Palm Beach HS Sports

Trinity's Jacob Johnson signs with Cincinnti Reds

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 19:30:41 -0500

Trinity Christian right-handed pitcher Jacob Johnson is going straight to the minor leagues instead of heading to Wake Forest. Johnson signed with the Cincinnati Reds today, two and a half weeks after being drafted in the 11th round. According to Johnson, his signing bonus is well over $100,000 and is close to fourth to sixth round money this year. "We think [Johnson] has a chance to be in a starter in the major leagues in the future being a big, strong right-handed picther," said Reds scout Tony Arias, who is the director of the organization's Latin American scouting. "We think he'll have three major league pitches." Johnson leaves early Saturday morning (less than 24 hours after signing) to play with the Red's rookie level team in Sarasota that plays in the Gulf Coast League. He's excited to be able to spend his first summer close to home where his friends and family can still see him play. After the draft, Johnson was pretty honest with Wake Forest telling the school he was pretty sure he was going to sign with the Reds and pass on playing at the college level. Wake Forest coach Tom Walter tired to talk him out of it, but Johnson remained firm. Johnson was not looking forward to making the difficult call to Walter tonight.

FHSAA finds Boca Raton guilty in recruiting case

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 17:38:06 -0500

Seven months after the investigation into possible recruiting violations began, the Florida High School Athletic Association found Boca Raton guilty of violating three bylaws and a policy. Boca will be fined $5,000 plus expenses from the investigation, put on administrative probation for two years and a letter of reprimand will be placed in the school’s file. The school is also required to forfeit all football contests that Eddie and John Sullivan participated in during the 2008 season after transferring from Park Vista to Boca Raton in the spring of 2008. According to the 23-page report, “It is the assertion of the FHSAA that the transfer [of the Sullivan brothers] was granted under false pretenses, therefore rendering the transfer improper under FHSAA regulations, causing BRHS to use ineligible students who have falsified information to become ineligible for interscholastic athletics representing BRHS.” The state also ruled that former head coach Eddie Giersbrook committed two violations of bylaw 7.6 in using impermissible benefits to entice a student to enroll at Boca for athletic purposes. In the report, another violation occurred based on Giersbrook’s response when contact with him was initiated by a prospective student. The fine initially totaled $7,500, but the fine was reduced due to the cooperation from the Boca administration and proactive measures dealing with the Boca employee who violated those regulations. Boca fired Giersbrook at the end of March. Former NFL player Keith Byars was hired in late May to replace Giersbrook. Eddie Sullivan was the county's large-school leading passer during the regular season, finishing with 2,220 yards, 29 touchdowns and four interceptions. The Bobcats finished 8-3 with a season-ending 35-28 overtime loss to Fort Pierce Westwood in the Class 4A regional quarterfinals. Boca is allowed to appeal the decision, but must do so in writing within 10 days of receiving the report from the FHSAA. Numerous calls to the school’s athletic director weren’t immediately returned. When reached by phone, Sullivan declined to comment saying to contact his parents or that he could talk in a few days when he got back in town. Asked where he was, Sullivan said, “away.” “This is my name and I can’t get my name back,” Giersbrook said in response to the report. “The findings make me look like a recruiting guy and that’s unfair. In this whole ordeal, I didn’t do anything wrong.”

Pahokee’s De’Joshua Johnson verbals to FSU

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 21:01:22 -0500

This news shouldn't exactly catch anyone by surprise. Pahokee wide receiver De’Jousha Johnson verbally committed to Florida State. The 5-11, 170-pound Johnson has loved the Seminoles since Pahokee grad Anquan Boldin headed to Tallahassee. He hopes to continue the Pahokee tradition at the school. “What made me go with Florida State was they are missing someone with playmaker ability at the wide receiver position,” Johnson said. He plans on running track his senior year, meaning he won’t opt for graduating early. While Florida State was his favorite team growing up, Johnson said he did take a hard look at Alabama. Johnson said he isn't concerned about the sanctions FSU is facing or any off-field problems the program has experienced. And the possibility of not having the same head coach his entire time at the school isn't worrying him either.

Palm Beach players taken in Day 3 of MLB Draft

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 16:08:50 -0500

Six more players with ties to the Palm Beach County area were selected in the third day of the MLB Draft. Rd. Pick Team Name School Pos. 31 - 948 - Red Sox, Tim Webb, (Palm Beach CC/Pope John Paul II), LHP 37 - 1130 - Cubs Peter Mooney, (Palm Beach CC/Seminole Ridge), SS 41 - 1244 - Mets, Travis Ozga, (Florida Atlantic/Pope John Paul II), 1B 43 - 1285 - Pirates, Teddy Fallon, (South Carolina Upstate/Cardinal Newman), RHP 45 - 1367 - Phillies, Richard Bain, (Trinity Christian), OF 47 - 1424 - Mets, Ryan Mollica, (FIU/Wellington), 2B

"561" players in 2009 MLB Draft

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 13:03:02 -0500

Alright, alright, alright. The first 30 rounds of the MLB Draft are in the books. Only two Palm Beach County players were drafted out of high school along with six other college player with ties to the area. Any predictions for players we might see drafted during the third and final day (20 rounds) tomorrow? ******************** Miami outfielder Dave DiNatale went in the 28th round to the Colorado Rockies with pick No. 841. He graduated from Douglas, but played his first three years at King's Academy. ********************* Stetson right-handed pitcher Robby Donovan was picked by the Houston Astros in the 23rd round with pick No. 701. Donovan, a 2006 Royal Palm Beach grad, was also selected in the 35th round out of high school. ********************** Florida infielder Mike Mooney, a 2006 Royal Palm Beach graduate, went to the Baltimore Orioles in the 23rd round, with the No. 686 overall pick. *********************** West Boca outfielder Jeff "Chase" Greene was selected by the New York Mets in the 16th round with pick No. 494. ************************ Palm Beach County Community College's Mike Rayl went to the Indians in the 15th round. The left-handed pitcher, who graduated from Park Vista in 2007 was selected No. 455 overall. ************************* Trinity Christian right-handed pitcher Jacob Johnson was selected in the 11th round by the Reds with pick No. 329. ************************* Jupiter grad and right-handed pitcher for Nova Southeastern Miles Mikolas was the third pick in the 7th round by San Diego at No. 204. Mikolas is the highest draft pick in Nova Southeastern program history. ************************* Justin Dalles, a 2006 graduate of Park Vista was drafted in the sixth round by the Baltimore Orioles with the 176th overall pick. Dalles first attended St. Pete Junior College before playing for South Carolina this year. The catcher was drafted in the 15th round out of high school, in the 40th round two years ago and 26th last year. ************************* No Palm Beach County players were selected on the first day of the MLB Draft (3 rounds). Who will be the first to go, if anyone, on day two? I'll be posting as we go today!

Park Vista’s Federhofer named Dairy Farmer POY

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 15:20:21 -0500

Palm Beach County made a strong showing in the Dairy Farmer Tennis Awards this season. Park Vista’s William Federhofer was named the Class 4A Dairy Famer’s Tennis Player of the Year. American Heritage-Delray coach Brian Schleifer was named Class 1A boys’ AND girls’ Coach of the Year. Girls’ Player-of-the-Year Class 4A: Korey Love, Port Orange Spruce Creek Class 3A: Bianca Sanon, Ft. Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas Class 2A: Sarah McLean, Miami Gulliver Prep Class 1A: Alexa Guarachi, Santa Rosa Beach South Walton Coach-of-the-Year Class 4A: Damon Halback, Miami Dr. Krop Class 3A: Lynn Vu, Tampa Plant Class 2A: Tobias Croke, American Heritage-Plantation Class 1A: Brian, Schleifer, Delray American Heritage-Delray Boys’ Player-of-the-Year Class 4A: William Federhofer, Park Vista Class 3A: Michael Alford, Tampa Wharton Class 2A: Christopher Jackman, Miami Gulliver Prep Class 1A: Andrew Butz, Vero Beach St. Edwards Boys’ Coach-of-the-Year Class 4A: Michael Kypriss, Miami Dr. Krop Class 3A: Marcie Scholl, Tampa Wharton Class 3A: Ron Heron, St. Thomas Aquinas Class 2A: Kelly Mulligan, Miami Gulliver Prep Class 1A: Brian Schleifer, American Heritage-Delray

FHSAA game reduction fight not over

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 15:37:21 -0500

The FHSAA Board of Directors revisited the issue of reducing the number of contests at its meeting today. This is a press release the state sent out about the situation: ORLANDO - The Florida High School Athletic Association Board of Directors voted today to table a recommendation to rescind or modify Policy 6, "Sports Season Guidelines", as well as another recommendation to allow varsity team sports to play two additional games, as long as they are participating in an FHSAA-sanctioned tournament. Title IX was a part of the consideration of the original amendment to Policy 6 in April; however, new information was provided to the Board 24 hours prior to the June meeting questioning the reduction of sports with regard to gender equity. "Our goal is to avoid litigation, but the Board took action to table the items and find a resolution to this situation," said FHSAA Executive Director Roger Dearing.

Softball Dairy Farmer's Awards

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 14:37:56 -0500

Palm Beach County was shut out of the Dairy Farmer’s softball awards this year, but below is a list of the winners: Player of the Year Class 6A: Erin Schuppert, Neptune Beach Fletcher, senior, pitcher Class 5A: Kalyn Loverich, Jacksonville Bartram Trail, junior, pitcher Class 4A: Kasey Fagan, Dunnellon, junior, pitcher, third base Class 3A: Heather White, Winter Park Trinity Prep, junior, pitcher Class 2A: Kayla Minger, Port St. Joe, senior, pitcher Class 1A: Kristin Brown, Jacksonville Eagles View, junior, catcher Coach of the Year Class 6A: Christina Flores‐Deszell, Neptune Beach Fletcher, 3rd year Class 5A: Jen Harman, Jacksonville Bartram Trail, 9th year Class 4A: Kevin Fagan, Dunnellon, 4th year Class 3A: Marty Cooper, Plantation American Heritage, 17th year Class 2A: Jim Belin, Port St. Joe, 11th year Class 1A: Willie Evans, Jacksonville Eagles View, 4th year

Trinity's Johnson a Dairy Farmer Winner

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 14:16:50 -0500

The Dairy Farmer’s Baseball Awards include one Palm Beach County player. Trinity Christian senior pitcher Jacob Johnson was named Co-Class 1A player of the year. Player-of-the-Year Class 6A: Patrick Schuster, New Port Richey Mitchell, senior, pitcher/first baseman Class 5A: Mychal Givens, Tampa Plant, senior, shortstop/pitcher Class 4A: Josh Patton, Naples, senior, pitcher Class 3A: Jordan Carroll, Madison County, senior, first baseman/pitcher Class 2A: John Nogowski, Tallahassee N. Fla. Christian, sophomore, outfield/pitcher Class 1A: Josh Romeo, Brooksville Hernando Christian, senior, first baseman Class 1A: Jacob Johnson, Lake Worth Trinity Christian, senior, pitcher Coach‐of‐the‐Year Class 6A: Mike Smith Altamonte Springs Lake Brantley, 30th Year Class 5A: Mike Harper, Stuart South Fork, 4th Year Class 4A: Rick Turner, Naples, 5th Year Class 3A: Storm Davis Jacksonville Bolles, 7th Year Class 2A: Mac Mackiewitz, Jacksonville Providence, 7th Year Class 1A: Rick Shears, Tampa Cambridge, 2nd Year

Spring All-County out in Sun Sentinel TODAY!

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 11:49:53 -0500

Make sure to grab a copy of the Sun Sentinel today because inside you'll find our special 12-page Spring All-County section. Check out the brand new design used for this spring's pages!

Get to know the new Santaluces football coach

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 17:16:18 -0500

I caught up with Daryl Drinkwater this afternoon to find out more about the new Santaluces football coach. The school lifted the “interim head coach” title on Tuesday, officially making him the Chief’s new head coach. Drinkwater teaches English at Santaluces and was the team’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach last season for Paul Meunier, who resigned at the beginning of May after one season. The Chiefs went 4-6 last fall. “[My goal] is to develop an actual program,” Drinkwater said. “It seemed pretty obvious when I got here that not much of a program had been established. We expect to win this year with the players we have while also making development at the freshman level a priority.” Drinkwater doesn’t plan on changing the Chiefs offensive scheme of running the spread. This past year, Santaluces used an odd-man front on defense, but is leaning toward changing to a 4-3 defense for next year. “We lost a lot of seniors on defensive,” Drinkwater said. “So we’ll be young there, but fast. We just have to see what will work best for that group.” Drinkwater grew up in the Los Angeles area and went on to play collegiate football at Adams State, a Division II school in Alamosa, Colorado (located near the border of southern Colorado and northern New Mexico.) He played safety and outside linebacker, but when he became a graduate assistant at Adams State, Drinkwater switched to offense to coach wide receivers. The 25-year-old coach (soon to be 26) has a twin brother Mike, who also coaches at Santaluces and played cornerback at Adams State. Drinkwater said almost the entire staff from last fall will return intact.

Dick Howser All-Star baseball game

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 22:23:40 -0500

The Dick Howser high school all-star baseball game takes place at 2:35 p.m. on Saturday at Roger Dean Stadium. Afterward the Hammerheads take on the Yankees with a 6 p.m. start time. Tickets can be purchased at the stadium box office for $8.50 and can be used for both games. Park Vista coach Larry Greenstein is the head coach for the South squad and will be assisted by Santaluces’ Nick Franco and Spanish River’s Bill Harvey. Managing the North team is Glades Day coach Mike Underwood with Palm Beach Gardens’ Cory Clark and Royal Palm Beach’s David Adeimy assisting him. The South team will wear Marlins’ uniforms and the South will be outfitted in St. Louis Cardinals uniforms. ROSTERS North RJ Alvarez, Cardinal Newman, RHP Rob Marcello, Royal Palm Beach, LHP Dale Hansen, Palm Beach Gardens, RHP Jesse Russionoff, Palm Beach Gardens, RHP Alex Greener, Jupiter, RHP Jarrett Gish, Suncoast, LHP Joe Cartagena, Suncoast, RHP Joey Sharkey, Royal Palm Beach, C/RHP Jimmy Holton, Cardinal Newman, C/1B Tyler Wagner, Glades Day, C/3B Bryan Adametz, Wellington, SS/2B Coleman Sample, Glades Day, SS/2B Chris Hernandez, Cardinal Newman, 1B/OF Keith Doby, Dwyer, 1B/RHP Paul Karmeris, Palm Beach Gardens, 3B/C Chris Fahey, Kings Academy, 1B/OF Eddie Cody, Summit Christian, 3B/OF Dane Wisneski, Palm Beach Gardens, OF Paul Carignan, Lake Worth, OF/SS Zach Keidis, Kings Academy, OF Derek Niesman, American Heritage-Delray, OF/SS South Steven Arvanitis, Seminole Ridge, LHP Kyle Finch, Palm Beach Central, RHP Jake Meiers, Palm Beach Central, RHP Kevin Baumiller, John I. Leonard, OF/RHP Alex Koji, Santaluces, LHP Stephen Howell, Park Vista, RHP Danny Herzog, Spanish River, C/3B Donnie Teachman, John I. Leonard, C/3B Devon Travis, Palm Beach Central, 2B/SS Scott Staniewicz, Spanish River, SS/2B Joey Todd, Park Vista, 2B/RHP Aaron Brill, John I. Leonard, SS/2B Cody Dent, Park Vista, SS/2B Pat Lecroy, Seminole Ridge, 1B/RHP Jon Bostley, Palm Beach Central, 1B/3B Luis Soto, Lake Worth, 3B/SS Ryan Lashley, Park Vista, 3B/SS Ryan Roberson, Palm Beach Central, 3B/C Nick Worrall, West Boca, 3B/2B Kamm Washington, Park Vista, OF Cody Smith, Santaluces, OF/C Cjon Armstead, Lake Worth, OF/RHP

Former Blue Devil Janoris Jenkins arrested

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 17:01:50 -0500

It hasn't been a fun 24 hours for the Pahokee football family. First an assistant coach was arrested and then word spread that former Blue Devil standout and current Florida defensive back Janoris Jenkins was tased and arrested during a street fight in Gainesville this weekend. The news has caught Pahokee coaches and friends off guard as the 2007 Sun Sentinel Small School Football Player of the Year is generally regarded as a pretty calm, low-key guy. Click here to read what our sister paper the Orlando Sentinel and its UF beat writer Jeremy Fowler is saying about the story.

Pahokee D-Line coach arrested

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 16:51:13 -0500

Pahokee defensive line coach Demetres Hampton was arrested Sunday afternoon in Pahokee on felony charges of trafficking phenethylamines and possession of marijuana with the intent to sell. According to the arrest report, Hampton, 32, was pulled over by a Palm Beach County Sherriff’s Officer after running a stop sign. The officer reported smelling an odor of what he believed to be marijuana coming from the car. When asked about the odor, Hampton told the officer, “There was someone else in the vehicle smoking marijuana and also I took a hit of the marijuana cigar.” After searching the car, the officer found 59 pills of individually packaged, wrapped and different color MDMA/Ecstasy pills and 7.3 grams of marijuana that tested positive for THC. Hampton said in his sworn written statement that the unauthorized items in his car were his and that he bought the Ecstasy pills in Belle Glade “I don’t really want to comment right now until we get all the facts,” Pahokee coach Blaze Thompson said. “But I have been told that [Hampton] isn’t permitted to be around the team until the legal process is finished.” Thompson said Hampton has been coaching at Pahokee for six to seven years. Under occupation on his arrest report, Hampton told officers “mentor.”

Roster for Palm Softball All-Star game

Thu, 14 May 2009 17:30:10 -0500

The Palm Beach County senior softball All-Star game takes place at 7 p.m. on Monday at John I. Leonard. Here are the rosters: North Team Heather Elsner, Jupiter (Pitcher) Cristen Giles, Jupiter (Infield) Juliette Giles, Jupiter (Outfield) Courtney Marshall, Jupiter (Infield) Judy Godfrey, Lake Worth (Pitcher) Cassie Roberts, Lake Worth (Infield) Leslie Zajicek, Lake Worth (Catcher/Infield) Meagan Cash, Palm Beach Lakes (Catcher/Infield) Jasmine Govan, Palm Beach Lakes (Outfield) Deborah Key, Palm Beach Lakes (Utility) Sloane Caruso, Dwyer (Infield) Kelly Pizzo, Dwyer (Infield) Coach: Rick Williams (Jupiter) South Team Sarah Aylesworth, Seminole Ridge (Outfield) Patricia Barreto, Olympic Heights (Infield) Laura Berlingo, Pope John Paul II (Infield) Kailey Boss, Glades Day (Pitcher) Kimberly Doney, Palm Beach Central (Utility) Lauren Even, Lake Worth Christian (Infield) Mallory Hager, Pope John Paul II (Infield) Kristina Lewis, West Boca, (Infield) Kristi Marquez, Boca Raton (Infield) Kailey McDougald, Boca Raton (Infield) Lindsay Scbeffler, Seminole Ridge (Utility) Lindsay Sherhag, West Boca (Catcher/Outfield) Leslie Slota, West Boca, (Pitcher) Jessica Smith, Seminole Ridge, (Infield) Olivia Tighe, John I. Leonard (Injury reserve/Infield) Coaches: Cindy Lucia (Santaluces) and Kim Sears (Palm Beach Central)