By Dave Brousseau BCAA Writer
FORT LAUDERDALE – The St. Thomas Aquinas baseball team needed to remain patient to earn the opportunity to potentially play for a state championship.
The Raiders were a victory shy of sweeping Doral Academy in the second game of the Class 6A region final. A win would advance Aquinas to the state semifinal in Fort Myers.
Despite a three-run homer by Andrew Alvarez in the bottom of the fourth inning, the Raiders would fall short losing to the Firebirds 5-3 on Thursday.
With the best 2 of 3 series tied at one, the eventual outcome was decided on Saturday at Doral as the Raiders rolled to a 12-6 victory to earn a berth in the state tournament.
Jaden Doverspike, Brady Buxbaum and Alvarez combined for three home runs and seven RBI.
Alvarez’s homer on Thursday came on the heels of his grandfather passing earlier that day.
“I was hoping it would go over the fence for him,” said Alvarez. “I was just happy that we could get our guys back in the game. We came up short but that’s alright. We’ve gotten this far so there’s no need to change anything.”
The Firebirds scored five runs in the top of the second inning, before Alvarez’s shot over the fence.
“We’re alright,” said Aquinas coach Joey Wardlow. “It’s time to bounce back and get back to work, do what we do and get it done. What we told the guys when we down it we don’t quit.”
The Raiders (27-6-1) will play Valrico Bloomingdale in a state semifinal game at Hammond Stadium at the Lee Health Sports Complex on Friday at 1 p.m. The Raiders’ last state title came in 2018 and has three championships to date.
DOUGLAS EAGLES HEADED BACK TO STATE
Parkland Douglas advanced to the Class 7A state semifinals following an 8-7 victory over West Broward last Thursday, scoring four runs in the bottom of the seventh inning.
The Eagles (29-2), winners of a state record 26 consecutive playoff games and four straight state championships will play Tampa Alonso in a Class 7A state semifinal at 4 p.m. on Friday.
By Dave Brousseau - BCAA Writer
PARKLAND – The remarkable journey by the Stoneman Douglas High baseball team has reached heights never achieved.
Behind the strong pitching effort by Gio Rojas, the Eagles rolled to a 6-0 victory over West Broward in the first game of the best of three series in the Class 7A regional finals on Wednesday.
Rojas was masterful allowing only a second inning single, while striking out 11 in 6 2/3 innings and recording 13 consecutive batters. His strong performance earned the Eagles a state-record 25 consecutive playoff victories
Douglas (28-2) will have the opportunity to wrap up the series tonight at home.
“I had a lot of fun with these guys tonight,” said Rojas. “I came into this game ready to play. I was in my groove and the first batter really didn’t matter. The entire game, I felt dialed in as my change-up, slider and fastball were all working.
Winning this first game makes our opponent worry a little more. It helps us apply a little pressure.”
Rojas has been masterful in his three regional playoff outings to date, both on the mound and at the plate.
“Not only that he’s also swung the bat well, He’s been locked in for the last few weeks,” said Douglas coach Todd Fitz-Gerald. “That was one of the best performances I‘ve seen from him. With his command of his pitches, I couldn’t be any happier for him. Gio is a product of his work ethic.”
“The job is not done yet as West Broward is a resilient group. We can finish this series at home, he added.”
As the Eagles had done in the regional semifinal games against Taravella, they scored multiple runs in the first two inning games against West Broward (21-13).
Michael Ossenfort and Drew Freeman each had RBI singles in the first inning, driving in Rojas and Nick Diaz for a 2-0 lead.
Douglas added two more runs in the second inning when Lorenzo Laurel scored on an error, after reaching base with a double. Cade Raley scored on an RBI double by Bennett Gary for a 4-0 lead.
The Eagles added two more runs in the bottom of the sixth inning with RBI singles from Mattew Toback and Gary.
“He’s a great high school pitcher,” West Broward coach Howard Stein said of Rojas. “You have a guy throwing in the mid 90’s and he throws breaking pitches any time he wants. I thought we were good today, our approach was good, and our bats were good. They did better than us today.”
Contact Dave Brousseau at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Once again on Friday night the South Florida High School Sports Radio Show took center stage with three impressive guests.
Each and every week, the AM 560 WQAM radio program attracts the newsmakers in high school sports, recruiting college sports – not only locally, but throughout the country.
The show gives listeners an opportunity to hear about college football programs statewide from the media that cover them. It also focuses on the coaches who use the state of Florida – Miami-Dade and Broward Counties in particular.
The show, which has run for nearly two decades, has become a popular listen for recruiting fans as well as high school sports purists, focusing on coaches and players in all sports.
Here is a look at the way Friday went:
Willow White was a South Dade High junior unbeaten state wrestling champion. Last week she became the best in the nation.
WILLOW WHITE ON FRIDAY NIGHT: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/willow-white-south-dade-wrestling-4-4-25-d7ecb
For the third consecutive year, Miami Riviera Prep won the 3A state boys’ basketball title. Head Coach Anthony Shabazz talked about the championship.
COACH ANTHONY SHABAZZ ON FRIDAY NIGHT: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/coach-anthony-shabazz-riviera-prep-basketball-4-4-25-9514a
In his first year as head coach at his alma mater, Darrell Strong and Plantation made the playoffs. He talked Colonels and more.
COACH DARRELL STRONG ON FRIDAY NIGHT: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/head-coach-darrell-strong-plantation-4-4-25-125bb
Plenty going on in Coral Gables with football commitments and the spring game on the horizon. Alex Donno from Locked On Canes looked at Miami Hurricanes football team. @AlexDonno
ALEX DONNO ON FRIDAY NIGHT: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/alex-donno-locked-on-canes-4-4-25-f734b
FSU is looking to rebound from a rough 2024 season on the football field and Nick Carlisle from Rivals.com talked Seminoles.
NICK CARLISLE ON FRIDAY NIGHT: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/nick-carlisle-fsu-football-4-4-25-26e5e
FIU will host its first spring football game under new head coach Willie Simmons on Saturday. Kevin Barral talked about the game and spring.
KEVIN BARRAL ON FRIDAY NIGHT: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/kevin-barra-fiu-football-4-4-25-94364
THIS OFF SEASON GET THE JUMP ON EVERYONE. Check Out The South Florida High School Sports Radio Show Every Week. @UHealthSports @560WQAM https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
MIAMI-DADE, BROWARD TRANSFERS? WE HAVE THEM FOR YOU. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-off-to-a-huge-start-in-miami-dade-broward
For the past 55 years, we have spent more time on football fields than anyone in the country. From games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, we get to as many events as possible to see the athletes LIVE. Follow us on Facebook (Larry Blustein) Instagram (@OurBoyBlu) and Twitter (@PrepRedzoneFL). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
By Dave Brousseau - BCAA Writer
CORAL SPRINGS – There was a common denominator among a handful of athletes competing in this year’s annual BCAA Track and Field Championships held at Coral Springs High last Friday.
By the time the Pembroke Pines Flanagan boys and Fort Lauderdale Dillard girls were awarded the team titles, six athletes were double winners for their respective school’s if not repeat winners from the previous year.
Alexia Reid of Dillard won 100 and 400 hurdles for the second consecutive year to help the Panthers successfully defend the county championship. The Panthers with 153 points, while St. Thomas Aquinas had 132.5 points.
“I feel like I’ve done a lot better than in previous years,” said Reid, who is a University of Central Florida signee. “I’m still working on my start. I’ve worked hard and the results are amazing.”
Reid’s performance was duplicated when she won both events last year. But it wasn’t until the Panthers swept the 800-meter run did they took the team lead for good. Dillard finished with
“We came in here to defend with a championship mentality,” Dillard coach Davidson Gill. “I wanted to see where we were at from a mental standpoint and get ready for a that championship mentality.”
As for other double winners, Patchnalie Compere of Oakland Park Northeast successfully her 100- and 200-meter titles.
Idorenyin Essiet of Pompano Beach, who was awarded the top female performer of the meet after she won long jump (18-1.50) and triple-jump (35-3.75) and second in the high jump (5-1.75). She helped the Tornadoes to a surprising third place finish with 61 points.
Jonathan Carter won the 110 (14.96) and 400 Hurdles (53.98) to lead the Falcons and was named the top Male Athlete of the meet.
Flanagan finished in the top three places in nine events, which was key to becoming a repeat champion.
“Everybody had to do their part,” said Flanagan coach Jessica Carter. “I told them if everyone plays their role and let the chips fall where they may. If they win by collectively doing their part and ran for each other as a team.”
Joshua Gammage, who was coming off a hamstring injury that kept him sidelined for several weeks, was a winner of the 1600 (4:15.75) and 3200-meter races (9:32.43).
Christian Moreau of St. Thomas Aquinas won shot put (55-8.50) and discus (143-3).
Boys team scores (Top 5)
1. Flanagan 97; 2. Dillard 91; 3. St. Thomas Aquinas 64; 4. Coral Springs 62.5; 5. Boyd Anderson 57.
Individual results
4x800 relay: 1. Dillard (Delgado, Hamilton, Joseph, Sewel) 8:01.08; 2. Taravella 8:05.70; 3. Northeast 8:10.97; 110 hurdles: 1. Carter (FLAN) 14.96; 2. Tommie (BA) 14.96; 3. Marrero (CS) 15.00; 100: 1. Smith (DILL) 10.72; 2. Thomas (FLAN) 10.77; 3. Stewart-McLaren (BA) 10.89; 1600: 1. Gammage (DILL) 4:15.75; 2. Moise (MCA) 4:23.88; 3. Spence IV (FLAN) 4:28.91; 4x100 relay: 1. Flanagan (Harris, Thomas, Newby, Hawkins) 41.28; 2. Dillard 41.38; 3. Cardinal Gibbons 41.68; 400: 1. Joseph (DILL) 47.92; 2. Jewell (DB) 48.39; 3. Thomas (PLAN) 48.58; 400 hurdles: 1. Carter (FLAN) 53.98; 2. Campbell (NE) 54.03; 3. Carroll (NOVA) 55.35; 800: 1. Belizaire (CS) 1:55.34; 2. Sewel (DILL) 1:55.65; 3. Spence IV (FLAN) 1:56.25; 200: 1. Thomas (FLAN) 21.82; 2. Smith (DILL) 21.83; 3. Boucard (MIR) 22.08; 3200: 1. Gammage (DILL) 9:32.43; 2. Moise (MCA) 9:57.07; 3. Stewart (PPC) 10:03.80; 4x400 relay: 1. Dillard (Joseph Jennings, Sapp, Smith) 3:15.22; 2. Miramar 3:16.25; 3. Flanagan 3:18.29; Shot put: 1. Moreau (STA) 55-8.50; 2. Cadet (BA) 45-5.75; 3. Dickenson (SB) 44-6.25; Discus: 1. Moreau (STA) 143-3; 2. Ruskin (NE) 137-4; 3. Yuan (CS) 136-3; Long jump: 1. Hawkins (FLAN) 22-7.75; 2. Adras (STA) 21-4; 3. Tommie (BA) 21-3.25; Triple jump: 1. Tommie (BA) 44-8.25; 2. Joseph (TARA) 42-0; 3. Monpas (BE) 41-10.75; High jump: 1. D’Oleo (STA) 6-5.50; 2. Prien (NE) 6-3.50; 3. Cadet (BA) 6-3.50; Javelin: 1. Ruskin (NE) 157-2; 2. Huggins (CRK) 137-11; 3. Thomas (MIR) 130-6; Pole vault: 1. Sammuels (CS) 13-1.50; 2. Hawkins (STA) 11-5.75; 3. Ross (STA) 10-11.75.
Girls team scores (Top 5)
1. Dillard 153; 2. St. Thomas Aquinas 132.5; 3. Pompano Beach 61; 4. Coral Springs Charter 48; 5. Flanagan 37.
Individual results
4x800 relay: 1. Dillard (Greene, Simpson, Williams, Gammage) 9:39.04; 2. Taravella 10:04.97; 3. Pompano Beach 10:16.86; 100 hurdles: 1. Reid (DILL) 13.85; 2. Samuel (FLAN) 13.88; 3. Allen (STA) 14.27; 100: 1. Compere (NE) 11.81; 2. Griggs (DILL) 11.86; 3. Woolcock (STA) 12.15; 1600: 1. Finneran (STA) 4:58.09; 2. Collins (DILL) 5:05.81; 3. Gore (DILL) 5:10.09; 4x100 relay: 1. Pompano Beach (Richardson, Christie, Hunt, Colon) 47.98; 2. St. Thomas Aquinas 48.10; 3. Douglas 48.71; 400: 1. Frazier (DILL) 54.43; 2. Barbary (FLAN) 55.13; 3. Morgan (STA) 56.33; 400 hurdles: 1. Reid (DILL) 1:00.38; 2. Allen (STA) 1:01.17; 3. Jackson (STA) 1:02.25; 800: 1. Collins (DILL) 2:13.84; 2. Gore (DILL) 2:15.49; 3. Greene (DILL) 2:16.32; 200: 1. Compere (NE) 23.83; 2. Griggs (DILL) 24.03; 3. Woolcock (STA) 24.5; 3200: 1. Parrott (CSC) 11:25.88; 2. Gold (STA) 11:33.14; 3. Williams (DILL) 11:33.84; 4x400 relay: 1. Dillard (Reid, Christian, Bryant, Frazier) 3:51.81; 2. Northeast 3:59.54; 3. Cypress Bay 4;02.06; Shot put: 1. Harris (CSC) 36-6.75; 2. Dorvil (CSC) 35-8.50; 3. Powell (FTL) 34-1.50; Discus: 1. Joseph (MIR) 117-1; 2. Watt (CGL) 109-2; 3. Harris (CSC) 108-4; Long jump: 1. Essiet (PB) 18-1.50; 2. Morgan (STA) 16-9.25; 3. Robinson (BA) 16-8.75; Triple jump: 1. Essiet (PB) 35-3.75; 2. Robinson (BA) 35-0.25; 3. Pridgen (STA) 34-6.25; High jump: 1. Westley (CG) 5-3.75; 2. Essiet (PB) 5-1.75; 3. Marley (STA) 4-9.75; Javelin: 1. Lewis (FTL) 110-10; 2. Lacaria (CG) 101-6; 3. Maniscalco (CSC) 89-6; Pole vault: 1. Newkirk (DILL) 8-6.25; 2. Koontz (STA) 8-6.25; 3. Orris (STA) 8-0.50.
Dave Brousseau can be reached on X at @dbrouss76 – or via e-mail at:
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Each year when Miami-Dade high school wrestling programs head to the state tournament, dozens of team and individual medals are brought back to the #305.
Being able to produce such impressive wrestlers and programs must begin somewhere, and for the past 56 years, the secret was all about the junior high schools (7-9) and then later the middle school (6-8) programs who continued to feed those programs every year.
Elite coaches and programs that were built on hard work and little – if any – pay. They traveled with these young men, wearing school names on their singlets such as Palmetto, Southwood, John F. Kennedy, Highland Oaks, North Miami, West Miami, Henry Filer, Richmond Heights, Norland, Riviera, Cutler Ridge, Howard Doolin, Redland, Alapattah, Jorge Mas Canosa, Homestead, Campbell Drive and many other junior high/middle schools.
From the early years with Miami Norland, Miami Carol City, Miami Southridge, Miami Coral Park, and Miami Palmetto carrying the flag – with legends such as Jim Husk, Rick Tucci, Craig Thomas, Dwight Witty, Tony Zucco, Barry Zimbler, Ron Balazs, George Zeck, Ron Hollon, Chuck Almeida, Mike McCoy to the current day dynasty that head coach Vic Balmeceda and his South Dade Bucs have maintained, junior high/middle school wrestling has more than been responsible.
Last Saturday at Miami Palmetto High School some new faces joined familiar as talented and athletic Richmond Middle School beat out Riviera Middle School and others to capture the team title.
Here are the final results:
1 Richmond 190.0
2 Glades 168.0
3 Jorge Mas Canosa 135.0
4 Cutler Bay 129.0
5 Palmetto 105.0
6 Hialeah Gardens 97.5
7 Riviera 83.5
8 Nautilus 76.0
9 Southwood 65.5
10 FC Martin 48.0
11 Ruben Dario 36.0
12 Highland Oaks 29.5
13 WR Thomas 9.0
Far away from the spotlight, the number of schools no longer reach 20 plus, but the objective is indeed the same – produce winners and keep the fires burning at the next level!
Here is a look at the results of this year’s event – with 75 Pounds (Dominic Moc (10-0, 6th Grade), Jorge Mas Canosa Middle School), 83 Pounds (Gregory Coley (7-2, 6th Grade), Richmond Middle School), 91 Pounds (Carlos Rodriguez de Cespedes (12-1, 7th Grade), Glades Middle School), 99 Pounds (Logan Montero (15-1, 8th Grade), Glades Middle School), 107 Pounds (Ricky Rizzo (15-2, 6th Grade), Glades), 115 Pounds (Micah Thomas (14-1, 8th Grade), Palmetto Middle School), 123 Pounds (Ezekiel Ingraham (8-0, 8th Grade), Miami Beach Nautilus Middle School), 131 Pounds (Javauris Ross (7-4, 8th Grade), Miami Beach Nautilus Middle School), 139 Pounds (Ryan Rivera (13-2, 8th Grade), Palmetto Middle School), 147 Pounds (Jacob Figueroa (12-1, 8th Grade), Riviera Middle School), 155 Pounds (Paul Moore (15-1, 7th Grade), Richmond Middle School), 170 Pounds (Yadiel Lazo (15-1, 7th Grade), Hialeah Gardens Middle School), 195 Pounds (Travis Godbolt (10-0, 8th Grade), Frank C. Martin K-8) and Heavyweight (Samuel Pavon (10-1, 8th Grade), Jorge Mas Canosa).
QUITE A HISTORY
With just two years that the Miami-Dade Middle School didn’t host a county tournament because of Covid, since 1966, every year the middle school/junior high schools set the table for the future.
Here is a list of teams and coaches who made it all possible:
1966 Palmetto, Walt Allison
1967 Palmetto, Walt Allison
1968 Palmetto, Walt Allison
1969 Palmetto, Walt Allison
1970 Palmetto, Walt Allison
1971 Palmetto, Walt Allison
1972 Palmetto, Don Dorshimer
1973 Palmetto, Don Dorshimer
1974 Richmond Heights, John Davis
1975 Richmond Heights, John Davis
1976 Richmond Heights, John Davis
1977 Norland, Lonnie Hill
1978 Palmetto, Don Dorshimer
1979 Richmond Heights, John Davis
1980 Richmond Heights, Wilbert Johnson
1981 Richmond Heights, Wilbert Johnson
1982 North Miami, Sam McWoodson
1983 Palmetto, Bob Mack
1984 Norland, Frank Presentation
1985 North Miami, Sam McWoodson
1986 North Miami, Sam McWoodson
1987 Riviera, Jose Mendez
1988 Southwood, Clint Riley
1989 Highland Oaks, Pat McNamara
1990 Palmetto, Bob Mack
1991 Cutler Ridge, Tony Carroll
1992 Highland Oaks, Pat McNamara
1993 Highland Oaks, Pat McNamara
1994 North Miami, Sam McWoodson
1995 Palmetto, Michael Graham
1996 Palmetto, Michael Graham
1997 Palmetto, Michael Graham
1998 Richmond Heights, Aaron Washington
1999 Howard A. Doolin, Monroe Owen
2000 Richmond Heights, Aaron Washington
2001 John F Kennedy, Ron Osorio
2002 Redland, Doc Holloway
2003 Campbell Drive, Pat Lugo
2004 Campbell Drive, Pat Lugo
2005 Glades, Jose Mendez
2006 Palmetto, Miguel Dominguez
2007 Palmetto, Miguel Dominguez
2008 Allapattah, Matt Greene
2009 Jorge Mas Canosa, Steve Morejon
2010 Jorge Mas Canosa, Steve Morejon
2011 Palmetto, Miguel Dominguez
2012 Jorge Mas Canosa, Steve Morejon
2013 Cutler Ridge, Tirso Valls
2014 Richmond Heights, Aaron Washington
2015 Homestead, Rudy Trevino
2016 Richmond Heights, Aaron Washington
2017 Jorge Mas Canosa, Oswaldo Benitez
2018 Glades, Jacob Woodrome/Lorenzo Walker
2019 Jorge Mas Canosa, Steve Morejon
2020 COVID cancelled
2021 COVID cancelled
2022 Richmond Heights, Johnny Silva
2023 Cutler Bay, Manny Sevilla/Melvin Roberts
2024 Cutler Bay, Melvin Roberts
Courtesy of Coach Miguel Dominguez, Miami Coral Reef High & Wrestling Historian
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
MIAMI-DADE, BROWARD TRANSFERS? WE HAVE THEM FOR YOU. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-off-to-a-huge-start-in-miami-dade-broward
For the past 55 years, we have spent more time on football fields than anyone in the country. From games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, we get to as many events as possible to see the athletes LIVE. Follow us on Facebook (Larry Blustein), Instagram (OurBoyBlu) and Twitter (@PrepRedzoneFL). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..