Latest news with #Region4-4A
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
08-05-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Holiday's stellar return to mound propels American Heritage back to state final four
High School Sports Holiday's stellar return to mound propels American Heritage back to state final four afernandez@ Talan Holiday just needed one inning to regain his confidence. Holiday, American Heritage's talented senior ace and University of North Carolina commit, has dealt with multiple injuries this season and hadn't pitched in over three weeks. But you could have fooled anyone watching Holiday pitch on Wednesday night as he tossed an abbreviated five-inning two-hitter to lead the Patriots to a 10-0 mercy rule win over Miami Belen Jesuit in the second game of the Region 4-4A final series. Heritage (27-6) secured a 2-0 series sweep over the Wolverines (16-18) and its third consecutive trip to the state final four. 'The whole year I've been dealing with injuries, a hamstring pull in the preseason and then the groin midseason,' Holiday said. 'I'm just grateful to be out here. I just busted my (butt) rehabbing to get back. Things can change in a day so I'm just happy I was out here and we got the win.' The Patriots, who are trying to win their second state title in three seasons and fourth overall, will next take on Panama City Arnold in a Class 4A state semifinal at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers at either 10 a.m. or 1 on Thursday, May 15. Should Heritage make it to the final, it would play either the winner of Orlando Bishop Moore and Mulberry or Tampa Jesuit, the top seed in Class 4A and the team that beat the Patriots in last year's state final. 'We're playing great baseball this season. We've had some good success. Our pitchers are pitching great and our bats are hitting the ball right now,' American Heritage coach Bruce Aven said. 'You have a veteran team and it's showing up the way we've been playing.' Heritage pitchers did not allow a run in two games against Belen, outscoring the Wolverines by a combined 15-0 in two games. Holiday struck out eight and allowed two singles and a walk over five innings and did it on only 56 pitches. 'We weren't sure how much we were going to get out of him tonight, but he pitched great tonight and it's great to have him back,' Aven said. 'He's a difference maker and you're going to have to earn your way to get past him. He came out and pitched tonight and wasn't thinking about his injury at all.' After a quick first inning, Holiday was tested in the second inning when Belen's Orlando Montiel and David Garrido recorded back-to-back singles with one out. Holiday recovered and retired David Del Pino and Peter Lopez to end the threat. Holiday isn't the only Heritage player who has made a remarkable comeback from injury, and he so happened to be the catalyst behind all the run support the Patriots provided their ace. Senior Jordan Rich, who missed nearly all of last season with a shoulder injury he suffered in the fall of 2023 playing for Heritage's football team, went 2-for-3 with a double, triple and three RBI. 'Jordan Rich is the MVP of our season,' Aven said. 'He gets on base, quality at-bats and plays defense. He's our catalyst. His triple took the wind out of them and the guys behind him got big hits.' Rich set the tone for the Patriots' rout with a leadoff triple and then scored on a sacrifice fly by Joseph Castro. Heritage then broke the game open with seven runs in the second inning - all coming with two outs. Rich was once again the spark as he delivered a bases-clearing double. Castro followed with an RBI double. Two batters later, Dylan Dubovik and Blayden Caballero hit back-to-back run- scoring doubles. Dubovik also had an RBI triple in the fifth and catcher Sebastian Garavito hit an RBI single to score Heritage's 10th run. Holiday then shut the door with a perfect fifth to prompt the mercy rule finish. 'That's my game and my ability. Every time I come out here I trust my ability and let my work speak for itself,' Rich said. 'I feel like the game slowed down for me when I came back. I'm just excited and my decision to play baseball is paying off. I'm with a great group of guys and I just wanna go out and win one with them one last time.' ▪ Region 4-6A final - Game 1 - St. Thomas Aquinas 8, Doral 4: Nico Sabatino's grand slam in the bottom of the sixth propelled the Raiders to a 1-0 lead in the series. He and Jonathan Lopez each had two hits. ▪ Region 4-7A final - Game 1 - Douglas 6, West Broward 0: Gio Rojas tossed 6 2/3 one-hit innings, struck out 10 and walked one to help the Eagles take the first game at Douglas. Rojas also went 2 for 3 at the plate and Bennett Gary went 2-for-4 with two RBI. ▪ Region 4-5A final - Game 1 - Mater Academy 5, Varela 2: Jonathan Esponda went 3 for 3 with two runs scored to lead the Lions while Bryan Arrieta drove in two runs. Alfrin Rosario gave up two runs (one earned) on four hits over 5 1/3 innings, struck out five and walked three. Andre C. Fernandez Miami Herald Go to X Email this person Andre Fernandez is the Deputy Sports Editor of the Miami Herald and has covered a wide variety of sports during his career including the Miami Marlins, Miami Heat, Miami Dolphins, University of Miami athletics, and high school sports.
Miami Herald
02-05-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
‘Magic in the air': Belen baseball team rides momentum into Region 4-4A finals
Sometimes baseball teams navigate through a rough season with the belief things will click at the perfect time. Just ask Belen Jesuit. The Wolverines have hovered around the .500 mark the entire season, reaching it again on Thursday night. But Belen could care less what the record looks like. The goal was always to play in May. The Wolverines won in May impressively on Thursday night, securing a series-clinching 2-0 victory over Merritt Island in the third game of their Region 4-4A semifinal series at Belen Jesuit. 'There's really no words to say other than 'there's some magic in the air,'' an emotional Belen coach Jesse Fernandez said. 'It's been up and down all year for these kids. But if you want to watch a team that plays with heart, doesn't give up, come watch the Belen Wolverines. They're something special to watch.' The Wolverines (16-16) advanced to the regional final for the first time since 2017 and will face American Heritage in Plantation in a best-of-3 series beginning at Heritage on Monday at 7. Game 2 would be Tuesday at Heritage at 7. Game 3, if necessary, would be at Belen at 6. The Wolverines will attempt to advance to the state final four for the first time since 2016. 'You go through a whole season and you keep preaching 'play for May' and it's May now and here we are,' Fernandez said. 'I'm excited to get to American Heritage, it's going to be a dogfight.' Belen lost to Heritage 11-0 on March 4 at home. But the Wolverines have since gone through a tough slate that includes wins over regional final-qualifying teams like Mater Academy and Miami Springs. 'Every single one of those teams we faced tested us and we got here because of that competition,' Fernandez said. 'It's been awesome.' Junior right-handed pitcher Victor Escobar came up huge on the mound, tossing a three-hitter while striking out three and walking three to lead Belen. 'This is where guys make their moment and I couldn't be happier for Vic,' Fernandez said. 'He carried us on his back and did what we needed him to do.' Escobar gave up a pair of doubles, but worked himself out of trouble each time. 'I felt great. A lot of emotions in a big game, but I felt loose,' Escobar said. 'For the first few innings, I was trying to find myself, but once I got to the fifth, I felt like I was rolling. I just threw fastballs and attacked. I took a few breaths and kept attacking.' Sophomore Jose Batista went 2-for-3 and gave Belen a quick 1-0 lead in the first inning on an RBI single that scored Andres Gross. Batista then led off the fourth with a double and came around to score on an error and a hit by David Del Pino. The Wolverines have been resilient so far in the playoffs, winning games on the road at Melbourne Eau Gallie to win their regional quarterfinal series in three games and this week, winning a game at Merritt Island (24-8) to stretch the series to a third game at home. 'We're just coming together for one common goal to win every pitch and every game and yeah, there's definitely something going on here,' Escobar said.
Miami Herald
30-04-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
American Heritage baseball team sweeps Key West to advance to regional finals
It may not have been an elimination game for American Heritage. But there clearly was a sense of urgency for the Patriots. In Game 2 on Tuesday night, Heritage knew what was on the line. Win, and advance to the Region 4-4A finals. A loss would send the best-of-three series to Key West on Thursday for a decisive Game 3. As it turned out, Heritage avoided the long bus ride. The Patriots belted four home runs, and received five strong innings on the mound from Dylan Dubovik, and held on for a 9-5 victory over Key West. By taking care of business, Heritage (25-6) awaits the winner of the Belen Jesuit/Merritt Island Series. The Nos. 6 and 2 seeds, respectively, have split their first two games, with Game 3 set for Thursday at Belen. As the top seed, Heritage will host the first two games of the regional finals beginning on Monday. If it goes to a third game, the Patriots will play that game on the road. Heritage's offense came up big in Game 2, receiving home runs from Blayden Caballero, Sebastian Garavito, Jordan Rich and Chris Levy. Key West (20-12) received home runs from Sam Holland and Kade Maltz. 'Guys were swinging the bats, on both sides,' Heritage coach Bruce Aven said. 'For us, we were fortunate to even have some arms left. We didn't want to have a Thursday [game]. Don't put it into a situation where baseball can do anything it wants to do. Two inches fair. Two inches foul, can go your way. I was happy we were able to finish the game.' Had the series gone to a third game, the Patriots were prepared to start Talan Holiday, their ace, who has missed most of the season due to an injury. Holiday actually was warming up in the seventh inning, and prepared to pitch had the Conchs' comeback attempt gotten closer. Heritage carried a seven-run lead into the seventh, but the Conchs scored three runs before reliever Caden Garro recorded the final out. 'Give them credit, too,' Aven said. 'They were able to battle back right there at the end.' Heritage struck quickly, posting three runs in the first inning. Dubovik opened the scoring with an RBI single, and Caballero followed with a two-run home run. In the third inning, Garavito capped a nine-pitch at-bat with a two-run homer, making it 5-1. RJ Machado and Dubovik added RBI hits in the fourth inning. Rich and Levy connected on solo home runs in the fifth and sixth innings, respectively. 'We stayed on them,' Aven said. 'We had some quality at-bats.' By reaching the regional finals, the Patriots put themselves two wins away from advancing yet again to Fort Myers for the state final four. Even though the regional rounds are all best-of-three, the semifinals and finals are single elimination. Heritage put itself in position for the sweep against Key West by winning Game 1 on Monday. Left-hander Mark Aleman got the start for the Patriots in Game 1, and did a terrific job, allowing one run in six-plus innings. The hitting star of the night was Machado, the Patriots senior third baseman. In the fourth inning, with Heritage up 1-0, Machado blasted a grand slam on a 3-0 count. Given the green light, the senior jump all over a fastball and deposited it beyond the wall in left field. Zack Wilson gave the Heritage the lead in the second inning with a sacrifice fly. Dubovik (Miami commit) provided an insurance run in the sixth inning, scoring on a throwing error. Dubovik, who walked, stole second base. When he swiped third, the throw skipped into the outfield, providing the Patriots outfielder the path to score. Maltz had an RBI single for Key West. 'Everything is clicking,' Aven said. 'Like I told these guys, we haven't played a game where it's been flawless. Meaning, our defense, our pitching, our hitting. Think of how many times we left guys on base. Even [this series], how many opportunities did we waste? I told them, 'Guys, it was nice, we scored nine. But we could have scored 14. … We still have things we need to clean up.' MORE SCORES ▪ Region 4-4A semifinal - Merritt Island 4, Belen Jesuit 3: The Wolverines (15-16) were unable to hold an early 3-0 lead and will have to win a decisive third game Thursday at home. ▪ Region 3-3A semifinal - Game 2 - Clearwater Calvary Christian 4, North Broward Prep 0: Julian Rodriguez had two of the Eagles' three hits as they were eliminated from the postseason prior to the state tournament for the first time in five years. North Broward Prep (23-8) lost to the same team that beat it in the state final in 2023. ▪ Region 4-3A semifinal - Game 2 - Killian 3, St. Brendan 2 (8): The decisive third game will be played on Thursday at Killian at 3:30. Eddie Naranjo went 2-for-3 with an RBI and Kendry Blanco drove in another run to help the Cougars (15-14) even the series. ▪ Region 4-2A semifinal - Game 2 - Boca Raton St. Andrews 10, Westminster Christian 0: The Warriors finish the season 17-13-1. ▪ Region 4-1A semifinal - Game 2 - Brito 6, Schoolhouse Prep 5: Hector Santos went 2-for-4 with a double and two RBI to lead the Panthers (14-13) to the series-clinching win. Claudio De Los Santos went 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI and Christopher Guzman went 2-for-3. Brito advances to the regional finals where it will face either Miami Christian or Jupiter Christian beginning Monday. ▪ Region 4-1A semifinal - Jupiter Christian 8, Miami Christian 7 (series tied 1-1): The teams will play the third game on Thursday at Jupiter Christian at 4.
Miami Herald
22-02-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
American Heritage, Southridge, SLAM Miami girls' basketball teams advance to state
Few teams in state history have put together the kind of stretches of success that American Heritage's girls' basketball team has for nearly a decade. The Patriots extended their run of consecutive trips to the state final four on Friday night by handling visiting Mater Lakes in the Region 4-4A final at American Heritage. Heritage (20-8) advances to the state semifinals for the ninth consecutive season and will take on Tallahassee Rickards at 1 p.m. on March 4 at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland. The Patriots have won six state championships during that span including a run of five in a row from 2018-2022. Mater Lakes finished the season 20-10 after making it to the regional finals for the second time in four seasons. SURGING SPARTANS Miami Southridge continued what's been a historic run for its program on Friday night when it took down Davie Nova at its home gym, 65-54 to win the Region 4-6A championship. The Spartans (16-10) took down the top two seeds in the region and in Class 6A overall in succession beating Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas this past Tuesday and the Titans on Friday. Southridge advances to the state final four for the first time since 1987 and will next face Tampa Steinbrenner on March 6 at 9 a.m. at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland. Freshman Sakura Barnes stepped up for the Spartans and led the way with 22 points while Dianka Hardisson scored 19 points. The Spartans have won five in a row since losing in the GMAC tournament final to Miami High. SLAM IS BACK SLAM Miami is headed back to Lakeland following an impressive 75-40 victory over Miami Carrollton on Friday night in the Region 4-3A championship game. The Titans (16-12) advance to the state semifinals for the second consecutive season and fourth time in program history - all since 2017. SLAM will attempt to win its first ever game at state on Friday at 11 a.m. when it faces top-seeded Sarasota Cardinal Mooney at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland. Jim'Miyah Branton led the Titans with 24 points while Samantha Bautista added 14 points. Adaya Montalvo had eight points. Carrollton finished the season 17-9 after advancing to the regional finals for the first time. Region 4-1A final - Boca Raton Grandview Prep 73, Schoolhouse Prep 45: Sophomore Lya Gonzalez led the Wolfpack (17-9) with 26 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals. Schoolhouse Prep advanced to the regional finals for the first time in program history.
