June 2016 Northeast Florida Edition

CHAMPIONSHIP EDITION NORTHEAST FLORIDA’S 2016 SPRING ATHLETIC AWARDS BANQUET

A WILL TO SUCCEED FOOTBALL STATE CHAMPIONS

DAVID CLARK BY THE NUMBERS

NORTHEAST FLORIDA’S 2016 WINTER ATHLETIC AWARDS BANQUET BOLLES BACK ON THE MAP AFTER THE DYNASTY REIGNS AGAIN WINNING FOURTH STATE TITLE RIBAULT GIRLS BASKETBALL

June 2016

WEST NASSAU CHEER: NATIONAL CHAMPIONS

HAMPIONSHIP EDITION CHAMPIONSHIP EDITION CHAMPIONSHIP EDITIO

In This Issue 9 Fast Breaks: One-and-Done Lucky Number Seven Lowered Rims, Lowered Expectations?

16 Bolles Back On The Map After

Winning Fourth State Title

20 A Will To Succeed David Clark The Episcopal School

23 Bishop Kenny’s Run Falls Short

In The Title Game

24 Northeast Florida’s 2016 Winter

Athletics Awards Banquet

30 Football State Champions By

The Numbers

34 Trinity Christian Wins 3A

Florida State Championship For Third Straight Year

36 St. John’s 5 Straight Wins!

40 UC Wins Eighth State Title In

Dominating Form

43 The Dynasty Reigns Again Ribault Girls Basketball

44 Post Season Notables 50 Northeast Florida’s 2016 Spring

Athletic Awards Banquet

56 National Champions

57

West Nassau Cheer

PLAYER PROFILES

FROM THE PUBLISHER

34

This is our State Champions Edition. In it, we recognize not only team championships, but individual ones as well. You can find a complete list of all the Jacksonville area state champions in this issue, as well as some state champion Player Profiles, a recap of Bolles basketball’s championship run, and our two football state champs, University Christian and Trinity Christian.

You’ll also find the stories of the basketball and football teams that fell one game short on their path to the trophy.

The talent on the First Coast never ceases to amaze us.

Baseball season is over, and it yielded us a state champion: Bolles boys! Congratulations to them on their amazing season.

No offense to the boys, but the girls were the real winners this past year. West Nassau cheerleading won its fourth title in five years, and went on to win the NHSCC National Champi-

onship. Ribault Girls basketball won both an FHSAA state title, and beat out Riverdale Baptist in the Dick’s Sporting Goods National Championship in Madison Square Garden. And, St. Johns Country Day Girls Soccer just won its fifth state title in a row. You’d be hard pressed to find more dominant girls teams anywhere in the country, and we have all three of them on the First Coast!

In addition to state championship recaps, we’ve also got a fantastic story about an Episcopal dual-sport athlete overcoming a life-changing injury.

Read about David Clark and his triumph over adversity in this issue.

Also in this issue, check out our Fast Breaks: rims are lowered, spring leagues are in full swing, and we learn more about the compensation issue in women’s sports.

Don’t miss the Q&A with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and the photos of the award winners from the Winter and Spring North Florida Athletic Awards Banquets! We are so proud of all of our honorees and we look forward to seeing what they accomplish at the next level.

As always, if you have an idea for a story, or a player you’d

like to nominate for a special feature, please let us know at northflorida@itgsportsnetwork. com. We also love feedback, so tell us your thoughts through Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram @InTheGameMagFL. We are so proud to bring you another great edition of In The Game Magazine, and we hope you enjoy it!

In the Game is published bi-monthly (excluding July). The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in part or in full without written consent from the publisher. Dykes Media Group LLC makes no representation or warranty of any kind for accuracy of content. All advertisements are assumed by the publisher to be correct. Copyright 2015 Dykes Media Group LLC. All rights reserverd. ISSN 1945-1458

Contributors: Publisher Mark Dykes Editors Kim Hoy Cole Parker Graphics Ashlyn Peek Cover Photography Marque Milla Resse Feature Photography Marque Milla Resse Kim Hoy Gabi Parker Matthew Buckley Feature Writers Brent Beaird James Washington Raymond Bureau Corey Davis Kim Hoy Kyler Wilson Joey Lopes Copy Editor James Washington Advertising/Marketing Mark Dykes

mark@itgsportsnetwork.com

Website Manager Cole Parker

Tell us what you thought about the April issue of In The Game! info@itgsportsnetwork.com Oakleaf’s Father-Daughter Team is Creating Success Is It Wise To Spring Football Back Thad Boggs

Specialize? On The Grind Again

Mandarin High School

Trinity Baseball Hopes To Continue Tradition Of Excellence St Johns Wins! Coach Yudin St. Johns Country Day Soccer Mandarin High School

North Florida Storm Travel Baseball

WORLD WIDE WAVES Braidyn Cunningham

April 2016

CHAMPIONSHIP EDITION

Fast Break

“One-and-Done” The Age Restriction of NBA Eligibility

written by: James A. Washington and Shane Thomas

Making the Jump: Prep-to-Pro Phenoms

In 1974, Moses Malone became the first player of the modern era to make the jump from high school to the pros when he signed a five-year, $1 million deal with the Utah Stars of the American Basketball Association. At the conclusion of the 1975-76 ABA season, the league merged with the National Basketball Association, and eventually Malone ended up with the Buffalo Braves, who would later become the San Diego (and today, the Los Angeles) Clippers.

His career would eventually reach Hall-ofFame status, as Malone would go on to become an NBA champion, a Finals MVP, threetime league MVP, and 12-time All-Star, among other accomplishments. The league would not see a similar prep-to-pro jump until 1995, when Farragut High (Chicago, Illinois) standout Kevin Garnett was taken with the fifth overall pick. The following year, a 17-year-old Kobe Bryant from Lower Merion High School (Ardmore, Pennsylvania) would be the 13th pick in the 1996 draft. Their respective stories have been highly successful; following in the footsteps of success is LeBron James, the top pick in the 2003 draft (who graduated the same year from St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron, Ohio).

There have been other players that have attempted to walk in the footsteps of these greats.

In the world of Tracy McGrady (drafted in 1997), Tyson Chandler (drafted in 2001), and Amar’e Stoudemire (drafted in 2002), respectable levels of success followed their decisions; however, for each of the success stories there are the likes of Korleone Young (drafted in 1998), Jonathan Bender (drafted in 1999), and other hopefuls whose careers fell into obscurity almost as quickly as their ascent to the top ranks.

The league enacted the age restriction in 2006; specifically, the restriction states that in order to be draft eligible, players must turn 19 during the year in which they are drafted and be one year removed from graduation of high school. Since the enactment of the new rule (and including 2006), 39 players have been taken in the top 10 picks of the NBA Draft after their freshman year. Clearly these players had the NBA on their radar as soon as they began college; they simply needed to pass the time.

Furthermore, it is highly doubtful that any of these players developed to a noticeable extent within one college season. In other words; they were likely good enough to make an impact after high school.

There is plenty of risk in making the jump from high school to the pros; however, there is risk in any path to potential greatness. Because of that, the decision to make the tran-

sition should fall solely on the player. What could potentially work in the favor of all parties involved is a tweaking of the requirements after the jump has been made.

For example, assume the league allows players to enter directly after graduating high school. These players would typically either go undrafted or sit on the cold end of the bench.

Currently, assignment to the Developmental League is based on team discretion; instead, a stint in the D-League should be a requirement for early-entry players. During this time, players are able to hone their talents while still collecting a paycheck (as opposed to being paid by teams while seeing little to no game action).

This solution helps the rising athletes while also bringing more attention to the NBA. It would also boost the competition seen on the college level; players that intend on leaving school early tend to enroll in perennial NCAA powerhouses such as Duke, North Carolina, Kansas, and Kentucky. These teams continually win titles because superstars flock to them for instant gratification. With the age limit removed, the distribution of talent would likely increase, leading to more widespread competition throughout the Division I ranks.

NBA’s Age Limit Allows Best Preps A Taste of College

Including 2006, only six seniors have been taken in the top 10 of the NBA Draft. Advocates of the age limit took their stance based on the term student-athlete. Due to the age limit, the connection of this term to reality has grown increasingly loose in its meaning. Gone are the days of players staying all four years in college, living the college life, pursuing their degrees while pursuing collegiate success.

If a player stays four years in college, it allows them to improve their body and skills while measuring improvement year-to-year. Also, the lure of competing for conference and national championship can make staying in college worth the wait. For players who go to college for the minimum one year, they could ultimately decide to stay in school and continuing to ride the wave rather than jumping to the NBA. Former college stars such as L.A. Clippers guard JJ Redick (drafted in 2006), Portland Trail Blazers guard and 2015-16 NBA Most Improved Player C.J. McCollum (drafted in 2013), Charlotte Hornets big man Frank Kaminsky (drafted in 2015) and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Randy Foye (drafted in 2006) are prime examples of what can happen when the student and the athlete are closely intertwined.

Redick enjoyed a career-best scoring season

with the Clippers, McCollum graduated from Lehigh with a Bachelor's degree in journalism and was a big part of the Trail Blazers' playoff push this season. Kaminsky was able to crack the Hornets' rotation and proved himself as a valuable rotation player as a rookie. Foye has established himself as a solid veteran guard on six teams throughout his 10 seasons.

For NCAA Division I basketball, the age limit has both helped and hurt the game. The “one-and-done” rule has raised the profile of the best coaches in college basketball. Duke's Mike Krzyzewski, Kentucky's John Calipari, Kansas's Bill Self and others have all seen their recruiting classes heralded as the best recruiting classes in the country. It comes as no surprise each of these coaches has won at least one national championship or multiple conference titles since inception of the age limit. With the best high school players going to play for the best coaches, they are immediately thrust into championship contention and help those coaches add to their illustrious resumes.

The “one-and-done” rule has been a hindrance to college basketball due to the lack of players staying to get their education. High school players who simply just want to play basketball and get paid are able to do that after just one season. By keeping the age limit, players are allowed to see if college is right for them first before deciding to bolt for bigger pay days.

In 2009, Orlando Magic guard Brandon Jennings agreed to go to Arizona to play for legendary head coach Lute Olsen. However, to avoid going to college, Jennings chose to sign with an Italian professional team before declaring for the NBA Draft. Players like Jennings would have likely become collegiate stars but the NCAA missed out on that due to the age limit.

Many people watch their hoop dreams vanish after high school or college. For those that get to join the NBA fraternity, their hoop dreams are lived out in front of millions of people across the world. Let us not forget what student-athlete means. Colleges and universities serve students first, athletes second. Though the NBA's age limit has helped college coaches, it has hurt the institution of what it means to get an education while playing sports. As the old proverb says, 'You can lead the horse to water, but you cannot make them drink.' Keeping the age limit will not deter the “one-and-done” crowd; but it at least gets them to school. Perhaps four-year college stars are a thing of the past. For the sake of the NCAA, keeping an age limit in place leaves a glimmer of hope of a return of the four-year player in the future.

June 2016 Northeast

Florida Edition | 9

Fast Break

Money Knows

No Gender

written by: James Washington

It’s the basis of American exchange: do the work, receive compensation.

However, while it may be the simple understanding in principle, it may not be adequately followed in practice.

Recently, members of the United States Women’s National Team filed a lawsuit against the United States Soccer Federation demanding equal pay parity. In other words, the Women’s National Team is looking to receive compensation on a scale equal to their male counterparts.

Carli Lloyd, Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe, Becky Sauerbrunn, and Hope Solo filed suit through the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in hopes of fixing the pay issue that is currently hanging over their heads. In the suit, which was filed on behalf of the entire team, it is noted that, on average, the women’s team earns as little as between half and a quarter of the financial compensation of their male counterparts; the final figure depends on bonuses.

The situation is bad enough on its own, seeing as how women’s soccer brought in an estimated $20 million more than the men’s team in 2015 alone. But the problem gets even more obvious when the track record of the women is added to the equation. The Women’s National Team has won three World Cups (1991 in China; 1999 in the United States; 2015 in Canada) as well as four Olympic Gold medals (1996 in Atlanta, Georgia; 2004 in Athens; 2008 in Beijing; 2012 in London). On the other hand, the Men’s National Team has never won a World Cup; the closest the team has come is a third-place finish in 1930 (which was the inaugural tournament held in Uruguay) and a quarterfinal spot in 2002 (in South Korea/ Japan). To add to the disparity is the magic number of Olympic Gold medals earned by the men’s team: zero.

The lawsuit comes at an ideal time, as gender pay equality has become a hot topic of conversation between the Democratic candidates battling for the party’s presidential nomination.

Both Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders feel that equal compensation is long overdue; they both also believe that the Women’s Nation Team will win their case easily.

It seems that winning isn’t everything in the eyes of the U.S. Soccer Federation, and the Women’s Nation Team looks to change that perspective.

10 | IN THE GAME

7

LUCKY NUMBER SEVEN: SPRING LEAGUES TAKE OVER THE GRIDIRON written by: James Washington

Student-athletes pride themselves on a pain, and sometimes simply working success. Nobody is comfortable sitting out to stay fit doesn’t fill the void that in second place, and it takes hard work regular competition fills for a portion of and dedication to reach the top of the the year. totem pole.

Another advantage may not show fully But sometimes, weight training and until the next season rolls around. Many film sessions aren’t coaches actually credit enough to fill the gap ONE OF THE MOST MEN- the proficiency of their created by the offsea- TALLY TRYING TIMES OF team’s offensive sucson. Lifting weights YEAR FOR ANY ATHLETE cess on the leagues won’t make your patand tournaments. It IS THE OFFSEASON; terns more precise. allows coaches and BEING AWAY FROM Cardio exercises won’t players extra time to THE GAME HE OR SHE work on both offense improve the spiral on your passes. At the LOVES CAN BE A PAIN, and defense, which can end of the day, there AND SOMETIMES SIM- seamlessly translate to is no adequate substisuccess.

PLY WORKING OUT TO on-field tution for total immerPerhaps the most imSTAY FIT DOESN’T FILL portant edge is that of sion in drills and contests that can directly THE VOID THAT REGULAR exposure. More prachone the necessary COMPETITION FILLS FOR tice leads to better skills to succeed.

A PORTION OF THE YEAR. performance come During the spring, game time, and at the many football players take part in 7-on- high school level, eyes are constantly 7 football leagues, designed to give skill on those that perform at their absolute players the opportunity to both work on best. Repetition breeds familiarity, and their talents and remain in top shape familiarity lends itself to an aura of conduring the offseason. The teams typical- fidence and success that can draw recly consist of 10 to 14 players, and games ognition from college recruiters. In the are 30 minutes long with a running grand scheme of things, extra practice clock. Play is strictly non-contact, and as during these leagues can potentially the name implies, each team fields sev- lead to young student-athletes gaining en players at a time. the opportunity to perform at the colleThe benefits are obvious. It goes giate level. without saying that high school stu7-on-7 leagues and tournaments may dent-athletes are passionate about not guarantee success during the grind their respective sports. One of the of the regular season of football. Howmost mentally trying times of year for ever, you can rest assured knowing comany athlete is the offseason; being away petitors are sure to be better off in the from the game he or she loves can be fall than those that do not take part.

Fast Break

LOWERED RIMS, LOWERED EXPECTATIONS?

written by: James Washington | photography courtesy of gpbnews.org

Recently, basketball star Elena Delle Donne commented to the media that fans don’t give the WNBA enough attention because it is “not as entertaining” as the NBA, and that one major reason is that women cannot play to their full potential on the regulation rim that sits at 10 feet. She presented a solution: lower the women’s rim. Even though a specific height was not mentioned, her comments caused a temporary firestorm in the league, in the news, and throughout social media.

Fellow WNBA star Diana Taurasi chimed in on the thought, and her opinion, to say the least, was quite the opposite. When asked what she felt should be done about the rim height in the women’s league, Taurasi quickly quipped that it should remain as is, and expressed in her own words that lowering the rim would effectively be placing another obstacle in the way of women. Taurasi felt that lowering the rim would be the equivalent to admitting that women are inferior to the males of the NBA. The game of basketball was invented in 1891. Since its inception, the height of the rim has never changed. Why now?

It can’t be argued that men and women are different. Physically, mentally, and genetically, there are differences between genders. However, just because there are differences doesn’t mean that the game has to reflect that in its standards. Game action will already be different simply because men and women play different styles of basketball. But altering the basics of the game doesn’t accommodate; it only gives the fans a desired effect. A move of this capacity would be done purely with financial gain in mind rather than consideration of professional women that have spent their entire lives playing the game a certain way.

What does Delle Donne really have to gain from a change? At 6’5”, she already has quite an impressive resume since entering the league in 2013. She was the Rookie of the Year in 2013, she has been named an All-Star every year since being drafted, and she was even named the Most Valuable Player of the league in 2015. So, hypothetically, what happens if she enters a league with a rim sitting at, hypothetically, nine feet in height?

Well, you could argue that it would become the equivalent of a nine-foot rim being defended by the likes of Shaquille O’Neal or Wilt Chamberlain. A big body in front of a shorter rim makes defense exponentially easier. According to Delle Donne, lowering the rim would give women in the WNBA the ability to showcase their talents more efficiently. I, for one, disagree. I feel that, similar to Taurasi’s opinion, lowering the rim is forcing another barrier on women that should not be there.

12 | IN THE GAME June 2016

The current height of the rim didn’t do anything to stifle the memorable careers of players like Lisa Leslie, Sheryl Swoopes, Cheryl Miller, Dawn Staley, Katrina McClain, or Teresa Edwards.

All of the women listed took their natural talents to unbelievable peaks and eventually earned enshrinement in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Think about the impact of a decision of this magnitude. Professional rims get lowered, collegiate rims follow, and the trickle-down effect comes soon after. It would eventually reach a point where a mother or father is having to explain to their young daughter why she’s playing on a different rim than her brothers. What do they tell her? It’s because she’s a girl? It’s because boys are stronger than girls?

There is no answer you could give a child that wouldn’t potentially alter their self-confidence. It doesn’t make sense. Women have been successful in the game thus far, and lowering the rim is not going to do anything but fuel the fires of equality (or lack thereof).

During the 2015 WNBA season, Delle Donne shot an astounding 95 percent from the free throw line. To put in perspective the significance of this accomplishment, since 1946-47, the inaugural season of the Basketball Association of America (the league that later merged with the National Basketball League to create the National Basketball Association), only five players have shot the same percentage or better for an entire year.

• • • • •

Jose Calderon, 2008-09 Toronto Raptors (.980) Calvin Murphy, 1980-81 Houston Rockets (.958)

Mahmoud Adbul-Rauf, 1993-94 Denver Nuggets (.956)

Ray Allen, 2008-09 Boston Celtics (.952) Jeff Hornacek, 1999-2000 Utah Jazz (.950)

The point? Her feat was accomplished on a rim that sat the same height as her contemporaries in the NBA. She has proven that her game is top-notch while playing on a 10-foot rim. And it is possible for her to prove because she has spent a lifetime playing on a rim at this height. There’s no reason to force an entire generation of female athletes to alter their game.

Delle Donne later commented in an interview that she was surprised that her comments about lowering the rims in the WNBA received so much attention. Perhaps the response came from everyone else in the world that feels that regardless of the rim’s height, women play the same game with the same heart.

JACKSONVILLE SPORTS MEDICINE

PROGRAM

Honors NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell for Support of Project 17

photography courtesy of Duval County Public Schools

Last summer, a collaborative effort called Project 17 kicked off in Jacksonville with the goal of placing 17 certified athletic trainers in Duval County Public high schools by 2020. The innovative project between the Jacksonville Jaguars Foundation, the National Football League, the City of Jacksonville, Jacksonville University and the Jacksonville Sports Medicine Program (JSMP) was created to increase student-athlete safety, and has so far assigned certified athletic trainers to Andrew Jackson, Baldwin, Englewood, Raines and Ribault high schools with two more set to start this fall at Terry Parker and Westside high schools.

“This is groundbreaking, and extremely exciting for the entire city,” said Dr. Nikolai Vitti, Duval County Public Schools superintendent. “It’s an example of multiple organizations putting their strengths together to make something great happen,” At the beginning of April, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell visited Jacksonville to accept the inaugural Leadership in Sports, Health, Safety and Research Award on behalf of the NFL; the award was presented by JSMP to recognize the NFL’s support of Project 17. During a celebratory luncheon, JSMP Board Chair and Wolfson Children’s Hospital President Michael Aubin asked Goodell a series of questions related to the importance of safety for athletes from professionals to children.

14 | IN THE GAME June 2016

“THIS IS GROUNDBREAKING, AND EXTREMELY EXCITING FOR THE ENTIRE CITY.” - DR. NIKOLAI VITTI Q & A with Roger Goodell Q: What values did you learn from play-

ing sports, and how do they carry over to your professional life?

A: I love the values that come from playing sports – perseverance, balance, teamwork.

I use the lessons I learned in sports every day in my job; I encourage my girls to play and we see them getting the same values.

Q: Did you have any injury experiences

from your youth that bring the topic of youth sports safety home for you?

A: When you are active, you are going to get injured. That’s part of it, but on the front end, we must learn about injury prevention. When I received a concussion playing baseball, the way they handled it back then was to shine a flashlight in my eyes! Advances in medicine make all of our athletes safer, and allow them to participate more actively in sports. To get kids to understand their bodies when they are injured, and how to prevent injury – even proper hydration – is so important.

Q: What advice do you have with certified athletic trainers who work with “old school” coaches who grew up telling their players to suck it up and play through the pain?

A: It’s not about sucking it up and being tough. We didn’t take water breaks back then, which is ridiculous! There definitely has been a culture change. Our athletes are much safer today getting the proper rest and water breaks. We must continually reinforce the idea that safety is priority number one. Coaches are better understanding this, and we’ve seen a tremendous change in the NFL with players

avoiding injury. Now players know that proper recovery is the key to getting back on the field.

globalizing the game and making it safer.

Q: Are you fearful that you are making too

many rule changes in an effort to make NFL games safer, and fundamentally changing the physical nature of the game?

A: I don’t have a fear about that at all. You can see how physical the game already is! We’ve made 42 rule changes related to safety in the last 10 years by identifying techniques that have a higher propensity for injury and removing them. Fans want to see players on the field, and they care about these players and want them to be safe. I have zero fear about evolving the game to make it safer – the core of the game is what excites our fans.

Q: Are there any future changes being discussed that focus on player safety?

A: Kickoff has a higher degree of injury

rate, so we moved kickoff up with less returns, and our concussion rate went down by 42 percent! We can decide next year if we want to modify the rules again based on the experience. We want play that’s exciting, but we’ll look at every single injury and evaluate each of those. We know there will continue to be injuries but if we can minimize them, that’s a positive thing.

Q: What would you like your legacy to be?

A: I don’t worry about that. Legacies are

for another day. The focus should be on the future and making changes to improve what you are doing. I want to use every opportunity to make the NFL better, June 2016 Northeast

Florida Edition | 15

SATURDAY WJXT 3:30 P.M. BROUGHT TO YOU BY

BOLLES BACK ON THE MAP After Winning Fourth State Title

written by: Corey Davis | photography by: Seeking Smiles Photography

To say the relationship between Coach Anthony Candelino and his players has worked out tremendously would be an understatement.

STAY IN THE

GAME

16 | IN THE GAME June 2016

Having been an assistant coach at Bishop Kenny, UNF, and at Bolles since 2005, it was a no-brainer for Candelino to be promoted to be the next Bolles head boys basketball coach when it came time.

Since taking over in 2010, Candelino has been able to take a program that fell on hard times for nearly 30 years and quickly put them back on the statewide map again.

After years of first-round playoff exits, Candelino and his team finally were able to put it all together, capped off with several playoff wins and a State Championship this season.

In his sixth year, he guided the Bulldogs (30-3) to their fourth overall state title with a 46-39 win over Melbourne Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy on Feb. 25 at the Lakeland Civic Center.

Senior Jonathan DeWane led the Bulldogs with 16 points, while fellow senior Collin Smith added 10 points and nine rebounds in the title game.

In a game of back-and-forth runs, Holy Trinity led early 17-11, but Bolles an-

swered back with a 13-0 run to take a 2624 lead into the half.

Holy Trinity took a 31-30 lead going into the final quarter of the game, but Bolles closed it out with a 16-8 run to pull away and win its first state title since 1989.

The title is the first under Candelino and the 120th overall state title for the Bolles athletic program.

Candelino told the fans and media after the game, “The last seven minutes of the game, we won as a team. We played some great defense, hit our free throws and won a state championship. It's a great feeling and I'm just so proud of these young men and so happy for them.

They've worked so hard. They are a bunch of great kids on and off the court."

The win is especially meaningful for the seniors as they leave a lasting legacy.

Austin Williams, Lorenzo Lawrence, Nick Strawter, Joe King, Zac Crosby, Jonathan DeWane, and Collin Smith all helped bring the program to a benchmark not achieved in over 25 years.

Over the last three years, the group of

seniors guided the Bulldogs to an 80-7 record, a state championship, and its first Finals appearance since 1993.

From 1939 to 1952, Bolles advanced to the Final Four eight out of 14 years, winning its first state title in 1952. It would be another 30 years before the Bulldogs would get back to the Final Four.

Under legendary coach Buddy Ward, from 1981-1993, Bolles advanced to nine Final Fours in 13 years, including eight in a row from 1982-1989, where Ward guided the Bulldogs to two state titles (1988, 1989) and three state runner-up finishes (1984, 1985, 1986) before taking them to the big show one final time in 1993.

However, after 1993, the once-proud program had fallen on hard times again and was back to being a run-of-the-mill program that couldn’t get past the first round.

But that changed with the hiring of Candelino, who won 22 games in his first season, guiding the Bulldogs to their first second-round playoff appearance since 2001 before losing to Episcopal.

Back-to-back years of subpar seasons were followed by back-to-back 24-win seasons, but still each year ended in a first-round playoff loss.

To get to the title game, Bolles first had to knock off sixth-ranked Tampa Catholic; the Bulldogs beat them handily 68-53 in the state semifinals.

With Collin Smith in serious foul trouble and holding a slim 47-43 lead heading into the fourth quarter, Bolles got

big contributions from freshman Davey Crouch and senior Lorenzo Lawrence to push the lead up to nine with under five minutes to play.

Smith finished with a team high 31 points and 11 rebounds to go along with Austin Williams’ 12 points and Lawrence’s 11 points.

A day before competing in its own Final Four game, according to fans and media at the game, archrival Bishop Kenny was seen sitting in the stands and watching Bolles play in the title game and could be heard yelling “Duval” and cheering on its oldest rival in the Lakeland Center. That’s something you don’t always hear about. Later in the day, thanks to social media, former Atlanta Braves star and Bolles alumni Chipper Jones tweeted out a congratulations message to his old school.

BOLLES UNDER ANTHONY CANDELINO 2010-2011: (22-4) lost second round to Episcopal 2011-2012: (14-11) lost first round to West Nassau 2012-2013: (16-15) lost in districts to Raines 2013-2014: (26-1) lost first round to Jackson 53-45 2014-2015: (24-3) lost first round to Ribault 68-66 2015-2016: (30-3) Class 4A state champs

EFFECTIVE

BASKETBALL

HANDLING

DRILLS

Tipping Tip the ball back and forth from one hand to the next, starting with your hands straight up over your head. Then gradually move the ball down, while continuing to tip it back and forth. Go down to your chest, then your waist, knees, and ankles, and then back up again.

Keep your elbows straight and only let the the ball touch fingertips, not the palms.

Circles Put your feet together and make circles around both legs. Then circle around the back. And then circle around the head. Then combine them and move the ball in circles around your head, then down your body, down around your knees, and then around your ankles (“candy cane”). Then come back up again. Try to only touch with the fingertips, not the palms.

Around Each Leg and Figure Eights Put one leg forward and move the ball in a circular motion around the leg. Then do the other leg.

Finally, spread your legs out wide with the ball in front of you. Move the ball around through your legs in a figure-of-eight motion. Keep your eyes forward and don’t let the ball hit the floor. After 30 seconds, reverse the direction.

Circle Dribbles Using only your right hand, dribble circles around your right foot with about 5 inch dribbles. Do ten clockwise then switch directions, then switch to your left hand and left leg.

Figure 8 Dribbles Dribble the ball in and out between your legs in a figure eight motion, dribble should be about 5 inches high. When going between your legs your one hand will bounce the ball to the other.

Power Dribble Fifty power dribbles with the right hand, being sure to protect the ball with the off hand. After completing fifty power dribbles the ball handler dribbles low for fifty more dribbles. Then switch to the left hand and do fifty power dribbles and fifty low dribbles.

Drops Put the ball between your feet and grab it with both hands. Start with the left hand behind your left leg and your right hand in front of your right leg. Drop the ball and let it bounce once. Quickly, move your left hand in front of your left leg and your right hand behind your right leg, and catch the ball as it bounces up. Drop it again and switch your hands back to the original position (left behind, right in front) and catch it. Repeat this motion continuously. Finally, try catching the ball before it actually hits the floor.

This information is courtesy of basketballtipsandtricks.com

Did You Know?

The high school in the state of Florida with the most state championships is The Bolles School in Jacksonville. Bolles has won 11 state championships and their next closest competitor is St. Thomas Aquinas at 8 overall. Bolles first state championship came in 1986 in the AA classification and their most recent state championship is 2011 in the AAAA classification.

During their run, Bolles has produced elite FBS talent like Georgia fullback Sean Chapas and Georgia Tech wide receiver Dez White but arguably their most famous player never played a down of football after high school. That player is none other than Larry “Chipper” Jones, the hall of fame bound third baseman for the Atlanta Braves. Jones played football and baseball at Bolles and earned all-state in both sports. Jones ultimately chose baseball over football but not after a fierce recruiting effort from Bobby Bowden and the Florida State Seminoles.

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE Who is the all-time leader in the Jacksonville area for touchdown passes in a high school career?

A) John Woolford (Bishop Kenny) B) De’Andre Johnson (First Coast) C) Tim Tebow (Nease) D) Randy Hardin (Bolles) What year did the Jacksonville Jaguars become an official NFL franchise?

A) 1967 B) 1989 C) 2001 D) 1993 In what year did the Jacksonville Sharks win their first Arena Bowl Championship?

A) 2007 B) 2011 C) 2012 D) 2009 What is the name of the trophy that is given to the winner of the annual Florida-Georgia rivalry game that is played at Everbank Field?

A) St. Johns Riverboat B) The Duval Victory Trophy C) The SEC East Championship Trophy D) The Okefenokee Oar ANSWERS: DBDB

20 | IN THE GAME June 2016

A Will To

Succeed written by: Kim Hoy

David Clark is an intimidating looking player. Standing above almost everyone at 6'7” and weighing in at 345 pounds, the dual-sport athlete isn't someone you want to face up against on the court or the field.

However, the most intimidating thing about David isn't his size. It's his will to succeed.

David's athletic career started out normally enough. He enrolled at The Episcopal School of Jacksonville, hoping to excel in his favorite sport, basketball.

“I played basketball in AAU since third grade,” Clark said.

“I was really good at basketball.

That's the reason I came to Episcopal, to play basketball.”

Of course, his size made him attractive to football coaches, so he joined the team as a tackle.

Unfortunately, that's when the unthinkable happened.

“It was a preseason game against Paxon, and I was on defense trying to block the field goal,” he said. “So I just went up and blocked it, because nobody really could block me, so I

jumped up as high as I could to block it and I just landed awkward on my leg.”

The diagnosis was not only career-ending, it was potentially life-altering.

“I had torn my ACL, my PCL, I tore my LCL, I tore my hamstring, and I had a stretch in my peroneal nerve that caused me to have drop foot,” he said.

He couldn't walk: his foot was dangling from the rest of his leg. The doctors weren't sure he could ever run again.

“It was very hard: I had three knee surgeries, and over the course of three years I couldn't play sports. After my nerve surgery, I couldn't bend my leg or move much of my body for a whole month.”

For someone whose whole life revolved around sports, and had planned a future in sports, the news was absolutely devastating. Coping with his altered reality became difficult for David.

“I never thought I'd play again,” he said. “The doctors said I'd never play sports again. After my

first surgery, I was determined to get back and play basketball the next year, but it just didn't work out over the course of my sophomore and junior years.”

The hardest part for David was trying to figure out why this happened.

“I was just asking God why this happened to me,” he said. “I had to stay true to my faith and continue to work hard every day, I never thought something like this could happen to me. Having to sit out three years and not play sports? Sports was everything to me and my family. And when I got hurt, it was a big change for me and my family.”

As she had been when he was on the field, his mom was his biggest cheerleader throughout his recovery.

“My mom was my biggest supporter, and everything I do is for her,” he said. “So, I wanted to get my mom the life she never had, and get her a house, so football is still on my mind to try and do that for her.”

Through hard work, patience,

Basketball Shooting Tips Hold the ball on your finger tips. In order to have proper con-

trol of the ball only your finger tips should be touching.

Start small, end tall. At the start of your shot you should be small, your legs bent as if you were sitting (this is where your power comes from). Then as you continue through your shooting motion you are springing up, ending with your body straight and your hands high in the air, ending tall. (Starting your shot standing up straight is a common mistake that really hurts your shooting percentage.

You need your legs to get the ball up, especially in a game when you are tired, don’t make your arms do all the work.)

Middle to middle. Your elbow should be in, pointing to the middle of the rim. The same goes for your middle finger on the follow through, your shot should finish as if you were dipping your hand into the rim.

Snap the elbow. As you reach the peek of your shot your arm should straighten out in such a motion that your elbow snaps back a little (this may feel weird the first time). The MOST COMMON MISTAKE amateurs make is not fully extending their arm.

Elbow above your eyes. At

and a good amount of rehab, David managed to defy the odds. He didn't just get back in the game: he excelled.

“In football, I started a couple games at left tackle, but I mostly played defensive tackle,” he said. “I had a couple sacks, a couple tackles for a loss. Basketball, I felt like I contributed well to the team. I was the tallest person on the team, and when we had to play bigger teams I was a real contributor playing those bigger players.”

Through his injury, he learned to diversify his life and have more than one plan, and thus, he focused more on his academics.

“I focused more on school and got my grades up so I could get into a good college,” he said.

“I had depended on sports to get me into college, and not so much my grades. But after I got hurt, I realized I had to focus more on my grades than sports.”

Now a graduating senior, his future looks brighter than he could have ever imagined after his injury.

“I'm actually going to Valdosta State to play football,” he said. “I went up there and visited and they told me I have a good chance at starting at left tackle. I go to tryouts June 4th, and I'm excited to try out to be a Blazer.”

After going through the biggest test of his life, David has some advice for athletes facing injury, or anyone in life facing extreme odds: “I wanted to be a motivation to

people who have gone through things like I've gone through,” he said. “Just keep pushing; if it was easy, everybody would come back from injuries. One of my favorite quotes is 'do something and be remembered, or do nothing and be forgotten'.

So, you either do nothing and nobody remembers you, or you do something, and the worst that can happen is you fall, and then you get back up again and always keep pushing.”

point of release your elbow should be above your eyes. Many players learn to push their arm out towards the basket in order to get enough distance on the ball, this results in many blocked shots and a low percentage flat arc shot.

Fix this by practicing close shots with one hand and starting low to make sure you get power from your legs.

Follow through. You should always follow through, your arm finishing straight, your wrist loose, your fingers hanging down. Your fingers should be naturally hanging, not tight together or pointing.

Hold your follow through.

By holding your follow through you are engraining it into your muscle memory, making your mechanics come naturally without conscious thought.

This information is courtesy of basketballtipsandtricks.com

ARE YOU IN THE GAME?

FIND OUT MORE AT INTHEGAMESPORTSNETWORK.COM

MAGAZINE

NEWSLETTER

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EVENTS

45 Minute Basketball Workout The following 45-minute workout should be preformed three days a week. Developing confidence, coordination, strength, timing, and stamina is the athlete's main focus throughout the workout.

Defensive Slides/Three minutes (width of free throw line) three sets: 30 seconds on/off (27 is great) Backboard Taps/Six Minutes (with ball) 40 in a row: 10 right/ left/alternating/both, rest 30 seconds, repeat three sets Backboard Touch/Three minutes -- Start at free-throw line, sprint and slap backboard with both hands (net), sprint back and touch free throw line, repeat: 30 seconds on/ off: 3 sets (11-plus is great) Mikan/Three minutes - (Hook right and left) 30 seconds on/off: three sets (17-plus is great) Shooting Drill "10"/Six minutes - Begin at court 10 feet inside sideline; sprint and receive pass at one of 10 spots; if make, sprint out and touch court on opposite side and then come back for second shot on that side; repeat side to side until you follow shot and get your own rebound-shoot until you make it; then sprint out to touch court. If it is made, passer will rebound for you. Rest one minute and repeat, three sets. Shoot with in your range; vary spots.

Heavy Rope or Regular Rope/Five minutes -- Alternate skips after 25 repetitions...run the rope... begin with right foot only/left/ both/alternate/scissors/cross feet/twice under/crossover with arms: then repeat everything with rope in opposite direction (jump backwards) Note: Follow heavy rope directions only for regular jump rope Square Pick Ups/Three minutes -- One ball placed on first line up from block on each side of free throw lane. Begin picking up one ball and shoot a power lay-up.

Your partner will rebound and put ball back on the line. You will get the other ball and shoot another power lay-up. Your rebounder will get that ball and put it back on the line. Repeat. Go 30 second and rest 30 seconds. Repeat three sets. (18-plus is good) Hot Shots/Five minutes-- Tape the floor at these spots: 5 is 20 feet, 4 is 15 feet, 3 is 10 feet, 2 is lay-up.

Shoot for one minute and keep up with the buckets you make and add up your score. Keep up with your best score. You must dribble as you go to each spot-can't run with the ball. Three sets--one minute each.

Bishop Kenny’s run

falls short in title game written by: Corey Davis | photography by: Timothy Yocum Photography

Playing in its first state championship game since 1962, Bishop Kenny’s talented boys’ basketball team was ready to make history again.

Unfortunately, it was all but over in about three minutes as Kenny took its only lead of the game at 2-1 and never led again in a 6642 loss to Kissimmee Poinciana in the FHSAA Class 5A State Championship Game on February 27 at the Lakeland Center.

Uncharacteristic turnovers and perhaps nerves got the best of the Crusaders (28-4) who fell behind early and could never seem to catch up.

According to Justin Barney from The Florida Times-Union, Bishop Kenny played their worst game of the year, and only shot 2-of-12 in the first quarter.

Despite the turnovers and shots not falling, the Bishop Kenny Crusaders only trailed 24-16 at the half.

Poinciana’s Eagles then switched to a stall offense, killing the clock and limiting the Crusaders offensive possessions.

Chris Joyce’s jumper cut the deficit to 24-18 just minutes into the third quarter, but the Eagles were able to stretch the lead to 18, their biggest lead of the game, at the end of the third quarter.

Poinciana’s advantage grew to as many as 24 in the closing minutes as BK senior Christian Carlyle was taken out of the game, closing out a tremendous high school career in which he moved into ninth place all-time in Jacksonville area scoring and second place all-time in Bishop Kenny scoring with 2,112 career points.

While the loss hurts, the senior class can look back and see how far they have come, taking the Crusaders to just their seventh Final Four and first since 2013.

Over the last four years, the

Crusaders have gone 97-27 and have been to the Final Four twice; they lost in the Elite Eight in 2014 and suffered a firstround loss to Palatka last season.

To get to the final game, Kenny had to win a 55-54 nail-biter over Tampa Jesuit in the semifinals.

In that game, Carlyle led the Crusaders with 28 points, while Joyce added nine and Gabe Merete chipped in eight points.

With an eight-point lead going into the fourth quarter, BK looked well on their way to advancing to the title game, but Jesuit had other ideas.

Up two points with 0.8 seconds left, BK was called for a foul, sending Jesuit to the line with a chance to tie the game. It looked all but over, but luckily Jesuit could only convert 1 of 2 free throws, sending the Crusaders into the championship game.

According to Barney, Carlyle surpassed former St. Joseph great Dwayne Preston and St. Augustine great John Randolph to move into ninth place all-time during the first half of the state semifinal win over Jesuit.

Speed Lay-ups/Three minutes -- Begin under bucket, dribble out to "T" and come back in for a lay-up. Repeat to other side. Try to use only one dribble out and one dribble back...30 seconds on/off: three sets 5 Sprints in 5 Minutes/Five minutes-- Work toward 30-32 seconds per sprints. Begin baseline, sprint to nearest free throw line and back to base line, then to court and back to baseline, then to the opposite free throw line and back, now to the opposite

baseline and back. (Under 30 seconds is great) If is takes you more than that, rest until one minute is up. Remember, you want to complete five in five minutes.

Around the Waist/Three minutes-- Take ball around waist in one direction for 30 seconds (50-plus is good) Change directions next time three sets of 30 seconds on/off

Summary A. 45-Minute Workout...three days a week B. Be creative: develop confidence, coordination, strength, timing, and stamina

C. Work on dribbling, ball handling, or

other specifics 10-15 minutes per day

This information is courtesy of usab.com

June 2016 Northeast

Florida Edition | 23

2016 AWARDS BANQUET

6Northeast Florida Winter 1 0 2 Athletic Awards Banquet

Presented By

24

IN THE GAME June 2016

2016 AWARDS BANQUET

In The Game Honors Area Players at Annual Winter Athletic Awards Banquet written by: Kim Hoy | photography by: Cole and Gabi Parker

The In The Game Winter Sports Awards Banquet kicked off on Sunday, April 10th, and featured at least two state champions in every sport. This is the winningest group of honorees we have ever hosted at one of our banquets. This group of elite athletes represented North Florida extremely well, both on their playing fields and off. We are so proud to recognize all of these gifted athletes, and we wish them all the best in their future endeavors, both athletic and academic. Our fantastic athletes were treated to delicious hors d’oeuvres and fantastic scenery from Salt Life Food Shack, and were provided with certificates and t-shirts. A special thanks to Scotty Johnson and the Jacksonville Orthopedic Institute for speaking and giving our athletes an awesome perspective.

June 2016 Northeast

Florida Edition

25

2016 AWARDS BANQUET

Competitive Cheerleading

Outstanding Performance, Sportsmenship, and Leadership

Brooke Bassler, Aleah Stiles, Breahna Mangold, Emma Shoemaker, Ali Rose, Samantha Briar, Tyler Davis, and Alexis Coleman.

Boys Basketball

Outstanding Performance, Sportsmenship, and Leadership

Zach Appelo, Jaquez Harris, Collin Smith, Isaiah Gibson, Christian Carlyle, Mike DeLorenzo, Nassir Little, Andre Nelson, Udoka Azubuike, Zack Bryant, Darius Hicks, Jaquez Harris, Tyriek Railey, and Austin Williams.

26

IN THE GAME June 2016

2016 AWARDS BANQUET

Girls Basketball

Outstanding Performance, Sportsmenship, and Leadership

Alyssa Quixley, Lauran Alvarez, Sydney Searcy, Jaela Green, Dee Washington, Kinsey Glasgow, Hannah Roney, Maria Kuhlman, Rennia Davis, Day’Neshia Banks, Lauran Alvarez, Ja’Tavia Tapley, and Jennia Powers.

Girls Soccer

Outstanding Performance, Sportsmenship, and Leadership

Medina Besic, Cassidy Wasdin, Brittney Jabot, Leah Ferlin, Claire Cywes, Brooke Green, Stela Chepenik, Kristen Pavlisko, Medeline Schultz, and Devyn Reeves.

June 2016 Northeast

Florida Edition

27

2016 AWARDS BANQUET

Boys Soccer

Outstanding Performance, Sportsmenship, and Leadership

Justin Montero, Mason Martin, Caleb Cushman, Korin Krimmer, Jb Alvarez, Chris DeGance, Nick Brady, Jurian Edelenbos, Bradshaw Fuller, Bobby Brown, Michael Bennett, and Brain Salzman.

Wrestling

Outstanding Performance, Sportsmenship, and Leadership

DeAngeles Harris, Marcus Reid Jr., Chris Merring, Derek Miller, Kaleb Collins, Chace Curtis, Scott Dollison, Conor Chepenik, Xavier Sampsel, Jason Davis, Ryan Smenda, and Jonathan Shoen.

28

IN THE GAME June 2016

2016 AWARDS BANQUET

Girls Weightlifting

Outstanding Performance, Sportsmenship, and Leadership

Autumn Null, Kristen Dawson, Madaline Cunningham, Emily Uruburu, Savannah Stafford, Ryah Davis, Kristyn Carter, Haleigh Crawford, Morgan Lagle, Ashleigh Dean, Kristen Carlisle, and Morgan Gersten.

June 2016 Northeast

Florida Edition

29

?

Did

You

Know American Football grew out of English sports such as rugby and soccer and became popular on American college campuses in the late 1800s.

According to a Wall Street Journal study in 2010, based on four broadcasts, a standard NFL game features just 10 minutes and 43 seconds of action. Commercials account for nearly 60 minutes of the three-hour affairs.

When networks show the game, the bulk of the time is spent either on replays or shots of players huddling.

In the 1988 Divisional Playoff Game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Chicago Bears (now known as the “Fog Bowl”), the fog was so thick that the players weren’t able to see the sidelines and the fans couldn’t see the field. The refs had to announce what happened after every play.

Deion Sanders is the only player to hit a major league home run and score a touchdown in the NFL in the same week; he is also the only athlete to play in both a Super Bowl and a World Series.

The Baltimore Ravens are named after Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Raven.” The team mascots are named Edgar, Allan, and Poe. Poe wrote his famous poem while living in Baltimore in the 1830s.

The New York Giants and Detroit Lions battled it out to a 0-0 final score on November 7, 1943, and there has not been a scoreless game in the National Football League since.

Until the 2016 season, the oldest stadium in use in the National Football League was Soldier Field (originally opened in 1924), the home field of the Chicago Bears.

Beginning in 2016, it will become the second-oldest; the recently relocated Los Angeles Rams will play in Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, which was constructed in 1923.

30 IN THE GAME June 2016 26 | IN THE GAME April 2016

FOOTBALL STATE

CHAMPIONS by the numbers written by: Corey Davis

Jacksonville State Champions Bolles (11)

Trinity (6)

U.C. (8)

Raines (1)

First Coast area state titles 1965: Bradford

1997: Raines

1966: Bradford

1998: Bolles

1967: Columbia, Clay

2002: Bolles, Trinity

1973: University Christian

2003: Trinity

1981: Palatka

2004: Bolles

1986: Bolles

2005: Nease

1987: Suwannee, University Christian

2006: Bolles

1988: Suwannee

2008: Bolles

1989: Suwannee, University Christian

2009: Bolles

1990: Suwannee, Bolles

2010: Trinity

1991: University Christian

2011: Bolles

1992: University Christian

2012: University Christian

1993: Bolles

2013: Trinity

1994: Union County, University Christian

2014: Trinity

1995: Bolles, Union County

2015: Trinity, University Christian

1996: Union County

State Runner-ups 1964: Lee, Columbia

1999: Suwannee, Trinity

1967: Wolfson

2001: St. Augustine

1968: Wolfson

2003: Bolles, Union County

1973: Raines

2006: Nease

1974: Union County

2007: St. Augustine, Nease

1983: Palatka

2011: First Coast

1985: Bradford

2012: Bolles

1990: U.C.

2013: Bolles, Clay

1995: Sandalwood

2014: Bolles

1996: Bolles

2015: Raines

1997: Columbia

SKILLS OF A QUARTERBACK Arm strength: Velocity is import-

ant when throwing a football because it allows a quarterback to complete a pass before a single defensive player can recover (react to the pass) and possibly deflect or intercept the ball. The more arm strength a quarterback has, the better his ability to throw the ball at a high speed.

Competitiveness: A player’s competitiveness is made up of many subjective and intangible qualities. A quarterback should have the desire to be the team’s offensive leader and, ideally, overall leader. No one should work harder in practice than he does.

Intelligence: Many NFL teams have a 3-inch-thick playbook that includes at least 50 running plays and as many as 200 passing plays. The quarterback has to know them all. He has to know not only what he’s supposed to do in every one of those plays but also what the other skilled players (running backs, receivers, and tight ends) are required to do. On some teams, the quarterback is also responsible for informing the offensive linemen of their blocking schemes.

This courtesy of dummies.com

Keeping You On The R Blake Bortles, Jacksonville Jaguars Quarterback

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JACK HANANIA’S COLLISION CENTER

Trinity Christian Wins 3A Florida State Championship for Third Straight Year written by: Raymond Bureau

For the third consecutive year, Jacksonville’s Trinity Christian Academy Conquerors are the Class 3A Florida State Champions. On December 5, the Conquerors capped off an undefeated season with a 30-3 victory over the Stallions of Delray Beach’s American Heritage Academy in the Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Florida. The championship is the sixth for Trinity Christian’s football program and for head coach Verlon Dorminey.

The 2015 championship game was also the second straight game in which the Conquerors defeated American Heritage. Trinity won 2014’s match-up 27-7.

After a first quarter of tough defense in which neither team could garner even a first down, the Conquerors broke through with the biggest play of their season at the 9:28 mark of the second quarter. Senior quarterback Billy Cobb hit wide receiver D.J. Matthews for a 90-yard touchdown pass. Matthews was wide open in the middle of the field, and no one could catch the speedy Florida State University commit as he tied the state championship game record for longest touchdown reception.

34 | IN THE GAME June 2016

On the Stallions’ ensuing possession, sophomore Chamarri Conner intercepted a pass and took it 51 yards for the touchdown. The extra point failed on a bobbled snap and attempted run, but the Conquerors still led 13-0.

American Heritage got on the board with a field goal to make it 13-3 late in the third quarter, but it was all Trinity from then on.

The Conquerors got two more touchdowns and a field goal to put the game away. With 20 seconds left in the third, senior tight end Devante Porter caught a 20-yard touchdown pass from Cobb. Senior running back Jalin Buie took it in from 25 yards out with 4:09 left in the game. Junior Frankie Onate kicked a 46-yard field goal between the two touchdowns to go with his three successful extra points.

Cobb completed 10 of 25 passes for 264 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Matthews caught three passes for 124 yards and a touchdown. Five different Conquerors had at least 14 yards rushing with Buie leading with 40 yards to accompany his touchdown.

Coach Dorminey has led Trinity to

all six of its state titles in his 25th year as head coach. He now has a career record of 245-61. In 2002, 2003, and 2010, Dorminey led the Class 1A Conquerors to the title, and he has now led his team to three straight Class 3A championships in 2013, 2014, and 2015. Trinity has also won 14 district titles and 11 regional playoffs and finished as the state runner up in 1999 and 2009 under Coach Dorminey.

The humble coach, though, gives all the credit to God, his coaching staff, and his players.

Trinity Christian is the first Jacksonville-area high school – and one of nine in all of Florida – to win three consecutive state championships.

Coach Dorminey’s six titles are second in the area to only Bolles Bulldogs coach Corky Rogers.

The Conquerors finished the 2015 season 14-0. Their perfect record includes big wins over 5A Tallahassee Godby and 8A Winter Garden West Orange.

Congratulations go to Coach Verlon Dorminey and the Trinity Christian Academy Conquerors on their third straight Class 3A Florida state championship.

TRAINING THE CHAMPS written by: Meghan Sink, MS, ATC, LAT

This year, The Bolles School won a record 7 state championships.

The teams include girls’ cross country, boys’ and girls’ swimming and diving, girls’ soccer, boys’ basketball, girls’ track and field, and baseball. As the school’s athletic trainer, it has been a challenging, yet exciting and rewarding year to work with these teams. Multiple teams advancing far into their seasons bring longer hours, more games, and the increased chance of injuries. However, it is all worth it to watch the athletes achieve their goals with a state championship.

As the athletic trainer, it is my job to keep the athletes healthy and to assist them if an injury occurs. One of the hardest parts of my job is seeing an athlete’s season end due to an injury, especially if they are a senior. One player comes to mind this year. This athlete played football and baseball. His football career was ended during the last regular season game after he suffered a concussion. It was hard to watch him standing on the sidelines during our two playoff games, knowing this is not how he envisioned his season ending.

Though it was a long process, he was cleared to play baseball a week before the regular season started. It was great to be able to tell him he could play, and to watch him in action. The baseball team exceeded everyone’s expectations, and made it to the state championship game in Fort Myers. We ended up winning a long and emotional game, which had gone into extra innings. I immediately wanted to find this athlete. I hugged him and told him he finally had his ring.

Another aspect I get to see as the athletic trainer is the work the coaches put in. They are also working long hours, and travelling every week. At Bolles, it is very clear that the coaches care a lot for their athletes. I witnessed two coaches win their first championship at Bolles, Coach Candelino with boys’ basketball, and Coach Boswell with baseball. It was so good to see their hard work pay off after working for so long to reach this level. I also saw first hand the girls’ soccer team win their second state championship in a row. Coach Tracey has also worked hard to get this team to a high standard of playing.

This year will definitely be one to remember for me. Even though I have had to travel for hours to cover a game, or work ten hours at a track meet, it was so rewarding to be able to watch these athletes achieve their dreams. Knowing I may have a had a part in helping these teams reach this level by returning an injured athlete to play makes it all worthwhile. I hope to be able to watch many more state championship victories!

Soccer Performance

Workout

It doesn't matter whether you are on the U.S. Men's National Team, in a co-ed league, or just playing a pickup game, this workout will get you into your best soccer shape.

THE WORKOUT

BACK SQUAT Increase lower body strength and power.

5 sets 5 reps 90 seconds rest SPRINTS Improve explosive speed.

5-10 reps max effort 90 seconds rest AGILITY LADDER Improve control.

5-6 rounds 90 seconds rest CALF RAISES Strengthen soft tissue in lower legs to prevent shin splints.

3 sets 10 reps 60 seconds rest HANDSTAND PUSHUPS Build upper-body strength for balance. This will also improve strength around the neck.

5 sets max reps 60 seconds rest

This information is courtesy of mensfitness.com

36 | IN THE GAME June 2016

St Johns 5 Straight Wins!

written by: Corey Davis | photography courtesy of St. Johns Country Day

St. Johns Country Day Soccer adds even more hardware to its trophy case.

It might be hard to believe, but winning didn’t always come so easily for the St. Johns Country Day girls soccer program.

In the early days of the program, it was quite common for the Spartans to bow out in the second round of the playoffs.

In fact, prior to head coach Mike Pickett taking over in 1999, the Spartans had never been past the second round of the playoffs. That continued for a short while as they fell in the same round in five consecutive appearances (‘97, ‘98, ‘99, ‘02, ‘03) thanks to rivals Gainesville Oak Hall and Tallahassee Maclay.

“To be honest, it was about changing the culture here,” Pickett said. “Before I got here, there were not any high expectations at all, they were satisfied with just getting to the playoffs and the second round. They didn’t even practice on Fridays.”

In his fifth year, a 6-0 win over Maclay in the first round was the spark the Spartans needed to end the streak; they haven’t looked back since.

Wins over Trinity Catholic and PK Yonge put the Spartans in their first Final Four, where they held off Lakeland Christian 4-2, but lost a 1-0 nail-biter to American Heritage in the title game.

In 2005, the Spartans were back in the Final Four and avenged the previous year’s state title loss to American Heritage with a 2-1 win to win their first of many future state titles.

St. Johns (22-0-1) added to its trophy case again, winning the schools eighth overall title February 2 with a 5-0 win over Naples Community School.

Even more impressive in the feat was the fact the Spartans held all of its opponents scoreless, outscoring them 25-0 during its playoff run.

St. Johns nearly makes it impossible for its opponents to try

to defend them. Throughout the season, the Spartans were led by numerous scorers, including six who scored 10 or more goals.

The leader of the Spartans offensively was Kirsten Pavlisko (25 goals, 18 assists), along with Kammy Loustau (19 goals, 28 assists), Payton Crews (17 goals, 28 assists), Abbey Newton (18 goals, 8 assists), Alisa Detlefsen (14 goals, 25 assists), and Kim Swiggett (10 goals, 8 assists).

Cassidy Wasdin was behind the goal for the Spartans and allowed just six goals while making 58 saves, while backup keeper Maddie Wilkes allowed two goals and made 23 saves.

In the semi-final 6-0 win over Lakeland Christian, the Spartans scored all six of their goals in the first half.

Five minutes into the game, Crews put the Spartans on top early with a 1-0 lead. Pavlisko and Zhanee Anderson added goals, and Loustau and Crews each scored twice to put the Spartans

"Having both Brad and Cody here has been a blessing, but that’s what we do here," Pickett said. "A lot of our coaches are former students and athletes that come back."

ahead 6-0 at the half.

Wasdin and Wilkes combined on the shutout as each made two saves each to preserve the win.

Against Community School in the 1A state finals, the Spartans made it a little more interesting, scoring at least two goals in each half on the way to the 5-0 win.

Wasdin and Wilkes again combined on the shutout and each had one save to preserve the eighth state title.

Newton found the net twice while Detlefsen chipped in a goal with six minutes in the first half to give the Spartans a 3-0 halftime lead. Loustau and Sydney Monroe contributed with goals in the second half.

Pickett, 363-58-27 in 18 seasons, along with longtime assistant coach Brad Schmidt and assistant coach Cody Slaughter, have figured out the recipe of not only how to build a dynasty, but also how to keep it going.

Schmidt, who has been with

Pickett 15 of the 18 years, along with Slaughter (in his fifth year) are both St. Johns grads and former boys’ soccer players, while Slaughter was a member of the last boys’ state soccer title back in 2005.

“Having both Brad and Cody here has been a blessing, but that’s what we do here,” Pickett said. “A lot of our coaches are former students and athletes that come back.”

You would think by building a dynasty perhaps, players from nearby Orange Park and Ridgeview both struggling programs would be knocking on the door to transfer to St. Johns, but that’s not the case.

“We have the advantage of having a middle school program, and 15 of the 22 on my current roster have been playing for me since sixth grade. All but one of the remaining seven kids have been playing here since ninth grade,” Pickett said.

Over the last five years, not one

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single athlete has transferred in. complishments.

Nearly all of his players come from “Two of my seniors, Zhanee AnOrange Park, Fleming Island, or Mid- derson and Madeline Schultz, have dleburg. both signed with Valdosta State and “Our success has drawn some of Air Force respectively, they make the those kids to come visit and look 22nd and 23rd players to sign colat us, but nearly all of them can’t lege scholarships.” afford it,” Pickett added. “We don’t Several of his younger players, offer any scholarships and very lit- including Crews (TCU), Detlefsen tle financial aid. It’s ex(Troy), Newton (LSU), tremely difficult to get and Pavlisko (FSU), “Two of in here with such high already commitmy seniors, have academic standards.” ted to major Division Zhanee Pickett also menI-A schools.

Anderson tioned a pilot program A lot of his former he started with the eleand Madeline players come back and mentary-age kids that Schultz, have help him with camps will also help benefit clinics, including both signed and his program. his own daughter Car“I started an af- with Valdosta son Pickett, a recent State and ter-school soccer proFSU grad and fourth gram for third, fourth, overall pick by the SeatAir Force and fifth graders, and respectively, tle Reign. a big motivawe play against other they make the tion“That’s small private schools for the girls; seeing in the spring,” Pickett 22nd and 23rd one of their own make players to said. “So now I will have it to the professional girls who will have nine sign college ranks is huge,” Pickett years of coaching un- scholarships.” said. “That helps more derneath me.” girls come out and Winning five in a row more playing.” may make some players a little comAnd as long as Pickett is there, St. placent, however Pickett has a plan Johns Country Day will only continfor that every year. ue to get better.

“Over the last two weeks I meet “I’ve thought about retiring a couwith every player and make them ple of times; I guess I keep waiting a sign a one-year annual contract.” for that special class, but then I say he said. “We go over their weak- that nearly every year, and then I nesses and strengths so they can keep coming back.” work on their own or with their club And that’s bad news for everyteam. They keep a signed copy and one in the area, and more imporI always bring that up to them that tantly at American Heritage, Lakenothing comes easy.” land Christian, and everybody else As proud as he is of their on-field in 1A. The road to title number six accomplishments, he is even more has already begun. overwhelmed by the off-field ac-

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Is the gap bigger between Hazard and Ronaldo or Ronaldo and Messi? Does he need to carry Belgium deep into the Euro next summer to justify his status? No, not really, but they’ll be asked. That’s what happens when you’re as good as Hazard and you allow your skill to create headlines, not anything stupid you’ve done off the field as is (unfortunately) often the case in world soccer.

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"I started an after-school soccer program for third, fourth, and fifth graders, and we play against other small private schools in the spring," Pickett said. "So now I will have girls who will have nine years of coaching underneath me.”

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UC Wins

Eighth State Title in Dominating Form written by: Corey Davis

Knowing his district wasn’t much of a challenge for his team, coach David Penland III loaded up his schedule with state power teams to have his team prepared come playoff time.

The move paid off as University Christian (11-3) annihilated Tampa Cambridge Christian 61-16 in the Class 2A state title December 4 in the Citrus Bowl to win the school’s eighth overall state title.

“Our district isn’t that challenging, so you try to schedule a lot of tough games to get you prepared for the playoffs,” Penland said. “To make it to Orlando, you have to win on the road, and we knew we would have to travel to North Florida Christian in the playoffs, so we scheduled games at Fort White, Dixie County, and Brentwood Academy in Tennessee: all hostile environments that get you ready for the playoffs.”

In addition to playing Brentwood Academy, which won the Tennessee state title one night before UC did in a 5655 overtime thriller over Montgomery Bell, the Christians also played arch-rival and state power Trinity Christian, which won its sixth state title the ensuing day.

Cambridge Christian (11-3), which was playing in its first state title game and its first ever playoff run, looked like a deer in the headlights early on.

The Lancers opened the game with four straight turnovers on its four possessions, which resulted in a quick 28-0 lead for the Christians, while UC scored on five of its first seven possessions to take a commanding 35-10 halftime lead.

Hussien Howe sacked Cambridge sophomore quarterback Jaylin Jackson on the first play from scrimmage and forced a fumbled that was recovered by Michael Marshall at the 23-yard line. Two plays later, Howe was in the end 40

IN THE GAME June 2016

zone for the first of his five touchdowns, giving UC a 7-0 lead just 18 seconds into the game.

In the ensuing play of Cambridge’s possession, Andrew Cunningham was hit for a loss and fumbled the ball, which was recovered by Howe. The turnover led to Howe’s second touchdown, this time from 8 yards out.

Six plays later, Suan Paul Nobles picked off Jackson at the 30-yard line, which led to Howe’s third touchdown of the first quarter, a 13-yard run that increased the lead to 21-0.

Leading 21-3 heading into the second quarter, Otis Anderson added to the lead with a 4-yard run to put UC up 28-3.

The combination of Hussien Howe (191 yards and five touchdowns on 22 carries) and Otis Anderson (107 yards and two touchdowns on 10 carries) was too much for Cambridge to stop as the Christians accounted for 427 yards rushing on the day.

The UC defense, which held Cambridge to 186 total yards, was led by Howe (9 tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fum-

ble, 1 fumble recovery), Titus Curry (7 tackles), Rachuan Mitchell (5 tackles), Uriah Ratliff (5 tackles), Tyre Curry (5 tackles), Ryan Brooks (3 tackles, 1.5 sack, 1 forced fumble), and Suanpaul Nobles II (2 tackles, 2 interceptions, 2 pass breakups).

“I’m sad it’s over for all the seniors. This is a very special group. Six of them were on the 2012 state championship team,” Penland said. “One interesting thing about Hussein Howe is that he scored the first touchdown in the 2012 game and also in today’s game. He’s done a heck of a job leading this team over the years.”

Howe, who went over 5,000 yards in his career today, was quick to give credit where it was due following the game.

“First of all I want to give all the glory to God,” Howe said. “We’ve been waiting for this day since January, and today we just executed and got the job done. We won this game because we won the trenches, and I have to give all the credit to my offensive line. We came into UC winning state, and we are leaving winning state.”

U.C. 61, Cambridge Christian 16 Scoring 1st

2nd

3rd

4th

UC-Hussien Howe 9-yard run (Paolo Golemi kick)

UC-Otis Anderson 4-yard run (Golemi kick)

UC-Clayton Boyd 19-yard run

C-Caleb Young 64-yard run (Enns kick)

UC-Howe 8-yard run (Golemi kick)

C-Andrew Cunningham 37-

UC-Howe 13-yard run (Golemi kick) C-Jacob Enns 23-yard field goal

yard run (Jacob Enns kick) UC-Howe 34-yard run (Golemi kick)

(kick blocked) UC-Anderson 43-yard run (Golemi kick) UC-Howe 22-yard run (Golemi kick)

UC-Boyd 3-yard run (kick blocked)

RIBAULT GIRLS BASKETBALL The Dynasty Reigns Again written by: Corey Davis | photography coutesy of lovepeoplesports.wordpress.com

RIBAULT STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS 2016: Ribault 60, Bishop Moore 37

2014: Ribault 72, Dunbar 53 2013: Ribault 65, Coral Springs Charter 47

2003: Ribault 63, Southeast 59 2002: Ribault 70, Winter Haven 50 2001: Ribault 68, South Sumter 52 2000: Ribault 71, St. Pete Catholic 43

1999: Ribault 69, Cardinal Gibbons 50

1994: Ribault 72, Suncoast 64 1993: Ribault 73, St. Cloud 69 1988: Ribault 67, Hallandale 61

The more things change, the more they stay the same.

Minus the names on the back of the jerseys and the occasional coaching change, the one constant thing that remains is the dynasty winning another state title.

Ribault cruised to its third state title in the last four years with a 60-37 win over Bishop Moore in the Class 5A state title game February 20 at the Civic Center.

Head coach Sheila Seymore-Pennick guided the Trojans to her third state title (2013, 2014) and the programs 11th overall in dominating form.

Bishop Moore surprised everyone jumping out to a 10-point lead, its largest of the game on its way to a 15-8 first quarter lead.

Kayla Rogers three-pointer in the closing seconds of the first quarter cut the lead under 10, and helped spark a 13-3 Trojans run, tying the game at 18 early in the second quarter.

DayNeshia Banks poured in 14 of her 17 first half points in the second quarter sparking the Trojans to a 28-22 halftime lead.

That was all the room the Trojans (28-1) needed to secure their state-leading 11th state title and improve to 11-2 in state title game appearances.

As with most teams, you might get lucky and play well early on, but eventually Ribault warms up and locks you down.

Ribault went on a 12-2 run in the third quarter, keyed by a pair of three-pointers by Praise Russell to blow the game out and seize control, leading 40-24 heading to the fourth quarter.

Rennia Davis led the Trojans with 20 points, 11 rebounds and four blocked shots, Banks added 19 points with 12 rebounds to go along with Russell (nine points) and Rogers (eight points).

Before facing Bishop Moore in the finals, Ribault first had to get through nemesis Dunbar in the state semifinals.

The two met in the 2012 and 2014 state finals, splitting games, so there was a lot of bad blood between the two programs.

As usual, Ribault started off slow and allowed Dunbar to stay in the game early on as the two went into the second quarter tied at 13.

A 14-7 run helped Dunbar take a 27-20 lead into half and put the Trojans on the verge of being eliminated in the semifinals.

However, you can’t keep the Trojans rattled for long. Davis carried the team on her back, scoring seven straight points and tying the game at 27 barely a minute into the third quarter.

A pressing defense and Davis’ hot streak sparked an explosive outpour by the Trojans, which helped them regain the lead again for the first time since the midway point of the second quarter.

A 26-6 second-half run gave Ribault its biggest lead of the game at 46-33 early in the fourth quarter.

However, Dunbar wouldn’t go away quietly, cutting the lead to 47-44 with under two minutes remaining.

Holding on to a slim lead, Davis put it away with a jumper with under a minute left, sending the Trojans into their 13th title game appearance.

Davis led the Trojans with 26 points and 11 rebounds, while Banks chipped in 13 points and 11 rebounds.

June 2016 Northeast

Florida Edition | 43

2015-2016

POSTSEASON NOTABLES: Football:

• 2A State Championship- University Christian (Jacksonville) def. Cambridge (Tampa), 61-16 • 3A State Championship- Trinity Christian (Jacksonville) def.

American Heritage (Delray Beach), 30-3 • 4A State Championship- Washington (Miami) def. Raines (Jacksonville), 43-23

Golf:

• Boys 1A (Individual) Runner-Up Michael Mattiace (Bolles) +1 • Boys 2A (Individual) Runner-Up Logan Membrino (Ponte Vedra) +5 • (Team) Ponte Vedra, State Champions

Track and Field: • • • • • • • • • • •

3A 200/800 meter wheelchair: Dillon Ford- Atlantic Coast HS

3A 300 meter hurdles: Braxton Canady- Paxon School for Advanced Studies

3A 800 Meters: Joseph Storey- Creekside High School 3A Girls Pole Vault: Samantha Stelmaszek, Middleburg High School 1A 4x100 Meter Relay: University Christian School- Hussein Howe, James Tarver, Rachuan Mitchell, Otis Anderson 2A 800 Meters: Deandre Petty- Andrew Jackson High School 2A 4x800 Meter Relay: Bishop Kenny High School- Nathan Jubran, Eric Chiotti, Adam Bibeault, Mason Gerry 2A Girls 800 Meters: Caitlin Collier- The Bolles School 2A Girls 1600 Meters: Caitlin Collier- The Bolles School 2A Girls 3200 Meters: Caitlin Collier- The Bolles School 2A Girls 4x800 Meter Relay: The Bolles School- Suzanne Dannheim, Rachel Shapiro, Brittany Wilkinson, Ally Hajda 4A Adaptive Shot Put: Andrew Motley, Sandalwood High School 4A Girls 3200 Meters: Kayley DeLay, Duncan U. Fletcher High School 4A Girls 4x100 Relay: First Coast High School- Takeyiah Lowry, Antwoinisha Bryant, La’Queria Bryant, Chayla Hobbs

Volleyball:

• • •

Boys Basketball:

Swimming and Diving:

• Bishop Kenny, 5A State Runner-Up • 4A State Championship- Bolles def. Holy Trinity, 46-39

Girls Basketball:

• 5A State Championship- Ribault def. Bishop Moore, 60-37

Boys Soccer:

• 3A State Championship- Ponte Vedra def. Immokalee, 4-0

Girls Soccer:

• 1A State Championship- St. Johns Country Day def. Community, 5-0 • 2A State Championship- Bolles def. Bishop Moore, 4-1

Competitive Cheerleading:

• 4A: Lauren Dunn, Mandarin High School: Girls 100 yard freestyle • 3A: Summer Stanfield, Bartram Trail High School: Girls 200 yard IM Gianmario Garcia, Creekside High School: Boys 100 yard butterfly

• 2A: Sherridon Dressel, Clay High School: Girls 100 yard fly, Girls 100 yard backstroke

• 1A: Abi Wilder, The Bolles School: Girls 100 yard backstroke Tyler Rice, Wiley Watson, John Pate, Ariel Spektor, Andy Song- The Bolles School: Boys 200 yard freestyle relay, boys 400 yard freestyle relay

• 1A Small Non-Tumbling: West Nassau High School • 1A Small Coed: Clay High School

Andy Song, James Daugherty, Ariel Spektor, Tyler Rice- The Bolles School: Boys 200 yard medley relay

Wrestling:

Ariel Spektor, The Bolles School: Boys 100 yard butterfly

• 1A 132lb Division: Derek Miller- Clay High School • 2A 120lb Division: Chace Curtis- Columbia High School

Boys Weightlifting:

• 1A 169lb Division: Jarvis Desue- Baker County High School

Lacrosse:

• Girls: Bartram Trail High School- State Champions

James Daugherty, The Bolles School: Boys 100 yard breaststroke Andy Song, The Bolles School: Boys 100 yard backstroke Tyler Rice, The Bolles School: Boys 100 yard freestyle

Baseball:

• The Bolles School: 5A State Champions 44

IN THE GAME June 2016

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Raines Falls in Class 4A Thriller written by: Corey Davis

For 44 minutes, Raines went toe-to-toe with three-time state champion Booker T. Washington, but in the blink of an eye it was all gone.

Down 23-22 with 10 minutes left, Booker T. (9-5) closed out the game with a shocking 21-0 run to capture its fourth straight state title with a 43-23 win over Raines in the Class 4A state title December 5 at the Citrus Bowl.

Following the Raines score, the Vikings had the Tornadoes pinned back in terrible field position at the eight-yard line. Faced with third and 16, Daniel Richardson connected with Gustavious Dames, who was left wide open as the safety was nowhere to be found, allowing Dames to outrun the Vikings for a 92-yard touchdown pass, which set a state record for longest pass play.

Despite the blown coverage, the Vikings regrouped, and with the benefit of running into the punter call against the Tornadoes, the Vikings were in great position to tie the game again.

Bishop Bonnett rumbled 29 yards for a first down; however Marquis Decius stripped the ball away and into the hands 46

IN THE GAME June 2016

of Myron Morris, who returned it 81 yards for a score and 36-22 lead with 5:55 left in the game.

On the ensuing Raines play from scrimmage, Augie DeBiase was sacked and stripped of the ball, which was returned

by Branden Tobar 59 yards for another Tornadoes score and 43-22 lead with 5:33 left in the game.

Raines (12-2) drove in the red zone on its final drive of the game but again was stopped as DeBiase’s fourth down pass, intended for Willie Wright, fell incomplete at the five-yard line with less than four minutes in the game.

After the game ended, Raines immediately began to think about how it dominated the game but troubles in the red zone killed its state title hopes.

“I told the team, ‘Keep your head up.

We will get better and come back and try this again,’” Raines head coach Deran Wiley said. “Our goal was always to take that next step, and we did, getting past Bolles and making it here. Now our goal will be to make this an annual trip.”

DeBiase talked about the red zone trou-

bles, which would have given Raines a comfortable lead in the first half.

“As a group we struggled in the red zone. We were missing one of our key lineman, a right tackle who got hurt during the game,” DeBiase said. “I miss some key throws, we miss some key blocks, and penalties killed us too. We drove up and down on them all night. We just couldn’t put it together in the red zone.”

Booker T. Washington head coach Earl Tillman paid Raines compliments after the game.

“They are a great team with great athletes and well coached,” Tillman said.

“We saw them in 7-on-7 camps and tournaments in Miami, and he does a great job with them. He promised his team they would beat Bolles, and they did.”

Booker T. served up turnovers on its first two possessions of the game, but Raines couldn’t take advantage of them.

DeBiase and Richardson struggled early on as both threw interceptions on their first possessions of the game.

Raines couldn’t take advantage of the

“They are a great team with great athletes and well coached.”

-Earl Tillman

turnover despite having first and goal from the five-yard line as Patterson hauled in the pass but was out of bounds on fourth down.

Booker T. fumbled on its next possession but again couldn’t score as DeBiase’s pass was picked off the end zone and returned 105 yards back for a Tornadoes’ score and 7-0 lead with 2:24 left in the first quarter.

Bishop Bonnett returned the ensuing kickoff 33 yards to the 38-yard line, which put them in great field possession. Rick Wells’ 9-yard run set up first and goal for the Vikings, however again they couldn’t punch it in and settled for a Patterson 23yard field goal, cutting the lead to 7-3 two minutes into the second quarter.

After holding the Tornadoes to a three and out, Raines methodically moved down the field with ease behind the running of Alex Rutledge (156 yards on 26 carries, 6 catches for 52 yards) and DeBiase. Back in the red zone again, Rutledge was stuffed at the goal line on fourth and goal, turning the ball over on downs again.

Malik Goodman and Michael Pinckney

both picked off Richardson’s passes on consecutive Tornadoes’ drives. Pinckney’s interception set up Ronald Patterson’s (2 catches for 65 yards) 36-yard touchdown pass from DeBiase, which gave Raines a 10-7 lead.

Pinckney also forced a fumble on the net drive as Raines carried all the momentum heading into halftime with a 10-7 lead.

However, it didn’t last too long as return man Willie Wright muffed a punt that Booker T. recovered inside the 10-yard line.

Four plays later, Richardson connected with Trawone Johnson for a 10-yard touchdown pass, giving Booker T. a 14-10 lead with 5:14 left in the third quarter.

Raines answered as Jaquan Holt knocked the ball out of Richardson’s hands and picked off the pass, returning it nine yards for a score and giving the Vikings a 16-14 lead with less than a minute left in the third.

Booker T. answered back six plays later as Richardson hit Darrius Scott on a 46yard touchdown pass to the Tornadoes, putting them back ahead 22-16 just a minute into the fourth quarter.

Raines answered again three plays later when DeBiase (18 of 31 for 227 yards and 2 touchdowns) hit Dalvin Storey (2 catches for 46 yards) for a 25-yard score, putting Raines back ahead 23-22 with 10:19 left in the game.

Pinckney (7 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 1 forced fumble, 1 INT), JaQuan Bailey (7 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 3 QB hurries), Dedrick Mims (4 tackles, 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss, 1 QB hurry), Jaquan Holt (3 tackles, 1 INT), Will Westbrook (2 tackles, 1 INT) led the Vikings defense.

The way Raines dominated them early on and had nothing to show for it was frustrating.

“We didn’t finish our assignments, and when one of the linemen went down, we had to switch them out, and they abused us,” University of Miami commit Michael Pinckney said. “It was there for us to get, and we gave it to them. They didn’t take it from us. All I can do is come back next year and help these guys get back here and finish this. I will do whatever it takes.”

June 2016 Northeast

Florida Edition

47

The Solution Dynamics

Booker T Washington 43,

Raines 23

Scoring 1st

W-Marquis Decius 100-yard interception return (Jose Borregales kick)

Position Focus and Skill Development Training Mentoring and Guidance I am driven and striving to help our youth reach their full potential.

Most training facilities help athletes become bigger, faster, stronger but they don’t focus on the position the child plays. That’s where TSD stands apart.

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2nd

R-Ronald Patterson 25-yard field R-Ronald Patterson 36-yard pass from Auggie DeBiase (Patterson kick)

3rd

W-Trawone Johnson 10-yard pass from Dan Richardson (Jose Borregales kick) R-Jacquan Holt 9-yard interception return (Patterson kick)

4th

W-Darrius Scott 46-yard pass from Dan Richardson (Raymond Flanders pass from Richardson) R-Dalvin Storey 25-yard pass from Auggie DeBiase (Patterson kick) W-Gustavious Dames 92-yard pass from Dan Richardson (Darrius Scott from Richardson) W-Myron Morris 81-yard fumble return (Jose Borregales kick) W-Braden Tobar 59-yard fumble return (Jose Borregales kick)

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6 1 20

NORTHEAST FLORIDA’S SPRING ATHLETIC AWARDS BANQUET

written by: Kim Hoy | photography by: Matthew Buckley

We were so proud to honor all of the spring athletes in our In The Game Spring Sports Awards Banquet, hosted on Sunday, May 22nd. This group of athletes included state champions in weightlifting, baseball and lacrosse. All of the athletes have represented North Florida well, and we are certain they will continue to do so at the next level. The athletes were treated to hors d’oeuvres and a wonderful banquet room at the Aloft Hotel in Tapestry Park. They also heard a wonderful speech by Dr. Megan Manthe of the Jacksonville Orthopedic Institute, and were given a certificate and a t-shirt, provided by Baker’s Sports. Thank you to all of the athletes and sponsors in attendance, and please continue your successes all throughout your lives.

50 | IN THE GAME June 2016

2016 AWARDS BANQUET

Flag Football

Outstanding Performance, Sportsmenship, and Leadership

Aniah Williams, Dasia Shepard, Hannah McGrory, Jazmyn Simmons, Kaitlyn Paul, Maida Dzafic, Maxine Knox, Meghan Stevens, Rashonda Hall, and Sandy Troung.

Softball

Outstanding Performance, Sportsmenship, and Leadership

Ashley Stokes, Brittany Rayfield, Caitlin Weaver, Jordenne Gaten, Kami Eppley, Kayanna Perez, Kelsey Sweatt, Kiara Roberts, Kinsey Glasgow, Leighton Cleveland, Macy Jackson, Madison Kennedy, Madisyn Davis, Reedy Davenport, Savannah Parker, Taylor Bauman, and Tracy Caccavale.

June 2016 Northeast

Florida Edition | 51

2016 AWARDS BANQUET

Girls Tennis

Outstanding Performance, Sportsmenship, and Leadership

Annelise Howick, April Sanchez, Bianca Cornthwaite, Camille Lastrapes, Danielle Corbin, Elise Ballantyne, Gabriela Castello, Julia Preuss, Katherine Jakeway, Lyndsey Clark, Morgan Nguyen, Olivia Talbert, and Victoria Lynch.

Boys Weightlifting

Outstanding Performance, Sportsmenship, and Leadership

DaQuan Johnson , Jordan Morrissette, Jarvis Desue, Bryson Hodges, Clayton Canaday, Taylor Beall, Trevor Hagerman, Kaiden Page, Anthony Jeanty, Mike Putala, Trevor Higginbotham, and Tanner Korn.

52

IN THE GAME June 2016

2016 AWARDS BANQUET

Boys Tennis

Outstanding Performance, Sportsmenship, and Leadership

Alex Zenonos, David Burns, Dillon Boshart, Gage Sanchez, Gavin Mattiace, Grant Kayworth, James Bratt, Joshua Gilberstadt, Martin Gutierrez, Noah Gilberstadt, Noe Cavallini, Rougel Jon Aninon, and Samarth Sharma.

Baseball

Outstanding Performance, Sportsmenship, and Leadership

Julio Perez, Ryan Harrigan, Richard Polinsky, Tyler Keaton, Tanner Thomas, Jeremy Peel, Malik Barrington, Chris Brown, Moises Pichardo, Carter Welsh, Alec Sanchez, Hamp Skinner, Kris Williams, Noah Searcy, and Leighton Alley.

June 2016 Northeast

Florida Edition

53

2016 AWARDS BANQUET

Girls Track & Field

Outstanding Performance, Sportsmenship, and Leadership

Caitlin Collier, Kayley DeLay, Jordan Fields, Mone’t Bowen, Samantha Stelmaszek, Briana Washington, Aaliyah Green, Valesha Watson, Makenzi Kopp, Katrina Wade.

Girls Lacrosse

Outstanding Performance, Sportsmenship, and Leadership

Chloe Zador, Diarra Samb, Emily Fallon, Jackie Healy, Jocelyn Pena, Lauren Tybor, Lexi Marcionette, Sara Tomasello, and Tori Buchanan.

54

IN THE GAME June 2016

2016 AWARDS BANQUET

Boys Track & Field

Outstanding Performance, Sportsmenship, and Leadership

Austin Gregory, Braxton Canady, Bryson Kirksey, Cameron Bolden, Charles Hicks, Chase Rivera, David Lott, Dominic Smith, Jackson Storey, Otis Anderson, Tre Preston, and Trevon Laidler.

Boys Lacrosse

Outstanding Performance, Sportsmenship, and Leadership

Austin Silva, Ben Buchanan, Braxton Silva, Colton Mai, Daniel Delahanty, Fadi Matloob, Greg Celani, Nick Pitre, Parker Blinn, Quade Kirby, and Spencer Awab.

June 2016 Northeast

Florida Edition

55

WEST NASSAU CHEER: N A T I O N A L C H A M P I O N S written by: Kim Hoy | photography by: Marque Milla Reese

TO P 3

STRENGTH TRAINING MOVES FOR CHEERLEADERS

#1

PUSH PRESS

What is it good for? The push press develops upper body power through recruitment of a large number of motor units. Basically, it does more work for the body because it requires lots of muscles to execute. It’s a functional movement in the sense that cheerleaders utilize this specific movement during many stunt sequences allowing for applicable skill transfer.

#2

KETTLE BELL SWINGS

#3

SQUATS

What are they good for? Kettlebell swings give a full body workout in just a single exercise, working nearly the entire lower body, core, back, shoulders and more.

As you will also notice, it is very similar to the movement utilized when basing a basket toss!

What are they good for? Squats can be a full body exercise (especially once you add weight into the equation as shown in the photo and video). Squats help increase lower body strength and core stability while allowing you to jump higher and lift more weight (bases, back spots and fronts think stunts - flyers think lower body strength for tumbling and for making your stunts and body control stronger).

This information is courtesy of emorycheer.weebly.com

56 | IN THE GAME June 2016

Five total state championships. Winning three of their last four state championships. You would think this would be the ultimate goal for any team.

Not West Nassau Cheerleading.

They aspired to be more, to do more. Their motto for this year’s squad was “my dream team taking all the rings”. When they became NHSCC National Champions, the dream team did just that.

This was the first National Title for West Nassau cheerleading, but with head coach Samantha Beazley at the helm, it certainly won’t be their last.

Their preparation goes above and beyond even the toughest high school teams.

“We exercise throughout the summer to keep ourselves conditioned,” Beazley said. ”Once school begins in August, we're practicing 3-4 times a week for 2-3 hours a day throughout the fall and winter, in addition to supporting our football and basketball teams. Our practices are often and long with only one thing on our minds: execution! We know in order to be successful on the State and National level, we must execute our routine to the best of our ability, and we really spent a lot of time focusing on that this year.”

Once the team won their fifth FHSAA title, they immediately turned their attention to a national title. The stage was set: Sunday, February 7th, 2016, at ESPN Wide World of Sports in Disneyworld.

“The Championship is our favorite competition of the year for us. Being the last competition on our schedule, we really enjoy spending time bonding with each other while making memories at the ‘Happiest place on Earth’.”

Their routine, flawlessly executed, had several defining features.

“Some of our highlights include our 'no hands'

switch up one-mans and our one and half up to single leg and teddy bear full ups in our stunt sequence.”

Coach Samantha Beazley acknowledged that every team faces challenges, but also mentioned that they had a few more than usual.

“When we're on the floor, we know the judges don't know what it took for us to get to where we are. We actually had a coaching change at the beginning of the season and lost 2 girls just weeks before Nationals and had to completely revamp our routine. Although we had moments of doubt and fear, we worked hard together and became a better, closer team, and I think that showed on the floor.”

We all know what happens next. But how did it feel hearing their name get called as National Champions?

“Completely exhilarating! No feeling in the world will ever compare to the amount of excitement we all had after experiencing the setbacks we encountered. In that moment, all of the blood, sweat, tears and hard times were 100% worth it and becoming National Champions just meant that we truly overcame everything!”

If you think winning a state title and a national title means they get to take a break, you’re definitely mistaken. The team is now hard at work, trying to win their next titles, and the small town of Callahan is right beside them.

“Since winning Nationals, our town has been amazingly supportive. We've even received the "Key to the City" from our Mayor and he declared February 2016 as "West Nassau Varsity Cheer Month". In just a few short weeks, we will be holding tryouts for the 2016-2017 season so we can get to working on defending our title!”

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PROFILE

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ALEAH STILES COMPETITIVE CHEERLEADING West Nassau High School Senior Three-time State Champion

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Status: Uncommitted Favorite Athlete: Carly Manning Life Goals: Be successful, have a family and provide for them What motivates you: My team and all my teammates Favorite Food: Mac and cheese Favorite Movie: Bring It On Favorite Subject: Health Powerade or Gatorade: Gatorade Dream place to Travel: Bora Bora

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PROFILE

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JARVIS DESUE

WEIGHTLIFTING Height: 5’4” Weight: 164 Status: Uncommitted Favorite Athlete: Reggie Bush Life Goals: Be the best person I can be What motivates you: Disabled people, I really do it for them because they can’t, and my dad who passed away.

Favorite Food: Spaghetti Favorite Car: Maserati Favorite Song: “Trophies” by Drake Favorite Subject: Math Powerade or Gatorade: Powerade Batman or Superman: Superman Dream place to Travel: Paris

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Baker County High School Senior State Champion

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PROFILE

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ALICIA GLISSON COMPETITIVE CHEERLEADING Clay High School Senior Two-time State Champion

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Status: Uncommitted Favorite Athlete: Tim Tebow Life Goals: To be successful and enjoy what I do What motivates you: My whole family Favorite Food: Steak Favorite Movie: Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors Favorite Subject: Biology Powerade or Gatorade: Gatorade Dream place to Travel: Bora Bora

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PROFILE

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COLLIN SMITH B A S K E T B A L L The Bolles School Senior State Champion

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Status: Committed to George Washington University Favorite Athlete: Kendrick Perkins Favorite Team: Oklahoma City Thunder Favorite Movie: The Martian Favorite Subject: English Favorite Restaurant: Chik-fil-A Dream place to Travel: France (although I have never been).

I do enjoy our family times in Cocoa Beach, Florida. My dad used to be stationed there, so we go there to relax pretty often.

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