HomeTeam Hot Shots
A spotlight on the Times’ bay area players of the week.
Female Hot Shot: Alea White, Cambridge Christian
Sport: Softball
Skinny: How do you follow up a no-hitter with — thanks to a few dropped balls — 18 strikeouts in five innings? White struck out 14 opponents and had a single in a 3-1 road win over defending state semifinalist Academy at the Lakes. Lancers coach Kevin Hickinbotham credits White’s versatility and her experience for her success. The sophomore can throw six pitches effectively, and because she’s been playing varsity ball since seventh grade, she’s already maturing into a seasoned leader. “It’s a complete package,” Hickinbotham said. White is one of Tampa Bay’s leaders with a .744 batting average and almost 200 strikeouts.
Male Hot Shot: Matt VanJelgerhuis, Largo
Sport: Baseball
Skinny: The junior right-hander is not overpowering, but he is consistent. VanJelgerhuis threw a complete-game no-hitter in a 3-0 win over Lakewood. It was just the fifth win of the season for the Packers, but it was VanJelgerhuis’ third win in six starts. “I didn’t even know it was a no-hitter until the game was over,’’ Largo coach Shawn Brown said. “He was just cruising along and the guys behind him were making the routine plays. We haven’t had a lot of wins this season, but when we do, it’s usually Matt throwing a complete game.’’