Latest news with #MiamiCountryDay
Miami Herald
10-04-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Southridge's Doctor, Country Day's Swaby are Dade Girls' Basketball Coaches of the Year
Miami Country Day's Ochiel Swaby officially ran out of fingers with which to wear the state championship rings he's won while coaching the Spartans. Swaby led Country Day to its 10th state championship in the past 12 seasons as one of the most impressive title runs in Miami-Dade County history continued. At Southridge, Stephasia Doctor guided her team to the Class 6A state final with fewer players on their roster than Country Day's total of state title rings. As such, Swaby and Doctor are the Miami Herald's Miami-Dade County Girls' Basketball Coaches of the Year. Swaby once again earns this honor for Classes 4A-1A in a season in which Country Day was pushed to the limit seemingly even more than usual. Country Day survived the Class 2A state semifinals with a two-point victory over Fort Myers Evangelical Christian and then outlasted Jacksonville Providence 47-37 in the finals for the two of their closest victories ever at the state final four. The result was their third consecutive state championship. 'I love it, I love it, I love it,' Miami Country Day coach Ochiel Swaby said after the state final. 'The way we played in the semis, we didn't look good. We had no real momentum and no confidence to carry us through the game. But what I saw (Saturday) from the kids was them go on the hunt for once.' Southridge had no choice but to be in 'hunter' mode throughout most of the 2024-25 season. With a roster of only seven players, affectionately dubbed 'The Magnificent Seven' by their fans, Southridge made an improbable run to the state finals, which included victories on the road against four-time defending state champion St. Thomas Aquinas and Broward County powerhouse Nova. Doctor was at the forefront of a collective coaching effort which propelled Southridge to its first appearance at the state final four since 1987 and second in program history. Southridge nearly secured its first state title before falling in the final, 43-41, to Valrico Bloomingdale. 'These girls are very deserving and I'm very, very proud of them,' Doctor said after the state final. 'We went through a lot this season and they got here. These girls have bright futures ahead of them and I'm so proud of them.'
Miami Herald
27-02-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Miami Country Day girls' basketball survives rare close call at state final four
Miami Country Day's girls' basketball team has spent over a decade annually coming to Lakeland and often decimating the competition at the state final four. That didn't happen on Thursday afternoon. The Spartans found themselves in a down-to-the-wire battle for a change as they squared off with Fort Myers Evangelical Christian in a Class 2A state semifinal at the RP Funding Center. While the struggle was something rare for Miami Country Day, its resilience wasn't. And it's why the result remained a familiar one for the Spartans. After falling behind by as many as 12 in the first quarter, Miami Country Day clawed its way back thanks to its signature brand of aggressive defense and squeaked past Evangelical Christian, 37-35, to clinch a return trip to the state finals. Country Day's second-half turnaround secured it the opportunity to chase its 10th state championship in the past 12 seasons on Saturday when it faces Jacksonville Providence (24-6) in the Class 2A final at 1 p.m. The Spartans have defeated Providence three times in Lakeland - in the 2017 state final and each of the past two seasons in the semifinal round. 'We got off to a rough start. We weren't hitting our shots and weren't playing our defense,' said Spartans guard Kamie Ellis, who led Country Day with 14 points and four steals. 'But we've been through a lot of situations with our tough schedule and been through games like this and fought back. We don't stop and we have good leaders. We just came out flat. Offensively, we couldn't get a flow, but we said we weren't going home today.' Ellis' three-pointer with 50.7 seconds remaining put Miami Country Day ahead 35-33. Some tough defense in the paint kept Evangelical Christian's Nalah Smith from converting a layup and Areille Marc from making a put back attempt with 31 seconds left. Spartans sophomore guard Kori Edge, who finished with seven points, six assists and four steals, proceeded to make a pair of free throws for Country Day with 18.3 seconds left. The Sentinels' Kellisia Grant drew a foul with 5.8 seconds remaining and hit both free throws to cut the Spartans' lead to two. But Country Day played keep away long enough until Arianna Robinson went to the foul line at the other end with 1.1 seconds left. She missed both free throws, but Evangelical Christian was unable to do anything with the ball after rebounding the second miss to even attempt a game-winning shot. 'It just took our energy,' Edge said. 'We got down in the first quarter and got discouraged so we talked at halftime and it was really about bringing the energy and playing the way we normally play.' Miami Country Day (19-11) won by its narrowest margin ever at the state final four and it was only the second triumph in 19 victories at state since 2013 decided by single digits. Spartans coach Ochiel Swaby, who has led the Spartans to all nine of their state titles, said the poor offensive performance is nothing new for his team this season. 'Today's game was a microcosm of our season,' Swaby said. 'We don't have enough of an offensive identity. We've had some halves and quarters like the first half today. Nothing that happened today was out of character. We've had trouble scoring the basketball at times all season, but we just had to speed up the game on defense and that's what helped us.' The Spartans made only 1 of their first 11 shots and shot a dismal 5 of 29 from the field in the first half and trailed 19-12 at halftime. But Miami Country Day's defensive efforts held the Sentinels (22-8), who also won a state title last season, to only 6 of 27 shooting in the first half to keep the game close. The shots started coming when Edge swished a three-pointer and Miami Country Day sped up the tempo with full court pressure. It sparked a 13-0 Country Day run and gave the Spartans their first lead with 6:16 left in the third quarter on an Ellis three-pointer. 'We started on the wrong foot, but we made sure in the second half we didn't fall into a deeper hole we couldn't climb out of,' said Country Day sophomore guard Jalynn Belton, who has 17 offers from Power conference schools and over 20 from Division-I programs. 'We tried to encourage our younger players. I trusted we'd make the shots.'
Miami Herald
22-02-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Miami Country Day girls' basketball headed back to familiar territory
By now, they don't even bother to celebrate much anymore. A few high fives, a few hugs. That was about it when the clock hit all zeroes and the Miami Country Day girls' basketball team had clinched another trip to the state final four in Lakeland. After all, their 47-32 dispatching of Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy in their home gym in a Region 4-2A final meant their 12th trip to state in the past 13 years. Suffice to say the Lady Spartans and coach Ochiel Swaby could probably find their way to Lakeland blindfolded by now. The Spartans, 18-11 will head there next week to take on Fort Myers Evangelical Christian in a 2A state semifinal at 1 p.m. on Thursday, and ultimately seek their 10th state title in the past 12 years. 'This year was a little more challenging than other years because they're so young, and really experience can be your greatest friend in terms of doing this,' said Swaby, who has only one senior and one junior on the roster. 'With 11 losses this season, we've gone through our share of struggles but we keep on working and grinding. Believing in hard work and staying committed to the process will always give you a chance.' Led by sophomore Jalynn Belton, the Spartans jumped all over the Lions early, leading 12-4 after the first quarter and 28-11 at halftime. To Westminster's credit, the Lions didn't cave. They came out and scored the first six points of the second half to cut their deficit to 11. But freshman Kennedy Deal, part of that large Country Day youth contingent, came back with a three pointer, a steal and another layup to push the lead back to 17. Two more times the Lions (22-8) cut the deficit to 11 but never could get it to single digits. 'We made an emphasis on starting the game off strong and did that,' said Belton, who led all scorers in the game with 16 points. 'Coming into the second half we slowed down a little but we had enough of a lead that we were fine. This season was more of a challenge for us since we're so young and we knew Westminster had a lot more experienced players but we stayed hungry the whole game and found a way to get it done.' At the other end of the spectrum was the frustration of Westminster Academy players and coach Shannon Wallhoff. The Lions and Wallhoff can only wonder how many state titles they might have in their trophy case if not for having to face the Spartans every year. Friday night's loss marked the eighth time in the last nine years that MCD has ended their season in the regional playoffs, six of the last seven in the regional finals. The only exception was 2022 when the Lions got past them in the finals and then went on to win their only state title in the last 30 years. To only compound matters, Wallhoff watched her best player Markeli Jones-Tynes roll her ankle during pregame warmups when she stepped on a loose basketball on the floor. Jones-Tynes gutted it out and played, scoring 10 points but her effectiveness was hindered by the tender ankle. 'We won with an asterisk tonight,' Swaby said. 'I felt terrible that their best player rolled her ankle before the game and it's a shame that they didn't have their loaded gun and had to play undermanned. She's such an important part of what they do as their leader and we never want to win without going up against the best of another team. Credit her for getting out there and battling but you could tell she was limited.' Wallhoff tried not to use Jones-Tynes' injury as an excuse but definitely said that that probably had a lot to do with her team's first half lackluster performance. 'I think it just kind of threw everything off early on and it showed,' Wallhoff said. 'We kind of got it together at halftime and came out and played better in the second half but you simply can't afford to spot a team like that a 17 point lead at halftime and expect to come back. Tonight was definitely more frustration for us against this team but I'm proud of our girls because as much as they struggled in the first half, they came out in the second half and kept battling.'
Miami Herald
18-02-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Cardinal Gibbons wins national cheer title. Western second. Plus tennis, region hoops and more
The Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons girls' cheerleading team won a national title for the first time in program history during the UCA Championships at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando. Cardinal Gibbons, which restarted the program three years ago, finished first in Large Varsity Non-Tumbling Division II at nationals. Prior, the Chiefs were second at the FHSSA state tournament in Class 1A Extra Large Non-Tumbling. They are two-time state champs and two-time state runners-up. The national champs are: Angelina Ávila, Chrissy Beasley, Gianna Cammarata, Sofia Castronovo, Lulu Dettor, Olive Dettor, Rumiana Dimitrova, Ellison DiSanto, Savannah Dreibelbis, Leah Faison, Katya Fonte, Sadie Friedman, Nina George, Ariana Gunter-Hatcher, Ava Hall, Ellysia Hecksher, Callie Johasky, Amanda Kerry, Abigail Klein, Whitney Linder, Ruby Miller, Morgan Moyano, Leia Naar, Kennedy Neilen, Haneita Palmer, Mila Panahi, Ashley Shields, Brooke Shields, Farrah Sorhage, Goldie Sorhage, Sofia Vera, Adler Viola, Jaelyn Wanes, Hayli Wolfe, and Coach Julie St. Thomas. The Davie Western girls' competitive cheerleading team placed second at nationals in Varsity Coed Non-Tumbling Division 1. Prior, the Wildcats won an FHSAA state title (their third consecutive), after placing second at regionals in Class 2A Small Coed. The national runner-ups are: Abbie Dunn, Adriana Ribotti, Angelina Caccavale, Anthony Reguero, Audrey Johnson, Emily Harris, Giuliana Caglianone, Jaleah McDougle, Jayden Mennalla, Journey Bey, Evelis Valencia, London Jackson, Alana Placide, Lailani Almodovar, Myla Friend, Olivia Deveza, Oria Buhbut, Jaela Deligio, Yael Schwartzman, Zoe King, Lauren Bowlby, Mason Cooperman, Stella Cooperman, Saige Beauregard, Liel Levi, Jayden Diaz, Anna Granville, Gabi De Wilde, Caleb Delaney, and coaches Carrie Norton, Kristi Warren, Holly Allen and Joey Bayron. Miami Lourdes debuted its Game Day routine at nationals, placing sixth of nearly 30 finalist teams in Small Varsity Division II, one of the most competitive divisions with more than 100 teams overall. Prior, the Bobcats won a FHSAA state title in Class 1A Medium, after finishing second at regionals. Miami St. Brendan was sixth at nationals in Medium Varsity Division II. Prior, the Sabres won the Class 1A Large region championship and their ninth FHSAA state title. Postseason basketball Emma Esparza had 33 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists, and 6 steals, and teammate Sofia Laria totaled 20 points, 14 rebounds and 6 steals as Miami Palmer Trinity girls' basketball defeated Miami Westminster Christian 71-43 in a Region 4-2A quarterfinal. Next for the Falcons is the state's top-ranked Miami Country Day. Prior, Miami Westminster Christian (12-9) won its first district title in 17 years, defeating True North 50-31 for the District 15-2A Championship. Angie Fernandez led the Warriors with 35 points and 11 rebounds. In just two seasons, Coach Emily May and her staff have turned around the program. ▪ GIRLS: Region 4-2A Quarterfinal: Palmer Trinity 71, Westminster Christian 43: Pts: Laria 20, Esparza 33, Wright 12, Nieves 3, Stone 3. 3-ptrs: Laria 1, Esparza 5, Wright 2, Nieves 1, Stone 1. Rebs: Laria 14. Stls: Laria 6, Esparza 6. Asts: Esparza 7. Blks: Laria/Wright 2. ▪ GIRLS: Region 4-3A Quarterfinal: Cardinal Gibbons 60, Monsignor Pace 35: Pts: Savanna Nicholson 27, Makayla Midgett 10, Maleia Coker 10, Anaya Forgerthy 3, Maya Pinero 3, Maddie Kornowski 3, Savannah Nagy 2. Rebs: Anaya Forgethy 8, Maleia Coker 7, Makayla Midgett 5. Stls: Maddie Kornowski 3, Maya Pinero 3, Makayla Midgett 4, SavannaNnicholson 3. Asts: Savanna Nicholson 3, Makayla Midgett 4. Blks: Anaya Forgethy 2. CG 16-8, MP 14-11. ▪ GIRLS: Region 4-5A Quarterfinal: North Miami 45, Sebastian River 52: J'adore Hayes 26 pts, 20 rebs, 5 blks; Donnesha Morency 10 rebs, 5 stls, 5 asts; Alijah Rene 6 pts (2-5 3-ptrs); Naima Garnes 3 pts, 5 rebs. NM 18-8. ▪ BOYS: Region 4-5A Quarterfinal: Belen Jesuit 56, Stuart South Fork 37: Orlando Roche 18 pts, 2 asts, 3 rebs; Alec Arnholt 15 pts, 3 asts, 3 rebs; Nicholas Misiunas 14 pts, 6 rebs; Mikey Valdes 2 pts, 8 asts, 9 rebs. Bel 20-8. ▪ BOYS: Region 4-4A Quarterfinal: St. Brendan 67, Riviera Beach Suncoast 62: StB: Duque 32, Fragela 18, Jimenez 7, Lentz 5, Martinez S 3, Martinez T 2. Sun: Harris 23, Williams 10, Nesbitt 9, Horton 9, Nesbitt 5, Brinkley 4, Davis 2. 3-ptrs: Duque 5, Fragela 2, Lentz 1, Martinez 1. StB 19-8. ▪ BOYS: Region 4-1A Quarterfinal: Westwood Christian 68, Miami Christian 37: Devin McIntyre 19 pts, 4 rebs, 6 stls, 5 asts; Tristan Barnes 7 pts, 6 asts. 6 rebs, 1 blk, 1 stl; John Weir 12 pts, 5 rebs, 1 ast; Jermaine Agyeman 14 pts, 10 rebs, 2 blks, 1 stl; Jason Martinez 14 pts, 8 rebs, 2 asts, 1 stl. WC 16-7. Region soccer BOYS: Region 4-3A Semifinal: NSU University School 3, Downtown Doral 1: Raul Leyva 2 goals, 1 assist; Nicholas Marques 1 goal; Gkp Matthew Jean Baptiste 1 goal allowed. NSU U 16-3-1. Tennis The Miami Palmetto boys' tennis team defeated the nation's No.4-ranked Greater Christian Academy from Georgia 5-2. Singles: No.2 Michael Larionov (Pal) d. Jason Eibedigion 6-4, 6-2; No.3 Austin Taco Siddens (Pal) defeated Atlas Covey 6-7 (5-7), 6-1, (10-4); No.4 Beau Gibson (Pal) d. Jack Gessner 6-3, 6-4; No.5 Ben Montana (Pal) d. Brady Gessner 6-2,6-0. Doubles: Gibson/Taco Siddens (Pal) d. J Gessner/Bisogno 6-4. ▪ BOYS: Palmetto 7, Belen Jesuit 0: Singles: No.1 Michael Larionov (Pal) d. Julio Nunez 8-2;Beau Gibson (Pal) d. Julian Vinals 8-6; Austin Taco-Siddens (Pal) d. Sebastian Vinals 8-1; Paul Sasso (Pal) d. Gonzalo Garcia 8-0; Darren Wolcott (Pal) d. Aaron Johnson 8-6. Doubles: Gibson/Correa (Pal) d. Sebastian Vinals/Aaron Johnson 6-0; Paul Sasso/Danny Mazer won 6-1. Pal 3-0. ▪ GIRLS: Palmetto 7, Lourdes 0: Singles: No.1 Camille Chellas (Pal) d. Regina Arangoliz 8-2; No.2 Lucia Siddens (Pal) d. Palama Diaz 8-1; No.3 Madeleine Chellas (Pal) d. Angelyna Codeso 8-4; No.4 Sophia Jarauta (Pal) d. Grace Leon 8-0; No.5 Alexandra Franco (Pal) d. Natalia Rodrguez 8-0. Doubles: No.1. Siddens (Pal) d. Arangoliz/Diaz 8-3; No.2. Jarauta (Pal) d. Palama Diaz 8-3. Pal 1-0. Water polo ▪ BOYS: Cooper City 20, Nova 9; Cooper City 18, Cypress Bay 7. ▪ GIRLS: Cooper City 17, Nova 6; Cooper City 16, Cypress Bay 12. Lacrosse ▪ GIRLS: Archbishop McCarthy 17, South Plantation 2: Ava Valdivieso 7 goals; Carson Kroll 5 goals, 3 assists; Sofia Rawda 2 goals; Hayden Hughes 2 goals, 1 assist; Gaby Laffler 1 goal, 1 assist; Josephine Mens 5 saves. ▪ GIRLS: Cardinal Gibbons 18, Cooper City 1: Lily O'Connor 2 goals, 6 draw controls; Victoria James 2 goals, 5 draw controls; Kacey Puia 2 goals, 4 draw controls. Baseball Palmetto 7, Gulliver Prep 6: Trailing 4-2, Gulliver scored three runs in the top of the fourth. Palmetto answered with three of its own in the bottom of the inning. WP Silas Sekeres (1-0); LP Ronin Robles. Top Performers: Sebastian Hernandez 1-3, HR, RBI, Run; Jack Gorden 1-3, HR, RBI, Run; Chris Batres 1-2, 2B, Run. Pal 1-0. Send high school sports results For high schools in Broward and Miami-Dade counties, if you have varsity results and top performers (with stats), email hssports@ They will run in the newspaper and online. Photos accepted, too. No deadline. Send after the game, the next day or weekly. You will be alerted when it will appear in the newspaper and online. --- Roundup compiled by Jim Varsallone jvarsallone@
