St. Thomas to host wrestling camp

St. Thomas Aquinas and head wrestling coach Mark Fee will host the Dr. Funk Wrestling Camp this July 21-25, an all-ages wrestling clinic featruing technique sessions, drills, critiquing and an end-of-the-camp tournament.

Instructors include current and former NCAA wrestlers from programs such as Appalachian State, Michigan State and Purdue (among others), and campers will be able to compete in at least 15 matches during the week. Also, a reward goes to the wrestler who is the hungriest -- literally. According to the flyer, a free lunch is provided to anyone who takes down a staff member.

Cost is $175, or $160 if you register by July 1. For more information, contact Fee by e-mail at mountaineer360@aol.com or by phone at 954-608-9533.

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

Coral Gables High to host recruiting showcase

Because "there is a college for every athlete," as the press release (and the website) attest, Coral Gables Senior High School has scheduled a baseball recruiting showcase Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The target: "unsigned seniors, college players looking to transfer and upcoming high school juniors and seniors looking to get recruited," according to officials at Team USA College Recruiters, Inc.

Coaches include former UM player/Yankees prospect Rey Noriega. Among the success stories: Coral Park's Alex Castellanos, who went to Belmont Abbey (N.C.) College and was drafted in the 10th round by the Cardinals this year.

Cost is $70 in advance or $80 on the day of the showcase. E-mail (teamusacr@aol.com) or call (305-273-8904) for info.

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

Several Dade and Broward athletes and coaches honored

Hey fans,

Over the past 10 days, a bunch of Dade and Broward's top performers from a memorable season were honored by the Florida Dairy Farmers Association.

Over the years, the group has not given many awards to this talent-rich area, but this season has been different.

Pat Dorsey and I compiled a list. Enjoy.

   • Palmetto's Kelly Saco, who led her team to a state
championship, collected another prestigious honor recently
when she was named the Association's Softball Player of the
Year.

   Saco is the first Dade recipient of this award since its
inception in 1993. She finished with a 16-2 record, 168
strikeouts, six shutouts and a 0.40 ERA. Saco, The Miami
Herald's Class 6A Pitcher of the Year, will play this fall at
Syracuse this fall.

   • Southridge runners Brandon O'Connor and Ebony Eutsey were
named the Track and Field Athletes of the Year.

   O'Connor was a state champion in the 200 and 400-meter
races, finishing with some of the fastest times in the country
this season. He ran a 20.82 in the 200 and a 47.12 in the 400.

   His coach, Rodney Wright, was named the Overall Boys' Coach
of the Year. Wright led the Spartans to their first state
championship and his teams have not lost a dual meet in five
seasons.

   Eutsey, who was recently named the Gatorade State Athlete
of the Year, ran a 23.79 in the 200 meters and a 53.85 in the
400 at state to win state titles in both. She recently ran the
fastest time in the nation (53.23) at an invitational meet
this summer.

   Her coach, Sam Burley, who is retiring this season and is a
member of the Florida High School Athletic Association Hall of
Fame, was named Overall Girls' Coach of the Year. Burley led
the Spartans to their first state title in five seasons.

   • Thanks to Cypress Bay star Brennan Boyajian, boys' coach
Vince Grossi and St. Thomas Aquinas girls coach Carol
Deopsomer, Broward County accounted for three of the four high
school tennis award winners announced Thursday.

   Boyajian, bound for the University of North Carolina this
fall, won the Boys' Player of the Year award after going
undefeated and winning the 4A overall singles title. Grossi,
who led Boyajian and the Lightning to the 4A boys' team title,
took Boys' Coach of the Year honors.

   Deopsomer, who led the Raiders to their second consecutive
3A girls' title, won Girls' Coach of the Year. Only Girls'
Player of the Year Jacqueline Kasler of Gulf Breeze -- the 2A
state champion who edged finalists Amelia Martinez (Cypress
Bay; 4A overall singles winner) and Courtney Clayton (St.
Thomas Aquinas; 3A overall singles champion) -- kept Broward
from sweeping the awards.

   • Southwest senior outside hitter Jonathan Roldan was named
the Boys' Volleyball State Player of the Year after posting
459 kills, 107 aces, 157 digs and 63 blocks. Also The Miami
Herald's Player of the Year for Dade, guiding the Eagles to a
state championship.

   His coach Mauricio Diaz was named the Coach of the Year
after winning his second state title in six seasons after
leading Southwest to a 27-2 record. He has a career record of
230-31 and has led the Eagles to the state tournament four
times.

For a full list of winners chosen for the 2007-08 School Year, go to www.floridamilk.com/sports

Hosmer: Signing not imminent

A recent report in The Morning News (of Northwest Arkansas) late Wednesday indicated that the Kansas City Royals' signing of Eric Hosmer -- the American Heritage All-State first baseman-turned-No. 3 overall pick by the Royals -- "is a matter of when and not if."

The quote from J.J. Picollo, Kansas City director of player development:

"We wouldn't have taken him (Hosmer) if we didn't think we were going to sign him," Picollo said. "We were real happy that Hosmer was there (available). We had 15, 16 different reports on him and every one was very consistent in that he has a very, very high ceiling as an offensive player. Defensively, he has also been described as a Gold Glove guy."

Reached by phone Thursday afternoon from Ohio, where he is playing in his second year with the Midland Redskins summer team, Hosmer denied that the signing is imminent.

"I haven't decided anything," Hosmer told The Herald. "Probably around August we'll start cracking down on stuff."

Hosmer is signed with perennial baseball power Arizona State, and all indications are that Tempe, Ariz., remains a very real option for the 6-5 power hitter. That goes double because, as a Scott Boras Corp. client, Hosmer likely will command big bonus money from the Royals.

Meanwhile, from the way he describes his performace in the Cincinnati area, Hosmer appears to be building upon his reputation as one of the nation's top (former) high-school bats. Hosmer, who is DHing with the Midland Redskins, said he has two home runs through five games, and went 3 for 3 Wednesday with three doubles.

Hosmer said he'll be in Ohio into early August, with his pro vs. college decision likely coming soon after.

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

Last batch of All-State baseball

There was no shortage of Miami-Dade and Broward baseball players -- 27, to be exact -- honored on the 6A All-State baseball team, released today (along with the 5A team) by the Florida Sports Writers Association. Here they are...

6A:

• First Team: Ahmed Garcia (P, South Miami); Corey Witkowski (P, Flanagan); Rolando Gomez (IF, Flanagan); Rony Rodriguez (DH, Sunset).
• Second Team: Anthony Angulo (DH, Southridge).
• Third Team: Casey Delgado (P, Palmetto); Harold Martinez (IF, Braddock); Albert Faz (OF, South Miami).
• Honorable Mention: Joe Coto (P, Goleman); R.J. Fondon (P, Flanagan); Terry Roberts (P, Cypress Bay); Sam Robinson (P, Killian); Kevin Alexander (P, Taravella); Mark Lau (C, Cooper City); Brent Scarberry (C, Western); Alejandro Sanchez (IF, Flanagan); Mike Martinez (IF, Killian); Frank Solis (IF, Goleman); Anthony DeAngelo (IF, Western); James Young (IF, Southridge); Willie Medina (IF, Taravella); Luis Montesinos (IF, Palmetto); Roly Hernandez (IF, South Miami); Pablo Bermudez (OF, Miami Springs); T.J. Clarkson (OF, Coral Springs); Cody Stiles (OF, Taravella); Darnell Sweeney (OF, American).

5A:

• First Team: Michael Broad (IF, Nova).
• Second Team: Joey Housey (P, Nova); Brent Zimmerman (IF, Nova).
• Honorable Mention: Daniel LoCastro (P, St. Thomas Aquinas); Anthony Parilla (OF, Coral Glades); Conor O'Neill (OF, St. Thomas Aquinas).

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

All-State baseball: 3A and 4A

As promised, the 3A and 4A All-State baseball teams were released Tuesday by the Florida Sports Writers Association. And, as expected, American Heritage dominated (nine players total, four on first team). Here are the Miami-Dade and Broward honorees:

3A:

• First Team: JuanCarlos Sulbaran (P, American Heritage); David Villasuso (C, Florida Christian); Eric Hosmer (IF, American Heritage); Daniel Canela (IF, Gulliver Prep); Joey Belviso (OF, American Heritage); Adrian Nieto (DH, American Heritage).
• Second Team: Ryan Kahn (P, American Heritage); Leo Carrillo (OF, Florida Christian).
• Third Team: Ryan Arnold (P, Pompano Beach); Austin Yager (OF, American Heritage); Deven Marrero (IF, American Heritage).
• Honorable Mention: Joe Hone (P, Chaminade-Madonna); Dylan Wolchik (P, Coral Springs Charter); Anthony Tzamtzis (IF, LaSalle); Eric Acevedo (IF, American Heritage); Brandon Sedell (IF, American Heritage).

4A:

• First Team: Mark Alfonso (P, Pace); Luis Lumpuy (IF, Mater Academy).
• Second Team: Lucas Calderon (IF, Belen); Gabby Lima (IF, Cardinal Gibbons); Anthony Bondarenko (OF, Pines Charter).
• Third Team: Carlos Hechevarria (P, Pace); Chad Cabrera (OF, Archbishop McCarthy).
• Honorable Mention: Eric Whaley (P, Cardinal Gibbons); Chris Turino (IF, Archbishop McCarthy).

Teams for 5A and 6A are coming Wednesday...

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

All-State baseball teams: 1A and 2A

The Florida Sports Writers Association announced its 1A and 2A All-State baseball teams for 2008 on Monday. Here are the players honored from Miami-Dade and Broward:

1A:

• First Team: David Vidal (P, Brito Miami Private).
• Second Team: Chris Fabregas (OF, Brito Miami Private); Leonardo Rojas (DH, Brito Miami Private).
• Third Team: Samuel Diaz (P, Brito Miami Private); Ricardo Espinal (OF, Brito Miami Private).
• Honorable Mention: Yoenny Gonzalez (IF, Brito Miami Private); Manuel Machado (IF, Brito Miami Private).

2A:

• First Team: Felix Roque (P, Miami Christian); Ethan Perla (Util, Highlands Christian).
• Second Team: John Caballero (P, Dade Christian); Bryan Siddique (Util, Westminster Academy).
• Third Team: Mitchell Buerosse (P, Highlands Christian); Jairo Acevedo (IF, Miami Christian); Jonathan Escarza (OF, Westminster Christian); Eric Saavedra (OF, Miami Christian).
• Honorable Mention: Jonathan Kies (P, Highlands Christian); Nay Seldomridge (OF, Coral Springs Christian).

The 3A and 4A teams are coming Tuesday, followed by 5A and 6A on Wednesday.

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

Dolphins 7-on-7 report: Edison wins

Here's the scoop on Miami Edison, winner of the first-ever Dolphins 7-on-7 tournament, held today at Bamford Sports Complex in Davie:

• One Miami Edison coach came up to me late in the championship game and said something to the effect of: "What's the headline if we win? 'Who'd'a thought?'" Well...who'd'a thought? The Red Raiders did win the whole thing, drilling Miami Norland 34-10 in the semifinal, then forcing a Boyd Anderson incompletion on the final play to win 34-28. "We didn't actually think we'd make it all the way [and] win the championship," head coach Daryle Heidelburg said. "But we played hard enough to do it, and we did it."
• Recruiting guru Larry Blustein, however, wasn't underrating Edison.
• The surprise Saturday might have had less to do with who won, and more to do with who didn't: Miramar (which features highly recruited quarterback Eugene Smith) and Jupiter Christian (the 2007 1B state champion that also won the Heath Evans 7-on-7 tournament at West Palm Beach King's Academy in April) were ousted from the 20-team field before the semifinals.
• A trio of rising seniors led the way for the Red Raiders: QB Donovan Jackson, WR/CB Larry McCoy and WR/CB Phillip Thomas. As recruiting goes, though, Heidelburg said the three aren't receiving a lot of notice. "I talked to a few colleges who are giving them looks," he said. "I'm sure the college offers will start coming around soon."
• One big positive out of Saturday, other than bragging rights: A trip to New Orleans (July 10-13) for the NFL's National 7-on-7 Tournament. Heidelburg thinks this especially special, because he believes this will be the first trip to the Big Easy for all 12 of his players. "Even the plane ride might be something new for a lot of my kids," he said.

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

Dolphins 7-on-7 report: Cobras just short

Here's the scoop on Boyd Anderson, runner-up at the first ever Dolphins 7-on-7 tournament, held today at Bamford Sports Complex in Davie:

• The Cobras basically lost by one play -- a fourth-down incomplete pass in a 34-28 game. "When it comes to football," head coach Mark James said, "that's what it's all about. ... It's just an [example] of how great a program this [Dolphins' 7-on-7 tournament] was."
• James called his team "blessed" to be down to the top two, especially getting past Miramar and touted quarterback Eugene Smith. The Cobras did it by knocking off surprising North Miami 27-17 in the semifinal.
• Happy? Sure. Satisfied, though? Not exactly. "We just want to be better," said James, whose team went 9-2 last year but lost in the 6A regional quarterfinals to Douglas.
• Rising senior Kenny Graham quarterbacked the Cobras, throwing four touchdown passes in the final. But, James said, schools such as Central Michigan and Central Florida are looking at him as an all-around athlete. "He's a playmaker," James said.
• James also pointed to wide receiver Travis Reynolds (six offers, according to James) and 2010 prospect Demar Dorsey (interest from UM, James said) as players to watch.

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

St. Thomas punter is Notre Dame-bound

Ben Turk switched to punter three years ago, thinking that might be the football position with the brightest future.

The rising St. Thomas Aquinas senior might have been right.

Turk, formerly a safety (he played there through his sophomore year), is committed to Notre Dame for the 2009 season, choosing the Golden Dome over the Crimson Tide and the rising Bearcats (of up-and-coming Cincinnati).

His reasons: "Really, just the coaching there, and the tradition of the school -- academics-wise and football-wise."

Why so soon? "I just wanted to get it over with already, so I don't have to worry about it my senior season (when his Raiders try to defend their 5A state title)."

His prospects: Our own Larry Blustein seems to like them, after Turk averaged about 41 yards per punt last year. From last month:

The Raiders may have one of the nation’s elite punters in Benjamin Turk, a Tim Conrad-trained athlete, who has a chance to average in the high 40s this season.

But that's not the whole story on Turk. His uncle is Matt Turk, an NFL punter since 1995, formerly of the Dolphins and currently with the Houston Texans. The two started working together during Ben Turk's freshman year, and they haven't stopped.

"There's really no one better you can learn from," the nephew said.

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

American Heritage: Baseball America's Team of the Year

They went 31-2, won the 3A state championship, saw four players drafted -- including first baseman Eric Hosmer, who went third overall -- and staked a pretty solid claim to high school baseball's "mythical national title."

According to Baseball America on Wednesday, they got it. Writes Nathan Rode, quite simply:

The Patriots can add one more title to their resume: Baseball America Team of the Year.

This is their latest top ranking, adding to their No. 1 nods from USA Today and RISE Magazine.

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

Dolphins fund fields in Miami, Hollywood

The Dolphins announced today that they will donate $150,000 in grants to refurbish Archbishop Curley's football field (along with Boggs Field in Hollywood), as part of the NFL's Grassroots Program. From the press release:

Archbishop Curley Notre Dame High School serves about 400 students who use the field for athletic leagues, physical education classes and summer programs. With a $100,000 grant from the NFL Grassroots Program, the school will be able to maintain a natural turf grass field. The school will offer field use to youth leagues practices and community outreach programs. Blue Cross Blue Shield and an anonymous donor are providing matching funds.

Once completed, that will make 12 fields the Dolphins have helped refurbish since 1999 in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties.

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

Ely football taking resumes

Blanche Ely athletic director Connie McGirt sent out a release today, announcing the school is taking applications for its football coaching position, which opened when James Jones resigned last month after one year at the helm.

Resumes can be sent to McGirt at 1201 NW 6th Avenue in Pompano Beach (33060) or at connie.mcgirt@browardschools.com, and will be accepted through June 18.

Whoever lands the position will take over a team that went 6-5 last year (losing to eventual 5A state champion St. Thomas Aquinas by just one point in the regional quarterfinals), but won't have LSU-bound defensive back Patrick Johnson. Still, senior-to-be Michael Carter -- Broward's No. 4 recruit, according to Larry Blustein's rankings -- returns to the defensive backfield.

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

Dolphins pick Chaminade's Dunlap

As current South Florida players get recruited by colleges, one former footballer -- Chaminade-Madonna-turned-North Carolina State wide receiver John Dunlap -- was recruited by a pro team: the Miami Dolphins, who offered Dunlap a tryout last weekend and announced his signing Monday (even giving a nod in their press release to the Lions' 2003 2A state title).

The undrafted Dunlap played receiver with the Wolfpack from 2004 to 2007, leading the team with 45 catches last season and finishing his career with 85 for 924 yards and seven touchdowns.

At Chaminade, though, he was a two-way player, making The Herald's All-County team his senior year at the linebacker position, not receiver. He also patrolled the field alongside eventual UM linebacker and NFL first-round pick Jon Beason.

Here's an interesting quote from Dunlap, as told to The Herald's Bob Emanuel back in September 2003, when the recruiting process was at its hottest:

"Beside school, it's football," Dunlap said. "I don't think about anything else. I don't do anything else. My focus is out here on the field.

"If I'm not at football practice, I'm home watching film."

Maybe that same dedication will help the 6-1, 218-pound receiver grab a spot on the Dolphins' 53-man roster, however tough that is for an undrafted rookie.

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

One we missed

In our Friday draft coverage, I unfortunately missed one local high school player drafted: South Broward left-handed pitcher Anthony Coletti, who was taken 1,405th overall in the 47th round by the Washington Nationals (profiled a bit, by The Herald's Jim Varsallone, here).

That means 11 high school players from Broward -- two on the first day, nine on the second -- were taken in 2008. Apologies to Anthony for the miss.

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

Cooper City freshman-to-be: An ESPY winner?

This year, for the first time, ESPN is giving out a youth achievement award at the ESPYs Breakfast next month (the winner also earns a trip to the awards show, which airs July 20). Among the five finalists: Max Frost, a Cooper City High School freshman-to-be who earned his spot by winning an essay contest on ESPN.com.

Here's the link to the list of finalists. Frost's video is the one on the far right. Frost plays basketball at the Jewish Community Center in Davie (where the video was filmed) and soccer at Cooper City Optimist. He will join the Cowboys this fall.

You can vote for Max by following the link. One vote per day will be counted; Frost currently is in second place. Voting ends June 15.

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

Nieto: The Orioles wanted me

He knows who owns his rights. Still, talented American Heritage catcher Adrian Nieto's future remains uncertain after this year's MLB Draft. The Washington Nationals took him in the fifth round Thursday (151st overall), but -- as negotiations stand -- there's no guarantee he will choose professional baseball over his commitment to the University of South Florida.

"Right now we're far from an agreement financially," Nieto told The Miami Herald on Friday, adding that he likely will fly to Washington soon to meet with the Nationals and general manager Jim Bowden.

A Major League contract could have been a lock, though. Nieto said he had an agreement in place with the Baltimore Orioles, who considered taking him in the second round -- where he was projected to be picked in some circles -- "but they still had another guy [available]," Nieto said. (That turned out to be high school outfielder Xavier Avery.)

And although the Orioles passed on him in later rounds, Nieto still hoped Baltimore would select him.

"They were willing to still pay me what I wanted," he said.

But the Nationals came calling instead, and now Nieto must close the gap between the two sides (he didn't offer a dollar figure Friday). All things considered, though, the switch-hitting catcher sounded far from upset with the outcome -- in fact, he said he liked being part of an organization that is "excited and pumped to have me."

"The Nationals said they really want me," said Nieto, who met with Washington officials last weekend. "They didn't want to lose me to anyone else.

"So obviously they did that because they're willing to pay me what I want. Hopefully."

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

MLB Draft wrap

A few reflections on the 2008 Major League Baseball Draft, now that it's all over:

• Believe what you read/hear: Some publications had American Heritage's Eric Hosmer going near the top 15, but mostly in the seven-to-11 range. ESPN's Keith Law, however, heard Hosmer would be the third pick, calling it a near lock. Plus, Hosmer had a lengthy Tuesday meeting with the Royals, who visited him here in South Florida (pushing back my interview time with him, and understandably so). That all seemed to paint a pretty clear picture of Hosmer as the No. 3 pick.
• Don't believe what you read/hear: Catcher Adrian Nieto, Hosmer's teammate, was supposed to be a sandwich pick. Flanagan shortstop Rolando Gomez was supposed to go sometime in the first day. Heck, Braddock shortstop Harold Martinez was touted as a first-round pick before the season started. All fell, for various reasons (college commitments/bonus demands likely being among them). And then there was Greg Conver, a projectable pitcher from American Heritage who went undrafted despite getting some first-day talk. (Something tells me he won't suffer the same fate after three years at North Carolina State.) But the point is: With so many high schools, junior colleges and universities out there, it's easy to overstate a player's draft value -- or, in turn, overlook that same player.
• Heritage's great year continues: Sure, only Hosmer went as high as was hoped. But the 3A state-champion Patriots still had four players picked -- Hosmer, Nieto, right-hander JuanCarlos Sulbaran (30th round) and outfielder Joey Housey (50th round). That's the same amount as all of Miami-Dade County combined.
• Check back in three: Most of these high schoolers have college commitments, including Hosmer (Arizona State), Nieto (South Florida), Gomez (UM), Martinez (UM), Sulbaran (UF), Conver (NC State), Housey (Oregon) and many more. A couple might sign, but the rest could be hearing their names -- again -- in early June 2011.

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

MLB Draft, Day 2 (with updates)

It was a long wait -- through Day 1's six rounds, and almost four more in Day 2 -- but Flanagan's star shortstop Rolando Gomez finally was taken, with the 349th pick overall (in round 11) by the Anaheim (they're not in Los Angeles) Angels.

Gomez arguably was the best Broward player this year behind American Heritage first baseman (and No. 3 overall pick) Eric Hosmer, but concerns about his size (5-7) and signability issues (including his commitment to University of Miami) might have caused the polished, instinctive player to slip.

**Update at the break** Through 15 rounds, we've got a break -- and we're still waiting for the second Miami-Dade player to be picked. However, Coral Park's Alejandro Castellanos (most recently with Belmont-Abbey College) was taken 305th overall by the Cardinals, joining a number of former Miami-Dade and Broward high schoolers to have been taken out of college this year. Among them:

Yonder Alonso (Coral Gables, UM, 7th overall to the Reds); Carlos Gutierrez (Columbus, UM, 27th overall to the Twins); Dennis Raben (St. Thomas Aquinas, UM, 66th overall to the Mariners); Alex Avila (Archbishop McCarthy, Alabama, 163rd overall to the Tigers); Christopher Dominguez (Gulliver Prep, Louisville, 167th overall to the Rockies); Richard Bleier (South Plantation, Florida Gulf Coast, 183rd to the Rangers); Daniel Farquhar (Archbishop McCarthy, Louisiana-Lafayette, 309th overall to the Blue Jays); Dominic De La Osa (Archbishop Carroll, Vanderbilt, 336th overall to the Twins); Michael Marseco (St. Thomas, Samford, 338th overall to the Brewers); Alberto Espinosa (Brito, Broward CC, 445th overall to the Royals); Daniel Cook (Westminster Christian, FAU, 447th overall to the Giants); and Joseph Coleman (Cape Coral, Florida Gulf Coast, 461st overall to the Cubs).

***Update: Martinez goes in 19th round*** Once considered a first-round talent, Braddock's Harold Martinez stayed on the board until the 573rd pick, where the Texas Rangers grabbed the 6-3 shortstop. Scouts pointed to a down year for Martinez as a reason for his potential slip, and now the Rangers must contend -- like Gomez -- with Martinez's commitment to UM.

***Update: Tigers pick Southridge's Young*** James Young, a 6-4 right-hander from Southridge, was taken 823rd overall (27th round) by the Tigers.

***Update: Reds end Sulbaran's wait*** American Heritage right-hander JuanCarlos Sulbaran, projected here as a late-first day/early-second pick, fell all the way to the 30th round, where he was grabbed by the Reds (899th overall). He could be headed to UF.

***Update: Reds raid Broward again*** The Cincinnati Reds apparently scout South Florida -- they took Coral Gables-turned-UM star Yonder Alonso seventh overall Thursday -- and didn't stop there. One round after taking Sulbaran, Cincinnati took another Broward pitcher -- Nova's Joey Housey, The Miami Herald's 6A-5A Pitcher of the Year -- with the 929th overall pick.

***Update: 35th-round break*** Through 35 rounds, here are some other college players drafted who went to Broward or Miami-Dade high schools: Chad Rose (McArthur, BCC, 497th to the Rockies); Mitch Houck (Cypress Bay, UCF, 524th to the Mets); Robert Lara (Nova, UCF, 585th to the Padres); Shawn Griffin (Chaminade-Madonna, Tennessee, 595th to the Royals); Brian Van Kirk (Westminster Academy, Oral Roberts, 639th to Toronto); Jorge Castillo (Gulliver Prep, FIU, 780th to the White Sox); Adan Severino (American, UM, 786th to the Twins); Elih Villanueva (Westminster Academy, FSU, 808th to the Marlins); Nick Arata (Nova, FAU, 841st to the Nationals); Reynaldo Cotilla (Miami Springs, MDC, 955th to the Royals); Jose Jimenez (Pace, U of Tampa, 1009th to the Angels); and Brian Pruitt (Florida Christian, Stetson, 1021st to the Nationals).

***Update: Another Avila goes to Tigers*** Archbishop McCarthy's Alan Avila Jr., son of Detroit Tigers assistant general manager Al Avila Sr., was taken in the 47th round (1415th overall) by his dad's team. If you'll recall, the Tigers on Thursday picked Avila's brother, Alex, for the second time; the Alabama catcher went in the fifth round, 163rd overall.

***Update: Killian's Miranda picked*** In the final round, Killian lefty Daniel Miranda was taken 1490th overall by the St. Louis Cardinals. Will he be the last local player drafted?

***Update: Belviso makes it four*** Nope. American Heritage outfielder Joey Belviso became the fourth player from the 3A state champion, joining Gomez in the Angels' organization (50th round, 1501st overall).

***Update: That's all, folks*** Here's the final round of college players who starred at local high schools: Yan Gomes (Southridge, Tennessee, 1192nd to the Red Sox); Clayton Suss (Cooper City, MDC, 1308th to the Diamondbacks); Alex Pepe (Highlands Christian, FAU, 1323rd to the Rangers); David Torcise (Westminster Christian, USF, 1403rd to the Reds); and Marcus Salmon (Sunset, MDC, 1438th to the Brewers).

Thanks for reading. That's a wrap, after 50 rounds and almost 15 hours...

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

MLB Draft update: Still waiting...

Well Day 1 is done, with Eric Hosmer celebrating, Adrian Nieto slipping and Jarrett Burgess surprising.

Now, with 44 rounds set for Day 2 (you can follow on MLB.com's DraftTracker, beginning at 11:30 a.m.), here are some players still waiting to hear their names called:

• JuanCarlos Sulbaran, RHP, American Heritage. Why he slipped: He's polished, but not oozing with potential (plus there were some rumored signability issues). Where he'll go: Early Friday, unless those rumors of a high bonus demand are true.
• Greg Conver, RHP, American Heritage. Why he slipped: One scout worried about a possible (though unsubstantiated) late-season injury. Where he'll go: If those concerns aren't too bad, the athletic, projectable hurler won't last long Friday.
• Harold Martinez, SS, Braddock. Why he slipped: A sub-par senior year. Where he'll go: It's uncertain, but someone will take a chance that Martinez wil regain his former form.
• Rolando Gomez, SS, Flanagan. Why he slipped: Size -- it's that simple. Where he'll go: Hard to imagine someone with his approach and instincts lasting too much longer, although he has that University of Miami commitment to contend with.

There's sure to be plenty of other local players selected Friday, too. Stay tuned.

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

MLB Draft update: Father picks son

From the former South Florida high schools file, Archbishop McCarthy grad and University of Alabama catcher Alex Avila was drafted in the fifth round (163rd overall) by the Detroit Tigers, whose assistant general manager is ... Al Avila, Alex's father.

It's the second time the Tigers have picked Avila. They took him in the 34th round (1,020th overall) back in 2005.

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

MLB Draft update: Nieto slips to fifth round

Eric Hosmer going No. 3 overall was no surprise. His friend, teammate and occasional battery mate Adrian Nieto falling to the fifth round, though, was.

One scout with whom I spoke seemed convinced Nieto was a top-three-rounds guy, thinking he could be a "sandwich" seleciton between the first and second. Nieto himself said he was told the same.

But, as the end of the first day neared (teams stop picking at about 9 p.m.), the Washington Nationals snagged Nieto with the 151st pick.

Now, like Hosmer, Nieto faces the decision of college vs. pro. The switch-hitting catcher could go to South Florida instead of signing with Washington.

His thoughts, as of Wednesday night: "Hopefully I get a fair offer," he said. "And if I don't get a fair offer, I'll go to school. ... [But] my ultimate dream is to play pro ball, and the main goal is to play in the Major Leagues."

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

On the scene: Hosmer goes third

Ah, the beauty of high-def.

With a big crowd surrounding the high-definition television in Eric Hosmer's living room at his Cooper City home, anxiously waiting to see where the American Heritage first baseman got picked in Thursday's Major League Baseball Draft, a buzz started circulating among the family and friends who had gathered:

That other TV is faster. About two minutes faster.

So that's why there was an early roar from the back room.

And that's why everyone gathered in anticipatory silence when Bud Selig announced -- in beautiful HD, mind you -- that the Kansas City Royals indeed took the power-hitting, lefty-swinging Hosmer with the No. 3 overall pick.

Of course, Hosmer had an idea he was about ready to be taken when ESPN called American Heritage coach Todd Fitz-Gerald a couple of minutes before the roar. But -- as you heard, if you watched the ESPN2 feed -- he couldn't hear host Karl Ravech through the noise. And this was before everyone knew where he was going.

Now he's got that big decision to make -- pros or college (he's signed with Arizona State) -- and it's one that doesn't seem like a lock either way. Sure, he's likely got a big signing bonus coming his way (Hosmer didn't want to discuss details Thursday, although it's been rumored he could ask in the $7 million range), but going to the Sun Devils and becoming even more Major League-ready isn't a bad option, either.

Whichever way he goes, he'll probably again be seen on TV sometime in the future.

And maybe, by then, every TV will be high-def.

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

MLB Draft update: Beckham first, Hosmer third?

A few notes, with the draft approaches:

• MLB.com is reporting that high school shortstop Tim Beckham (from Griffin, Ga.) will be the No. 1 overall pick, going to the Tampa Bay Rays. That aligns with multiple mock drafts -- including MLB.com's and ESPN.com's -- and could bode well for Hosmer. Both scenarios see the Pittsburgh Pirates grabbing Vanderbilt third baseman Pedro Alvarez second, followed by the Kansas City Royals (who visited Hosmer on Tuesday) taking the American Heritage masher (ESPN's Keith Law  calls this "close to a lock," although indications are the Royals will take Alvarez if the Pirates go elsewhere).
• If the Royals don't take Hosmer, there isn't a mock around (not that I've found, anyway) that has him slipping past the Texas Rangers at No. 11. Hosmer even said Tuesday that the club told him as much.
• I caught up Wednesday night with Nieto, who will watch the Draft with his adviser and his parents. Refreshing perspective, from the catcher: Although he's hearing the same things everyone's reporting (first three rounds, possibly into the supplemental part of the first), Nieto insisted he's not getting caught up in projections. "It's good hearing that," Nieto said, "but at the same time, you don't know what to expect [until] it really happens."

Coverage of the first round begins on ESPN2 and MLB.com at 2 p.m.

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

MLB Draft preview, high schools edition

The Herald's print edition Thursday profiled American Heritage first-round hopeful Eric Hosmer and assessed the Marlins' situation.

Now, here are some extended capsules from the Broward and Miami-Dade high schools scene, focusing on some possible first-day picks:

• Eric Hosmer, 1B/P, American Heritage. Projection: First round, possibly top-three. Why he'll get picked: Everything -- size, power, athleticism, character ... plus his potential as a pitcher, if the whole hitting thing doesn't work out. One scout's take: "He should be a Major League regular starter ... [but] he could go beyond that. He might be a superstar."
• Adrian Nieto, C, American Heritage. Projection: First three rounds, possibly even first. Why he'll get picked: He's a switch-hitting catcher with size, arm and power. One scout's take: "He's not afraid to throw the ball, which is what I loved about him."
• Harold Martinez, SS, Braddock. Projection: Fifth round. Why he'll get picked: Superior power and size (6-3) for his position. One scout's take: "He's not going to go as high as everyone thought he was going to go. ... Before the season, he was supposed to be a first-round pick."
• JuanCarlos Sulbaran, RHP, American Heritage. Projection: Fifth to seventh round, possibly jumping to the right team. Why he'll get picked: Polish and high-level production. One scout's take: "He's definitely got the potential to be a Major League starting pitcher -- maybe a fourth or fifth starter in the Major Leagues, but not a front-line guy."
• Greg Conver, RHP, American Heritage. Projection: Fifth or sixth round, but some team might want to take a risk earlier. Why he'll get picked: Pure potential, based on his combination of raw athleticism and size (a lanky 6-4). One scout's take: "Sulbaran is just more polished [and has] more pitching experience than Conver. ... If they were on the same page, Conver would definitely be the better prospect."
• Rolando Gomez, SS, Flanagan. Projection: Late first day, early second. Why he'll get picked: Plate approach and understanding of the game. One scout's take: "There's concerns about his size (5-7), his durability. ... I want to see him do it in college (at University of Miami), and then draft him three years down the line."

Of course, plenty of players could find their names called during the draft's two days (there are 50 rounds, after all) -- so by no means is this a complete list. In fact, MLB.com's Florida roundup also lists Anthony Angulo (Southridge), Joe Belviso (American Heritage), Pablo Bermudez (Miami Springs), Jarrett Burgess (Florida Christian), Joey Housey (Nova), Peter O'Brien (Braddock), Vickash Ramjit (Columbus), David Villasuso (Florida Christian), James Young (Southridge) and Kevin Youst (American Heritage) as prospects.

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

Another sweep for St. Thomas

St. Thomas Aquinas didn't just sweep the Miami Herald's Broward All-Sports awards this year. Recently, the FHSAA announced the winners of the 2007-08 Dodge Sunshine Cup All-Sports Awards -- and the Raiders were right up there again, sweeping the boys', girls' and overall categories in Class 5A.

But in a way, St. Thomas had the biggest win of all schools, regardless of class. Their 1,184.5 points amassed (based on state, district and regional finishes in various sports, with points subtracted for violations and bad sportsmanship) were the most among any school in Florida (Jacksonville Bolles, a 3A private school, was second, with 1,137.8). Also, their margin of victory -- 324.5 points over Tampa Plant -- was the biggest in any class.

Here are South Florida's top finishers:

• 6A: Cypress Bay (1st girls, 3rd boys, 3rd overall).
• 5A: St. Thomas Aquinas (1st girls, 1st boys, 1st overall).
• 4A: Cardinal Gibbons (6th overall); Pace (5th boys, 10th overall).
• 3A Public: Parkway (4th girls).
• 3A Private: American Heritage (2nd girls, 3rd boys, 2nd overall); Gulliver Prep (4th girls, 2nd boys, 3rd overall); Ransom Everglades (4th boys, 5th overall); Pine Crest (8th overall).
• 2A Private: Dade Christian (2nd girls, 6th overall)

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

South Florida's good sports

A few Miami-Dade and Broward schools earned cash and plaques for good sportsmanship, as the 2007-08 FHSAA/Fred E. Rozelle Sportsmanship Awards were announced by the FHSAA (Section winners get $500, overall winners for each class get $2,500). The top local schools:

• 6A: Cooper City (Section 4 winner)
• 5A: Booker T. Washington (Section 4 winner, overall winner)
• 3A: University (Seciton 4 winner)
• 2A: Westminster Christian (Section 4 winner)

Schools are nominated by FHSAA representatives, with winners chosen by an anonymous committee based on, according to the FHSAA: "programs and activities implemented within the school and community to promote sportsmanship; number and type of unsportsmanlike ejections; number and type of exceptional sportsmanship reports; and source of the nomination."

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

ESPN's Law: Hosmer No. 3 to Royals

With the MLB draft approaching (June 5-6), mock drafts are proliferating. ESPN.com's Keith Law released his first-round projections Friday, projecting American Heritage first baseman (and possible pitching prospect) Eric Hosmer as the No. 3 overall pick to the Kansas City Royals.

Here's what Law wrote in his Insiders-only mock about Hosmer, predicted to be the top prep player picked:

The Royals had sworn off Scott Boras clients after a tough negotiation with Mike Moustakas last summer, but they apparently have decided to have just one more for the road after seeing Hosmer's tremendous upside as a hitter. (They can quit any time.) Brian Matusz also is a consideration here.

Hosmer is the only South Florida high school product projected among the top 30 picks, although Law recently suggested in a blog post that Hosmer's teammate, catcher Adrian Nieto, could go right after:

The Mets are very interested in American Heritage (Fla.) catcher Adrian Nieto, a switch-hitter who has a strong arm and projects to hit for power. Nieto could go in the sandwich round, where he has several suitors, and shouldn't last beyond the second round.

As for Braddock shortstop Harold Martinez, though, the news wasn't as good:

Braddock (Fla.) shortstop Harold Martinez didn't play well on the first day of the Sebring high school showcase on Friday; his swing has gotten longer and he was struggling with routine plays in the field. He also looks a little bit heavier than he did last summer, when he was one of the best players at the AFLAC All-American game.

(Meanwhile, on the Canes front, Law had Yonder Alonso going sixth to the hometown Marlins, but did not have highly touted Jemile Weeks among the first 30 picks.)

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

A national championship?

Much was made at the Herald's All-Broward breakfast last Thursday about American Heritage's possible "national championship" in baseball, after the Patriots won the 3A title last Tuesday.

So, with no official national championship in high school baseball, did American Heritage join Miami Northwestern football in winning that "mythical national title"?

Here's a rankings roundup, as of Tuesday afternoon:

• Baseball America: No. 1 in their nearly month-old rankings (April 29), although it's hard to believe the Patriots did much to unseat themselves at the top.
• USA Today: No. 1, as of Monday, the biggest rankings win for the Patriots after their title.
• RISE Magazine: No. 1, as of last week (before they won the title).
• MaxPreps.com: No. 2, curiously behind Georgetown (Texas), which has a 22-7 overall record.
• Rivals.com: No. 4, as of May 21; expect that one to go up.

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

St. Thomas' Smith gets honor

Longtime St. Thomas Aquinas football coach (and athletic director) George Smith, who led the Raiders to the 5A football title after three consecutive years of championship-game hearbreak, will be honored by the American Football Coaches Association.

From the FHSAA:

GAINESVILLE – George Smith, the football coach and athletic director at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, will be honored by the American Football Coaches Association as the 2008 Power of Influence Award recipient during the association's Coach of the Year dinner at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, Tenn. on Jan. 13, 2009.

The Power of Influence Award was created by the AFCA to honor a deserving high school football coach for his effect on his players, school and community, including community service, mentoring and role modeling. It is the first AFCA award specifically designed to honor a high school coach.

"The FHSAA would like to add its gratitude and thanks to George for all that he has done for the student-athletes in our state," said FHSAA Executive Director John A. Stewart. "No one we know is more deserving of this honor."

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

NFL's (and Taravella's) Morgan retires

Oft-injured NFL linebacker Dan Morgan, who signed with the Saints this offseason, called it quits Monday.

And although he's better-known as yet another a UM-star-turned-Pro Bowler, Morgan has an even more local connection: He's a Coral Springs kid who played his high school football at Taravella -- much of it at running back (the Canes even reportedly recruited him at that position).

Check out this excerpt from an old Herald roundup, circa September 1996:

The county's leading rusher displayed his durability and consistency when he carried the ball 249 times for 1,332 yards last year without a fumble. This summer, he worked with a trainer to increase his strength and speed. Morgan, who is 6-3 and 217 pounds, gained about 15 pounds and dropped his 40 time to 4.4. On defense, he will switch from inside linebacker to free safety. Florida, Florida State and Miami all have offered him a scholarship.

Of course, according to the archives, Morgan's injury propensity would show up during that 1996 senior season, with collarbone and toe ailments. He did rebound, becoming the 11th overall pick in 2001 (Panthers) and earned a 2004 Pro Bowl bid. But concussions and, ultimately, a leg injury cut his career short. From today's AP story:

"When we signed Dan, he was committed to making a fresh start, and he was making every effort to rehabilitate the leg injury that he suffered last year," Saints coach Sean Payton said. "But it wasn't responding as well as he had hoped. We wish him well in his continued recovery, and he will be remembered for the excellent player he was during his career."

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

Baseball's new regional format

A few things of note, following up on today's story about baseball's new regional format (a best-of-3 series, as opposed to one game):

• As noted, eight of the nine South Florida baseball coaches said they liked the idea behind new format -- at least a little -- considering it a fairer way to decide who goes to the state final four. The only dissenter: Goleman coach Manny Yanez. "I kind of liked the one-game format," said Yanez, whose team swept its regional. "...Nobody's playing two out of three or three out of five in basketball or football."
• Miami Christian's Armando Rodriguez wasn't emphatically in favor of the new system -- his team lost two straight to Bruce Charlebois' squad after winning the first -- preferring a best-of-3 format in the state final (Paul McLaughlin of the FHSAA addressed this in the story, though, saying time restrictions will almost certainly prevent that from happening).
• Nova coach Pat McQuaid was concerned with the quick turnaround for 2A and 5A schools, whose semifinals in Sarasota began Wednesday -- not so much because of what happened (weather allowed all regionals to end Saturday, as scheduled), but what could have happened (what if weather pushed them back to Monday?). "Hopefully they'll come to a consensus so they rotate that around a little bit [among classes]," McQuaid said.
• Brito's Pedro Guerra, through an interpreter, was the only coach not to openly question the doubleheader (easily the most contentious issue). "As long as you train the players," he said, "there's not going to be a problem."

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

South Florida's successful softballers

If you were watching ESPN2 this afternoon, you might have heard the words "from Hollywood, Fla." -- in reference to Charisse Mariconda, a St. Thomas Aquinas graduate and Virginia Tech softball player who was in the Hokies' lineup against Tennessee (announcer Pam Ward also called Mariconda "a nifty little third baseman" in the Hokies' 4-0 win.

Of Course, Mariconda's not the only South Florida softballer in the NCAAs regionals, being played this weekend nationwide:

• Houston senior Angel Shamblin (Hollywood Christian) threw a perfect game Friday in a 9-0 win against Delaware State.
• Stanford junior Missy Penna (Miami Southwest) struck out 14 batters Friday in a 4-0 win against Massachusetts.
• Pace's Kelley Montalvo, an Alabama junior, went 2 for 3 with two runs and an RBI in Friday's 10-1 win over Jacksonville State.
• UF's Tiffany DeFelice (American Heritage), UCF's Hillary Barrow (Felix Varela), USF's Cat Olnick (American Heritage), Auburn's Krista Clyde (Cypress Bay) and Tatiana Fernandez (Dade Christian), and Stony Brook's Casey Jacobs (Chaminade-Madonna) and Alyssa Struzenberg (Cooper City) all saw action Friday. UF's Stephanie Bronbacher (American Heritage), UCF's Diana Rojas (Lourdes), Auburn's Lauren Schmalz (Everglades), Notre Dame's Shannon Kelly (Hollywood Christian), Alabama's Crissy Owens (Braddock) and Florida State's Robyn Petrovich (South Plantation) also are on regional teams.

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

Clauss headed to George Washington

Cooper City pitcher Kara Clauss will play softball at George Washington University next season. Clauss will join the Atlantic-10 school after going 10-4 and leading Cooper City to the Region 3-6A final in 2008 (a 2-1 loss to Palm Beach Gardens).

Clauss also no-hit Flanagan in the regional semifinal. She'll join a Colonials squad that went 12-27 in 2008.

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

Time to talk tennis, too

In working on a story about two North Carolina-bound Broward tennis players: Cypress Bay's Brennan Boyajian (this year's 4A champion) and Sagemont's Zach Hunter (the 1A overall winner), I came across some recent USTA junior rankings for boys and girls.

Plenty of Broward and Dade players were on these lists. And while that's probably not surprising, tennis is one of those sports that sometimes gets overlooked by many (I, too, am guilty as charged, as Dewey Cox would say).

Top 100 boys (18-and-under; as of May 15):

• Boyajian, No. 11
• William Federhofer (Dr. Krop High), No. 35
• Spencer Wolf (Coral Springs), No. 50
• Jeffrey Morris (Cypress Bay High), No. 53
• Hunter, No. 63
• Luke Mojika (Palmetto Sr. High), No. 67

Top 100 girls (18-and-under; as of May 15):

• Courtney Clayton (St. Thomas Aquinas High), No. 10
• Monica Chow (Miami), No. 13
• Rachel Saiontz (Ransom Everglades School), No. 15
• Alexandra Anghelescu (Weston), No. 35
• Julie Sabacinski (American Heritage School), No. 60
• Cassandra Herzberg (Miami Country Day School), No. 67

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

Pines Charter finishes at No. 4

After an undefeated start and five weeks at the top, Pembroke Pines Charter fell to No. 4 in USA Today's softball rankings after losing the 4A title game to Naples on Saturday. The Jaguars ended the season 30-1.

Naples jumped into the top 25, grabbing the final spot. Palmetto, which won the 6A championship by beating Palm Beach Gardens on Saturday, was listed in the "also receiving consideration" category.

(These rankings aren't final, though, as most other states haven't finished their seasons.)

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

A few signings...

This story in today's Herald highlighted a few signings from Archbishop McCarthy (which took place today at the school). Here's an updated list, with a couple of corrections/additions/updates:

• Football: Carlos Gonzalez, Bridgewater (Va.); Billy Scott, Concordia (Wisc.).
• Basketball: Jamar Gopie, Elms (Mass.); Jimmy Nolan, George Mason (walk-on); Mike Savery, Methodist (N.C.).
• Baseball: Alan Avila, Nova Southeastern; Sal Costanzo, Vassar (N.Y.); Chris Turnio, Nova Southeastern.
• Softball: Katie Mansilla, North Carolina St.; Alexa Martinez, Auburn.
• Soccer: Matt Delisle, Stetson; Kelsey Dunning, St. Thomas; Christine Mastandrea, Ave Maria (Fla.).
• Track: Andrew Deleo, Clemson; Alex Hueck, Mars Hill (N.C.); Gus Vazquez Milan, Kansas St.
• Wrestling: Colby Borchetta, Michigan State.
• Also, Armani Appolon (basketball/volleyball) and Jonathan Ramirez (football) still are undecided, according to the school.

Elsewhere in Broward, Cooper City basketball player Cayla Aaron will sign Monday with Fairmont (W.V.) State, a Division-II school that won the West Virginia Intercollegiate Conference's tournament last season and was ranked as high as 10th in D-II. She'll receive a full scholarship.

Congrats to these students, and athletes/parents/coaches/readers -- as always -- are encouraged to keep us posted on any other signing news.

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

Spring sports' scholastic stars

The FHSAA has released the top spring-sports teams, GPA-wise, for 2008. In Broward, Archbishop McCarthy, Westminster Academy and Pine Crest stood out, while Gulliver Prep represented Dade.

South Florida's teams (all of those recognized have a combined GPA of 3.0 or higher):

• Archbishop McCarthy: Baseball (3.071, fifth in 4A); Softball (3.100, sixth in 4A); Boys' Tennis (3.505, fourth in 1A); Boys' Track (3.215, fifth in 2A); Girls' Track (3.395, sixth in 2A).
• Gulliver Prep: Softball (3.119, ninth in 3A); Boys' Lacrosse (3.138, fourth in single class); Boys' Water Polo (3.229, fifth in single class); Girls' Water Polo (3.205, eighth in single class); Boys' Tennis (3.010, eighth in 2A); Girls' Tennis (3.246, eighth in 2A); Boys' Track (3.160, seventh in 2A); Girls' Track (3.351, eighth in 2A).
• Pine Crest: Baseball (3.343, second in 3A); Boys' Weightlifting (3.513, first in 1A).
• Westminster Academy: Softball (3.388, fourth in 2A); Girls' Water Polo (3.767, first in single class); Boys' Tennis (3.783, first in 1A); Girls' Tennis (3.644, fourth in 1A); Girls' Track (3.611, third in 1A).

Winners (Pine Crest boys' weightlifting, Westminster Academy girls' water polo and boys' tennis) will receive a state championship plaque.

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

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)

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)

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)