  Spoto: 4x400; Steinbrenner: Taylor Hotchkiss (hurdles), Nicole Dorsey (long jump), Emily Petrus (800), 4x400; Tampa Catholic: Betia Washington (200, 400), Alise Davis (discus); Wharton: Bryanna Rivers (800)

Boys

Athlete of the year: Ahmad Middleton, Dunedin, Sr.

Why we picked him: With former Lakewood star Tim Holmes now at Baylor, Middleton took over as the county’s best hurdler. He dominated in both the 100 meters and hurdles, winning at nearly every major meet during the regular season. At the Class 2A state meet at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, Middleton won the 300 hurdles in 37.12 seconds, a time that at one point ranked as the second fastest in Florida and seventh fastest in the state. That’s not all. After winning his state title, Middleton took third in the long jump with a leap of 22-0.5.

Most impressive accomplishment: Middleton also was favored to win the 110 hurdles, but stumbled during the district meet and was unable to place in the top four to advance to regionals. That setback allowed him to concentrate on the 300 hurdles for state and dominate despite having to deal with persistent rain throughout the day. Once he crossed the finish, Middleton flashed a smile that stretched from ear-to-ear for a state title he could finally embrace.

Did you know? Middleton said he has no plans to cut his hair after winning state. “I had so much good luck that day, I don’t want it to end. I might get it trimmed just a little at some point but I’m not going to cut it low,” he said.

What’s next:  Middleton plans to enroll at Arkansas Pine-Bluff and will likely land a scholarship to run track there next season. 

Coach of the year
Eileen Givens, Countryside: Legendary coach ended two-year retirement and led Cougars to team titles at nearly every regular-season meet, including the Ed Wells Invitational, West Coast Invitational, Richard Allen Relays and conference meet. Countryside continued its run in the postseason with a district title and a second-place finish at regionals. 

First team

High jump, Deterio Petite, Largo, Jr.: Took eighth at 3A state meet with leap of 6 feet, 2 inches.

Pole vault, Carson Waters, Osceola, Sr.: Liberty recruit dominated the event locally and took fifth at 3A state meet by clearing 13-0.

Long jump, Darius Lacy, Northeast, Sr.: Consistently ranked behind Middleton in event all season.

Triple jump, Micah Forbes, Boca Ciega, Jr.: State qualifier was the county’s top performer in the postseason.

Discus, Chris Olson, Canterbury, Sr.: The Florida recruit took third at the Class A state meet with a throw of 143-11.

100, George Campbell, East Lake, Jr.: Football star placed fifth at 4A state meet in 10.79.

200, Damien Daniels, Gibbs, Sr.: Steadily improved, culminating with seventh-place finish at 2A meet in 21.93.

400, Michael Rusnak,  St. Petersburg Catholic, Sr.: Continued school’s strong tradition in event by taking third at Class A meet in 49.73.

800, Chris Robin, Calvary Christian, Jr.: Took fifth at Class A state meet in 1:58.01.

1,600, Andrew Llewellyn, Countryside, Sr.: Conference, district champion also was a state qualifier.

3,200, Andrew Llewellyn, Countryside, Sr: State runnerup ran event in personal-record 9:22.27.

110 hurdles, Chigozie Atavwigho, East Lake, Jr.: Placed seventh at 4A state meet in 15.25.

300 hurdles, Chigozie Atavwigho, East Lake, Jr.: County’s most consistent performer in the event after Middleton.. 

4x100, St. Petersburg (Lionel Hart, Darius Miller, Jon’Ta Edwards, Dawwon Conyers): Placed eighth at 4A state meet in 43.50.

4x400, Countryside (Alex Adolphson, Ryan Bennett, Nicholas Sprague, Mekhi Reynolds): State qualifiers had best times during the postseason.

4x800, Countryside (Billy Fitch, Jordan Santa-Maria, Robert Davis, Andrew Llewellyn): Finished sixth at 4A state meet in 8:01.93.

Second team

High jump: Tristen Malfe, Admiral Farragut, Sr.

Pole vault: Ayden Marrullier, Osceola, Jr.

Long jump: Diquan Walker, Clearwater Central Catholic, Sr.

Triple jump: Jaquez President, Gibbs, Sr.

Discus: Steven Borelli, Palm Harbor University, Sr.

Shot put: Giovanni Negron, Countryside, Sr.

100: Jahaven Haye, Lakewood, Jr.

200: Jaquez President, Gibbs, Sr.

400: Robert Davis, Countryside, Jr.

800: Devontae Persha, Lakewood, Sr.

1,600: Luke Peterson, Shorecrest, So.

3,200: Patrick McNamara, Admiral Farragut, Jr.

110 hurdles: Stephen Bridges, Lakewood, Sr.

300 hurdles: Miles Price, Northeast, Sr.

4x100: Lakewood (Donterio Fowler, Donte Jones, Quin’Tavius Mitchell, Jahaven Haye)

4x400: Gibbs (Craig Watts, Damien Daniels, Jaquez President, Dorian Watson)

4x800: Indian Rocks Christian (Michael Cavonis, Zach Trador, Drew Street, Sam Weller)

Honorable mention

Admiral Farragut: Anthony Evans (100), Nick James (pole vault), Napoleon Maxwell (100), 4x100; Boca Ciega: Kenyatta Anderson (high jump), Christopher Lampley (400), Victor Thompson (triple jump); Calvary Christian: Mitchell Pantelides (1,600), Jeremy Wood (110 hurdles), 4x100, 4x800; Clearwater Central Catholic: CJ Cotman (100, 200), 4x100, 4x400; Countryside: Ryan Bennett (800), Billy Fitch (800, 1,600), Jordan Santa-Maria (800), Kevontre Whetzel (300 hurdles), 4x400 relay; Dixie Hollins: Tyrie Adams (high jump); Gibbs: Damien Daniels (110 hurdles), Maurice Hall (100, 200), Jaquez President (100, 400);  Indian Rocks Christian: Michael Cavonis (400), Damian King (100, 200), Brian Sackett Jr. (300 hurdles), Josh Sackett (pole vault), Sam Weller (high jump), 4x100, 4x400; Lakewood: Jahaven Haye (200), Donte Jones (300 hurdles), 4x800; Largo: 4x100 relay, 4x400 relay; Northeast: Richard Lacagnina (400), Darius Lacy (long jump), Miles Price (300 hurdles), 4x800; Northside Christian: Jeff Goodwin (triple jump), Jordan Hoff (pole vault), Ben Knox (110, 300 hurdles); Osceola: Stephen Bingham (pole vault), Abimael Jimenez (1,600), Darien Hooker (discus, shot put), Hunter McCann (3,200); Palm Harbor University: Cameron Cleland (discus, shot put); Pinellas Park: James Hoile (pole vault), 4x100 relay; St. Petersburg: Davon Conyers (long jump), Demarkus Glover (triple jump), Elliot Traxler (800, 1,600); St. Petersburg Catholic: Adrian Snead (300 hurdles), 4x400; Shorecrest: 4x400. 

Girls

Athlete of the year: Brittany McGee, Admiral Farragut, Jr.

Why we picked her: For the past two seasons, McGee has been a fixture at the state track meet, placing in the top eight in the long jump and the 100 and 300 hurdles. But she had never won a state title in her top three events. That changed at the Class A state meet this year. McGee won the 100 hurdles in 14.83 seconds, becoming the first girls athlete at Admiral Farragut to win a state title in any sport. She added more gold in the 300 hurdles, winning the event in 46.44. She also placed third in the long jump (18-3.25). That helped the Blue Jackets finish fourth overall, the highest finish in school history and best among any county team at state this season.

Most impressive accomplishment: In the 300 hurdles, McGee stumbled out of the blocks and twisted her ankle. She grimaced through the pain, building a sizable lead that gave her enough of a cushion to hold on to win. After crossing the finish, McGee collapsed to the ground and was helped off the track by other hurdlers before having her ankle heavily taped by trainers.  

Did you know? McGee’s twin brother, Dontae, transferred to Brandon last year and ran in the 3A meet this season. He placed seventh in the 110 hurdles. 

What’s next: McGee’s ultimate goal is to become a heptathlete in college. She was a national champion in the heptathlon last season. After taking some time off to recover from her sprained ankle, McGee is back training as she tries to defend her heptathlon title at the New Balance Outdoor Nationals at North Carolina A&T on Friday-Sunday.

Coach of the year
Britt Taylor, East Lake: He led the Eagles to their first conference title, second straight district crown and a top-10 finish in the region meet.

First team

High jump, Jeanna Cube, Osceola, Sr.: Tied for seventh at the 3A state meet by clearing 5 feet.

Long jump, Katie Barnett, Shorecrest, Fr.: Took fourth at Class A state meet with mark of 18-2.25.

Triple jump, Daisha Brown, Largo, Sr.: Finished seventh at the 3A state meet with leap of 36-1.25

Discus, Ashaunti Brown, Admiral Farragut, So.: State runnerup had a personal-best throw of 117-1 at the Class A meet.

Shot put, Ashaunti Brown, Admiral Farragut, So.: Placed third at the Class A meet with throw of 35-2.25.

100, Assata Trader, Shorecrest, Sr.: Defending state champion beat rival Deterrica Simpkins two out of three times in postseason.

200, Deterrica Simpkins, Northside Christian, Sr.: Finished third at Class A state meet in 24.87.

400, Jerosan Fletcher, Gibbs, Sr.: Took fourth at 2A state meet in 57.96.

800, Erin Avers, Clearwater, Jr.: Placed fifth at the 3A state meet in 2:17.44

1,600, Alex Eaton, Shorecrest, Sr.: Georgia recruit was fifth at Class A meet in 5:15.74.

3,200, Alex Eaton, Shorecrest, Sr.: County’s top runner in the event throughout the season.

100 hurdles, Olivia Welsh, Dunedin, So.: In debut season, she took sixth in 2A state meet in 14.96.

300 hurdles, Katie Barnett, Shorecrest, Fr.: County’s top newcomer placed fourth at Class A state meet in 47.66.

4x100, Calvary Christian (Jess Stewart, Keely Durbak, Emily Curran, Serena Szarejko): Quartet finished third at Class A state meet in 50.69.

4x400, Indian Rocks Christian (Alex Buchanan, Bobbi LaBrant, Mia Gillespie, Alexis Gates): Sixth-place finish in Class A was highest for a county team at state.

4x800,  East Lake (Jennifer Lima, Erica Lersch, Sabrina Siegel, Julia Siegel): Conference and district champions had county’s top times. 

Second team

High jump: Zarria Hollis, St. Petersburg, So.

Pole vault: Bobbi LaBrant, Indian Rocks Christian, Jr. 

Long jump: Jerosan Fletcher, Gibbs, Sr. 

Triple jump: Katie Barnett, Shorecrest, Fr. 

Discus: Sara Karuli, Palm Harbor University, Sr.

Shot put: Sara Karuli, Palm Harbor University, Sr.

100: Deterrica Simpkins, Northside Christian, Sr.

200: Assata Trader, Shorecrest, Sr.

400: Alex Buchanan, Indian Rocks Christian, Sr.

800: Bobbi LaBrant, Indian Rocks Christian, Jr.

1,600: Hannah Brookover, Calvary Christian, So.

3,200: Sophia Vesely, Shorecrest, 6th

100 hurdles: Jeanna Cube, Osceola, Sr.

300 hurdles: Jacoya Byrd, Boca Ciega, Fr.

4x100: Shorecrest (Katie Barnett, Assata Trader, Caroline Gibbons, Nicole Levine)

4x400: Northside Christian (Anjalina Verma, Kara Eckstein, Deandra Tsaffaras, Deterrica Simpkins)

4x800: Shorecrest (Alex Eaton, Rachel Knauf, Olivia Rovin, Sophia Vesely)

Honorable mention

Boca Ciega: Jacoya Byrd (100 hurdles), Toni Canfall (200), Rickeshia Kelty (discus, shot put), 4x100; Calvary Christian: Keely Durbak (100), Jessica Stewart (triple jump), 4x800 relay; Clearwater Central Catholic: MariaJo Amundaray (400), Hayley Moyer (200, 400); Countryside: Mary Margaret Mason (pole vault); Dunedin: Olivia Welsh (pole vault); East Lake: Alivia Abraham (100 hurdles), Jennifer Lima (800), Cienna Nichols (long jump, 200, 400), Julia Siegel (3,200), Sabrina Siegel (800, 1,600), Erica Lersch (1,600), Ramiah Vickers (triple jump), Christelle Wagner (300 hurdles), 4x100, 4x400; Gibbs: Tysheira Adams (100, 200), Jerosan Fletcher (100, 200), 4x100;  Indian Rocks Christian: Autumn Frost (shot put); Keswick Christian: Eloise Palm (pole vault); Lakewood: Ke’Ara Clayton (triple jump); Largo: Daisha Brown (long jump); Northeast: Hayley Brahm (discus, 800), Caroline Condon (3,200), Jade Copeland (100), 4x400, Sarafina Wilson (high jump), 4x800; Northside Christian: Morgan Brown (pole vault), Kelly Kellogg (pole vault), Deandra Tsaffaras (100 hurdles); Osceola: Jeanna Cube (300 hurdles), 4x400; Palm Harbor University: 4x800; Pinellas Park: Kihla Holloway (discus), Alliyah Edwards (shot put); Seminole: Olivia Suski (1,600); St. Petersburg: Megan Fitzgerald (3,200), Zarria Hollis (400), 4x100; St. Petersburg Catholic: Brooke Coughlin (high jump); Shorecrest: Olivia Rovin (800).

For the past 23 years, Mike Tracy has choreographed the complex recruiting dance of trying to lure quality prospects to high-academic institutions in the lower tier of college football.

Tracy, the defensive coordinator at Hartwick College (N.Y.), gets a jump on the recruiting process by helping out at football camps in pockets of New England during the summer. He noticed players from recruiting hotbeds such as California, Florida and Texas kept showing up to the same camps.

“I started thinking about how great it would be if we hold a camp in Florida and have nothing but coaches from quality academic schools running the thing,” Tracy said. “To me, it was such a great idea I wrote my entire master’s thesis on it in sports management.”

Three years ago, Tracy, along with former Miami Dolphins lineman Jeff Dellenbach, started the South Florida Select Football Clinic. The attendance has more than doubled since its debut with 200 players attending the three-day camp — which cost $400 — held over the weekend at Boca Raton High School.

Coaches from every Ivy League school, as well as other high-academic schools, were there to provide instruction.

“This is a camp that is open to anyone,” Tracy said. “But it’s not going to be as beneficial to a player with a 2.0 grade-point average. Too often, coaches are taking care of the players who are struggling in various ways, which is needed. But we sometimes forget about the top-end student-athletes because they seemingly have everything taken care of.

“But those kids are trying to find a place to play, too. This camp is kind of a smorgasbord where everyone’s needs are met.”

And the camp comes at a time when recruits are trying to gain an edge by traveling the country to gain exposure. 

Tracy said players came from as far as Canada. The Tampa Bay area was also represented, with three attending from East Lake — running back Drew Couto, quarterback Jake Hudson and defensive lineman Regis Steighner. All three have weighted GPAs of 4.0 or higher.

Steighner wants to go to a school that is not only competitive in football, but has an outstanding and well-deserved reputation for academics.

“I’d love to go to an Ivy League school, and it was great to see so many coaches from those schools at this camp,” Steighner said. “There were others there, too. I talked to coaches from about 30 colleges this weekend.”

Cambridge Christian quarterback Garrett Young, who has a 3.7 GPA, was on a whirlwind tour of colleges and attended the camp Sunday. 

“If I was able to go to an Ivy League school or something equivalent, I’d be set for life,” Young said. “But the thing is I want to get as much exposure as possible and keep getting my name out there.”

South Florida Select Football Clinic
Area players who attended the three-day camp at Boca Raton High:
Cambridge Christian: Garrett Young; East Lake: Drew Couto, Jake Hudson, Regis Steighner; Gaither: David Mazur, Logan Young; Jesuit: Mike Bell, Clark Bulleit, Jackson Dennis, Brendon Wamsley; Pinellas Park: Mike McClellan; Seffner Christian: Marcus Richardson; Shorecrest: Sam Grant; St. Petersburg: Hunter Matirne; St. Petersburg Catholic: Ben Pruett; Wharton: Theo Hyppolite

TAMPA — A decade ago, Sickles had no trouble stringing together winning baseball seasons. That was until a new high school opened less than 8 miles away.

Steinbrenner, which draws some of the talent from the Gryphons’ area, has never had a losing season since opening in 2009. Sickles, on the other hand, has had more than its fair share of those. 

“It decimated us,” said Bob Pagano, who has coached the Gryphons since the school opened in 1997. 

But in 2014, things began to turn around for Sickles, which finished above .500 for the first time since its district rival opened. Troy Bacon may have been the catalyst. 

Bacon, a Florida commit, had a much improved 2014 season, Pagano said, leading the Gryphons both on the mound and at the plate. With just one more high school season to go, Bacon will be one of eight Tampa Bay area players participating in this week’s Perfect Game National Showcase. 

Pagano insists Bacon has a lot to show off. 

The shortstop and right-handed pitcher has played varsity baseball for Sickles since he was a freshman, but it was his junior season — one in which he had a .381 batting average and 1.01 ERA in 62.1 innings pitched — in which Pagano said he saw the most growth. 

“You can’t let anything get to you as a pitcher. When he was younger, (things) would get to him, and then it would affect his field of play and his batting,” Pagano said. “It didn’t this time.”

Here are the other Tampa Bay area players participating in the 2014 Perfect Game National Showcase:

Kyle Tucker, OF, Plant: The Florida commit, who will compete in this summer’s Under Armour All-America Game at Wrigley Field, led the state with nine home runs and had a team-high .415 batting average for the Panthers this past season.

Christopher Chatfield, OF/LHP, Spoto: Chatfield had two of Spoto’s three home runs in 2014 and finished with a .371 batting average. The 6-foot-3 junior also had a 1.94 ERA in a team-high 21.2 innings pitched. 

Logan Crouse, RHP, Bloomingdale: Crouse, a Florida State commit, led the Bulls to a Class 8A state championship game appearance in May and finished the season with a 0.63 ERA and 9-2 record, striking out 116 in 88.2 innings pitched. 

Jason Heinrich, RHP/1B, River Ridge: Heinrich had a team-high .534 batting average and led the Royal Knights with 33 RBIs, 13 doubles, two triples and seven home runs. He also had a 9-1 record on the mound with a 1.90 ERA in 59 innings pitched. 

Ronnie Ramirez, 3B/RHP, Jesuit: The FSU commit stepped up when the Tigers’ pitching staff took a hit with suspensions this spring, and he ended the season with a 2.36 ERA in 29.2 innings pitched, adding 11 RBIs at the plate. 

Kennie Taylor, OF, Jesuit: Taylor led Jesuit with 24 RBIs, 10 more than next best Tiger. He helped lead the Tigers to a Class 5A state championship with a .348 batting average and a team-leading 14 extra-base hits. 

Pablo Toranzo, RHP, Tampa Catholic: The 6-foot-4 junior finished the 2014 season with a 2-0 record and 2.10 ERA in 10 innings pitched.

Perfect Game National Showcase 
Where: JetBlue Park, Fort Myers
When: Thursday-Monday
Format: There are 18 games featuring 12 teams comprised of elite class of 2015 players, with scouts and colleges on hand. For complete schedule and roster information, visit www.perfectgame.org.

HOLIDAY — It may have been blistering hot Tuesday morning at Anclote for the first Westside 7-on-7 games, but Gulf’s Keshaun Peters and Avery Welch couldn’t have been happier to be on a football field. 

Both players missed the Bucs’ spring practices due to academic ineligibility, but are now eligible and will be fighting for playing time at quarterback.

“Watching on the sideline was the worst thing ever,” Welch said. “I’m just trying to get back into shape.’’

Peters was one of the best athletes on the field Tuesday against Tarpon Springs, Anclote and Mitchell. He threw five touchdowns and caught two to help Gulf win two of three games. It was the first time he’s been able to work out with his teammates since the end of his freshman year.

“It’s been really hard,’’ Peters said. “I just had to get my grades up. I’m ready to go now.’’

This is the rising senior’s last chance to make an impact. The Bucs were 1-9 last season and could use Peters’ athleticism on offense and defense. He is also a receiver and defensive back. 

“It’s really important for me because I have to get back with the receivers and make sure we gel together,” Peters said. “This is where we work on getting our timing right and get set for the season.”

Peters will likely share quarterback duties with Welch. Both have some talented receivers to work with, especially rising sophomore Deandre Hopkins, who made some big catches Tuesday. 

“Our team is better in 7-on-7 than any team out here,” Welch said. “We just have to work on our line. But next year, I think we’re going to dominate. Our receivers are ridiculous. I don’t care what people think we’re going to do, I know what we’re going to do.” 

Vinkler re-adjusts

It will take Anclote quarterback Brandon Vinkler about a month to get back into football shape — not because of injury or lack of reps, but his baseball throwing motion. 

The rising junior plays first base and pitches, and has even attracted attention from professional scouts. The lefty hit .292 in 2014, collected 21 hits and drove in eight runs in 2014. 

“Right now I’m kind of rusty because I have a baseball throw and that kind of messes me up,” Vinkler said.

Despite receiving interest from major-league clubs, Vinkler’s passion still lies on the gridiron. “I don’t really focus on baseball as much as I do football,” he said. 

As the starter during last season’s 6-5 campaign, Vinkler threw for eight touchdowns and was only intercepted three times. But he still sees room for improvement.

“Footwork, deep throws — you know everything that every other quarterback does reading coverage,” said Vinkler, who has been invited to attend a camp at the University of Kentucky. 

Wilcox is one to watch

Tarpon Springs standout tight end Mitch Wilcox has been drawing a lot of attention from Division I schools recently. 

The rising senior just received an offer from USF and expects one from UCF is just around the corner. The tight end has also gotten a look from Midwestern schools like Youngstown State and Iowa State. Wilcox will attend a camp at Purdue on Friday, then make an appearance at UCF’s camp a few days later. 

Wilcox will play a large role for the Spongers as they look to improve on a 7-5 season from a year ago. He will be used on both sides of the ball, seeing time at defensive end as well. Wilcox will use this summer as a chance to improve his conditioning. 

Tuesday, the 6-foot-4, 230-pound Wilcox proved useful as a large target for quarterback Brandon Casler. The tight end’s afternoon included a 40-yard score in the Spongers’ opening game against Mitchell and another touchdown in the team’s win over Anclote. 

Photo: Anclote quarterback Brandon Vinkler 

Patrick Kelly, who led the Armwood girls basketball team to the playoffs for the first time since 2009 this past season, has been hired to take over the boys program.

Kelly replaces Jeff Pafunda, who went 11-12 with the boys last season. Kelly was an assistant under Pafunda in the 2007-08 and 2008-09 seasons, before replacing current East Bay boys coach Billy Teeden as the girls coach.

Kelly guided the Hawk girls to a 26-5 record last season, including a 14-0 mark in the district. The Hawks followed up their district title with playoff wins over Dixie Hollins and Mitchell, before losing in the region final. It was as far as the Hawks, led by senior stars Kiana King and Trumeeyka Hawkins, have advanced since 2000, when the team advanced to state.

In five seasons under Kelly, the team improved its record every year. Kelly finishes with a 70-60 record.  

Player of the year: Kenzi Maguire, Jr., River Ridge

Why we picked her: Maguire is unanimously agreed upon as the best softball player in Pasco County. It’s hard to find something the Sunshine Athletic Conference Player of the Year doesn’t do well. She is probably a No. 3 or 4 hitter at heart, but leads off for River Ridge. Her defense at shortstop is exceptional. And her bat is without holes. Maguire, who only struck out six times in 118 plate appearances, batted .598 and had 58 hits, with 34 of those going for extra bases — 15 doubles, 12 triples and seven home runs. Not to compare Maguire to a major leaguer, but a .900-1.100 OPS (on-base percentage and slugging average combined) is considered pretty elite, and Maguire posted a crazy 1.866 against a tough schedule. Her 2013 body of work is one of the most impressive in North Suncoast history.

Most impressive accomplishment: If you follow softball, you probably thought Maguire had an incredible 2013 season, and she did. But for an encore in 2014, she hit 119 points higher, seven more doubles, six more triples and two more home runs.

Did you know? Maguire is the eighth Royal Knight — most of any North Suncoast school — to earn Times’ player or pitcher of the year honors, joining Morgan Tolle and Makenzie Goluba (2013), Lakyn Shull (2011), Janet Houck (2005), Kiki Von Holt (2003, 2004), Christine Beck (2001, 2002), Tiffany Martin (1998).

Future plans: Maguire still has a year to continue rewriting the school and county record books before enrolling at Arkansas, where she has orally committed.  

Pitcher of the year: Courtney Riddle, Sr., Hernando

Why we picked her: Riddle was remarkably consistent — in the pitching circle and at plate — and helped revive the softball program in her time at Hernando. Riddle pitched in every game but one this season, finishing with a 27-2 record, 1.48 ERA and 179 strikeouts in 184 innings. Her season was impressive enough that even her final outing, in which she allowed a mind-blowing 15 earned runs, wasn’t enough to deter us — or most coaches we talked to — from naming her the season’s best pitcher. It was her .485 batting average and 44 RBIs that put her over the top. She beat Nature Coast in the district final. She avenged her only regular-season loss, going 2-0 against River Ridge, including a win in the region semifinal. And she knocked off Dunedin in the playoffs. “As a pitcher and our No. 4 hitter, she owned so much of what we were able to accomplish,” coach Kevin Bittinger said.

Most impressive accomplishment: Riddle’s 27 wins shattered the previous record at Hernando, Chrissy Hartley’s 23 set in 2001. For her career, which includes two varsity seasons as a seventh and eighth grader at Hernando Christian, Riddle won a Hernando County-record 94 games.

Did you know? Riddle pitched in the state semifinals for Hernando Christian in 2009 and 2010 as a seventh and eight grader. < p> Future plans: Riddle has signed with the College of Central Florida.  

Coach of the Year

Kevin Bittinger, Hernando. In his ninth season, Bittinger led the Leopards to a 27-3 record, one of the school’s best ever, and guided them to a second straight region final, beating local powerhouses Nature Coast and River Ridge — the only teams to beat Hernando in the regular season — in the playoffs, The Leopards haven’t been to consecutive region finals since 2000-2001, when they advanced to the state semifinals.

First team

P Makenzie Goluba, Jr., River Ridge: Went 23-4 with North Suncoast-best 0.34 ERA, 14 shutouts and 171 strikeouts.

P Jill McElderry, Sr., Fivay: No one was more overpowering than McElderry, who went 13-8 while striking out a Tampa Bay-best 254 batters in 139 innings, including 12 games with more than a dozen Ks. She also batted a team-high .522.

P Madison Morlan, Sr., Gulf: Went 12-3 with a 1.08 ERA, including a save, and finished career with 44 wins; also led the Bucs with a .426 average.

INF Lindsey Hupp, Jr., Zephyrhills: Led the Bulldogs with 39 hits, 30 RBIs and a .500 batting average; had at least two hits in 11 of first 13 games. 

INF Morgan Tolle, Sr., River Ridge: Batted .489, led North Suncoast in homers (eight) and RBIs (45). In one of greatest prep softball careers ever, hit .488 with 31 doubles, 21 HRs and 119 RBIs. 

INF Lauren Evans, Sr., Academy at the Lakes: So good that if you take away her stats, the team batting average drops 45 points; hit .708, on-base percentage was .806, 20 of 34 hits were for extra bases, and she did not strike out. 

INF Melissa Moore, Jr., River Ridge: Was 2-for-25 first 10 games, but batted .446 with 15 RBIs the last 20, and was a wall at the hot corner.

C Megan Lane, Jr., Hernando: A .556 average and 60 hits, including 19 multi-hit games, led to 63 stolen bases, No. 9 in the country according to MaxPreps.

OF Madisyn Palmer, Jr., River Ridge: Centerfielder had a hit in 27 of 30 games, batted .536, scored 43 runs.

OF Kassidy Neptune, Sr., Mitchell: Opened season with 20-game hitting streak, finished with .571 average (third on the North Suncoast) and 1.012 slugging percentage to go with five homers and 32 RBIs.

OF Kat Gonzalez, Jr., Nature Coast: Made the Sharks go with .459 average, and her 16 stolen bases made her a player you had to keep off the bases.

DH Chyloe Gonzalez, So., Nature Coast: Led team to t he district final and led the Sharks in hits (38), doubles (nine), triples (nine), average (.482) and RBIs (33).

UTIL Madison Staniloiu, Jr., Mitchell: Was 10-2 in the circle with four shutouts and four saves, and batted .420 with team-high 13 doubles and six homers.

Second team

P Abbey Primavera, Fr., Nature Coast 

P Louisa Disi, Jr., Springstead

P Jordan Fowler, Sr., Mitchell

INF Kiera Delegro, Jr., Mitchell

INF Samantha Renzetti, Sr., Mitchell

INF Tarra Rice, Sr., Gulf   

INF Tana McDaniel, Sr., Hernando 

C Nikki Sedivy, Sr., Gulf

OF Haley McCarthy, Jr., Gulf

OF Cassidy Roberts, So., Sunlake

OF Sierra Cannon, Jr., Hernando

DH Amber Caudill, Sr., Pasco

UTIL Kaeleen Koehler, So., Central

Honorable mention

Anclote: Kourtney Gracie

Bishop McLaughlin: Brooke Baptiste

Fivay: Bailea Robinson

Gulf: Britney Pressler

Hernando: Summer Solovitch

Hudson: Sarah Brown, Heather Shagoury

Land O’Lakes: Shannon Saile, Nicole Urban

Mitchell: Erin Brown, Kelsea Vanderveer

Nature Coast: Brianna Harvey

Pasco: Blakeleigh Boyett, Kaylee Britton

River Ridge: Brook Schwaner, Anessa Holes

Springstead: Abby Oliver

Sunlake: Haley Kirinsky, Shelby Lansing

Weeki Wachee: Ray Riecss

Wiregrass Ranch: Elizabeth Diaz, Shailynn Morales, Kaitlynn Ridolph

Zephyrhills: Alexis Christopher, Cassidee McCullough

Pitcher of the Year: Lace Smith, Jr., Bloomingdale

Why we picked her: Smith carried a team that didn’t even make the playoffs last year to the Class 8A state championship — the program’s first since 1993. She took a 0.58 ERA into the state semifinals, and she allowed only one earned run in Vero Beach. The right-hander finished the season with 279 strikeouts while walking only 26 batters in 174 innings. Her bat was solid, too — she was among the team’s leaders with a .343 average and three home runs. 

Proudest accomplishment: Smith dominated all season but had her best performance in the 8A region quarterfinal. On the road at Sarasota Riverview, she struck out 19 batters and threw a perfect game. “I didn’t know I pitched a perfect game until the end when my coach told me,” Smith said. “I was pretty excited.” She went a step farther, bashing a homer in the seventh that was the only run in a 1-0 victory.

Future plans: Smith has orally committed to play at the University of Buffalo. She has already visited the school and enjoyed the campus. She intends to study nursing.

Did you know? Smith enjoys listening to country music, like Luke Bryan. She’ll spend this summer playing travel ball for the Tampa Mustangs 18U gold team, with tournaments scheduled in Alabama, Colorado and Chicago. 

Player of the Year: SS Jessica Warren, Sr., Alonso

Why we picked her: Warren was one of Tampa Bay’s top sluggers and had one of the strongest defensive arms in the county. Her .605 batting average ranked among the top 25 in the state, and she bashed a team-best 10 home runs with 33 RBIs to edge Berkeley Prep’s Kristin Hoover for the award. “It’s almost as if she could see it before it actually happened,” Ravens coach Robin Kopp said. “It’s not only that she hit well. It’s the way she could see the game that was great.” 

Proudest accomplishment: Warren helped lead her team to a win in one of the craziest games of the year — a 7-6 win over Bloomingdale for the Class 8A, District 7 title in a 13-inning contest plagued by rain. “Our coach kept us up,” said Warren, who helped turn the game-ending double play for the victory. Alonso advanced to the Class 8A region semifinals. 

Future plans: Warren has signed to play at Florida State. She plans to study sports psychology and is considering pursuing a career as a therapist.

Did you know? Warren got hooked on the sport by playing baseball with her older brother, James. She began playing T-ball as a young child and continued playing baseball with the boys until she was about 11 years old, when she switched to softball. “It was fun,” Warren said. “It was different.” 

Coach of the year

Mandy Schuerman, Bloomingdale. The Bulls didn’t even make the playoffs last year but made history in Schuerman’s first season as head coach. Bloomingdale went from district runnerup to Class 8A state champion, giving the program its first state title since 1993 and finishing the season ranked No. 22 nationally by MaxPreps. The Bulls finished 27-3.

First team

P Kayla Maxwell, Sr., Alonso: Houston signee helped the Ravens win the 8A-7 district title with a 1.36 ERA and 82 strikeouts.

P Nicole Lopez, Sr., Jefferson: Carried the Dragons to the program’s first fast-pitch district championship with 164 strikeouts and a .410 batting average.

P Sammi Grat, So., Gaither: Her 0.72 ERA and 9-1 record - included a shutout win over Steinbrenner for the Class 7A, District 8 championship. 

P Noelle Dietrich, Jr., Plant City: 1.10 ERA helped the Raiders reach the 7A region semifinals.

C Mia Fung, Sr., Strawberry Crest: USF recruit finished with a .440 average and five home runs.

IF Emma Frost, Fr., Carrollwood Day: Led the Patriots to the Class 3A state semifinals with a .635 average and 30 extra-base hits.

IF Liz Diaz, Sr., Chamberlain: Vocal leader’s 38 RBIs and .428 average carried the Chiefs to the Class 6A state semifinals.

IF Elizabeth Jackson, Jr., Bloomingdale: Bulls’ top hitter (.486) for the 8A state champs.

IF Kristin Hoover, Sr., Berkeley Prep: Cal recruit ranked among the state’s leaders with a .612 average and 16 home runs.

OF Rachel Carlson, Sr., Freedom: Maine signee led the Patriots in hitting (.457) and steals (11).

OF Izzy Ordorica, Sr., Chamberlain: UCLA recruit was the top hitter (.442 average) for the state semifinalists.

OF Cacey Simmons, Sr., Strawberry Crest: Tops on the team with nine triples and 29 RBIs while batting .500.

DH Shannon Bell, Sr., Durant: Had the Cougars’ biggest hit — a walkoff home run in a Class 7A region quarterfinal win over Steinbrenner; finished with six homers and 45 RBIs.

UTIL Alea White, So., Cambridge Christian: Posted a 1.23 ERA with 245 strikeouts at pitcher and batted .629.

Second team

P Sammy Tyler, Sr., Strawberry Crest

P Sloan Hammons, Fr., Durant

P Olivia Dwyer, So., Chamberlain

P McKenzie Ward, Jr., Berkeley Prep

C Elizabeth Mason, So., Gaither

IF Hope Hernandez, Fr., Chamberlain

IF Erica Serafini, Jr., Steinbrenner

IF Brandea’ Rafferty, So., Robinson

IF Adri Jones, Jr., Leto

OF Megan Reed, Sr., Strawberry Crest

OF Justine Fernandez, So., Jefferson

OF Megan Wetzel, Jr., Alonso

DH Julia Schifino, Jr., Academy of the Holy Names

UTIL Megan Przeslawski, Sr., Plant

Honorable mention 

Academy of the Holy Names: Brittany Bramwell

Alonso: Elly Pillers

Berkeley Prep: Arielle Glass, Brie Nicker

Blake: Marissa Hernandez, Amanda Weathers

Bloomingdale: Darby Bernaldo, Taylor Engman, Samantha Selden

Brandon: Kristen Willig

Cambridge Christian: Megan Rygiel, Vivica Smith

Carrollwood Day: Savannah Bennett, Amanda Rose

Chamberlain: Jenna Brownell, Lauren Williams

Durant: Selena Bezares, Brooke Freeman, Morgan Slater, Kelli Tidwell

East Bay: Taylor Baker, Madison Culver, Amber Hess

Freedom: Maddy Hall, Grace Street

Gaither: Bethany Kursch, Alex Robbins

Hillsborough: Jamie Bevins

Jefferson: Kayla Fernandez, Natalia Rivera

Leto: Rebecca Harkins, Marcella Parrado

Middleton: Alexus Raymond, Gabriela Trejo

Newsome: Claire Feldman

Plant City: Kacie Booth, Emily Register, Rebecca Sorenson

Riverview: Kaitlyn McMillan, Peyton Moritz

Robinson: Amanda Crosby, Samantha Conlan, Caitelin Herrera, Haley Morrell 

Seffner Christian: Madison Cates, Celia Higgins, Rachel Seifert, 

Sickles: Giselle Anderson, Jasmine Carter

Steinbrenner: Kellee Ramsey

Strawberry Crest: Aly Masessa

Tampa Catholic: Kaylyn Carson, Cristina Clauberg, Emily Small

Tampa Prep: Kamryn Beach

Wharton: Makaleigh Dooley

Pitcher of the Year: Kama Woodall, Fr., Canterbury

Why we picked her: The ace of the staff dominated this season, finishing 14-4 with a 0.86 ERA and 196 strikeouts. Her four losses all came in the regular season against teams that eventually made the state semifinals: Hagerty (8A), Oakleaf (6A), Ponte Vedra (5A) and River Ridge (5A). In the postseason, Woodall pitched in every game, including a 1-0 win over Aucilla Christian in the Class 2A state championship game. It was second straight season Woodall started — and won — a state title game.

Most impressive accomplishment: At the start of the season, Woodall shared pitching duties with Hailey Hopkins. But when the district tournament started, Woodall became the workhorse of the staff. She had six shutouts and allowed just five hits in her final seven games, including a perfect game against Hernando Christian in the district semifinals. In two other games down the stretch, she was one batter away from a perfect game. “I’d have to say winning back-to-back state titles was definitely my accomplishment this year,” Woodall said.

Did you know? Woodall is afraid of clowns. “I watched It when I was real little and it freaked me out. Clowns are super scary, “ she said.

What’s next: Woodall will pitch with her travel team, the 16U Gold Coast Hurricanes, this summer and play in fall leagues to get ready for her sophomore season. 

Player of the Year: Logyn Lilley, Jr., Palm Harbor University

Why we picked her: The Hurricanes were a team in transition, especially after graduating the county player of the year each of the past two seasons. It was up to Lilley to keep PHU in playoff contention. She didn’t disappoint. The slugger hit .630 with seven home runs and county-leading 44 RBIs. According to MaxPreps, Lilley led Class 8A in three offensive categories and was third in three others. In 81 at-bats, she struck out just three times.

Most impressive accomplishment: PHU was on a three-game losing streak at the start of the district tournament and was in danger of missing the playoffs for the first time in six seasons. Against Bradenton Manatee in the semifinals, the Hurricanes trailed 5-2 before rallying to win 12-5. Lilley was 3-for-4 and scored twice in that game. In the district final against Sarasota Riverview, Lilley hit two home runs and accounted for all five runs in a 6-5 loss. “For me, the biggest accomplishment was the success my team had despite losing players and having a lot of younger players on the team,” Lilley said.

Did you know? Lilley’s first name actually is Kyndra. Logyn is her middle name. She also played soccer as a freshman and dreamed of playing in college at one point.

What’s next: Lilley is a Long Island University softball commit and is playing this summer with her travel team, 18U Team Mizuno gold.

Coach of the year

Kristie Delk, East Lake: The first-year coach had an uneven regular season, but had her team playing the best when it mattered with wins in six of the last seven games to secure the program’s eighth straight playoff appearance, as well as the first district title and postseason wins in three years. 

First team

P Aubrey Ehlers, Jr., Dunedin: Finished 19-6 with a 1.70 ERA to lead Falcons to their third straight playoff berth..

P Riley Randolph, Jr., Northeast: Florida Gulf Coast recruit was 15-6 with 0.89 ERA and 164 strikeouts.

P Alyssa Queen, Sr., Countryside: Last year’s pitcher of the year was 16-4 with a 2.20 ERA. 

P Mariah Watts, Sr., Lakewood: Wisconsin signee overcame shoulder injury to go 10-5 with a 0.14 ERA and 161 strikeouts. 

C Danielle Romanello, Fr., Canterbury: Florida recruit hit .575 with seven home runs and 34 RBIs for two-time state champions.  

IF Taylor Bump, Fr., Canterbury: Hit .557 with seven home runs and 36 RBIs.

IF Tiona Hill, Sr., Dunedin:  College of Central Florida signee had team’s lone RBI in region quarterfinal loss to Hernando.

IF Keeley Mayers, Jr., Countryside: Team MVP hit .389 with 17 RBIs and eight doubles.  

OF Aliyah Andrews, So., East Lake: LSU recruit hit .465 with 15 stolen bases and threw out four runners at home. 

OF Katie Flanagan, Jr., Palm Harbor University: Table setter hit .466 and had a team-leading 19 stolen bases. 

OF Samantha Sharpe, Sr., Countryside: Hit .413 with 10 RBIs and seven doubles for conference champion Cougars.

DH Hailey Hopkins, Jr., Canterbury: Led state champs with eight homers and hit .476 with 29 RBIs.

UTIL Rachel Taylor, Sr., Palm Harbor University: Hit .494 with three homers and 30 RBIs for the district champions. 

Second team

P Allison Keen, Sr., St. Petersburg Catholic

P Corynn Miner, So., Admiral Farragut

P Diana Rayder, So., East Lake

P Lindsey White, Jr., Tarpon Springs

C Brittany Creamer, Sr., Countryside

IF Ashley Bonalewicz, Sr., East Lake

IF Mackenzie Jahn, Jr., Seminole

IF Ashley McNally, Jr., Northeast

IF Olivia Silver, Jr., Dunedin

OF Andrea Fredericks, Jr., Countryside

F Alayna Gallagher, Sr., Palm Harbor University

OF Lindsay Graves, So., Canterbury

DH Abbie Sexton, Jr., Dunedin

UTIL Allysa Johnson, Sr., Clearwater

Honorable mention

Admiral Farragut: Maiya Fudge, Kyndal Olander, Claudia Pizzarelli 

Boca Ciega: Alexis Blasingane, Morgan Rickey, Caylie Van Auken

Calvary Christian: Gaby Alvarado, Rachel Hunt

Canterbury: Maddie Posey

Clearwater: Savannah Summy

Clearwater Central Catholic: Ashley Hancock

Countryside: Makensie Griffin, Erin Jankiewicz, Sommer Pollard, Stella Preston, Brooke Sharpe

Dixie Hollins: Kim Kyle, Carlee Lucas, Savannah Southerland, Brittnie Vandonge

Dunedin: Mandy Alman, Taylor Scott

East Lake: Maddie Bertisch, Nicci Palumbo, Hannah Roberts, Katie Shoulta

Gibbs: Brianna Perez

Indian Rocks Christian: Hannah Burris, Olivia Ross-Johnson 

Lakeside Christian: Brittany Bailey, Madyson Brown, Heather Meyer, Michelle Reagh

Lakewood: Mara Brody, Allison Campbell,  Angelina Carney, Elinor Gale, Sarah Snell, Andrea Vargas

Largo: Leshawna Grey, Cassie Sutfin, Taylor Toolan, Abagail Welker

Northeast: Relynn Capra, Janae Duty, Aja Eglton, Chrissa Ellie, Ashley McNally, Kayla Stellwag

Osceola: Becca Bunday, Hannah Ciatto, Lindsey Hall, Sarah Huskey, Maria Kappos, Kaitlyn Newman, Rachel Piscitello, MacKenna Willis, Malorie Wallace

Palm Harbor University: Brittany Lennon, Baily Wilson

Pinellas Park: Makayla Beck, Cristina Gomez, Zoey Ledford, Samantha McHenry, Rachel Morton, Alexis Pereiro, Jordan Staton

Seminole: Brooke McEntire, Savanna Rumore, Megan Withrow

St. Petersburg: Alexa Beaulieu, Carly Danner, Kaitlin Fanning, Sarah Grafton, Olivia McCoy, Katie Reith, Alex Sulte, Emma Weiland

St. Petersburg Catholic: Lena Trehy

Tarpon Springs: Julie Allen, Andrea Faison, Kelsey Linn, Emily Merino

We don't need your name. Just your opinion, a link to Hudl film if you'd like, stats to back up your opinion. Go ahead. Get involved. Have some fun. 

Player of the Year: Jason Heinrich, Jr., River Ridge

Why we picked him: There was no better all-around player than Heinrich, who was good enough that he could have been selected as player or pitcher of the year. As a hitter, he led the North Suncoast with a .534 average and seven homers, and was second in doubles with 13 and had 33 RBIs. In fact, Heinrich had more extra-base hits (22) than singles (17). After a relatively slow start, he hit in 18 of his last 19 games at a .589 clip. In 94 plate appearances, he struck out only twice, and only one county team — Mitchell on Feb. 20 — was able to retire him on strikes. His slugging percentage (1.054) and OPS (1.684) were second to none. On the hill, Heinrich won nine straight games until the district semifinal, striking out 70 in 59 innings.

Most impressive accomplishment: Heinrich said he was most pleased with his plus-.500 batting average. “It was special to me because I think the hardest thing to do is stay consistent,” he said. Heinrich raced across the finish line. In his last nine games, he had 16 RBIs and 17 hits in 26 at-bats. He hit more home runs (six) and just as many doubles (five) as he did singles, and added a triple.

Did you know? Heinrich’s sister, Samantha, earned a rowing scholarship to UCF, and introduced Jason to it at age 5. While he’s never rowed in an actual boat, it’s his tireless work on the rowing machine that he says helps with his balance.

Future plans: Heinrich, a solid verbal commitment to UCF, is competing in the Perfect Game National Showcase in Fort Myers this week before heading off to the invite-only National Tournament of Stars in Cary, N.C., June 16-22, where the top players are selected for the 18U U.S. national team.

Pitcher of the Year: David Castillo, Sr., Sunlake

Why we picked him: You could call him Big Game Dave after what he accomplished in the postseason in leading Sunlake to a 20-10 record and its first state semifinal appearance. Castillo was able to take the mound every week for the Seahawks and finished the season with a 9-4 record and 1.60 ERA in 13 starts. He threw 83.1 innings, allowed 43 hits and was second on the North Suncoast with 100 strikeouts. “I think I did pretty good,” said Castillo. “I felt like I was more into the game than last year. When I was down or struggling, I wasn’t able to pull through. This year I did.” At the plate, Castillo batted .343 with eight doubles, 15 RBIs and 33 runs scored.

Most impressive accomplishment: Castillo was the man in the playoffs. He shocked favored Hernando 2-1 in the region quarterfinal, striking out 11. In the region semifinal, he shut out high-scoring Pasco 3-0, and in the region final, he pitched eight innings and struck out nine in a 6-3 win over North Marion before losing at state to eventual champion Jesuit. His postseason numbers: 3-1, 28.1 innings pitched, 16 hits allowed, 29 strikeouts and a 1.21 ERA.

Did you know? Castillo was born in New Jersey and moved here in the third grade.

Future plans: Castillo is still undecided on his next step, but coach Dick Rohrberg says he has some junior college interest and options.

Coach of the year

Dick Rohrberg, Sunlake. If you were to put together a list of all the teams expected to have a chance for the state semifinals in Fort Myers, would Sunlake have been on it? Even late in the season right before districts? But the aggressive-minded Rohrberg made all the right moves as he led the 20-10 Seahawks to their best season ever.  

First team

P Sean Fluke, Sr., Fivay: Led the North Suncoast with 103 strikeouts in 77.2 innings, finishing 7-4 with a 1.62 ERA. In three of four losses, Falcons did not score.

P Kyle Kilbourne, Sr., Hernando: Was 9-2 with 1.12 ERA and 72 strikeouts in 69 innings. Allowed more than one earned run just once all season.

P Malik Johns, Sr., Pasco: Pirates’ big-game arm notched wins over Hernando and Land O’Lakes (in the playoffs) and nearly surprised Sunlake in region semifinal; also was the spark plug at the top of Pasco’s order.

P David Flowers, Sr., Hernando: Was 7-1 with a 1.64 ERA; lost only game by a 1-0 score.

INF K.J. Bierly, Jr., Wesley Chapel: Batted .447 and led the Wildcats with eight doubles, three homers and 26 RBIs.

INF Cobi Johnson, Sr., Mitchell: Florida State signee led the Mustangs with 11 doubles, batted .409 and struck out 57.

INF Corey Mumaw, Jr., Wesley Chapel: Led the Wildcats with .451 average and only struck out twice in last 92 plate appearances.

INF Mike Campoamor, Sr., Wiregrass Ranch: Slick-fielding shortstop and Furman signee led the Bulls in average (.416), hits (32), RBIs (23) and homers (four).

C Austin Treverton, Sr., Hernando: North Suncoast leader with 14 doubles to go with 1.285 OPS, .397 batting average. 

OF A.J. Rainaldi, Sr., Pasco: Found his power groove late and finished second for the Pirates in average (.377), RBIs (26), doubles (6) and first in homers with four.

OF Connor Stephens, Jr., Land O’Lakes: Had a hit in 23 of his 27 games, including six triples, resulting in a team-best .381 batting average. 

OF Justin Young, Jr., Hernando: Led the Leopards, No. 1 for most of the season, with 30 RBIs and 11 extra-base hits, including four homers.

DH T.J. Niles, Sr., Fivay: Batted .425 with seven doubles and three triples, and stole 15 bases. In the field, committed just one error.

UTIL Zach Drury, Sr. Wiregrass Ranch: Threw a no-hitter in the district final and his strikeouts per inning (1.47) was tops on the North Suncoast; hit .356 with three homers.

Second team

P Trevor McKenna, Sr., Central

P Tommy Guglielmello, Jr., Land O’Lakes

P Kyle Blakeney, So., Mitchell

P Carson Ragsdale, So., Bishop McLaughlin

INF Thomas Sorrentino, Jr., Central

INF Omar Cala, Sr., Sunlake

INF Kyle Frick, So., Mitchell

INF Chris Lake, Sr., Nature Coast

C Turner Imhoff, Sr., Pasco

OF Robbie Hanlon, Sr., Pasco

OF Zac Howard, Sr., Sunlake

OF Alex Reynolds, Jr., Land O’Lakes

DH Devon Woodward, Sr., River Ridge

UTIL Austin Drury, Jr., Wiregrass Ranch

Honorable mention

Bishop McLaughlin: Paul Coumoulos, Dillon Morton

Central: Matthew Clark

Fivay: Jarred Mattos

Hernando: Tanner Bammert

Hudson: Cody Kimble

Land O’Lakes: Kirby Osborn, Liam Heaney

Mitchell: Zack Detty, Ryan Slaughter

Nature Coast: John Peloro, Vito Tambasco

Pasco: Tyree Austin

Ridgewood: Tommy Moschner

River Ridge: Tyler Hawks, Rocco Iervasi, Gage Ledford

Springstead: Eric Correa, Kyle Cotilletta, Miguel Martinez

Sunlake: Colton King, Zac Scranton, Ryan Talburt

Wesley Chapel: Dakota Caldwell, Michael Jones

Wiregrass Ranch: Alex Goebel

Zephyrhills: James DeBerry 

Pitcher of the Year: Logan Crouse, Jr., Bloomingdale

Why we picked him: The right-hander led a team that struggled offensively all the way to the Class 8A state championship game, upsetting district powerhouse Plant along the way. Bloomingdale had an average regular season — the Bulls were 17-9 before their playoff run — but Crouse was the bright spot throughout. The 6-foot-6 athlete finished with a 0.63 ERA, striking out 116 in 88.2 innings pitched, and boasted a 9-2 record. He started on the mound in every playoff game leading up to the state championship, and in the Bulls’ region quarterfinal win against Sarasota Riverview, Crouse went 3-for-3 at the plate with an RBI while pitching a complete game. He capped that magnificent run with a complete-game shutout against Park Vista in the state semifinal, leading the Bulls to a 1-0 win in extra innings and their first state championship game berth in school history. “I knew I was the better pitcher, and I knew our team was better than them,” he said, “so I definitely expected that.”

Did you know? Crouse, who is also a starting wide receiver for the football team and the starting center on the basketball team, admits he doesn’t have a lot of hobbies outside of sports. He does, however, channel his musical side when no one else is around. “I love to sing in the shower,” he said, laughing. “I like Beyonce, Drunk in Love.”

What’s next: The junior has one more high school season left and is committed to play baseball at Florida State. Crouse, who had more than 500 yards receiving, said he’d also like to play football for the Seminoles if given the opportunity. There’s a good chance, though, he’ll get snatched up in next year’s Major League Baseball draft before any of that happens. “I think about it every day,” Crouse said. “It’s what I work for.”

Player of the Year: Kyle Tucker, Jr., Plant

Why we picked him: It seemed few other players in Hillsborough County incited as much fear in opposing defenses as Tucker — and for good reason. The 6-foot-3 centerfielder hit .415 and led the state with nine home runs. Even while hitting in the No. 2 hole, Tucker led Plant with 35 RBIs, almost double the next best Panther, and he had a .536 on-base percentage. Tucker was recently selected to compete in the 2014 Under Armour All-America Game, which will be played in Chicago on Aug. 16. “It’s going to be fun playing at Wrigley,” Tucker said. “I haven’t played in an MLB stadium.” This summer will be his first time playing in a big-league park, but it’s quite possible that it won’t be his last. 

Did you know? Tucker likes to keep his home run balls, if he can track them down. After hitting a grand slam in a 4-0 win against Wharton this season — one of two he had last season — Tucker’s dad went into the woods to search for the memento. 

What’s next: Tucker committed to Florida before his sophomore season began, and he’s no stranger to the Gators. His older brother, Preston, played at Florida before being drafted in 2012 by the Houston Astros. “With Florida, I got to see how their system worked, and I felt comfortable with going to the college and the campus,” the younger Tucker said. But just like it was for his brother, a draft selection may also be in Tucker’s near future.

First team

P Jake Woodford, Jr., Plant: The Panthers’ ace finished with a 0.43 ERA and 10-1 record, striking out 73 in 65.1 innings pitched.

P Troy Bacon, Jr., Sickles: Led the Gryphons on the mound with a 1.01 ERA and 7-2 record while hitting .351, the second best average on the team.

P Alex Faedo, Sr., Alonso: The Florida commit, who was drafted in the 40th round by the Detroit Tigers, had a 0.58 ERA and 6-2 record, striking out 68 in 48.1 innings pitched.

P Michael Sandborn, So., Jesuit: Pitched shutouts in the region final and state semifinal to help lead the Tigers to Class 5A state title; finished with a 0.85 ERA after moving up from JV in March.

C Ryan McCullers, Sr., Jesuit: Finished with a .366 batting average and 19 RBIs, including the go-ahead run in Jesuit’s state championship win against Clay.

IF Kevin Merrell, Sr., Steinbrenner: USF commit had a team-high .464 batting average, 13 RBIs, five doubles and 21 stolen bases.

IF Bubby Terp, Sr., King: Third baseman had a .452 batting average, 28 RBIs, seven doubles and five home runs while leading King to a region final appearance

IF Tyler House, Sr., Cambridge Christian: Hit .464 with 19 RBIs while putting in 31.2 innings of work on the mound, including a five-inning perfect game. 

IF Jose Cuellar, Sr., Jefferson: Strong defensive shortstop who also had a .333 batting average and 13 RBIs.

OF Alex Hanson, Sr., Steinbrenner: Eastern Michigan signee had a .457 batting average with 17 RBIs, nine doubles and three triples

OF Kennie Taylor, Jr., Jesuit: Hit .348 with a team-high 14 extra-base hits, including three home runs and 24 RBIs. 

DH Luis Medina, So., Tampa Prep: Had a .443 batting average, with three home runs, 11 doubles and 29 RBIs. 

UTIL Stephen Chamblee, Sr., Plant: Hit .379 with 18 RBIs and four doubles while pitching 67.2 innings, posting a 1.14 ERA and 7-2 record on the mound.

Second team

P Ryan Anderson, Sr., Brandon

P Jordan Norman, Jr., Jefferson

P Tyeler Checkley, Sr.,  King

P Dante Bosnic, Sr.,  Berkeley Prep

C Jose Lopez, Sr., King

IF Randy Oliva, Sr., Gaither

IF Paulie Russo, Sr., Tampa Catholic

IF Austin James, So., Bloomingdale

IF Ronnie Ramirez, Jr., Jesuit

OF Conrado Skepple, Jr., Bloomingdale

OF Garrett Wright, Sr., Durant

OF Cooper Dickens, Jr., Plant

DH Cole Gordon, Sr., Steinbrenner

UTIL Matt Vaka, Sr., Plant

Honorable mention 

Alonso: Andrew Abbott, Jose Ciccarello, Ryan Mejia, Kevin Nunez, Mike Paule; Armwood: Jimmy Blake, Roman Oliu, Bryan Thomas; Bayshore Christian: Conner Brown,  Evan Courtney, Evan Holland, Jordan Martin; Berkeley Prep: Anthony Pellegrino, Nick Kavouklis, Casey Keller; Blake: Derek Mann; Brandon: Jordan Feist, Austin Sullivan, Drayden Williams; Brooks DeBartolo: Brandon Furr, Tremayne Hopps, Xavier Mills; Cambridge Christian: Devin Lopez, Henry Mesa, Trent Smith; Carrollwood Day: Colin Campbell, Taylor King, Jack Syron; Chamberlain: Allan Radice; Durant: Tyler Long, Jacob Scolaro, Jonah Scolaro, Paxton Sims, Jake Sullivan; East Bay: Tyler Blaisdell, Javi Diaz, Darius Sillart; Freedom: Anthony Grampietro, Coleton Morgan, Jacob Rodriguez; Gaither: Jose Cadenas, Austin Chase, Tyler Tyson; Hillsborough: Rodnie Bernard, Jared Jensen, Diamond Johnson, Jesus Vega; Jefferson: Jonathon Diaz, Alejandro Martinez; Jesuit: Nick Ortega, Kasey Radke, Steven Lugo; King: Donnell Taylor, Michael Taylor; Lennard: Devon Key, Jackson Tetrault; Leto: Jonaton Alverez, JoJo Bergollo, Pablo Diaz, Alberto Guerra; Middleton: Kameron Lewis; Newsome: Devin Cerrato, Daulton Donini, Matt Leslie; Plant: Ryan Ellis, Ben Russ; Plant City: Ryan Boyd, Miguel Martinez, Billy McKay, Connor Slagill, Dalton Wingo; Riverview: Garrett Bye, Chaston Gordon, Angel Morales; Robinson: Darius Autry, Charlie Cole, Patrick Kiszla; Seffner Christian: Evan Glatt, Rett Hobbs, Ryan Peeler, Max Plager, Sickles: Grant Baker, Shane Haight, Xavier Rodriguez; Spoto: Brandon Camargo, Chris Chatfield, Kelvin George, Marc McCoy; Steinbrenner: Chase Debonis, Ryan Fatzinger; Strawberry Crest: Austin Boatright, Flabio Garcia, Jeffrey Murray, Jake Ralyea; Tampa Bay Tech: Isaiah Arroyo, Uylsee Gill, Arthur Spinanci; Tampa Catholic: Kyle Barber, Joseph Burruezo, A.J. Chacon, Jordan Santos; Tampa Prep: Nick DeTringo, Matthew Fulton, Matt Hodges; Wharton: Clayton Coringrato, Tristan Deluna

Coach of the Year

Richie Warren, Jesuit. Not many would have guessed Jesuit would win a state championship after losing nine varsity players to suspensions in the middle of the season, but Warren beat the odds to win his first state title in eight years coaching at his alma mater. Warren — who left Jesuit just days after that victory to coach Berkeley Prep — didn’t allow the midseason turmoil to hold his Tigers back. He led a team comprised of six players who began the season on JV all the way to the highest stage of Class 5A baseball.

Pitcher of the Year: Keith Weisenberg, Sr., Osceola.

Why we picked him: If Osceola was playing a meaningful game, there was a good chance Weisenberg was on the mound. For four years, he was a reliable starter, but this season he was the main focus. Armed with a 92-mph fastball, the 6-foot-5, 195-pounder drew plenty of MLB scouts for his starts. Overall, he was 9-2 with a 1.09 ERA, 88 strikeouts and 64 innings. “I wanted the ball in the big games,’’ Weisenberg said. Some of his highlights include an early-season win over district champion Northeast, in which he pitched five innings, struck out six and gave up no runs. He also shut out Mitchell for five innings in a 3-0 win and threw a complete game in the region quarterfinal win over Jefferson. “He got better and better from his freshman year to his senior year. And he got better and better as the game went on,” coach Stefan Futch said. Weisenberg also hit .329 with two home runs and 15 RBIs, but his future will be as a pitcher.

Did you know? Weisenberg finished in the top 10 percent of his class, graduated summa cum laude, was a member of the National Honor Society and Spanish National Honor Society. 

What’s next? Weisenberg was a 38th-round pick by the Toronto Blue Jays in last week’s MLB first-year player draft. He would have been picked much higher had he not already committed to Stanford. 

Player of the Year: Brad Deppermann, Sr., East Lake

Why we picked him: Granted, Deppermann was most valuable as a pitcher. But by the end of the season he became the Eagles’ most versatile player. When he wasn’t mowing down hitters as a pitcher (6-2, 0.93 ERA, 100 strikeouts, 75 innings), he was playing third or first base and batting leadoff. He hit .327 with a home run, six doubles and 12 RBIs. His bat was crucial in the playoffs, especially in the region semifinal against Northeast. He was 4-for-5 with a home run and a double to lead the Eagles to a 9-0 win. “He’s a tremendous athlete,” coach Dan Genna said. “He can play anywhere we put him. He can dunk a basketball. He can do it all. And he didn’t even come out his freshman year.” Deppermann also helped pitch East Lake to playoff wins over Sarasota and Kissimmee Osceola. Deppermann was invited to play in the prestigious Florida Athletic Coaches Association senior all-star game in Sebring, where he pitched two scoreless innings. 

Did you know? Deppermann didn’t become a starting pitcher until this season. He was mainly an infielder as a junior and was used in relief. Early in the season he was a starter and didn’t focus on hitting. “We were struggling at the plate as a team so we started to get him focused a little more on hitting,” Genna said. “With him, we were focused on the mound but we had to get him back focused at the plate. He’s just so valuable at the plate for us as well.”

What’s next? Deppermann, a 4.0 student, was taken late in the MLB draft. He was selected in the 31st round by the Chicago Cubs, the first Pinellas high school player taken. He is committed to play baseball at North Florida.

First team

P Daniel Broeseker, Sr., Calvary Christian: Warriors’ ace was 10-2 with a 0.52 ERA and 117 strikeouts in 81.1 innings; shut out CCC in eight innings in the region semifinal. 

P David Paul, Sr., Clearwater Central Catholic: Was 10-1 with a 0.90 ERA and 75 strikeouts in 70 innings pitched. 

P Brandon Grigsby, Sr., Pinellas Park: For the fourth season, was a workhorse for the Patriots; pitched 58 innings and racked up 80 strikeouts. Also hit .388 with 12 RBIs. 

IF Keegan Maronpot, Sr., East Lake: Hit .430 with nine doubles and 18 RBIs; smooth shortstop heading to Wake Forest.

IF Trevor Jensen, Jr., Dunedin: Hit a gaudy .530 with seven doubles, 12 RBIs and 14 stolen bases. 

IF Brenden Overton, Sr., Clearwater Central Catholic: Saint Leo commit hit .493 with 35 RBIs, seven home runs and seven doubles. 

IF Connor Labrie, Sr, St. Petersburg: Hit .432 with 13 RBIs as the Green Devils’ clean-up hitter.

OF Chris Clark, Sr., Northeast: Hit .356 with 18 RBIs and 25 stolen bases; was solid defensively and recently committed to Tallahassee CC. 

OF Andrew Murphy, Sr., Clearwater Central Catholic: Hit .338 and was selected to the Pinellas/Hillsborough senior all-star game. 

OF Aaron Turman, Sr., Dunedin: Hit .397 with 15 RBIs and four doubles; also as Pinellas senior all-star selection.

DH Joseph Simmons, Sr., Dixie Hollins: Not only a capable hitter (.362), he was the county leader in steals (36). 

UTIL Richie Rivera, Sr., St. Petersburg: Played both infield and outfield, and hit .349 with five doubles and 15 steals; committed to State College of Florida in Bradenton.

Second team

P Josh Hale, Sr., Northeast

P Christian Townsend, Sr., Countryside 

P Tanner Watkins, Sr., Boca Ciega

P Steven Plaskett, Jr., East Lake

C Tommy Georgevich, Sr., Calvary Christian

IF Bo Bichette, So., Lakewood

IF Jaret Helinger, Sr., Osceola

IF Charlie Skantze, Sr., Countryside

IF Zuriel Collins, Jr., Clearwater Central Catholic

OF John Miller, Sr. St. Petersburg

OF Cody Miller, Sr., Seminole 

OF Abi Jimenez, Sr., Osceola

DH Brian Auerbach, Sr., Palm Harbor University

UTIL Max Romanski, Sr. Tarpon Springs

Honorable mention

Admiral Farragut: Bryce Cooke; Boca Ciega: Tully Allen, Nick Adams, Darius Blasingame, Bradley Watson; Calvary Christian: Ray Hansen, Graham Hoffman, Grant McDaniel, Johnnie Schneider, Jake Rothwell, Johnny Chiaramonte, Collin Booten, Jake Richardson; Canterbury: Steven Winesett, Jonathan Rivera, Steven Valentine; Clearwater: Andrew Young, Reed Brinkman, Zach Marshall, Garrison Bryant, Quinn Blauvelt; Clearwater Central Catholic: Andrew Mink, Britton Araujo, Derek Gibree, Michael Paul, Nicholas Dohse; Countryside: Zach Taylor, Jack Skantze, Mike Adams, Tommy Labella, Kevin Rosinski, Kyle Kania; Dixie Hollins: Devin Reyes, Dominick Gervato, Anthony Mosgaard, Mike Leary; Dunedin: Eric Sexton, Justin Glover, Colton Widdows, Tim Luth; East Lake: Cameron Churchill, Nick DeSantis, Ian Lisle, Andrew Monahan, Ryan Wall, Christian James; Indian Rocks Christian: Shane Priest, Mitch Palm, Daniel Llerena, Dan Oberst, Jesse Tona, Paul Kulaga; Keswick Christian: Noah Brunk, Christian Michener, Bryan Lopez, Trey O’Shields; Lakewood: Donovan Pink, Jamaal Chaney, Mike Ferrandiz, Lance Smith, Marcus Bradley; Largo: Tyler Short, Jacob Henniger, Travis Carden, Logan Liddie, Matt VanJelgerhuis, Drew Guido; Northeast: Jason Mugavero, Will Condon, Jesse Moeller, Brien Story, Brandon Reiss, Drew Vimond, Kobe Hartley; Northside Christian: Aidan Anderson; Osceola: Francis Dougherty, Mike Kleinman, Joey Coca, Ethan Wheeler, Garrett Sullivan, Tyler Malinowski; Palm Harbor University: A.J. Hrica, Ethan Olivero, Adam Jurco, John Pichman; Pinellas Park: Ryan Griffith, Triston Allen, Zachary Roberts, Daniel McHenry, Chase Stevens, Tyler Curry, Kenny Brush, Derek Jaar; St. Petersburg: David Sockol, Aaron Haughton, Jake Ferguson, Sam Goodis, Matt Mainelli, David Phrathep; St.Petersburg Catholic: Sean Coughlin, Justin Dahill, Austin Andrade; Seminole: Jacob Silverstein, Chris Berry,  Austin Lamoreux, Tyler Koser, Ethan Roberts, Matt Tharp, Douglas Borgh, Joe Favetta, Nate Tomilonus; Shorecrest: Avery Cutro, Anthony Falcone; Tarpon Springs: Eric Kehoe, Aaron Dickson, Matt Sakellarides 

Coach of the Year

Dan Genna, East Lake. There were times during the season when it looked as if East Lake might fall apart. Despite a pitching rotation other coaches would kill for, the Eagles were underachieving in the regular season on offense. But Genna never panicked. He continued to adjust the lineup and stuck with his small-ball strategy. If it took extra innings to win by a run, that’s what the Eagles did. There was a dramatic 10-inning win over Sarasota in the Class 7A region quarterfinal, a nine-inning win over Melbourne in the region final, and a marathon 13-inning, 1-0 state semifinal win over Kissimmee Osceola. Genna led East Lake to its first state final since 2002.

Land O’Lakes QB James Pensyl has orally committed to Oregon State, Gators coach Brian Wachtel said Thursday evening.

Pensyl, a 6-foot-7, 205-pound lefty, was also recruited by USF, among others.

Pensyl was one of Tampa Bay’s top passers as a junior last fall. He threw for almost 2,500 yards and 22 touchdowns with only three interceptions. He also led the Gators with five touchdown rushes and was second with 162 rushing yards. Pensyl was a key reason why Land O’Lakes finished 8-2 and nearly advanced to the Class 6A playoffs.

Pensyl would become Pasco County’s first quarterback to sign a scholarship with a Football Bowl Subdivision program since former Gator Stevie Weatherford signed with Cincinnati in 2011.

Oral commitments are non-binding until recruits sign letters of intent during their senior years.

Palm Harbor University baseball coach Joel Slawinski has stepped down after three seasons.

Slawinski, who was also a football assistant coach at PHU, will move to Dunedin to become offensive coordinator. He joins former PHU coach Matt Lepain, who is now the head coach at Dunedin.

"I've done two sports for 15 years and I just didn't want to be a head coach anymore,'' Slawinski said. "I only went home after school six days all of last year.''

The Hurricanes were 11-14 this baseball season. In his three years as baseball coach, Slawinski was 30-37. PHU is currently taking applications for the baseball job.

Clearwater Central Catholic hired Steve Willis as its boys basketball coach.

This is Willis' second stint as Marauders coach. He guided the program from 2003-05 before becoming a coach at St. Paul's (K-8) in Clearwater the past four seasons. Willis replaces James Margarella, who left in March after three seasons to spend more time with his family.

Initially, CCC had pursued St. Petersburg coach Chris Blackwell, but he decided to stay with the Green Devils. Marauders athletic director Keith Galley said the school never officially posted the position but four other head coaches from Pinellas and Hillsborough County had inquired about the opening.

Willis, who will continue to teach at St. Paul's, inherits a CCC team that made the playoffs last season for the first time at the school since 2001.

Player of the Year: Kenzi Maguire, Jr., River Ridge 

Kenzi Maguire has the kind of numbers you want in a clean-up hitter.

She poked seven home runs, doubled 15 times and drove in 45 runs.

Her slugging percentage was a robust 1.216.

So, what is she doing hitting leadoff?

Well, duh: hitting.

“I’m there because I get on so often, I guess,” said Maguire.

When she’s not circling the bases, she is almost always on them. That’s one of the reasons she is the choice for the Times’ all-Tampa Bay Player of the Year.

The spot in the batting order normally reserved for lefty slap hitters has been transformed at River Ridge, where Maguire has redefined it. To go with her power numbers, Maguire also batted .589, had an on-base percentage of .650 and scored 52 runs. The only thing she didn’t do was steal bases, but with all-Tampa Bay selections Madisyn Palmer, Morgan Tolle and Makenzie Goluba hitting two-three-four, why would you?

“I can’t think of anyone who I’ve ever seen that hits the ball better than she does,” former Gulf coach Rick Hohenthaner said. 

He is not alone.

But that’s not the only reason the junior Arkansas verbal commitment is our choice. The other is her defense, where she plays her shortstop position effortlessly. Her arm is one of the best around, and no one grabs a grounder and gets the throw off more quickly.

Maguire has the kinds of numbers coaches want for any spot in the lineup, plays the field like you’d hope, and if you’re looking for the best softball player this season in Tampa Bay, is the perfect choice.

Pitcher of the Year: Lace Smith, Jr., Bloomingdale

When a team that hadn’t even made the playoffs since 2009 started winning and kept winning — ace Lace Smith eventually started thinking the inevitable hiccup would come.

“I was just hoping that we wouldn’t have our downfall,” Smith said. “And we didn’t.”

The Bulls kept going, all the way to the Class 8A state championship, with Smith leading the way to earn the Times’ honor as the all-Tampa Bay Pitcher of the Year.

Smith was solid as a sophomore, but took a giant leap forward this spring to have a dominant season. Her command was stellar; she walked only 26 batters. She took a 0.58 ERA into the state semifinals and allowed only one earned run in Vero Beach to help the Bulls clinch their first state title since 1993. Florida’s 8A player of the year also ranked among the state’s leaders with 279 strikeouts. She starred at the plate, too, hitting .343 and finishing 3-for-7 with two RBIs at state.

And good luck finding a better performance in any sport than the one she delivered in the region quarterfinals at Sarasota Riverview: a 19-strikeout perfect game with the winning home run in the seventh inning of a 1-0 victory.

The Buffalo commit said the key to her success this spring was all the work she put in over last summer, from travel ball to pitching lessons.

“It all helped me out for getting ready for this year,” Smith said.

And the result was one that will be remembered in Valrico for years.

Coach of the Year

Mandy Schuerman, Bloomingdale. It’s hard to envision a better first year at a program than the one Schuerman had. She transformed a Bulls team that didn’t even make the playoffs last year into a 27-3 juggernaut ranked No. 22 in the country (by MaxPreps) and the 8A state champions. Her team wasn’t loaded with star power or experience, but Schuerman found a way to keep Bloomingdale loose but focused to bring home the second state championship in program history.

First team

P Kama Woodall, Fr., Canterbury: Pinellas’ Pitcher of the Year has been the ace for the Crusaders’ two straight state titles; finished season 14-4 with a 0.86 ERA. 

P Courtney Riddle, Sr., Hernando: Led team to region final with 27-2 record; also hit .485 with 44 RBIs.

P Makenzie Goluba, Jr., River Ridge: Became school’s all-time wins leader en route to 23-4 record, 0.34 ERA and 14 shutouts.

P Jill McElderry, Sr., Fivay: Tampa Bay-leading 254 strikeouts in 139 innings pitched, including a dozen games with a dozen or more strikeouts.

C Danielle Romanello, Fr., Canterbury: Florida recruit hit .575 with seven home runs and was the Crusaders’ best player down the stretch.

IF Logyn Lilley, Jr., Palm Harbor University: Pinellas player of the year hit .630 with seven home runs and county-leading 44 RBIs.

IF Jessica Warren, Sr., Alonso: Florida State signee batted .605 with 10 home runs and 33 RBIs for the 8A region semifinalists.

INF Morgan Tolle, Sr., River Ridge: Led North Suncoast with eight homers and 45 RBIs; for her career, batted .488 with 21 homers and 119 RBIs.

IF Taylor Bump, Fr., Canterbury: Two-year starter hit .557 with seven home runs and 36 RBIs.

OF Megan Lane, Jr., Hernando: Ninth in the nation in steals (63) and hit .556; played catcher, but could convert to an outfielder next season.

OF Aliyah Andrews, So., East Lake: LSU recruit was one of the area’s best leadoff hitters with a .465 average and 15 stolen bases.

OF Izzy Ordorica, Sr., Chamberlain: Speedy UCLA recruit hit .442 and provided leadership for the young 6A state semifinalists.

UTIL Lauren Evans, Sr., Academy at the Lakes: How good? Take away her .708 average and the team’s season batting average plunges from .289 to .244.

Second team 

P Mariah Watts, Sr., Lakewood 

P Kayla Maxwell, Sr., Alonso

P Aubrey Ehlers, Jr., Dunedin

P Nicole Lopez, Sr., Jefferson

C Chyloe Gonzalez, So., Nature Coast 

INF Lindsey Hupp, Jr., Zephyrhills

INF Emma Frost, Fr., Carrollwood Day

INF Liz Diaz, Sr., Chamberlain

INF Elizabeth Jackson, Jr., Bloomingdale 

OF Kassidy Neptune, Sr., Mitchell

OF Madisyn Palmer, Jr., River Ridge

OF Katie Flanagan, Jr., Palm Harbor University

DH Shannon Bell, Sr., Durant

UTIL Madison Staniloiu, Jr., Mitchell

Honorable mention

Academy of the Holy Names: Julia Schifino

Admiral Farragut: Corynn Miner

Alonso: Megan Wetzel

Berkeley Prep: McKenzie Ward

Cambridge Christian: Alea White

Canterbury: Lindsay Graves, Hailey Hopkins

Central: Kaeleen Koehler

Chamberlain: Olivia Dwyer, Hope Hernandez

Clearwater: Allysa Johnson

Countryside: Brittany Creamer, Andrea Fredericks, Keeley Mayers, Alyssa Queen, Samantha Sharpe

Dixie Hollins: Amanda Ross

Dunedin: Tiona Hill, Abbie Sexton, Olivia Silver

Durant: Sloan Hammons

East Lake: Ashley Bonalewicz, Diana Rayder

Freedom: Rachel Carlson

Gaither: Sammi Grat, Elizabeth Mason

Gulf: Madison Morlan

Hernando: Tana McDaniel

Jefferson: Justine Fernandez

Leto: Adri Jones

Mitchell: Jordan Fowler

Nature Coast: Kat Gonzalez

Northeast: Ashley McNally, Riley Randolph

Palm Harbor University: Alayna Gallagher, Rachel Taylor

Plant: Megan Przeslawski

Plant City: Noelle Dietrich

River Ridge: Melissa Moore

Robinson: Brandea’ Rafferty

St. Petersburg Catholic: Allison Keen

Seminole: Mackenzie Jahn

Steinbrenner: Erica Serafini

Strawberry Crest: Mia Fung, Megan Reed, Cacey Simmons, Sammy Tyler

Tarpon Springs: Lindsey White

Pinellas Park's Kal-El Williams committed to Florida Atlantic after taking an unofficial visit to the school on Friday.

Williams also had offers from Florida International and Western Kentucky. He was recruited by the Owls to play fullback.

"I wanted to go to FAU because I'm going to be the first fullback on the roster there," Williams said. "I felt the love there and coach (Charlie) Partridge has a plan to make me a better man and athlete."

Last season, Williams rushed for 776 yards and seven touchdowns and had 140 tackles on defense to help lead the Patriots to the Class 7A region semifinals.