LAKELAND – It’s first time in Lakeland, University Christian (28-4) learned a valuable rookie lesson; don’t put yourself in a deep hole you can’t dig out of.For one quarter, the Christians went toe-to-toe with two time defending state champions Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy, but that quickly changed. Ahead 17-14 starting the second quarter, Westminster went...Read More

LAKELAND – Despite having a extremely taller height advantage, North Florida Educational Institute had no answer for stopping the Central Florida Christian duo of Bryce Street and Jordan Preaster.The duo combined for 55 of the Eagles 72 points to lead the CFCA Eagles to their first state title with a 72-67 win over NFEI today...Read More

1 Bolles (2-0) Last week: No. 1Outlook: Bolles opened the season pounding University Christian 18-0 then took care of arch-rival Bishop Kenny 5-1 to start the season, thanks to Bryson Kirksey 2 for 4, 2 RBI night. This week: at Bartram Trail (March 5), at Mandarin (March 6) 2 Trinity (4-0)Last week: No. 2Outlook: Trinity...Read More

LAKELAND – After following one game short of a state title last year, North Florida Educational Institute made sure it didn’t happen this year pounding Schoolhouse Prep 62-48 in the Class 2A state semifinals today in Lakeland.With the exception of a brief 3-2 lead to start the game, NFEI led from start to finish taking...Read More

1 Oakleaf (4-0) Last week: No. 1Outlook: Despite the rain, the Knights picked up a big win last week in a 11-1 beat down over district rival Fletcher. Senior pitcher Madi Davis fired a one-hitter, while the offense picked up 11 hits in the win as the Knights improved to 3-0 in District 2-8A. The...Read More

LAKELAND – Longtime Nease head coach Sherri Anthony could have scheduled cupcakes on her schedule to help pad her 600 plus wins; but she didn’t she went out and found competitive teams to push her team and get them ready for the postseason again.It worked as the Lady Panthers are one win away from a...Read More

LAKELAND – Down 4 with 6:08 to play, it appeared Bartram Trail had finally climbed back in it; however a 11-3 run by Tampa Bay Tech allowed them to close it out in a 44-32 loss in the Class 8A state semifinals. Bartram Trail dug themselves a pretty deep hole they couldn’t get out of...Read More

LAKELAND – Its first time in Lakeland since 1999, Nease sure didn’t play like it jumping on defending state champs Fort Myers early and never looking back in a 52-40 win in the Class 7A state semifinal at the RP Funding Center. Panther PREGAME!! pic.twitter.com/k5GoTDUbU6— Nease Athletics (@NeaseAthletics) March 1, 2019 Part of that was...Read More

LAKELAND – Longtime Southeast head coach John Harder was hoping he would leave Lakeland the same way he did his first time, with a state championship. Unfortunately, Bishop Kenny saw otherwise in a 49-48 win over Southeast (25-5) in the Class 6A state semifinals yesterday.The loss ended the storied coaching career of Harder, who announced...Read More

LAKELAND – After a quick timeout it would have been rather easy for sophomore Jasmyne Roberts to be a bit nervous stepping up to the free throw line for a second time in a tie game with 13.8 seconds left.However, Roberts was anything but nervous and sank the second free throw to give Bishop Kenny...Read More