Latest news with #Region4-2A
Miami Herald
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Region champion softball teams ready for state. Plus state hoops honors, state track nominees, boys' volleyball
Region 4-2A softball had plenty of excitement for South Florida teams, leading to an FHSAA state final four opportunity at Boombah-Soldiers Creek Park in Longwood. When the dust was cleared, Westminster Christian emerged as region champions, qualifying for the state semifinals. It wasn't easy. Miami Westminster Christian came from behind for the second consecutive postseason game, winning a close, extra inning battle, 9-8, over Miami Florida Christian for the Region 4-2A championship. Trailing 7-1, Westminster Christian scored four runs in the top of the sixth and two more in the top of the seventh to force extra innings. Each team scored in the eighth inning, and then the Warriors plated one run (the winner) in the top of the ninth and held on for the victory. In a region semifinal, they beat West Palm Beach Oxbridge Academy 9-8 in another dramatic comeback. Behind 8-1, Westminster Christian rallied with three runs in the bottom of the sixth and five more in the bottom of the seventh to win in a walk-off. Florida Christian also had a tough game in a region semifinal, edging Fort Pierce John Carroll 4-3 in 10 innings, winning in walk-off style, too. Leading 2-0, John Carroll evened things with two runs in the top of the fifth. In the eighth inning, each team scored once with the Patriots scoring in the bottom of the frame to continue the contest. Westminster Christian (20-7-1) will play Panama City North Bay Haven Academy (24-3) in a state semifinal on Tuesday. The Warriors seek their sixth state title. Region 4-2A Championship: Westminster Christian 9, Florida Christian 8 (9 inn.): WC: Winning Pitcher Kaley Dyer 9 IP, CG, 7 ER, 13 H, 6 BB, 3 K; Erin Perez 4-5, 2B, R, 2 RBI; Gigi Khoury 2-3, 2 2B, 2 BB, 2 R, 2 RBI; Jasmine Armenteros 2-5, 2B, 3 RBI; Mya Rodgers 1-4, Sac, R, 2 RBI; Casey Lesman 1-4, BB, 2 R; Abi Barboza 1-1, 3 BB, 2 R; Kaley Dyer 0-5, R. FC: Samantha Otano 3-4, Sac, R, RBI; Danbee Kim 2-5, 2 SB, 3 R; Emily Ruiz 2-3, BB, Sac, RBI; Emma Medina 2-4, 2B, HBP, 2 RBI; Charlee Arana 0-2, 2 BB, HBP, R. WC 20-7-1, FC 19-9. Region 4-2A Semifinal: Westminster Christian 9, West Palm Beach Oxbridge Academy 8: Winning Pitcher Kaley Dyer 5.1 IP, 6 R, 5 H, 4 BB, 2 K; P Mya Rodgers 1.2 IP, 2 R, 3 H, 3 BB, 1 K; Gigi Khoury 3-4, HR, 2 2B, HBP, 2 R, 6 RBI; Erin Perez 3-4, 2B, 2 R; Jasmine Armenteros 2-4, BB, RBI; Kaley Dyer 2-4, Mya Rodgers 1-5, 2B, R, 2 RBI; Abi Barboza 1-3, BB, R; Kelsie Kenny 1-2, BB, 2 R; Gaby Perez 0-3, BB, R. WC 19-7-1, OA 17-8. Region 4-2A Semifinal: Florida Christian 4, Fort Pierce John Carroll 3 (10 inn.): Winning Pitcher Serena Gillen 10 IP, CG, 3 R, 4 H, 2 BB, 9 K; Shaun Fernandez 2-4, 2 R; Samantha Otano 0-3, Sac Fly, RBI; Kayla Diaz 1-3, RBI; Kianny Gil 1-3, Sac Fly, 2 RBI; Danbee Kim 1-3, Emma Medina 1-4, 2B; Kaylie Gil 0-3, R; Emily Ruiz 0-3, BB, R. FC 19-8, JC 23-5. ▪ More area softball teams won region titles, advancing to state in Longwood. The Plantation American Heritage softball team won the Region 4-4A title by shutting out Key West 9-0. The Patriots scored one in the first, three in the second, one in the third, three in the fourth and one more in the sixth to cruise to victory. In the region semifinals, American Heritage staved off a late rally to edge Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy 6-5, and Key West came from behind to win a close one against Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy 2-1. American Heritage (22-2) will play Seminole Osceola (23-7) in a state semifinal on Thursday. The Patriots seek their 10th state title. Region 4-4A Championship: Plantation American Heritage 9, Key West 0: AH: Winning Pitcher Lyric Rodriguez 7 IP, CG, 0 R, 5 H, 1 BB, 5 K; Emma Griffith 3-3, HR, 2 R, RBI; Bria Villano 2-3, 2B, HR, BB, R, 2 RBI; Isabella Benton 2-4, R, 2 RBI; Adrianna Layne 2--4, 2 R; Lyric Rodriguez 1-3, 2B, 2 RBI; Kylie Diaz 1-3, HR, R, RBI; Samantha Santana 1-3, R; Arianna Reynolds 1-4, RBI. KW: Shylo Sanchez 2-3, 2B. AH 22-2, KW 16-8. Region 4-4A Semifinal: Plantation American Heritage 6, Somerset Academy 5: AH: Winning Pitcher Lyric Rodriguez 7 IP, CG, 5 R, 2 ER, 4 H, 3 BB, 11 K; Emma Griffith 2-3, 2 2B, R, 2 RBI; Lyric Rodriguez 2-2, HR, BB, R, 2 RBI; Bria Villano 0-3, Sac Fly, RBI; Isabella Benton 1-1, 2B, 2 BB, R, RBI; Arianna Reynolds 0-2, BB, R; Adrianna Layne 1-4, R; Mia West 0-2, BB, R. Som: P Caitlyn Diaz 6 IP, CG, 6 R, 4 ER, 5 H, 5 BB, 5 K; Catalina Holguin 1-3, HR, R, 3 RBI; Kelsey Gonzalez 1-3, 2B, BB, 2 RBI; Ava DeLaCruz 0-1, BB, HBP, R; Kiera Carbone 0-4, R; Emily Munoz 0-3, HBP, R; Katie Bailey 1-4, R. AH 21-2, Som 11-13-1. Region 4-4A Semifinal: Key West 2, Archbishop McCarthy 1: KW: Winning Pitcher Brianna Brenner 7 IP, CG, 1 R, 3 H, 1 BB, 11 K; Maciee Gage 2-3, Winning HR, R, 2 RBI; Kaleaya Dickerson 0-1, 2 BB, R; Vera Rodger 2-4. AM: P Sienna Garcia 7 IP, CG, 2 R, 4 H, 4 BB, 14 K; Lydia Springer 1-3, 2B, RBI; Elizabeth Varona 1-3, 2B, R; Izabel Baron 2-2, BB. KW 16-7, AM 15-8. ▪ Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas won the Region 4-5A title with a 10-1 win over Stuart South Fork. South Fork scored its lone run in the top of the first and led 1-0 until the Raiders evened things in the bottom of the third. St. Thomas Aquinas took the lead the next inning and then put the game way with seven runs in the bottom of the fifth. In an exciting region semifinal, St. Thomas Aquinas held on for a 8-7 win over Prembroke Pines Charter. St. Thomas Aquinas (16-12) will play Niceville (21-6) in a state semifinal on Thursday. The Raiders vie for their seventh state title. Region 4-5A Championship: St. Thomas Aquinas 10, Stuart South Fork 1: Winning Pitcher Lavinia Miller 7 IP, CG, 1 R, 8 H, 4 BB, 6 K; Christina D'Agostino 3-4, 2B, R, 3 RBI; Melanie Sweet 2-3, 2B, BB, 2 R; Summer Givens 1-3, 3B, BB, R, 3 RBI; Sara Wrzosek 1-2, HR, 2 BB, 2 R, RBI; Jessica Sacca 1-3, Sac, R; Reese Randall 1-2, BB, Sac, R; Victoria Brunette 1-3, 2B, BB, R, RBI; Brianna Sims 1-3, BB, R; Ashlyn Ward 1-2, 2 BB, 2 RBI. STA 16-12, SF 17-7. Region 4-5A Semifinal: St. Thomas Aquinas 8, Pembroke Pines Charter 7: STA: Winning Pitcher Lavinia Miller 7 IP, CG, 7 R, 5 ER, 9 H, 1 BB, 7 K; Victoria Brunette 3-4, 2 2B, 3 R, 2 RBI; Sara Wrzosek 3-3, HR, 2B, R, 3 RBI; Brianna Sims 3-4, R, 3 RBI; Reese Randall 1-4, 2R; Jessica Sacca 0-4, R. PPC: P Destiney Ortega 6 IP, CG, 8 R, 5 ER, 11 H, 2 BB, 6 K; Yenisett Yescas 2-4, HR, 2B, R, 5 RBI; Destiney Ortega 3-4, 2 SB, 2 R; Sofia Rodriguez 1-3, 2B, Sac, 2 R; Ariana Bonilla 1-3, BB, 2 R; Isabella Pascual 0-4, RBI. STA 15-12, PPC 12-15. ▪ The Doral Academy softball team won the Region 4-6A title by defeating South Plantation 15-0. The state-bound Firebirds (29-1) scored 14 runs in the second inning. In the region semifinals, Doral beat Coconut Creek Monarch 10-0, and South Plantation upended West Boca 14-4. Doral will play Bloomingdale (19-7) in a state semifinal on Friday. The Firebirds, who won their first state title in 2021, are riding a 12-game win streak with its only loss this season to Alabama Orange Beach 7-2 on April 5. Region 4-6A Championship: Doral Academy 15, South Plantation 0: Winning Pitcher Meagan Villazon 3 IP, 0 R, 2 H, 2 BB, 8 K; Sarah Breaux 3-3, HR, 2 R, 7 RBI; Lauren Ali 2-2, BB, RBI; Alondra Aldebol-Borrero 2-2, 2 R; Anabela Abdullah 0-2, HBP, 2 R, RBI; Ashley Tremont 0-1, BB, 2 R, 2 RBI; Zoey Abdullah 1-1, 2 BB, 3 R. Dor 29-1, SP 14-12. Region 4-6A Semifinal: Doral Academy 10, Monarch 0: Winning Pitcher Meagan Villazon 5 IP, CG, 0 R, 0 H, 0 BB, 10 K; Alondra Aldebol-Borrero 3-3, 3B, 2 R, RBI; Anabela Abdullah 2-4, HR, 2 R, 3 RBI; Leyani Viruet 2-2, 2 2B, BB, 2 RBI; Sarah Beaux 2-2, HR, 3B, BB, 2 R, RBI; Meagan Villazon 1-3, 2B, R, 2 RBI; Zoey Abdullah 1-3, BB, 2 R, RBI; Sara Utera 0-3, R. Dor 28-1, Mon 12-11. Region 4-6A Semifinal: South Plantation 14, West Boca 4: Winning Pitcher Reese Chesney 5 IP, CG, 4 R, 3 ER, 7 H, 2 BB, 8 K; Victoria Vazquez 4-4, 2 2B, 3 R, 5 RBI; Kylee Reaves 2-4, 2 HR, 2 R, 4 RBI; Amelia Rodriguez 2-4, 2B, 2 R, 3 RBI; Gianna DiLella 3-3, Samantha O'Steen 1-2, 2B, 2 BB, R, RBI; Tessa Bertsch 1-3, BB, R, RBI; Reese Chesney 1-4; Cyan Long 2 R; Isabel Arango R; McKenna Henschel Sac, R. SP 14-11, WB 6-15. ▪ Miami Christian defeated Miami Schoolhouse Prep 6-2 for the Region 4-1A title. Tied at one, Miami Christian rallied with five runs in the bottom of the fourth to control the game. In the region semifinals, the Victors beat Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy 7-0, and Schoolhouse Prep defeated AIE 12-2. Miami Christian (16-8) will play Casselberry Geneva (21-3) in a state semifinal on Tuesday. The Victors are competing for their fifth state title. Region 4-1A Championship: Miami Christian 6, Schoolhouse Prep 2: SP: P Samantha Torres 3 IP, 1 R, 3 H, 3 BB, 0 K; Sofia Villa 2-3, 2B; Valeria Vazquez 1-3, R; Danna Viera 1-2, BB, R. MC 16-8, SP 15-10. Region 4-1A Semifinal: Schoolhouse Prep 12, AIE 2: Winning Pitcher Samantha Torres 3 IP, 2 R, 4 H, 2 BB, 4 K; P Analys Uriarte 3 IP, 0 R, 2 H, 2 BB, 1 K; Valeria Vazquez 3-3, 2 2B, BB, 3 R, RBI; Francela Verdura 3-3, 2B, HBP, 2 R, 2 RBI; Ivanna Bulbarela 2-3, R, 2 RBI; Danna Viera 2-3, 2B, R, RBI; Angelly Benitez 2-3, 2B, 3B, 2 R; Michelle Dominguez 1-3, 2B, 3 RBI; Danyela Mandujano 1-1, 2B, R, 2 RBI; Sofia Villa 1-3, 2B, HBP, 2 R. SP 15-9, AIE 10-8. ▪ In 7A, defending state champ Davie Western won the Region 4-7A title in come-from-behind fashion. The Wildcats (20-5-1) play Oviedo Hagerty (23-6) in a state semifinal on Friday in Sarasota. Click this link for the story. ▪ Two of the state's top teams in any classification battled for the right to play at state, and Miami Somerset Academy Silver Palms edged Coral Springs Charter again for another 3A region title. The Stallions (22-6) play Dunedin (21-5) in a state semifinal on Wednesday. Click this link for the story. Basketball state honors Source Hoops presents the 2024-25 Boys' Basketball Class 5A and Class 6A All-State Teams. Fifteen players represent the best of the best for those high schools that participate in Class 5A of FHSAA boys' hoops, and 15 more who compete in Class 6A. Players were selected based on in-person evaluations, a review of all-area teams selected by media from around the state and without regard to a player's travel team or high school affiliation or his ranking by other outlets. In 5A, state champion Pompano Beach Blanche Ely was well represented. Players from Miami Belen Jesuit, Miami Norland and Pembroke Pines Charter were also chosen to the elite group. In 6A, state champion Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas had a few players make the list. Players from Coral Springs and Miramar were also selected for the prestigious honor. 5A FIRST TEAM Dylon Hannah, 6-2 Sr, Blanche Ely Nijaun Harris, 6-4 Fr, St. Petersburg David Barrea, 6-2 Sr, Ponte Vedra Max Ortega, 6-2 Sr, Pembroke Pines Charter Angelo Moton, 6-5 Jr, Leesburg 5A SECOND TEAM Aaron Pensel, 6-7 Sr, Tallahassee Leon Jeyelen Jonas, 6-3 Sr, Blanche Ely Carson Crawford, 6-6 Soph, Fleming Island Dallas Lambert, 6-4 Jr, Port Charlotte Lorenzo Major, 5-11 Sr, Norland 5A THIRD TEAM Cornelius White, 6-7 Sr, Gainesville J.T. Tipton, 5-11 Jr, Lecanto Ethan Hicks, 5-11 Sr, Wesley Chapel Orlando Roche, 6-2 Soph, Belen Jesuit Sam Powell, 6-4 Jr, Naples Golden Gate 6A FIRST TEAM Dwayne Wimbley, Jr., 6-6 Sr, St. Thomas Aquinas Arosco Dubois, 6-2 Sr, Orlando Evans Alex Pierre-Louis, 6-4 Sr, Coral Springs Treymar Jones, 6-2 Sr, Milton K.J. Smith, 6-3 Sr, Wiregrass Ranch 6A SECOND TEAM Clarence Westbrook, 6-1 Soph, St. Thomas Aquinas Tyson Gilbert, 6-6 Sr, St. Augustine Tocoi Creek Darius Washington III, 6-4 Sr, Orlando Edgewater Tre Chisholm, 6-4 Jr, Ocala Forest Aaron McGee, 6-2 Jr, Viera 6A THIRD TEAM D.J. Sandi, 6-0 Jr, St. Thomas Aquinas Brandon Brazell, 6-5 Jr, Stuart Martin County Josh Skinner, 6-4 Sr, Miramar Isaac Buckley, 6-5 Jr, Winter Park Lake Howell Myles Mayfield, 6-7 Sr, Orlando Edgewater State track nominees The Florida Dairy Farmers announced the list of nominees for FHSAA top state track & field honors, and the stellar group includes some local athletes. Those area athletes eligible for Miss Track, Mr. Track, Girls' Coach of the Year and Boys' Coach of the Year awards are: GIRLS 3A: Ariyanna Griggs (Dillard) Jr 100M Champion (11.74); Tyra Cox (Miami Northwestern) Sr 200M (22.99) & 400M (51.44) Champion; Alexia Reid (Dillard) Sr 100M Hurdles & 400M Hurdles Champion; Nyla Christian (Miami Northwestern) Jr Long Jump Champion (19-8); Lauren Kirby (Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy) Sr Shot Put (45-3 3/4) & Discus (161-8) Champion; Coach Davidson Gill (Dillard) Champion; Coach Carmen Jackson (Miami Northwestern) 2nd Place. 2A: Grace Aldrich (Carrollton) Sr 1600M Champion (4:52.98); Arianna Garcia (Carrollton) Jr 100M Hurdles & 400M Hurdles Champion; Alexa Schwartz (Coconut Creek North Broward Prep) Sr Javelin Champion (154-4); Coach Dylan Hermelee (Carrollton) Champion. 4A: Coach Alex Armenteros (St. Thomas Aquinas) 2nd Place. BOYS 3A: Braylen Bennett (Plantation American Heritage) Jr 100M (10.59) & 200M (20.66) Champion; Tywan Cox (Miami Northwestern) Sr 400M Champion (46.06); Joseph Socarras (Miami Belen Jesuit Prep) Sr 800M (1:52.27) & 1600M (4:10.11) Champion; Marcelo Mantecon (Miami Belen Jesuit Prep) Soph 3200M Champion (8:56.89); Jayden Cadet (Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson) Sr High Jump Champion (6-7 1/2); Coach Victor Arrieta (Miami Belen Jesuit) Champion. 2A: Gabriel Carr (Miami Sunset) Sr 1600M Champion (4:17.71); Ian Newton (Key West) Sr Pole Vault Champion (15-3). 1A: Jimmy Bernatek (South Florida HEAT) Sr Pole Vault Champion (14-9). 4A: Remington Goins (Columbus) Sr Javelin Champion (198-7); Coach Danny Areces (Columbus) Champion. Boys' volleyball all stars The annual Miami-Dade Boys Volleyball All-Star Game is 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, celebrating the 20th anniversary of the game, featuring the top high school senior boys' volleyball players in the county. Barry University in Miami Shores is housing the event, organized by Daniel Benitez. There will be several coaches and players who were previous all-stars and all-star coaches in attendance. Admission $5. All-County Ballots High school coaches of spring varsity sports should have received their ballots to send Miami Herald All-Dade and Miami Herald All-Broward nominees. If you have not received a ballot, email hssports@ 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@
Miami Herald
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
JC Bermudez, Reagan win boys' volleyball region titles. Plus Olympics hopeful event and state hoops honors
The Miami Ronald Reagan Doral High School boys' volleyball team won the Region 4-2A title to qualify for the FHSAA state semifinals. After dropping the first set, the Bison (24-4) rebounded to beat Miami Varela 23-25, 25-21, 25-16, 25-20 for the region championship. Senior Yeison Gonzalez and junior Diego Requeno led Reagan. The Vipers, featuring sophomores Sebastian Hidalgo and Aquiles Lorenzo and seniors Luke Ieremia and Jose Santos, finished the season 20-7. Reagan, coached by Alberto Pacheco, will play Gulf Breeze (16-5) in a state semifinal on Friday at Polk State College in Winter Haven. The winner plays the winner of Riviera Beach Suncoast (23-1)/Winter Park Lake Howell (27-2) for the state title. In a five-set battle, Miami JC Bermudez Doral avenged its district final loss by edging Miami Divine Savior 25-14, 23-25, 25-13, 21-25, 15-13 for the Region 3-1A title, advancing to state. Led by senior captains Ernesto Alvarenga (setter), Carlos Flores (outside hitter) and Julio Werner (opposite hitter) and junior Javier Ramos (middle blocker), the Thunder are 14-3. Divine Savior finished an impressive debut season at 13-7. Senior Santiago Lopez Farina had 18 kills, 3 blocks, 13 digs, 3 assists and 25 serve received in the region final. JC Bermudez Doral, coached by Wendy Kaufman, will play West Palm Beach King's Academy (20-5) in a state semifinal on Thursday at Polk State College. The winner plays the winner of Miami True North Classical Academy (18-11)/Tampa SLAM (24-0) for the 1A state title. ▪ Region 4-2A Championship: Reagan d. Varela 23-25, 25-21, 25-16, 25-20: Yeison Gonzalez 21 kills, 18 serve received, 9 digs, 2 assists; Michael Perez 10 kills, 5 blocks; Diego Requena 39 assists, 4 kills; Diego Cobena 9 kills, 21 serve received, 10 digs; Santiago Mejias 22 serve received, 11 digs, 2 assists, 2 aces; Zhayed Lacruz 3 kills, 5 blocks, 2 aces; William Camacho 3 blocks. Rea 24-4, Var 20-7. Winter Olympics hopeful There is a cool fundraising event for Miami Beach local Jared Firestone -- aka 'The Jewish Jet' -- on Saturday, May 31 as he attempts to reach his goal of competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics for Israel in skeleton. Skeleton is a winter sliding sport in which a person rides a small sled, known as a skeleton bobsled (or bobsleigh), down a frozen track while lying face down and head-first. Firestone, a 2008 Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest alum, played golf and tennis before joining the upper school where he became a track star for the Panthers. He set three school records in the 100-meter dash and won a district title. He continued his running career at Tulane University in New Orleans, where he earned a bachelor's degree, before attending Cardozo Law School in New York City. Firestone, 33, currently a lawyer with a license in Florida and New York, is captain of Israel's Bobsled & Skeleton Team. Fundraising -- via a special night of meat eating with multiple rounds of Wagyu -- will help offset costs for his Winter Olympics dream on Saturday, May 31 at Palm Beach Meats, 4812 S. Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach. Ticket at Visit: Basketball state honors Source Hoops presents the 2024-25 Boys' Basketball Class 3A and Class 4A All-State Teams. Fifteen players represent the best of the best for those high schools that participate in Class 3A of FHSAA boys' hoops, and 15 more who compete in Class 4A. Players were selected based on in-person evaluations, a review of all-area teams selected by media from around the state and without regard to a player's travel team or high school affiliation or his ranking by other outlets. In 3A, state champion Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian was well represented on first team. Players from Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons and Miami Gulliver Prep were also acknowledged. In 4A, state champ Fort Lauderdale Stranahan celebrated two selections, while players from Hialeah Mater Lakes Academy, Miami Northwestern and Miami St. Brendan are also on the teams. 3A FIRST TEAM Shon Abaev, 6-7 Sr, Calvary Christian Aydan Corbin, 6-0 Sr, The Villages Charter Darius Livingston, 6-2 Sr, Lake Alfred Discovery Jahari Simmons, 6-1 Sr, Jacksonville Andrew Jackson Cayden Daughtry, 6-0 Soph, Calvary Christian 3A SECOND TEAM Trey Card, 6-6 Sr, Tallahassee Florida High Jacob Marquez, 6-1 Sr, Miami Gulliver Prep Javian Jones, 6-2 Sr, WPB King's Academy Juwan Scippio, 6-4 Jr, Newberry Michael Madueme, 6-5 Jr, Orlando Lake Highland Prep 3A THIRD TEAM Alex Montes, 6-5 Sr, Boca Raton St. Andrew's Justus Dylan Herbert, 6-4 Jr, Ft Laud Cardinal Gibbons Patrick Johnson, 6-8 Sr, Fort Myers Gateway Charter Willie Piggott, 6-5 Jr, Tampa Catholic Cash Zirkle, 6-2 Jr, Panama City Bozeman 4A FIRST TEAM Josh Lewis, 6-7 Sr, Tampa Blake Jacob Daniels, 6-0 Sr, St. Petersburg Gibbs Christian Yeargin, 6-4 Jr, Stranahan Oneal Delancey, 6-3 Soph, St. Petersburg Gibbs Calvin Russell, 6-6 Jr, Miami Northwestern 4A SECOND TEAM Kaden Toure, 6-2 Sr, Jacksonville Ribault Cornelius Hines, 6-6 Sr, Eustis B.J. Plummer, 6-5 Sr, Tallahassee Rickards Joe Philon, 6-6 Jr, Tampa Blake Damari Foster, 5-11 Soph, Stranahan 4A THIRD TEAM Spencer Clayton, 6-3 Sr, Naples Barron Collier Jonas Duque, 5-9 Sr, St. Brendan Bobby Crawford, 6-7 Sr. St. Petersburg Gibbs Tai Bell, 6-3 Fr, Mater Lakes Academy Jerdarrius Jackson, 6-3 Jr, Citra North Marion All-County Ballots High school coaches of spring varsity sports should have received their ballots to send Miami Herald All-Dade and Miami Herald All-Broward nominees. If you have not received a ballot, email hssports@ 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@
Miami Herald
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Reagan boys' volleyball perseveres to advance to first ever regional final
It was a year ago at this time that Yeison Gonzalez helped the Mater Lakes boys volleyball program break through and make its first ever trip to state. After transferring to Ronald Reagan High last summer, Gonzalez, now a senior wanted to do the same for the Bison's boys program. On Friday night, after putting together by far the best season in program history and securing the No. 1 seed in Region 4-2A, it looked like that dream might come crashing down. But Gonzalez refused to let it happen. Hosting No. 4 seed and an upset-minded Belen Jesuit team that was much better than its 13-15 record indicated, Gonzalez, along with his fellow outside hitter Diego Cobena, prevailed in a five-set marathon match, 3-2 (25-23, 22-25, 22-25, 25-13, 15-13) to win a Region 4-2A semifinal at the Reagan gym. Reagan, after winning its opening set, had lost all the momentum as the fired up Wolverines, with their small but fired-up contingent of fans cheering them on, won the next two to go up 2-1 before the Bison rallied to win the final two sets and advance. Now 23-4, Reagan broke new ground with the win advancing to its first-ever regional final. What could have been a rematch with Gonzalez's former team didn't transpire, though, as No. 3 seed Varela also broke new ground, knocking off No. 2 Mater Lakes in the opposite semi and advancing to its first-ever regional final. The two teams will square off in the Region 4-2A final in Reagan's gym on Tuesday at 7 p.m. with a first-ever state final four berth for both teams on the line. Gonzalez dominated all players on the floor as he finished with 31 kills. But if he was Batman, Cobena was his Robin as he had his own big night finishing with 16 kills. 'So after that third set, it really became a mental struggle with the team and all we had to do talked about it in the huddle, about what was going on out on the court and what was going wrong,' Gonzalez said. 'The mentality we needed to get instead of the one that we had. It was let's not fight to make a play, let's fight to get the very next point and not think beyond that. I think that really helped us get the momentum going back in our direction again.' Even though the first set score was close, Reagan led the entire way before a late Belen charge closed the gap. That late surge would turn the tide in the Wolverines' favor. Led by outside hitter Max Klemick and Billy Essig who had a devastating serve, Belen jumped out to early lead in the second set and led the entire way. Reagan took a small early lead in the third but Klemick, Essig and Luke Diaz led the way back for another 25-22 win. 'It's very difficult to stay focused because there's a lot of pressure knowing this very well could've been my last high school game,' Gonzalez said. 'So that was my mentality. I had to work through not worrying about coming back to win the match, just winning the next point that I was in.' Reagan jumped out to a quick lead in the fourth set and never looked back, winning 25-13 and carried that momentum in the final set, leading 9-6 at one point. But Belen kept fighting and a pair of Klemick kills spurned a 6-2 run and 12-11 lead. But 'Batman and Robin' wouldn't been denied as they each recorded two kills over the next five points, Cobena the last one for the game-winner. 'He's brought so much to our program,' said Reagan assistant coach Joshua Garavito of Gonzalez. 'I'm sure it was a very tough decision for him to transfer over and people were always chirping to him about he had made the wrong decision and stuff like that. But he never let it get to his head and stayed strong throughout the process. 'We really built a family here and I think that's what kept him as happy and as strong as he's been.' Said Gonzalez: 'I helped make history last year at Mater Lakes and now I want to help make history here. I love the faculty and staff here, it's been an honor to help this program to success and now we need to get one more and get this thing to state.' MORE RESULTS Region 4-3A semifinal - Columbus d. Cypress Bay 33-31, 25-19, 19-25, 25-18: Lucas Riva had 22 kills, four blocks and eight digs to lead the Explorers while Charlie Friguls had 52 assists. Matias Claure had 10 kills and five blocks. Columbus (26-3) hosts Southwest on Tuesday in the regional finals at 7. Region 4-3A semifinal - Southwest d. Miami High 25-21, 25-12, 18-25, 25-20. Region 3-2A semifinal - St. Thomas Aquinas d. Dr. Joaquin Garcia 25-21, 25-20, 22-25, 21-25, 15-13: The Raiders (16-8) travel to top-seed Riviera Beach Suncoast on Tuesday night at 7. Region 3-2A semifinal - Riviera Beach Suncoast d. Archbishop McCarthy 25-13, 25-11, 25-16 Region 4-2A semifinal - Varela d. Mater Lakes 25-23, 22-25, 25-23, 19-25, 15-9 Region 2-1A semifinal - Cardinal Gibbons d. Palm Beach Atlantic Christian 25-20, 25-15, 25-18: The Chiefs (17-10) will travel to West Palm Beach to face Kings Academy on Tuesday at 7. Region 3-1A semifinal - JC Bermudez d. Monsignor Pace 25-21, 28-26, 20-25, 18-25, 18-16: The Thunder (13-3) will host Divine Savior on Tuesday at Doral Legacy Park. Region 3-1A semifinal - Divine Savior d. Downtown Doral, 25-11, 25-21, 22-25, 25-23 Region 4-1A semifinal - True North d. Sunset 25-19, 26-24, 25-21: The Titans (17-11) host La Salle on Tuesday. Region 4-1A semifinal - La Salle d. Somerset South Homestead 3-2
Miami Herald
19-03-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Ransom Everglades' Colombo is the Miami-Dade 3A-1A Girls' Soccer Player of the Year
Ransom Everglades made history this year with its first ever trip to the state final four and the Raiders did it with a simple offensive game plan. When Ransom Everglades needed a goal, Stella Colombo would run down the sideline, beat a defender off the dribble and set up a teammate from the wing. 'That's how we scored the majority of our goals,' Colombo said. The Raiders rode Colombo's creative abilities all the way to the Class 2A semifinals. For her role in Ransom Everglades' historic season, Colombo is the Miami Herald's Miami-Dade County Girls' Soccer Player of the Year for Classes 3A-1A. Colombo scored 13 goals and dished out 14 assists in 17 games, and was at her best down the stretch, handing out two assists in both the Region 4-2A championship and semifinals. The forward was one of the best playmakers in South Florida and helped vault the Raiders to new heights. 'We got better throughout the year and we grew as a team,' Colombo said. 'We had a point in the year where we were struggling, but we overcame those problems and we got through them.' Only a junior, Colombo also became a captain for the first time and her new role as a captain helped her even further embrace her role as a playmaker for her teammates. Her breakout season also will give Ransom Everglades a chance to reach even greater heights next year. A special season in Miami has the Raiders feeling good about the future, but also eager for something more. 'Being captain this year has really taught me leadership and making sure that it's not just an individual sport, so making sure that every player on the field feels like they're welcome and feels like they have the confidence to play,' Colombo said. 'That really helped us get to where we were because of how we played together and played as a team. 'It was pretty incredible. I think we worked hard and our hard work paid off.'
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.'
