High School Sports Blog

Mastrole elevates E.J. Manuel to 1st Round Selection

When Ken Mastrole speaks to the students at his many passing clinics, he explains that hard work will lead to open doors. That philosophy recently came true for the one-time Cardinal Gibbons standout quarterback.

After years and years of making quarterbacks better and changing the course of many futures, Mastrole, who played collegiately at the University of Maryland and Rhode Island, watched his own "stock rise" - if you will.

Mastrole's many connections through the years - in high school, college and professionally - led him to Florida State University quarterback E.J. Manuel. A gifted and talented prospect, Manuel had never maximized his talents with the Seminoles.

What Mastrole did was come in - and put the gifted passer through every test imaginable. By last week's NFL Draft, many had felt that his improvement and ability was worthy of a first round pick. When the Buffalo Bills made the selection, Manuel and his instructor were center stage.

"I felt all along that if E.J. expected to be picked high in the NFL Draft, there would be a lot of work to do," Mastrole said. "You knew he had the desire when he began to improve in the first few weeks. By the time he began throwing for teams, many had made up their mind that there wasn't a better all-around quarterback in the draft."

While the selection of Manuel began to focus in on Mastrole, those who have known and worked with him for years, knew it was a matter of time. He had worked with several marquee quarterbacks in the state, getting them better and bringing all regional, state and national attention.

His prized students in the upcoming class include Sean White of University School and Washington State-bound Peyton Bender from Cardinal Gibbons to name a few. His weekly clinics have opened the door for several local players who have taken full advantage.

Plans to move his Mastrole Passing Academy events across the state are in the immediate plans. His clinics and combines have been split between south Florida and the Fort Myers area, which he calls home these days after playing Arena League in the area.

"We all knew that Coach Mastrole was special," said White. "He cares about developing and making sure that you maximize what you have. He is one of those people who is on the fast track to the top of his profession."

Mastrole also evaluates several quarterbacks throughout the state as well as this Miami-Dade/Broward County area. He offered a look at some for the Class of 2014.

Sean White
Davie University School
MASTROLE ON WHITE: All the tools as one of the best pure rated passing quarterbacks in the southeast. Generates velocity with a compact stroke and can make all the throws required at Division 1 level. Steady improvements in anticipation from year 1 to year 4. White also has the strong pocket presence and can change launch points quickly.
WHAT'S AHEAD: White has a high ceiling and will now go from a pro style offense to working mostly out of the gun. Timing and speed of delivery in a fast punch offense will be key in White's growth this spring.

Peyton Bender
Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons
MASTROLE ON BENDER: Washington State commit will now have full reigns of Broward county's top offensive teams through the air. Bender is very savvy in the pocket avoiding pressure and keeping his eyes moving through 2nd and 3rd progressions. Has a lighting fast release and has an excellent understanding of defensive coverages and reads. Bender's offensive fit is exactly what Cardinal Gibbons has incorporate. The Air Raid style of offense with vertical passing game combined with space and separation.
WHAT'S AHEAD: His ability to deliver through progressions and maintain proper footwork and balance is a strong characterstic in his game. Bender will continue to take the next step in his maturation process by ball placement for throws required at the next level.

Treon Harris
Miami Booker T. Washington
MASTROLE ON HARRIS: Excellent athlete and the ability to be a game changer for the offense. Harris took Booker T to a state championship last year through the air and on the ground. Very raw and has the ability to play at the next level if the offense is custom fit to his skill set. Can raise the level of average players around him and creates when the pocket breaks down around him.
WHAT'S AHEAD: Will need to work on steps and the number taken with a rhythm based offense. A bit of a 3/4 release, Harris is better suited in an offense he can run first option then pass. Very valuable option because of his ability to play multiple positions on the field.

Quinton Flowers
Miami Jackson
MASTROLE ON FLOWERS: One of the most explosive players on the map in Dade County. Another raw ability quarterback that does show the ability to make timing throws and moves through progressions. Difficult to sack but will need to work on ball security in a high level conference at the next level. Strong arm who makes plays inside the pocket and is even much more dangerous on the edge.
WHAT'S AHEAD: This Spring could be the time Flowers continues to work on his drop steps in relation to the routes and reads. If he continues to show where he left off last year staying in the pocket and moving through reads he could become one of the top 5 dual threat quarterbacks in the country.

OTHERS TO WATCH
• Nico Pierre (MIAMI CORAL REEF): Physical quarterback that can make all of the throws. Best fit offense- Kansas State style of play.

• Wade Freebeck (FORT LAUDERDALE ST. THOMAS AQUINAS): This could be a similar path to the last starter - John O'Korn. Freebeck had a strong season last year and has a very high ceiling. Will obtain multiple D1 offers by the end of spring football. Upside, Upside, Upside is the best words used to describe this signal caller.

• Jorge Pola Jr. (MIAMI BELEN JESUIT): Operating out of the always exciting Wolverines' offense, Pola Jr. has the ability to run and throw.

• Hunter Boyett (MIAMI WESTMINSTER CHRISTIAN): Disappointed by a collar bone injury last year, Boyett has the arm and legs to garner serious attention this spring. Should have an excellent 2013 campaign and should be considered as a dual threat qb.

• Danarious Graham (DEERFIELD BEACH): Strong arm. Transferred from Blanche Ely. Will need to show he can lead his team to playoffs and execute the offense to start gaining serious looks. Graham is as talented as any signal caller on the list and will need to just prove it in the fall.

• Nick Jeanty (MIRAMAR): Already obtaining D1 offers. Jeanty has pure skills with the ability to distribute the ball quickly. A strong spring and fall will move this athlete up in the rankings. Has already gained national attention by his performance at the Nike Elite 11 camp in Atlanta.

• Eugene Sainterling (LAUDERDALE BOYD ANDERSON): Looks the part with size and arm strength. Has the ability to make a name for himself as he takes over for Boyd Anderson. With the nickname "Geno" and the arm and height this QB will make a stay on a number of radar screens this spring.

• Nick Velar (HOLLYWOOD CHAMINADE): Transfer from St. Thomas has the ability to keep pressure off of lineman and distribute the ball quickly. A smart QB who can put his team in a good situation.

• Kelly Benson (MIAMI MONSIGNOR PACE): Benson has the arm and the ability to take Pace into the playoffs. Will need to continue to grow from his junior campaign and will gain interest with his strong right arm.

• Alin Edouard (HIALEAH): Miami commit can make the throws at multiple angles and has the ability to burn a defense that is not disciplined. Very calm and controlled QB that continues to climb the charts.

• Sean Pratt (ARCHBISHOP MCCARTHY): New school should be beneficial to Pratt and his maturation as a quarterback. Accurate and has the ability to move the pocket. This will be an important spring for Pratt to build chemistry and a comfort level with a new offense.

• Lee "Bud" Martin (FORT LAUDERDALE DILLARD): Strong arm and has shown well at combines and camps. A strong run into the playoffs should continue to help Martin's stock rise.

We are always looking to help promote our area recruits for the current Class of 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017. All you have to do is send a You Tube or Hudl link and information about the athlete to: Larry Blustein at Floridakids1@aol.com.

Follow Larry on Twitter at twitter.com/larryblustein.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ROD PEARCY.

Stranahan hires alum Willie Hill as new football coach

Courtesy of Miami Herald writer Concepcion Ledezma

Stranahan has announced the hiring of former Dragon Willie Hill as its
new head coach on Thursday.
   A former standout as a defensive back and track star at Stranahan, the
31-year-old Hill hopes revive a struggling program which is coming off an
3-7 season.
   "This was an opportunity I couldn't pass up, and I had others," said
Hill, who will be moving from Clewiston and will be on the Stranahan
faculty as a graphic photo shop teacher and head the STEM program (dual
enrollment).
   "My wife (Erin) and brother are Dragons, I come from a long line of
Stranahan graduates. I don't see our program as struggling, as much as just
having some down years. While I plan to keep most of the assistants, I am
targeting some assistants positions to fill in with guys with college
experience"
   He plans to add his brother Renaldo, also a former Dragon standout,
among his coaching staff.
   After graduating from Stranahan, where he played alongside Asante
Samuels, Hill went on to letter at Central Michigan University as a
standout receiver and track athlete while earning a degree in graphic
design.

UPDATED: Baseball, softball games rescheduled for Thursday

Here you go, hot off the presses right here from the Miami Herald.

After a fun day of rain and rescheduling and running around sloshing around Miami, here's the list of games that were postponed and were rescheduled for Thursday.

Here's Thursday's new schedule

BASEBALL regional quarterfinals

Region 4-8A: Coral Gables at American, 11 a.m.

Region 4-8A at Alex Fernandez: Hialeah at Goleman, 2

Region 4-8A: South Dade at Sunset, 11 a.m.

Region 3-8A: Cypress Bay at Douglas, 1

Region 3-8A: Coral Glades at Flanagan, 1

Region 4-7A: Monarch at St. Thomas Aquinas, 7

Region 4-7A: Nova at Northeast, 7

Region 4-6A: Belen at Archbishop McCarthy, 7

Region 4-6A at Westland Gardens Park: Pembroke Pines Charter at Mater Academy, 11 a.m.

Region 4-5A: Riviera Beach Suncoast at American Heritage, 7

Region 4-5A: Pompano Beach at Jensen Beach, 7

Region 4-4A at St. Thomas University: Gulliver vs. La Salle, 11 a.m.

Region 4-4A: TERRA at St. Brendan, 11 a.m.

Region 4-4A: North Broward Prep at Monsignor Pace, 7

Region 4-3A: Delray American Heritage at Coral Springs Christian, 7

Region 4-3A at Florida Memorial: Mater Lakes vs. Westminster Christian, 4

Region 4-3A: Dade Christian at Florida Christian, 7

Region 4-3A: Highlands Christian at Boca Raton Pope John Paul II, 7

Region 4-2A at Miami Christian: Redland Christian vs. Brito, 10 a.m.

Region 4-2A: Westwood Christian at Colonial Christian, 4

Region 4-2A: Champagnat Catholic at Zion Lutheran, 3:30

Region 4-2A at Curtis Park: Sheridan Hills Christian vs. Mater East, 7

SOFTBALL

Regional semifinals

Region 4-8A: American at Goleman, 11 a.m.

Region 4-6A at Bucky Dent Park: Pembroke Pines Charter at Mater Academy, 6

Region 4-2A: Zion Lutheran at Sheridan Hills Christian, 2

Only games that have been played so far Wednesday are:

Baseball

Region 4-8A: Killian 1, Southwest 0

Region 4-4A: Coral Springs Charter 14, Archbishop Carroll 4

Softball

Region 4-8A Coral Reef-Palmetto suspended 2-1 in 1st. was going to play Wednesday night at Palmetto Bay Park.

Region 4-4A: Coral Springs Charter 13, Monsignor Pace 0

Region 4-2A: Princeton Christian 18, Westwood Christian 3

Weather postpones some softball regional semifinals

            Inclement weather led to the postponement of several regional softball semifinal games Tuesday.

            Region 4-8A: The Palmetto-Coral Reef game was moved to Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. at Coral Reef. The American-Goleman was also rescheduled for Wednesday at 4 p.m. at Goleman.

            Region 4-6A: The Pembroke Pines Charter- Mater Academy game was moved to Wednesday at Bucky Dent Park at 7 p.m.

            Region 4-4A: The Coral Springs Charter- Monsignor Pace game was moved to noon Wednesday at Pace.

            Region 4-2A: The Westwood Christian-Princeton Christian game was moved to Wednesday at 3 p.m. at Princeton Christian. The Zion Lutheran-Sheridan Hills Christian game was moved to Thursday at Sheridan Hills tentatively at 4 p.m.

American Heritage RB Sony Michel chooses Georgia

            Sony Michel said he wanted "something different."

            Michel, Plantation American Heritage's phenom running back, decided Friday the best place to find it was at the University of Georgia.

            Michel, ranked the No. 2 running back in the nation by ESPN, committed to the Bulldogs during a televised announcement on ESPNU broadcast from a studio in Davie.

            Michel had recently said he was considering the University of Miami, as well as Florida, FSU and Notre Dame.

“Georgia was a wonderful place from first day I stepped on campus there I loved it,” Michel said. “Georgia felt like something different and I wanted to experience something different.”

            Michel (6-0, 205 pounds) ran for 1,825 and 18 touchdowns in the eighth grade and last season bounced back strong from a torn ACL that forced him to miss his sophomore year with 1,264 yards and 18 touchdowns.

            Michel helped the Patriots win a district title and advance to the regional playoffs for the second consecutive season.

Michel picked up a red Georgia cap then put it down during the broadcast, but only to replace it with a black Georgia cap, which he then put on. Michel said the Twitter account with his name that recently posted that he was planning “a shocker” on Friday was not actually his.

 “These last few years have been awesome getting the opportunity to do what every kid loves to do,” Michel said. “Georgia was the school I felt most comfortable at and really liked and they’re style of offense was all me.”

            Michel said he was also excited to compete for a place in an already talented backfield with tailbacks Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall, who are each coming off strong freshman seasons.

“Those two running backs gave me the itch to go to Georgia in the first place,” Michel said. “I feel like I can go in and compete. I want to earn my spot because I don’t want anything given to me. I just go out there and compete if I can go out there I feel like my whole mindset is to dominate.”

Miami Dolphins Host HSPD Leadership Program

MIAMI GARDENS - The Miami Dolphins hosted the NFL’s HSPD (High School Player Development) Leadership Program presented by the National Guard at Sun Life Stadium this past weekend. The two-day event featured select high school athletes from around South Florida who participated in classroom, community and the leadership competitions as part of the program.

The classroom portion was led by the NFL’s Player Engagement Department and consisted of character development and life skills training. NFL ambassadors Donovin Darius and Pete Mitchell spoke to the athletes about the importance of having an education to fall back on and making choices that will have a positive impact on their future. 

“One of the most important components to success in life is experience, knowledge and the ability to have a mentor. We want to help the next generation to make better decisions,” Darius, who is an NFL Transition Coach, said. “Hopefully, this makes a tremendous impact because we’re hoping to put more information into their understanding and to give them something else to consider when making decisions.”

The community portion of the program allowed the students to give back by volunteering their time at a local children’s home called His House. The students, in conjunction with the Miami Dolphins Special Teams Department Driven by Chevy, painted the building, cleaned up the outside area and sorted through donations.

The final facet of the program was the leadership competition, which had students participate in a variety of team building and leadership activities.

“The HSPD program is an excellent time for students to learn and understand that education is the most important thing,” Youth Programs Director Twan Russell said. “I think between helping out in the community and hearing from former pros the importance of school, this program makes a true impact on them.”

The inaugural HSPD Leadership Program was held in four cities during the summer of 2012. The mission of HSPD is to provide high school football players with an opportunity to enhance their leadership skills through participation in interactive character building, community service activity and competitive activities.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE MIAMI DOLPHINS

Irish Fair Wrestling March 16 at Chaminade

The SEAHORSE WRESTLING CLUB AND THE CHAMINADE MAT RATS are proud to announce the revival of an old time south Florida event the IRISH FAIR WRESTLING TOURNAMENT. This event will be held on Saturday March 16 at Chaminade High School in Hollywood. This event is open to all wrestlers who are Not Seniors or state qualifiers or placers.. Wrestlers are asked to preregister online at floridausawrestling.org . Wrestlers must have a current USA card and entry fee is $15 and is paid at the event.

 

Weighins are from 8 to 9:30 with wrestling to begin around 10:15.am. Wrestlers will weighin in a singlet and scratch weight. Weight classes will be block of 8-12 wrestlers. Champions will receive a IRISH FAIR tournament t shirt.

 

Questions call Ron Schulz at 954-290-5262 or email at seahorsewrestler@aol.com or John Herl at 954-445-6721 or emailjherl@cmlions.org

Blanche Ely does the Harlem Shake with Shaquille O'Neal!

NBA great Shaquille O'Neal stopped by The Lakeland Center Saturday during Blanche Ely's Class 7A state championship victory.

Shaq visited the Tigers locker room after the game...and a Harlem Shake broke out!

Check it out!

 

South Florida DBs will shine for the Class of 2014

It is no longer a secret that if college coaches want a quality defensive back; one that was tested against some of the best competition in the country, they would head to South Florida.

Look up and down any NFL roster and you will see big time athletes - with South Florida pedigree, making a major impact. It's always been that way.

The speed and athleticism that the football talent has in this part of the country is simply unmatched. Athletes who were former star quarterbacks, receivers and running backs have found that the riches at the next level - and beyond - could be in the secondary.

While the Class of 2014 certainly has some marquee athletes, who can easily play on both sides of the ball - such as Miami Central running back's Joe Yearby and Dalvin Cook, Ermon Lane (Homestead), Cornelius Floyd (Miami Gulliver Prep), Chris Lammons (Plantation) and many others, the pure defensive back; those who have gone to countless camps, spent time admiring and learning from local greats such as Kenny Phillips, Antrel Rolle, Patrick Peterson and others, are what this is all about.

In just the past five years, 24 defensive backs have made their way from the football fields in Miami-Dade and Broward and have landed on NFL rosters. Those are numbers that no other state can come close to, and it drives the local high school football player harder to know they he can soon be in those same shoes.

There are once again big time prospects in this upcoming senior class who have already been coveted by some of the country's elite programs. After all, this is a region that continues to produce top-flight cornerbacks and safeties.

This year, while much of the focus will be on the uncanny depth at running back and quarterback, many will take for granted that the defensive secondary will do what its done for years - produce top-fight collegiate football talent.

Among those who head into the spring wearing that elite tag includes Miami Booker T. Washington corner Nigel Patten, Quincy Wilson (Fort Lauderdale University), Miami Central standout Deatrick Nichols, John Battle IV (Hallandale), Marquese Dudley-Gordon (Weston Cypress Bay), Alshinard Harris (St. Thomas Aquinas), Carter Jacobs (Plantation American Heritage), Trumaine Washington (Miami Killian), Michael Johnson (Hialeah Champagnat Catholic), Antwan Cordy (South Dade), Andre Godfrey (Miramar), Marcus Leslie (Miami Coral Reef), Ryan Mayes (Miami Northwestern), Juwan Dowels (Davie Western), Andrew Soroh (Hialeah American), Jonathan Jackson (Hallandale), Deion Hallmon, Albert Smalls (Everglades) and safety Randy Ramsey from Dillard.

"You look at some of these defensive backs and you shake your head how advanced they are," said former Miami Dolphins standout Sam Madison. "Having the chance to work with many of the top kids with the 7-on-7 team or just in training, you have to be bowled over by the size and speed they bring to the game."

Madison and Patrick Surtain, who both are among the best ever to play for one team at the corner position, have the opportunity to teach so much to the players, which is a huge advantage. 

Being in such a talented area also provides a forum for so many other defensive backs who have not been put on the radar, but certainly have turned plenty of heads. Players such as Tyson Burch (Cooper City), Gavin Anderson (Weston Cypress Bay), Stanley Barnwell (Miami Monsignor Pace), Malik Bynum (Coral Springs Coral Glades), Terrance Grant (Fort Lauderdale Dillard), Laroy James and Tyree Johnson (Miami Carol City), Kevin Joseph (North Miami Mourning) and Shyenn Magdelano (Southwest Miami),

"There are so many talented players we run into at tryouts for 7-on-7, combines, camps or any other event that is held," said Dana Wiley of Prep Films. "It's amazing how ,ugh talent you uncover even after spring and into the summer. That's what makes covering football down here so much fin."

Other defensive backs to keep an eye on this spring include Miami Northwestern safety Shermarke Spence, who is the younger brother of former UM standout and current Pittsburgh Steeler, Sean Spence. What he lacks in size, this is certainly a player who makes up for it with football skill and knowledge.

In addition to Spence, others to watch will be Daniel Neptune (Miami Belen Jesuit), Kris Sanchez (Weston Cypress Bay), Bobby Stinson (Miami Springs), Justin Wiggins (Miami Dade Christian), Brandon Wright (Hialeah American) and Coral Gables' Mark Wynn Jr., to name a few.

We are always looking to help promote our area recruits for the current Class of 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017. All you have to do is send a You Tube or Hudl link and information about the athlete to: Larry Blustein at  Floridakids1@aol.com.

Follow Larry on Twitter at twitter.com/larryblustein.

Miami Northwestern-St. Thomas Aquinas to play in football in 2013

            For years, fans have asked, “Who would win if Northwestern and St. Thomas Aquinas played each other?”

            They’ll get an answer this fall.

           Northwestern and St. Thomas Aquinas agreed this week to play their mutual season-opener at Sun Life Stadium on the weekend of August 29-31. The date will be finalized once the schedules for the University of Miami and the Miami Dolphins are released.

            "It's pretty much all set, we're just working out a few of the details now," Northwestern athletic director Andre Williams told The Miami Herald Thursday morning.

    The two programs have combined for 11 state championships and three national titles. St. Thomas Aquinas won its seventh state crown this past season winning the Class 7A championship and won national titles in 2008 and 2010.

Northwestern went 9-3 last season reaching the Class 6A regional semifinals before losing to eventual state champion Central.

            Northwestern has won four (1995, 1998, 2006, 2007) including a national championship in 2007.