Nick Williams still fighting -- and throwing

Donna Pappas had to put me on hold Sunday. And who could blame her? Turns out her son, Nick Williams, was expecting some more visitors.

Williams, the 16-year-old Cardinal Gibbons junior injured in a one-car wreck May 4, still is in the hospital, still heavily sedated and still on a respirator, according to Pappas. He has a fever and contracted pneumonia -- that's upsetting, Pappas said, but normal for a person in his condition -- but is showing some positive signs.

In fact, he even threw a pillow.

"He was going to kill a volleyball one way or another," Pappas joked.

More positives: Pappas said doctors hope to have Williams off the respirator in "a couple days," although they're not committing to anything just yet. Plus, there's still a ton of support, everything from flower bouquets to those visitors who keep flowing in -- everyone from Williams' chemistry teacher to his uncle, who Pappas said came in this weekend from Marin County, Calif.

And the word continues to spread about Williams, Pappas said, who wore No. 2 on the court this year.

"God willing, if he's able to play next year," she said, "I can assure you, it won't be like, 'Who's that No. 2, anyway?'"

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

ESPN love for 2 Patriots

They have bigger things to worry about -- at least in the short term -- with the 3A state baseball title on the line next week, but American Heritage first baseman/pitcher Eric Hosmer and catcher Adrian Nieto appeared on Keith Law's top 60 draft prospects list (available to Insiders only) on ESPN.com.

For non-Insiders: Hosmer came in at No. 5, also the second-rated high schooler on the list. Nieto is 39th.

Also, three University of Miami players -- St. Thomas' Dennis Raben (26th), Yonder Alonso (18th) and Jemile Weeks (30th) -- are top-60 players.

The draft is June 5-6.

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

This has nothing to do with South Florida...

...but still a crazy story out of Texas: High schooler Bonnie Richardson single-handedly (and single-leggedly...or would it be double-leggedly?) won the University Interscholastic League's 1A girls' track team title this weekend, as the only qualified athlete from Rochelle High School.

Richardson's title march began with field events on Friday when she won the high jump (5 feet, 5 inches), placed second in the long jump (18-7) and was third in the discus (121-0).

On Saturday, she won the 200 meters in 25.03 seconds and nearly pulled off a huge upset in the 100 before finishing second (12.19) to defending champion Kendra Coleman of Santa Anna. Richardson, a junior, earned a total of 42 team points to edge team runner-up Chilton (36).

It was a good thing the 1A events were split over two days because Richardson said the heat — temperatures were in the high 90s both days — might have knocked her down. She laughed off a suggestion that she could have won more if UIL rules didn't limit individual participation to five events.

"I don't think I could handle any more," she said. "It was hot and I was tired."

Needless to say, it took more than one athlete for the Southridge teams, the St. Thomas Aquinas boys and Westminster Academy boys to win their 2008 team titles.

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

Miami Palmetto wins 6A softball title

This is it. The final game of the 2008 softball season. Miami Palmetto faces Palm Beach Gardens at 4 p.m. for the Class 6A title in Plant City.

Remember to hit F5 for updates.

Kelly Saco pitching for Palmetto. Brittany Bowles pitching for PBG.

After one, no score.

Bowles walked one in the first and one in the second. After a sac bunt by Emily Stephens, runner on second with two out in the bottom of the second for Palmetto. Claire Rocawich struck out to end the inning. Still no score.

After three, still no score. Maybe this is the time for this reminder: PBG took 10 innings to win Friday night's semifinal. We may be here a while folks.

The Gators took a 1-0 lead in the fourth after back-to-back singles and errors. Courtney Ewing singled to shortstop Claire Rocawich, who fired high of first baseman Jackie Houk. Then Brittany Human singled to center, but Cristi Pardinas misplayed the ball, which allowed Ewing to score.

Palmetto retired in order in the fourth and still trails 1-0.

Saco worked out of trouble in the fifth after the first two players reached. She retired the final three batters to get out of the inning.

Palmetto was retired in order in the fifth. Bowles still has not allowed a hit. Did I jinx her?

Yes I did. Courtney Ray singled to right-center. Saco walked. Ray took third on a fielder's choice, but was stranded when Tiffany Mullins-Diaz struck out.

PBG leads 1-0 heading into the seventh.

Palmetto is up, trailing 1-0, bottom of seventh.

Palmetto has runners on second and third with two out. (Guzman reached on an error and Rocawich singled to left). Courtney Ray at bat. Ray draws an unintentional (yet intentional) walk.

Cristi Pardinas drew a bases loaded walk to tie the score. Saco flew out to left to end the inning. We're going to the eighth.

The Gators failed to score in the top of the eighth.

Guzman singles in the eighth, but does not score. Heading into the ninth (which ties the longest championship game in FHSAA softball).

Bottom of the ninth, still 1-1.

We have a record. This is now the longest championship game in the state's history. PBG draws a walk with two outs, but no score. Bottom of 10 is upcoming.

We're heading to the 11th. (Just wondering: Is anyone reading this?)

Palm Beach Gardens loaded the bases in the 11th on a single by Kelsey Hensel and walks by Kaylie Wallace and Haley Fleming. Saco got Brittany Ewing to strike out to end the inning.

Bowles retires the side in the bottom of the 11th. We're heading to the 12th.

Theoretical question -- If I keep typing and no one is reading this, does it matter if I keep typing?

If you're reading this, please send food. The media is starving in the press box and the food ran out hours ago. Drinks would be helpful too. All that is left is some Gatorade that's been in a cooler for six hours and the ice has melted. We're hungry and thirsty. Help!

Gardens loads the bases with none out int he 12th. Uh oh. Could be trouble for Palmetto.

Wow. Unbelievable.

Bootsie Roesch grounded to Saco, who fired home to get the lead runner. Catcher Amanda Marquez threw out the runner at third for the double play. Saco then got Hensel to pop out to first to end the inning. We're now going to the bottom of the 12th (where I predict the game will end).

And thank you to my readers - TR, CJ Radi, Anxiously awaiting and Bobby. How's that for some shout outs?

Courtney Ray reached on a two-out single and stole second. Pardinas at bat. Pardinas walks. Saco at bat. Saco sends a bouncer to shortstop Bootsie Roesch who boots it. Ray scores. Palmetto is the champ.

-- BOB EMANUEL JR.

Pembroke Pines Charter fails for its quest for gold

Welcome to the final day of the FHSAA softball finals.

Pembroke Pines Charter, ranked first in the nation by The USA Today, goes for the Class 4A championship against Naples. Game time is 1 p.m.

Hit F5 to refresh for the latest updates.

Audrey Broyles gets the start for the Jags, the designated home team. Lauren "Strikeout King" Sewell is at first. Sewell struck out 13 in five innings in Friday's semifinal.

Broyles retires first three batters. No score after the top of the first.

Pines goes down 1-2-3 in the bottom of the inning.

Done through two. No score. Both pitchers have no-hitters going, although both issued second-inning walks.

Uh oh. Broyles walked the lead off hitter, and Ashley Pinkerton reached on a bunt single (then stole second). Runners on second and third with one out.

Ryan Iamurri singles to right to score a run. Outfielder Alicia Sisco bobbles the ball, which allows a second run to score. Naples leads 2-0 heading into the bottom of the third.

After three, Pines Charter still behind 2-0. Sewell is now pitching. Broyles is at first.

Pines Charter finally gets its first hit - a Kandyce Redondo single to left - but still trails 2-0 after four.

Second hit for the Jags and it counts pretty big. Sewell smashes a shot over the left field fence and now trails 2-1. Cassie Sigler follows with a single to left. Shayla Jackson, who was 0-6 in Plant City, drove a shot to left-center to score Sigler from first. The score is now tied at 2 heading into the sixth.

After the longest half inning in the history of mankind, Naples takes a 5-2 lead. Ragan bell hit into a fielder's choice to drive in a run and Alexis Farnella singled to right to score two.

Pines Charter strands one in the sixth and still trails 5-2 heading into the seventh.

The Jags get their final chance here. Heading into the bottom of the seventh with a three-run deficit.

Britanie Block grounds out to second. One out. Pinch hitter. Gina Bondarenko at bat. Bondarenko grounds out to short. Cassie Sigler at bat. Strike out. Game over. Pines is 30-1 and state runner-up. Naples wins its 10th championship.

-- BOB EMANUEL JR.

In case you missed it...

Five Broward baseball teams had regionals Friday night. The Herald was there for American Heritage's sweep of Chaminade-Madonna and the Highlands Christian-Miami Christian split, and had a bit on Flanagan's loss to streaking Lake Worth Park Vista (the Cobras now have won 29 in a row), but wasn't in Stuart for Nova's two-game loss to South Fork.

Here's some detail, courtesy of the Stuart News:

The Bulldogs hit six home runs to beat Davie-Nova 15-7 in Game 1 of the best-of-three regional final on Friday. In Game 2, South Fork clawed, gambled and sprinted for four fortuitous sixth-inning runs to beat the Titans 7-3 and clinch state berth.

Kyle Hunter, Dan Harper and Will Claunch all homered for South Fork as part of a seven-run fifth-inning of Game 1.

Nick Zaharion (2) and Blake Cilwick also homered for the Bulldogs. South Fork starting pitcher Tyson Young (5-3) didn't have his best outing, but he grueled through five innings and came away with the victory.

Nova's Game 2 starter Patrick Morris was handed a 3-0 first-inning lead and coasted through the front half of the game. Leading 3-1 in the sixth, South Fork's Robert Bednar reached on an error, the next two batter's singled and Kyle Hunter reached on a second error.

Tyson Young hit a pop up to short right field, but coach Mike Harper still sent Mike Beck from third. Beck scored easily after an errant throw. Spencer Dickinson followed with an infield single, and Harper gambled again, sending Kyle Hunter from second to increase the lead to 5-3.

That means, depending on the Highlands Christian-Miami Christian result (1 p.m. today), Broward could be down to one team in the 2008 spring high school season.

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

Scouting American Heritage

One of the more enjoyable pastimes while enjoying our national pastime: Chatting with and/or overhearing scouts as they evaluate local prospects -- and nobody in Broward has more prospects than American Heritage (10-0 and 11-6 winners over Chaminade-Madonna on Friday in their regional-final doubleheader).

One scout claimed four players -- first baseman/pitcher Eric Hosmer, cather Adrian Nieto, outfielder Joey Belviso and pitcher JuanCarlos Sulbaran -- are certain selections in the draft, set for June 5 and 6. Another added pitcher Greg Conver to that list.

Either way, here are some observations from the game behind the game Friday night:

• To nobody's surprise, Hosmer is the top prospect. One scout I talked to called him a "consensus" first-rounder who has "all the tools."
• But...it's not just because of Hosmer's tools as a hitter (build, athleticism, power, left-handed bat, imposing presence in the batter's box). When Hosmer took the mound in the fifth inning of Game 2, the dozen-plus scouts -- weary from watching two games' worth of baseball in 90-degree heat -- became rejuvenated, pulling out radar guns and buzzing about his potential as a pitcher (he has been clocked as high as 96). He threw in the low 90s most of the night -- until his game-ending 94-mph fastball that struck out Cory Guenot.
• Speaking of radar guns, Sulbaran spent most of the first game -- a hot, 4 p.m. start, which might have zapped him a bit -- in the high 80s and low 90s, mixing in some nice offspeed stuff. The scout I spoke with the most was impressed by his polish (calling him a sixth-round prospect this year), but liked Conver -- who didn't pitch Friday -- even more, because of his raw athleticism and height advantage. (For what it's worth, I covered one of Conver's starts earlier this year, and he looked outstanding; he struck out 11.)
• During the second game, the ball escaped Nieto on a strikeout with a runner on first. But instead of settling for the easy out, Nieto gunned the ball to second and nailed the would-be base stealer. One scout loved this. "No fear," he said of Nieto. "None."
• I asked a scout about Flanagan shortstop Rolando Gomez, about whom I've written before. He said Gomez would be a "good college player" (he's signed with University of Miami), but his size (at around 5-9 or so) worried him. "Someone will like him, though," the scout said.

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

Pembroke Pines Charter softball (12-1 victory)

Pines Charter, the nation's top-ranked team, is up next in a Class 4A semifinal against Baker County. Remember, hit F5 to refresh.

Pines Charter already ahead 3-0 in the second. Kandyce Redondo doubled to drive in a run in the first, and Audrey broyles followed with an RBI-single.

In the second, the Jags got a run when Brianna Chierico reached and took second and third all on one throwing error. She scored on a sacrifice fly by Cassie Sigler.

Lauren Sewell is pitching for Pines and got the first three batters to strike out, all on three pitch at-bats. Oops, Sewell is human. She threw five balls in the second innig, along with nine strikes. Six strike outs through two innings. This could be a quick one.

Jags up 6-0 now after hanging three on Baker County in the third. This is going to be a quick recap.

I wish I would have brought some K signs to hang from the press box for Sewell. She's up to eight through three innings, but she did allow two runners - a walk and a double.

Pines Charter loads the bases in the fourth. Brittany Pugh lined out, and Sewell popped out. Britanie Block drew a walk for a run, and Chierico grounded out to end the inning. Jags up 7-0.

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

Oops, sorry. Dozed off there for a minute. This one is not very exciting.

The only suspense left here is how many strikeouts Sewell will finish with and where I will go for dinner.

Jags put up five in the fifth. Oh mercy me. This is about to end any second. Score is 12-0. Three more outs and we get a run-rule.

Kandyce Redondo is dancing to the YMCA. Oops, now Cassie Sigler is doing it as well. Yes folks, it really is so boring I'm resorting to mentioning the Village People. Groan.

Stop the presses! Pines Charter gave up a run - only the 13th time they gave one up in 30 games.  Thankfully though, this one is over. Sewell finished with 13 strike outs. Jags win 12-1.

-- BOB EMANUEL JR.

Miami Palmetto softball semifinal (5-4 victory)

Joining you all once again from Plant City for the Class 6A state semifinal between Miami Palmetto and Jacksonville Mandarin. (Remember to hit F5 to refresh.)

Palmetto stranded leadoff hitter Courtney Ray, who reached on a single, in the top of the first. Pitcher Kelly Saco blasted a shot down the left field line, but the home plate umpire ruled it just foul. Saco wound up striking out.

Mandarin loaded the bases in the bottom of the first on a walk and two singles. Saco walked in a run when her pitch to the outside of the plate on a full count was ruled a ball. A passed ball scored another run. Mandarin up 2-0 through one.

Heading into the bottom of the third. Still 2-0 Mandarin.

Done through four, still the same score. Palmetto sends the bottom of the order (6-7-8) to the plate in the fifth.

Palmetto ties the score in the fifth.

Emily Stephens drew a walk and Claire Rocawich doubled. Jackie Houk singled to score courtesy runner Taylor Waddell. Courtney Ray reached on an infield single to load the bases. Cristina Pardinas followed with a single to center to drive in the tying run. Saco, who jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the count, struck out on three straight pitches, including her swing at a high pitch for strike three. Amanda Marquez flew out to center to end the inning.

So much for the tie. Mandarin's Michelle Moultrie just blasted a shot over the right field fence. Mandarin up 4-2, still in the bottom of the fifth.

Palmetto got runners on first and third with no outs in the seventh. Saco popped to shortstop. One out.

Holy improbable comebacks, Batman. Palmetto scores three in the top of the seventh. The first run scored on an error before Lauren Guzman doubled to right-center to drive in two runs.

Palmetto now up 5-4 heading into the bottom of the seventh.

Two outs, runner on first, and Moultrie (she of the two-run home run and a 3 for 3 day, is up. Wow. Intentional walk to put the tying run in scoring position. No matter. Saco just got opposing pitcher Riley Carter to ground out. Palmetto wins 5-4.

Win at all costs?

Two interesting conversations came about while writing stories about Nova baseball and Cooper City boys' volleyball -- both playing today with their seasons (possibly) on the line.

Sure, the teams led by Nova coach Pat McQuaid and Cooper City coach Warren Denise have plenty at stake (with both McQuaid's Titans and Denise's Cowboys fighting for a spot in their respective final fours) but during phone interviews this week, both coaches offered plenty of refreshing -- and pretty much unsolicited -- perspective on the importance of this weekend.

McQuaid (whose Titans won back-to-back state titles in 2004 and 2005):

"People don't realize how hard it is to get to this level, even the regional final game, because there's good baseball teams in South Florida ... and to get to the final four, that's phenomenal.

"You've got to be a little bit lucky, a little bit good, and things have to fall your way."

And Denise, whose team is at state for the first time in the sport's six-year FHSAA history:

"Only one of the eight teams is going to be the state champion. ... I think, in our culture today, that if, 'You didn't win it all, then you didn't do anything,' and, 'Second place is first loser' and all that stuff, I don't think that stuff is all positive.

"If it was only about winning a trophy or something, then none of it would be worth it. ... It's about teamwork and friendships and how you play the game. I know all that is cliche and sounds old, but there's a reason why it's a cliche: Because it's true."

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)