The 2026 Divot Derby was all about resilience for Baylor Touchstone. The Tate rising senior went from a three-shot lead going into the final round of the event to a tie for first with Rocky Bayou Christian rising sophomore Aiden Yang by the start of the back nine.

But Touchstone, who returned to courses in June after sitting out six weeks due to a broken wrist, continued to stay in the fight. Even though he wanted some holes back when the round ended, it was still enough to win the 69^th Divot Derby by two strokes and clinch back-to-back titles at the event.

While the list of event winners includes future major champions like Jerry Pate and Bubba Watson, Milton graduate and former PGA golfer Heath Slocum won back-to-back Divot Derby titles in 1990-91.

“It means a lot, especially after my injury earlier this summer,” Touchstone said. “Not only is my name going to be up there with the greats. Back-to-back, it really means a lot because I did prove to myself that when you get down, you gotta get right back up and you gotta keep persevering, no matter what.”

After missing time, Touchstone said he finally got his feel back “a couple weeks ago.”

Winning the Divot Derby requires more than just feel. Golfers compete at a different course in each of the three days. What they did in the last round has no bearing on the next one, with a totally different layout awaiting them the following day.

Touchstone shot a 75 in the first round at Cypress Lakes Golf Club on July 13, tying for first with Yang. He then shot a 70 at Perdido Bay Golf Club on July 14.

The final round was a grind. Touchstone bogeyed three holes on the front, the second putting him into a tie with Yang. He pulled ahead on the 12^th hole despite another bogey, as Yang quadrupled bogeyed the hole. Touchstone shot a 77 on the final day.

“I just told myself to shake it off,” Touchstone said. “To keep playing, to keep battling because the fight’s not over.”

Touchstone said he may be playing in one or two more events this summer before the high school season begins August 17. The Aggies are coming off their first district title in school history last fall, and Touchstone was the team’s highest placing golfer, tying for third with a 72.

“We have an even better squad than last year,” Touchstone said. “We know we can do some serious damage and I’m telling these guys everyday that we have an extreme opportunity and there’s no reason we absolutely shouldn’t live up to it.”

Sharron cruises to repeat girls title

Niceville rising juniot Tenley Sharron knew she was in a good spot entering the final round, entering with a nine-shot lead.

Still, she knew she could finish better after shooting a 38 on the front nine, so she decided to stay in the fight, .

Sharron shot a one-under par 35 on the back nine, finishing the day with a 73 to win the event by seven strokes over Gulf Breeze rising senior Michelle Burt.

“I was just trying to finish the race on the back (nine),” Sharron said. “I was getting tired, I was making bad swings. I was just trying to come back on the back nine with a better attitude knowing it doesn’t really matter and I just have to finish.”

Sharron led after every round, shooting a 71 at Cypress Lakes on July 13 and then a 74 at Perdido Bay on July 14.

Playing in this event is a family tradition. Sharron’s father, played junior golf with Marty Stanovich, who serves as the First Tee Executive Director for Northwest Florida. Her grandfather and uncle also played in the event. But none of them won, so now Sharron has even more bragging rights.

“I think it’s really special to win it once,” Sharron said. “But to go back-to-back is really, really cool and so I’m super happy to get it done this year.

Sharron will play at the Optimist International Junior Golf Championship at Trump-Doral later this month, then play in a match play event with Emerald Coast Junior Golf Tournament before diving into the high school season.

Last fall, she was District 1-3A runner-up, finished fifth at the Region 1-3A championship and 20^th at the 3A state championship.

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Tate's Touchstone, Niceville's Sharron repeat as Divot Derby champs

Who was the Greater Fall River area's top high school female athlete in 2025-26? The Herald News is letting readers have a say in the winner in the Fan's Choice poll.

Area athletes put on a display all season and stood out from the rest. It's time to give them the recognition they deserve.

Supporters of the schools — Atlantis Charter, Joseph Case, Diman, Durfee, Somerset Berkley and Westport — and student-athletes can visit heraldnews.com to vote for the person of their choosing.

Voting will conclude July 22 with the winner announced here and X (formerly known as Twitter). Vote early and often.

Here's a look at the nominees for the Female Athlete of the Year:

POLL: Vote for the 2025-26 Herald News Girls Sports Team of the Year

Watch MA high school sports on NFHS

YOU CAN VOTE HERE

2026 Fan’s Choice Female Athlete of the Year

1. Lily Veracka, Westport soccer

2. Adeline Finlaw, Somerset Berkley field hockey

3. Madilyn Botelho, Joseph Case girls volleyball

4. Anjola Olubanwo, Durfee cross country

5. Emma Plante, Joseph Case basketball

6. Elaine Pinto, Durfee wrestling

7. Aiyanna Massie, Joseph Case winter/spring

8. Leah Braga, Joseph Case gymnastics

9. Avery Antunes, Durfee swimming

10. Lila Alvarez, Joseph Case softball

11. Julia Costa, Somerset Berkley softball

12. Gloria Moniz, Diman tennis

13. Lucy Gooch, Somerset Berkley lacrosse

Herald News and Taunton Gazette sports editor Steven Sanchez can be reached at ssanchez@heraldnews.com. You can follow him on X (formerly Twitter) @Chezsports and TikTok @ssanchezsports

This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Vote for the Herald News Fan's Choice Female Athlete of the Year

For the second straight season, Starkville will host the Mississippi high school football state championships.

Mississippi High School Activities Association executive director Rickey Neaves confirmed to the Clarion Ledger on July 15 that Mississippi State will host the 2026 MHSAA football championships.

The MHSAA board voted to hold the 2026 Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi Gridiron Classic Dec. 3-5 at Davis Wade Stadium. It will only be the third time in 10 years that Starkville has hosted.

Since 2016, the football championship games have been held at Mississippi State (2016, 2025), Ole Miss (2017, 2023), Southern Miss (2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2024) and Jackson State (2020).

Additional details, including information regarding tickets, parking, tailgating and other amenities, will be shared in the weeks leading up to the championships.

MHSAA 2026 football championship schedule

Thursday, Dec. 3: Class 4A - 4 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 3: Class 6A - 7 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 4: Class 2A - 4 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 4: Class 7A - 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 5: Class 1A - Noon

Saturday, Dec. 5: Class 3A - 3:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 5: Class 5A - 7 p.m.

Michael Chavez covers high school sports, among others, for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at mchavez@gannett.com or reach out to him on X @MikeSChavez or Facebook at Michael Chavez.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: MHSAA football state championships staying in Starkville, at Mississippi State

Roberson baseball junior Holt Gaston is headed to play Division I baseball.

Gaston announced his commitment to North Carolina State in a post on X on July 15.

Gaston was an All-WNC second-team selection as a pitcher this past season after going 6-0 with a 3.53 ERA in eight starts and 11 appearances. He struck out 51 batters, walked 24 and held opponents to a .227 batting average. He was named the Mountain Athletic Conference Pitcher of the Year.

At the plate, Gaston, who also played outfield for the Rams, batted .303 with four home runs and 26 RBIs.

Gaston will play alongside Polk County's Gunnar Alm, who affirmed his commitment to the Wolfpack after going undrafted in the MLB draft, and former West Henderson star Truitt Manuel, who just finished his redshirt freshman season with the program.

He also continues a trend of Roberson players going to the Division I level. Among players from the Rams' recent string of three state championships, pitcher Micah Simpson went to UNC-Wilmington, while first baseman Caden Davidson went the JUCO route before announcing his transfer to Florida this offseason. Several others have played at North Carolina programs like UNC Asheville and East Carolina.

Evan Gerike is the high school sports reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times. Email him at egerike@citizentimes.com or follow him on X, formerly Twitter, @EvanGerike.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Roberson 2028 pitcher Holt Gaston commits to NC State baseball

After a competitive 2026 Texas high school softball season across the Big Country and beyond, the Texas Sportswriters Association has released its 2026 all-state softball selections for Class 1A-6A.

In total, 30 high school softball players representing 10 Big Country-area schools received TSWA Class 1A-4A first team, second team, third team or honorable mention all-state softball honors.

Coahoma senior center fielder Addi Hart (Class 3A), Cross Plains freshman pitcher Kenzie McLean (Class 1A) and Hermleigh freshman third baseman Kooper Hiracheta (Class 1A) were all named TSWA First Team All-State Softball selections.

Hart helped lead the Bulldogettes to the 3A DII UIL State Championship game, batting .622 with 70 runs scored, 46 RBIs, 10 home runs, 16 doubles, two triples, 31 stolen bases and a 1.882 OPS.

McLean burst onto the Big Country’s high softball scene by leading the Lady Buffs to the state semifinals of the Class 1A UIL Softball Playoffs, hitting .539 at the plate with 34 RBIs, 31 runs scored, 17 doubles, four home runs and six stolen bases

She also shined in the circle, tallying a 11-4 record with a 1.27 ERA and 246 strikeouts through 110⅓ innings pitched for Cross Plains.

Hiracheta also made an impressive freshman debut for the Lady Cardinals, posting a .486 batting average and a 1.403 OPS with 35 RBIs, 40 walks, 23 stolen bases, 15 doubles, two triples and two home runs.

Below are the complete Blue Bell/Texas Sportswriters Association All-State softball teams for Class 1A-6A with selections based upon on the 2026 Texas high school softball season:

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CLASS 6A

FIRST TEAM

Pitchers – Madalyn Guzman, Pearland, Sr.; Peyton Philipp, Waco Midway, Jr.; Avery Pitts, Forney, Soph.

Catcher – Payton Shugart, Pearland, Sr.

First baseman – Evie Willemssen, Katy, Jr.

Second baseman – Layla Bennett, Pearland, Sr.

Third baseman – Ella Kate Smith, Katy, Sr.

Shortstop – Michaela Landers, Waxahachie, Soph.

Outfielders – Alexia Vasquez, Cypress Woods, Sr.; Aniya Wilder, Longview, Jr.; Kaylah Hopkins, Manvel, Sr.

DH/DP/Flex – Kaylee Vien, Byron Nelson, Sr.

Utility – Julia Harper, Mansfield Lake Ridge, Jr.

Player of the year – Michaela Landers, Waxahachie, Soph.

Coach of the year – Michele Hyden, Pearland

SECOND TEAM

Pitcher – Haley Schmitt, Katy, Fr.; Emmie Santos, Forney, Jr.; Emma Escamilia, PJSA High, Jr.

Catcher – Lorelei Gamble, Dripping Springs, Jr.

First baseman – Ady Fincanon, Allen, Sr.

Second baseman – Harper Dennis, Allen, Fr.

Third baseman – Emerson Lechler, Richmond Foster, Sr.

Shortstop – Alice Floyd, Fort Bend Clements, Fr.

Outfielders – Kiley Milligan, Conroe Grand Oaks, Sr.; Jaslyn Gardea, El Paso Socorro, Sr.; Ryan Roberts, Mansfield Lake Ridge, Sr.

DH/DP/Flex – Charlotte Briscoe, San Antonio O’Connor, Fr.

Utility – Isabella Dzialo, The Woodlands College Park, Sr.

THIRD TEAM

Pitchers – Meredith Hambric, Byron Nelson, Soph.; Maci Barnes, Waxahachie, Fr.; Reagan Christopherson, Magnolia, Fr.

Catcher – Stevie South, Magnolia, Sr.

First baseman – Sydona Meiser, Keller, Sr.

Second baseman – Hannah Montelongo, Weslaco, Sr.

Third baseman – Skylar Frederick, Manvel, Jr.

Shortstop – Eliana Njus, Pearland, Sr.

Outfielders – Jadasia Mims, Longview, Sr.; Camryn Carter, Waco Midway, Sr.; Courtney Latronico, San Antonio Reagan, Fr.

DH/DP/Flex – (tie) Ryleigh Jones, Longview, Jr.; Libby Hroch, Katy, Jr.

Utility – Reagan Eldred, Klein Oak, Soph.

HONORABLE MENTION

Pitchers – Julia Kaspa, Richmond Foster, Jr.; Haley Rodriguez, El Paso Socorro, Sr.; Faith Mayfield, San Antonio O’Connor, Soph.; Madelynn Cantu, Weslaco, Sr.; Braelynn Jones, Deer Park, Sr.

Catchers – Mayce Burkett, Conroe Grand Oaks, Jr.; Madelyn Kerrigan, Prosper Rock Hill, Sr.; Maddie Smith, Katy, Sr.

First basemen – Alexandra Wiatrek, Dripping Springs, Fr.; Danielle Lozoya, El Paso Socorro, Sr.

Second basemen – Danna Guerrero, El Paso Socorro, Jr.; Brooke Crowl, Cypress Ranch, Soph.; Nevaeh Phillips, Katy, Soph.

Third basemen – Cassidy Escobedo, El Paso Socorro, Sr.

Shortstops – Leilene Cardoza, El Pass Socorro, Sr.; Claire McKeever, Allen, Fr.; Kaelyn Price, Hutto, Soph.

Outfielders – Taylor Kasten, Waco Midway, Soph.; Alyssa Jackson, Allen, Sr.; Karsyn Carrier, Manvel, Jr.; Nalee Nichols, Waxahachie, Sr.; Sadie Eckles, San Antonio Reagan, Sr.; Margaret Golden, The Woodlands College Park, Jr.; Dayla Hinojosa, Weslaco, Sr.; Gabby Cortez, Conroe Grand Oaks, Soph.; Keyouna Harris, Hutto, Jr.; Aracli Alonzo, San Antonio O’Connor, Sr.; Naomi Walker, Cypress Ranch, Jr.

Utility – ReNaa Hicks, Tyler Legacy, Jr.; Natalie Russo, Cypress Lakes, Jr.; Juliana Rodriguez, Lake Travis, Jr.; Kinley Cook, Royse City, Soph.

CLASS 5A

FIRST TEAM

Pitchers – Sara Wiggins, Montgomery Lake Creek, Sr.; Macie Bryant, Mt. Belvieu Barbers Hill, Jr.; Ella Baird, Hallsville, Soph.

Catcher – Lauren Montalvo, Austin Anderson, Jr.

First baseman – Abigail Estay, Montgomery Lake Creek, Sr.

Second baseman – Andalyn Logan, Belton, Soph.

Third baseman – Sarah Morris, Corpus Christi Flour Bluff, Sr.

Shortstop – Parker Malone, Corpus Christi Veterans Memorial, Jr.

Outfielders – Rachel Grundel, Leander, Sr.; Ava Klinefelter, Kingwood Park, Sr.; Brylee Baker, Amarillo, Sr.

DH/DP/Flex – Taylor Lozano, Mt. Belvieu Barbers Hill, Jr.

Utility – Jordynn Boo, Pflugerville Weiss, Sr.

Player of the year – Sara Wiggins, Montgomery Lake Creek, Sr.

Coach of the year – Aaron Fuller, Mt. Belvieu Barbers Hill

SECOND TEAM

Pitchers – Eloisa Maes, Melissa, Jr.; Ava DeBoy, Smithson Valley, Jr.; Adelaida Sierra, Buda Hays, Sr.

Catcher – Hutton Adrian, Melissa, Jr.

First baseman – Addy Sellers, Burleson, Jr.

Second baseman – Aliyah Allen, Leander, Sr.

Third baseman – Kennedy Bradley, Melissa, Jr.

Shortstop – Finlee Williams, Melissa, Jr.

Outfielders – Ava Pena, Fort Worth Brewer, Fr.; Madalyn Davis, Montgomery Lake Creek, Sr.; Teuila Jae Eteaki, Buda Hays, Soph.

DH/DP/Flex – Erin Terry, Hallsville, Fr.

Utility – Cozy Tyson, Fort Worth Brewer, Soph.

THIRD TEAM

Pitcher – Jorja Fuentes, Rio Grande City, Sr.; Camden Mack, Denison, Jr.; Tara Stone, Belton, Soph.

Catcher – Miller Goswick, Hallsville, Jr.

First baseman – Gabi Acosta, Georgetown, Jr.

Second baseman – Brooklyn Gidley, A&M Consolidated, Sr.

Third baseman – Ava Capek, Smithson Valley, Soph.

Shortstop – Serenity Lizcano, San Antonio Edison, Sr.

Outfielders – Helena Lawrence, Mt. Belvieu Barbers Hill, Jr.; Kaylin Brannon, Mount Pleasant, Jr.; Breleigh Mayer, Aledo, Sr.

DH/DP/Flex – Lexi Sanchez, Victoria East, Sr.

Utility – (tie) Evelynn Swartzlander, Birdville, Jr.; Jaedyne Armendariz, El Paso Chapin, Soph.

HONORABLE MENTION

Pitchers – Tempe Perry, Aledo, Soph.; Trinity Chittamai, Midlothian Heritage, Sr.; Faith Castellanos, Mesquite Poteet, Jr.; Kammie Terrell, Mount Pleasant, Jr.; Ashley Mentz, Marshall, Soph.; Jill Herridge, Pflugerville Weiss, So.; Shayla Gonzalez, Mansfield Legacy, Sr.; Jordan Reagan, Birdville, Jr.; Brooke Mayner, Burleson Centennial, Soph.

Catchers – Brooke Wooten, Frisco Lone Star, Sr.; Olivia Salesberry, Smithson Valley, Fr.; Haley Mennenga, Birdville, Sr.; Lola Andrews, Burleson, Sr.; Yaretzi Acosta, El Paso Chapin, Soph.; Analia Hinojosa, Big Spring, Jr.

First basemen – Kamren Pride, Fort Worth Brewer, Soph.; Reagan Stuart, Belton, Jr.; Maddi Ray, Mt. Belvieu Barbers Hill, Soph.; Janinah Gonzalez, Big Spring, Jr.

Second basemen – Gabby Saaverda, Burleson Centennial, Fr.; Morgan Garcia, Hallsville, Soph.

Third basemen – Joslynn Cooper, Mt. Belvieu Barbers Hill, Jr.; Avery Welch, Fort Worth Brewer, Soph.; Mykaela Samuels, Amarillo, Jr.; Sydney Woods, Texarkana Texas High, Sr.; Ava Ellis, Burleson Centennial, Jr.

Shortstops – Izzy Lawrence, Mt. Belvieu Barbers Hill, Jr.; Addison Maye, Corpus Christi Flour Bluff, Jr.; Hope Lillie Gaudio, Mansfield Legacy, Jr.; Analicia Diaz, Lake Belton, Soph.; Analee Becerra, Whitehouse, Jr.

Outfielders – Isabell Magana, Lake Belton, Sr.; Kenzie O’Brien, Corpus Christi Flour Bluff, Jr.; Piper Moeller, Smithson Valley, Soph.; Riley Ohlsen, Whitehouse, Jr.; Ashlyn Woydziak, Pflugerville Weiss, Soph.; Savi Barientos, Mt. Belvieu Barbers Hill, Jr.; Miranda Orso, Montgomery Lake Creek, Sr.; Sidney Gerlach, Corpus Christi Flour Bluff, Jr.; Sophi Fuentes, Mesquite Poteet, Jr.

DH/DP/Flex – Brynnly Pinkston, Leander Rouse, Soph.

Utility – Evelynn Swartzlander, Birdville, Jr.

CLASS 4A

FIRST TEAM

Pitchers – Brooklyn Brannen, Bullard, Sr.; Bayleigh Taylor, Liberty, Jr.; Avery Dunlap, Salado, Fr.

Catcher – Abby Lynch-Buxton, Aubrey, Jr.

First baseman – Braelyn Bailey, Corpus Christi Calallen, Sr.

Second baseman – Jaleah Williams, Carthage, Jr.

Third baseman – Lila Peters, Longview Spring Hill, Fr.

Shortstop – Kara Kram, Sealy, Sr.

Outfielders – Ella Burnett, Bellville, Sr.; Yaritza Vargas, Dumas, Jr.; Kylie Butcher, Corpus Christi Calallen, Jr.

DH/DP/Flex – Karter Swanson, Bullard, Soph.

Utility – Brooklyn Bagley, Carthage, Sr.

Coach of the year – Julie Murry, Bullard

Player of the year – (tie) Bayleigh Taylor, Liberty, Jr.; Brooklyn Brannen, Bullard, Sr.

SECOND TEAM

Pitchers – Jordyn Thibodeaux, Corpus Christi Calallen, Sr.; Allison Coleman, Brock, Soph.; Isabelle Lewis, Richland, Fr.

Catcher – Hagen Walker, Cooper Liberty, Sr.

First baseman – Samone Clark, Caldwell, Sr.

Second baseman – (tie) Sophie Robinett, Longview Spring Hill, Jr.; Justyce Malone, Richland, Fr.

Third baseman – Josey Cantu, Needville, Sr.

Shortstop – Kylee Bishop, Liberty, Sr.

Outfielders – Vida Fierro, Dumas, Sr.; Jade Barton, Sealy, Sr.; Peyton Dees, Longview Spring Hill, Soph.

DH/DP/Flex – Kendall Bradford, Sealy, Soph.

Utility – Ashton Eggleton, Eagle Mountain, Sr.

THIRD TEAM

Pitchers – Jessica Hinnant, Smithville, Soph.; Hannah Speed, Sulphur Springs, Jr.; Sam Riley, Richland, Sr.

Catcher – Audryna Almarez, Corpus Christi Calallen, Sr.

First baseman – Addi Woodall, Sulphur Springs, Fr.

Second baseman – Ava Wilson, Lindale, Fr.

Third baseman – Rylea Dent, Columbia, Soph.

Shortstop – Brooke Edevold, Huffman Hargave, Soph.

Outfielders – Karly Kram, Sealy, Sr.; Zoe Hawthorne, Eagle Mountain, Sr.; Kenzi Roberts, Bullard, Sr.

DH/DP/Flex – Marlee Vasquez, Andrews, Soph.

Utility – Callie Phillips, Marble Falls, Soph.

HONORABLE MENTION

Pitchers – Sarah Beall, Longview Spring Hill, Fr.; Kenlee Keith, Lindale, Soph.; Star Cortes, Dumas, Sr.; Jailey Potter, Van, Sr.; Devyn Somers, Venus, Jr.; Josie Stephens, Carthage, Fr.; Avery Dees, Needville, Soph.; Alivia Ramon, Sealy, Fr.

Catchers – Issabella Turner, Wolfforth Frenship Memorial, Soph.; Aaliyah Chairez, Dumas, Sr.; Paisley Keith, Lindale, Fr.; Callie Lancaster, Carthage, Soph.; Aubreigh Whiddon, Longview Spring Hill, Sr.

First basemen – Emma Watkins, Lindale, Jr.; Kaitlyn Weber, Salado, Jr.; Josie Gray, Longview Spring Hill, Sr.

Second basemen – Abbie Key, Liberty, Sr.; Sloan Booth, Brock, Fr.; Peyton Walker, Bullard, Fr.

Third basemen – Avery Grigar, Sealy, Sr.; Kynlee Harkins, Mineral Wells, Soph.; Aubrey Hassell, Rusk, Sr.

Shortstops – Addi Shields, Wills Point, Soph; Makynli Zemer, Lindale, Jr.; Addison Otto, Smithville, Sr.; Brylee Duckworth, Longview Spring Hill, Fr.

Outfielders – Laynie Marriot, Brock, Fr.; Mesha Johnson, Caldwell, Fr.; Emerson Swoape, Van, Sr.; Claire Thompson, Sulphur Springs, Jr.; Brilee Ford, Gatesville, Sr.; Addison Cooper, North Lamar, Sr.; Kristen Leal, Corpus Christi Calallen, Sr.; Kinley Brasier, Liberty, Soph.; Jayci Smith, Brock, Fr.; Mya Nelson, Carthage, Jr.

DH/DP/Flex – Emma Copeland, Longview Spring Hill, Soph.

Utility – Tatum Gibson, Canyon Randall, Jr.; Kylee Spray, Springtown, Sr.; Alani De Leon, Richland, Jr.; Olivia Parsons, Gatesville, Fr.

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CLASS 3A

FIRST TEAM

Pitchers – Callista Berrett, Iowa Park, Sr.; Abby Atkinson, Boyd, Jr.; Madi Doty, Grandview, Sr.

Catcher – (tie) K’Lee Bazan, Santa Gertrudis Academy, Sr.; Kysen Toney, Franklin, Sr.

First baseman – Gracie Jo Currey, Grand Saline, Sr.

Second baseman – Allie Cranek, Columbus, Jr.

Third baseman – Kyleigh Whatley, Anderson-Shiro, Jr.

Shortstop – Neci Potts, Arp, Sr.

Outfielders – Reese Madisen, Thrall, Fr.; Hailey Ortega, Santa Gertrudis Academy, Jr.; Addi Hart, Coahoma, Sr.

DH/DP/Flex – Natalie Mullins, Huntington, Sr.

Utility – KJ Hubbard, Grandview, Jr.

Player of the year – Madi Doty, Grandview, Sr.

Coach of the year – Thomas De Los Santos, Santa Gertrudis Academy

SECOND TEAM

Pitchers – Teal Kibodeaux, Orangefield, Soph.; Brynli Reynolds, Clyde, Fr.; D’Andra Fernandez, Santa Gertrudis Academy, Sr.

Catcher – Sutton McClain, Clyde, Sr.

First baseman – Stella Fincher, Hooks, Jr.

Second baseman – Elise Jordan, Wall, Fr.

Third baseman – Madison Lewis, Hooks, Sr.

Shortstop – Aubree Gamblin, Orangefield, Sr.

Outfielders – Tinsley Aldredge, Gladewater, Fr.; Hallee Becker, Orangefield, Sr.; Mahayla McMahon, Mineola, Sr.

DH/DP/Flex – Texcee Kelley, Hughes Springs, Jr.

Utility – Brooklyn Wesley, Nacogdoches Central Heights, Soph.

THIRD TEAM

Pitchers – Lexi Ruiz, Santa Gertrudis Academy, Sr.; Kinley Fife, Warren, Sr.; Madee Williams, Wall, Sr.

Catcher – Melanie Martens, Muleshoe, Soph.

First Baseman – Dylynn Villanueva, Muleshoe, Fr.

Second baseman – Kyra Yates, Rogers, Sr.

Third baseman – Selah Salmons, Peaster, Soph.

Shortstop – Leilani Tagudin, Anderson-Shiro, Jr.

Outfielders – Kate Roberson, Peaster, Jr.; Madi Fugate, Grand Saline, Soph.; Emma Fisher, White Oak, Soph.

DH/DP/Flex – Kayley Bloedorn, Rogers, Sr.

Utility – Taylor Thompson, Edgewood, Soph.

HONORABLE MENTION

Pitchers – Maddlynn Longoria, Canadian, Soph.; Ally White, Anderson-Shiro, Sr.; Taylor Akin, Lexington, Jr.; Natalie Escobedo, Santa Gertrudis Academy, Sr.; Ava Collins, Vanderbilt Industrial, Fr.; McKennah Davis, Grand Saline, Jr.; Alabama Anding, Malakoff, Sr.; Addysyn Billings, Hughes Springs, Jr.; Lacy Fletcher, Arp, Sr.; Emma White, White Oak, Sr.; Addy Young, White Oak, Jr.

Catchers – Mia Clemmer, Coahoma, Sr.; Kylie Caraway, White Oak, Jr.; Tessa Dannelley, Hughes Springs, Jr.; Taryn Reece, New Diana, Sr.

First basemen – Bree Lewis, Coahoma, Sr.; Fantasi Smith, Hughes Springs, Sr.; Melody Holt, Peaster, Sr.

Second basemen – Maddie Hart, White Oak, Fr.; Brenna Tillerson, Warren, Soph.

Third basemen – Kamryn Curry, Groesbeck, Jr.; Laila Agerton, Orangefield, Soph.; Kinsley Bardwell, Malakoff, Fr.; Kody Hawkins, Alpine, Sr.

Shortstops – Blakely Rodgers, Coahoma, Soph.; Ariela Gutierrez, Rogers, Sr.; Abby Wiley, Peaster, Sr.

Outfielders – Kensley Wolf, Lexington, Fr.; Emory Inman, Jacksboro, Soph.; Emilee Denz, Kirbyville, Sr.; Shyanne Floyd, Wall, Jr.; Kaidence Mason, Daingerfield, Jr.

Utility – Brooke Reaves, Jacksboro, Sr.; Payton Allred, Clyde, Sr.; Addi Valle, New Diana, Jr.; Journie Wilson, Mineola, Jr.; Chloe Green, New Diana, Sr.

CLASS 2A

FIRST TEAM

Pitchers – Saylor Bures, Ganado, Soph.; Sidney Castillo, Woodsboro, Sr.; Emily Grandgeorge, Beckville, Sr.

Catcher – Kalyn Benavides, Ganado, Jr.

First baseman – Kyla Stancik, Ganado, Sr.

Second baseman – Paige Fritsch, Burton, Sr.

Third baseman – Taelynn Tatsch, Harper, Sr.

Shortstop – Gabby Finney, Honey Grove, Sr.

Outfielders – Laci Holt, Ganado, Jr.; Teely Salazar, Martin’s Mill, Soph.; Allie Smith, Bosqueville, Jr.

DH/DP/Flex – Graci Adair, Como-Pickton, Sr.

Utility – Blake Edwards, Tom Bean, Fr.

Player of the year – Kalyn Benavides, Ganado, Jr.

Coach of the year – James Harp, Ganado

SECOND TEAM

Pitchers – Addison Porter, Tom Bean, Fr.; Lauren Springfield, Shiner, Sr.; Destiny Garza, Sundown, Sr.

Catcher – Kaygen Lewis, Woodsboro, Jr.

First baseman – Emaleigh Davis, Johnson City LBJ, Jr.

Second baseman – Nolan Harris, Normangee, Sr.

Third baseman – Raelynn Peña, Ganado, Jr.

Shortstop – Kaylie Jenkins, Corsicana Mildred, Jr.

Outfielders – Jalee Trussell, Flatonia, Jr.; Camry Jourden, Sundown, Sr.; Amaya Williams, Burton, Sr.

DH/DP/Flex – Kloe Polasek, Shiner, Sr.

Utility – Kylie Hielckert, Lindsay, Sr.

THIRD TEAM

Pitchers – Jaylee Lowe, Hawley, Sr.; Hannah Rogers, Beckville, Soph.; Landry Wilie, Bosqueville, Sr.

Catcher: Brynly Gregory, Sundown, Sr.

First baseman – Brynlee Berend, Muenster, Sr.

Second baseman – (tie) Kennedy Guardiola, Riesel, Sr.; Nayleen Morin, Sundown, Sr.; Olivia Ramirez, Italy, Sr.

Third baseman – Kodi Rhodes, Crawford, Soph.

Shortstops – Addy Siegel, Shiner, Sr.

Outfielders – Jenna Gould, Frankston, Sr.; Kyleigh House, Frankston, Fr.; Saylor Smith, Como-Pickton, Sr.

DH/DP/Flex – Kaylie Webb, Frankston, Sr.

Utility – Jaycee Cruz, Thorndale, Soph.

HONORABLE MENTION

Pitchers – Abi Kayte Roberts, Groveton, Jr.; Kaitlin Lucas, Amarillo Highland Park, Soph.; Riley Taylor, Woden, Soph.; Aubrey Corpus, Cisco, Sr.; Breigh Gregory, Sundown, Sr.; Harper Day, Elysian Fields, Fr.; Makayla Gresham, Alvord, Sr.; Skyler Green, Muenster, Sr.; Kelsey Vaught, Overton, Jr.

Catchers – Lily Johnson, Muenster, Soph.; Collins Metzig, Frankston, Fr.; Chloe Clark, Johnson City LBJ, Jr.; Morgan Nickell, Celeste, Sr.; Anna Perkins, Overton, Sr.

First basemen – Raizel Chaparro, Riesel, Sr.; Mia Obenhaus, Colorado City, Jr.; Maddie Martinez, Woodsboro, Jr.; Araceli Ibarra, Sundown, Sr.

Second basemen – Landrie Dennard, Beckville, Soph.; Kinley Howie, Frankston, Sr.; Kooper Welch, Woden, Fr.; Rilee Lyons, Danbury, Sr.

Third basemen – Deja Torres, Bosqueville, Sr.; Za’Kayla Smith, Abernathy, Fr.; Skielar Castillo, Winnsboro, Fr.; Kalee Cameron, Beckville, Soph.

Shortstops – Addison Young, Bremond, Sr.; Lexie Rainey, Como-Pickton, Jr.; Lily Bailey, Hawley, Sr.; Emry Jourden, Sundown, Sr.; Carly Collins, Bosqueville, Soph.; Kirsten Commander, Elysian Fields, Sr.; Annabelle Green, Harleton, Sr.; Avery Woodley, Waskom, Soph.

Outfielders – Caleigh Chase, Alvord, Jr.; Paisley Watkins, Como-Pickton, Sr.; Madison Owens, Elysian Fields, Jr.; Chayse Wernli, Woodsboro, Sr.; Ava McGlasson, Sundown, Soph.; Hailey Radicke, Shiner, Sr.; Jaelyn Dominguez, Sundown, Soph.; Riley Fluitt, Shiner, Soph.; Taelynn Oden, Colorado City, Sr.

DH/DP/Flex – KK Lloyd, Colorado City, Jr.; Aubrey Malcuit, Cisco, Jr.

Utility – Malayya Dodson, Thorndale, Jr.; Bryleigh Nelson, Overton, Soph.

CLASS 1A

FIRST TEAM

Pitchers – Landree Deats, Jonesboro, Fr.; Paige Powell, Brookeland, Jr.; Kenzie McLean, Cross Plains, Fr.

Catcher – Ally Thorman, Jonesboro, Jr.

First baseman – Anslee Buchanan, Borden County, Jr.

Second baseman – Adalyna Andrade, Jonesboro, Jr.

Third baseman – Kooper Hiracheta, Hermleigh, Fr.

Shortstop – Kynlee Ovalle, Petersburg, Jr.

Outfielders – Adisyn Guerra, Vernon Northside, Jr.; Landri McFarlin, Jonesboro, Soph.; Lynlee Deats, Jonesboro, Jr.

DH/DP/Flex – (tie) Evie Stansell, Borden County, Jr.; Adison Lopez, Jonesboro, Soph.

Coach of the year – James Turner, Jonesboro

Player of the year – Kylnee Ovalle, Petersburg, Jr.

SECOND TEAM

Pitchers – Ambrey Myers, Munday, Sr.; Audrey Arie, Ector, Jr.; Emerie Lindsey, Borden County, Fr.

Catcher – Olivia Longoria, Medina, Fr.

First baseman – Landry Barron, Cross Plains, Soph.

Second baseman – Serenidy Sanchez, Munday, Jr.

Third baseman – Kimber Cone, Borden County, Fr.

Shortstop – Syreah Callaway, Hermleigh, Sr.

Outfielders – Taytum White, Borden County, Soph.; Amrie Loftin, Munday, Sr.; Paisley Anderson, Hermleigh, Fr.

THIRD TEAM

Pitchers – Jimena Bustamanta, Vernon Northside, Jr.; Macy Flatt, Eula, Sr.; Natalie Lopez, Petersburg, Soph.

Catcher – Elisabeth Lundquist, Brookeland, Jr.

First baseman – Dejah Richardson, Hermleigh, Jr.

Second baseman – Ezariah Nava, Petersburg, Sr.

Third baseman – Kylee Gould, Jonesboro, Jr.

Shortstop – Caylee Morgan, Brookeland, Jr.

Outfielders – Cheyenne Beaty, Ector, Sr.; Carsyn Kattner, Petersburg, Fr.; Gracelynn Lopez, Brookeland, Soph.

HONORABLE MENTION

Pitcher – Kelsey Hewett, Dodd City, Sr.

Catchers – J’Lynn Munoz, Hermleigh, Soph.; Kaylor Gomez, Vernon Northside, Soph.

First baseman – Olivia Myers, Munday, Jr.

Third baseman – Nayeli Nunez, Munday, Soph.

Shortstops – Tatum Runge, Borden County, Jr.; Zaylie Tanner, Jonesboro, Fr.; Alana Mackey, Ector, Jr.

Outfielders – Ella Laymance, Ector, Soph.; Gracyn Shindler, Dodd City, Soph.; McKenleigh Benitez, Hermleigh, Sr.; Ryli Bryson, Jonesboro, Jr.

This article originally appeared on Abilene Reporter-News: Dozens of Big Country softball stars receive TSWA All-State honors

Ruston High safety Jayden Anding recently verbally committed to sign with LSU football prior to the completion of his senior season this fall.

Anding is the second member of the Bearcats’ 2027 class to cite LSU as a future destination, joining tight end Ahmad Hudson in coach Lane Kiffin’s fold. The senior recently told the USA TODAY Network why he chose the Tigers over runner-up Ole Miss.

“A lot went into my decision, but at the end of the day, LSU just felt like home,” Anding said. “The relationships I built with the coaches were a big part of it. They believed in me from the beginning and showed me how I’d fit into their program.”

The 5-foot-11, 175-pound Anding was a key defender in Ruston’s drive to the LHSAA Non-Select Division I state championship game last fall. The 4-star recruit recorded 49 tackles, three pass breakups, recovered a fumble and picked off three passes returning two for TDs as a junior. He holds offers from a wealth of schools including Oklahoma, Miami, Arkansas and Mississippi State.

TOP COACH: David Franklin's 'my boss, my mentor and my friend whom I love dearly'

TOP ATHLETE: Here’s why Ruston’s Ahmad Hudson is Times’ Male Athlete of the Year

“Being able to play in Death Valley, compete in the SEC and stay close to home also meant a lot to me,” Anding said. “I feel like LSU gives me the best opportunity to grow as a player, as a student and as a person. So, it was the right place for me.”

Anding said his summer plans outside of football are not a big deal.

“I’ll be chilling most of the time,” he said. “I don’t really go anywhere — too busy.”

Jimmy Watson covers Louisiana sports for the USA TODAY Network. Email him at jwatson@shreveporttimes.com and follow him on Twitter @JimmyWatson6.

This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Here’s why Ruston defender Jayden Anding chose LSU football

Who is the best Southwest Florida volleyball player of the past 25 seasons?

Let the debate begin.

The News-Press and Naples Daily News selected 25 players for this illustrious list. To be eligible, a player had to be on a Southwest Florida team for at least one season between 2001-02 and 2025-26. Consideration was given not only to how they performed at the high school level but also to their college resumes.

Now's your chance to determine which one of these standouts is the best.

Vote below or click HERE to vote for the best Southwest Florida volleyball player of the past 25 years. Polls will close at 10 a.m. on July 21, 2026.

Marge Chatt never grappled over what coaching youth wrestlers meant to her husband.

“For what he did (to help) those children, if I would have come in between them there would not have been a Marge and Skip (Chatt),” she said. “He would have chosen wrestling.”

Clint and Kristie Chatt chuckled about their mother’s comment. They also were keen on the impact and influence their father had within the Erie area’s wrestling scene.

Chatt’s family was at Cathedral Prep’s Hagerty Family Events Center on June 25 to receive the 2026 Northwest Pennsylvania High School Sports Awards’ lifetime achievement plaque on behalf of Floyd “Skip” Chatt, who died March 31 at age 72.

More: Erie wrestling community mourns death of longtime youth coach Chatt

'Blessed to meet him'

Carter Starocci is the most notable of Skip Pratt's protégés. The 2019 Cathedral Prep graduate was a two-time PIAA Class 3A gold medalist when he arrived at Penn State University and a record-setting, five-time NCAA Division I champion when he left the program.

Chris Starocci, Carter Starocci's father, was more than glad to present the award to Marge Chatt.

“When you watched him coach those kids — especially my kid — for around 20 years of my life, I’m just very blessed I had the opportunity to meet him,” Chris Starocci said. “The man had a knack for so many things. An excellent husband. An excellent father. An excellent friend.

“I never saw someone who was able to touch so many lives.”

Starocci, along with fellow Prep graduates Paniro Johnson and Dorian Crosby, were other notable wrestlers who learned the sport through the club Skip Chatt oversaw for more than 35 years.

More than 50 of his students were Pennsylvania Junior Wrestling gold medalists over that span.

“Skip truly loved every single moment that he spent (working) with those boys,” Marge Chatt said, “and I know he would have been truly honored to have received this award.”

Contact Mike Copper at mcopper@timesnews.com. Follow him on X @ETNcopper.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Skip Chatt named Northwest Pennsylvania High School Sports Awards lifetime achievement recipient

Ryan Blassingame, who coached boys basketball in a pinch in 2024 at Tolleson High School, died suddenly on Sunday, July 12. He was 44.

Rico Blassingame, one of Ryan's two sons, was a four-star 2026 recruit at Tolleson, where he caught 65 passes for 1,001 yards and 14 touchdowns during a 6-4 senior season.

For the past five years, Ryan Blassingame was a pillar in the community, very supportive of Tolleson football coach Rich Wellbrock, who resigned at the end of last season.

"You wouldn't think anybody would joke, but when the first phone call came in, I was like, 'OK, there's no way,'" Wellbrock said. "I rushed to the hospital, thinking somebody has jumped the gun. There's no way. He's 44 years old.

"Nope. He had passed."

Wellbrock said he doesn't know the cause of death, adding the family is reeling over the sudden, unexpected passing.

Blassingame was expected to help coach basketball this year at Buckeye Verrado, Wellbrock said.

Ryan Blassingame filled in to lead Tolleson's boys basketball team in 2024 when the Wolverines needed a replacement just before the season began. Rico, a junior then, hit the game-winning shot for Ryan's first win that year.

The Blassingame family supported Wellbrock's Tolleson football program after they moved from Seattle to the West Valley in July 2022. Rico Blassingame was a star wide receiver for Wellbrock beginning with his freshman year in 2022.

Bev Blassingame, Ryan's wife, ran the football booster club the past two years, Wellbrock said. She also helped coach with her husband during the 2024-25 basketball season at Tolleson.

Rico Blassingame signed to play football at the University of Minnesota. The older brother, Tre, plays basketball at William & Mary. The Blassingames also have a daughter, Tooda, who is in middle school.

Wellbrock said he spoke to Ryan Blassingame over the phone for 45 minutes a week ago.

"It's a massive shock," Wellbrock said. "His ripple effect will last for years and years. He was wanting the best for his kids and other people's kids, too. He spoke to other fathers with elite recruits, offering advice. Just trying to help his kid, too, getting workouts. Rico worked out with the who's who of people that were here.

"Ryan was so easy to talk to. He could walk in a room and make four friends before you even got a chance to introduce yourself."

A GoFundMe page was started to raise money to offset funeral expenses. There was $24,640 raised as of late afternoon on July 14.

Funeral services have not been announced.

Richard Obert has been covering high school sports since the 1980s for The Arizona Republic. Catch the best high school sports coverage in the state. Sign up for Azcentral Preps Now. And be sure to subscribe to our daily sports newsletters so you don't miss a thing. To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Obert at richard.obert@arizonarepublic.com or 602-316-8827. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @azc_obert

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: High school basketball coach Ryan Blassingame dead at 44

Gulf Breeze boys lacrosse has found its next head coach.

The school announced on July 14 that assistant head coach Spencer Pickrell has been promoted to head coach and will lead the program this spring.

"Spencer has demonstrated everything we look for in the leader of one of our athletic programs," Gulf Breeze athletic director Matt Alt wrote in a press release. "He is an exceptional teacher of the game, a proven developer of young men, and someone who leads with integrity, discipline, and humility. His commitment to Gulf Breeze Lacrosse, combined with his distinguished military service and passion for mentoring student-athletes, makes him the ideal person to lead our program into the future."

Pickrell coached under head coach Erik Liberatore last season, helping lead the Dolphins to a 12-8 record, the program's first ever regional final appearance and their third straight district title. Liberatore accepted a new job outside of last month and left the program after one season as head coach.

He's served the past three seasons as a varsity assistant coach, while his son Landon has played on the varsity lacrosse team. He also founded Blackwater Lacrosse in 2023, a local club organization that's quickly become one of the best in the panhandle, and has served as a Gulf Breeze area youth coach.

Pickrell played in high school at Watkins Mill in Gaithersburg, Maryland, one of the top lacrosse states in the country. There he was a four-year varsity starter and three-time captain. He went on to serve in the United States Marine Corps from 2003-08 and the Texas Air National Guard from 2008-13.

Pickrell will take over a program that graduates 12 seniors and loses five all-area players. However, the Dolphins will return three all-area players, led by Pickrell's son Landon, who recorded 63 goals and 18 assists during his junior season.

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Spencer Pickrell named new Gulf Breeze lacrosse coach

Hudson High School football has a long history of sending offensive lineman to Mid-American Conference schools

Add another big Explorer to that pipeline.

Otto Grill announced on social media he is committing to Ohio University. His commitment came after an offer from Ohio on June 19.

Grill had college offers from numerous levels, including the MAC and the Ivy League. He chose Ohio over the likes of Kent State, Yale, Air Force and Dartmouth among others.

Watch Ohio High School Football Live on NFHS Network all year

1000% COMMITTED 🟢⚪️🟢⚪️😼
@OhioFootball@Crook_Ohio@OLCoachPahl@CoachJohnHauser@CoachIzzy1@OwenH_FB@ShaunCookFB@CoachObly@RollHudFootball@Coach_Gough@CoachChad_T3@T3Performance1@DaleRodick@coach___liv@GidaSings70@J_Brandy1
@AllenTrieu@Bryan_Aultpic.twitter.com/y1HOJPvqjs

— Otto Grill (27 OL, 6’ 7’ 285lb) (@otto_grill) June 19, 2026

Grill already has the body of a MAC lineman, as he is listed at 6-foot-7 and 275 pounds.

Grill was part of an offensive line that helped Hudson average 299.8 yards per game last season, including 155.7 yards on the ground. The Explorers went 10-3 a year ago, winning two playoff games. He played played baseball, too, at Hudson this past spring.

Michael Leonard can be reached at mleonard@recordpub.com.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Hudson football's Otto Grill commits to Ohio University

The 2025-26 high school season is complete, which means it’s time to vote for some of the top players and teams from the area this past year before the 2026-27 season arrives.

This week is boys team of the year.

You can vote for the Cellcom Press-Gazette high school boys team of the year until 3 p.m. Saturday, July 18. You don't have to be a subscriber to vote.

Here are the nominees. Be sure to vote in the poll below.

De Pere basketball

The Redbirds went 25-4, won the Fox River Classic Conference title for the fifth straight season and earned a trip to the WIAA Division 1 state tournament for the first time since winning a championship in 2023.

De Pere had the FRCC coach of the year in Brian Winchester and the player of the year in Will Krueger.  

De Pere/West De Pere hockey

Went 21-5-1 and made the state tournament for the first time in program history.

The Voyageurs outscored their three opponents a combined 14-5 in three tournament games leading up to state, including a 4-2 upset over No. 1 seed Neenah.

Green Bay Notre Dame football

The Tritons’ bid for back-to-back undefeated seasons ended with a loss to West De Pere in the D2 state title game after they were elevated from D3 before the season.

Notre Dame won the FRCC-South title for the third straight year while outscoring opponents 321-56.

It had the offensive player of the year (Kingston Allen), offensive lineman of the year (Richie Flanigan), co-offensive back of the year (Allen), defensive back of the year (Alex Ciak), defensive lineman of the year (Flanigan) and coach of the year (Mike Rader).

Seymour basketball

Earned a trip to state for the 14th time in program history and the first since 2011. It also won its first state game in 20 years.

The Thunder reached the D3 title game and finished the season with a school-record 28 wins.

It won the Bay Conference championship with a perfect 16-0 record and had both the league’s player of the year in Kyler Marks and defensive player of the year in Xavier Salzman.

West De Pere football

It was a perfect season for the Phantoms, who went 14-0 and beat Notre Dame 28-14 in the D2 state title game.

It was the third championship in program history and the first since winning back-to-back D3 titles in 2010 and 2011.

South Dakota commit Patrick Greisen threw for 304 yards and two touchdowns, becoming the first player in state title history in either of the top two divisions to throw for more than 300 in the championship game.

Wide receiver and fellow South Dakota commit Judeah Kniskern had seven receptions for 164 yards and a score. It set the D2 state title game record for receiving yards, breaking the 147 that Kettle Moraine’s Drew Wagner had in 2022.

This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Vote for Cellcom Press-Gazette high school boys team of the year

Right-handed pitchers Trent Lutz of Souderton and Pennridge’s Oliver Olson will be taking part in USA Baseball developmental baseball camps this summer.

Lutz is one of 88 players invited to phase 1 of the 2026 18U National Team Training Camp, which is set for July 16-20 at the National Training Complex in Cary, N.C. The roster for will be trimmed to 44 for phase 2 from August 23-26 and then a final 20 that will compete in the World Baseball Softball Confederation U-18 Pan American Championship from October 22-29 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

Lutz, 17, went 5-1 with 75 strikeouts, 14 walks and 26 hits allowed in 42⅓ innings with a 2.15 ERA for the Big Red this spring. A Wake Forest commit, Lutz tossed a no-hitter with 13 strikeouts, one walk in a shutout win over SOL Colonial rival Central Bucks West and blanked Pennridge on two hits with 16 strikeouts and one walk. A 6-5, 180-pound rising senior, Lutz earned first-team All-Courier Times/Intelligencer honors and batted .314.

Olson, 16, will participate in the 16U/17U National Team Training Camp from July 27-30 in Cary, N.C., featuring one day of skill development and testing, followed by three days of intrasquad scrimmages.

A 6-5 200-pound rising sophomore, Olson was 7-0 with a 1.15 ERA in 2026 to help the Rams reach the PIAA Class 6A state playoffs. He struck out 49 in 42⅓ innings, allowing 23 hits and earning second-team All-SOL Colonial honors. He fanned eight over six innings and gave up one hit in a 5-1 victory against SOL divisional foe CB West.

Twenty Team USA alumni were picked in the first round of the 2026 MLB Draft.

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Souderton's Lutz, Pennridge's Olson participating in USA Baseball camp

The 2025-26 high school school year is in the books.

It's time to look back at the top performances from local teams that performed at the highest levels.

Supporters of the schools — Arogsy, Atlantis Charter, Joseph Case, Diman, Durfee, Somerset Berkley and Westport — and student-athletes can visit heraldnews.com to vote for the person of their choosing.

Voting will conclude July 25 with the winner announced here and X (formerly known as Twitter). Vote early and often.

Here are the nominees for The Herald News High School Boys Team of the Year. 

Watch MA high school sports on NFHS

YOU CAN VOTE HERE

Westport boys soccer

The Westport boys team captured another Mayflower Athletic Conference Comprehensive title, finished with an undefeated regular season and landed its third Final Four appearance in five seasons. The Wildcats (19-1-2) came up short in the Division 4 Final Four game against Bromfield.

MIAA: Westport boys soccer falls short in D4 state semifinal game against No. 2 Bromfield

Durfee football

Durfee dominated New Bedford, 36-0, in the 133rd Thanksgiving game. The win was the second straight for the Hilltoppers (5-6) in the holiday meeting and first shutout win against New Bedford since 2002.

TURKEY DAY: Durfee football dominates New Bedford in the 133rd Thanksgiving game

Joseph Case football

The Joseph Case football team competed in their first postseason game since 2019. The Cardinals lost to No. 1 Norwell, 30-0, in the Division 6 Round of 16 game.

PLAYOFFS: Case football's first playoff appearance since 2019 comes up short against No. 1 Norwell

Diman hockey

The historic Blizzard of 2026 derailed the Diman ice hockey team postseason run. Despite the week-long delay and no practices, the No. 25 Bengals put up a gallant, overtime battle with No. 8 Marlboro (a 6-5 loss) in the Division 3 Round of 32 contest.

More: Diman co-op hockey drops heartbreaker to Marlborough in D3 playoffs

Argosy basketball

The Navigators punched their first-ever MIAA playoff berth and even won a playoff game. Argosy was led by its first-ever 1,000-point scorer Eric Coward, who had multiple games with 40 or more points per game.

Joseph Case track

It was a season to remember for the Cardinals spring track and field team. Case won back-to-back South Coast Conference titles in 2026 and concluded a successful 4-1 season at the Meet of Champions

More: Joseph Case track teams set school records at Meet of Champions

Herald News and Taunton Gazette sports editor Steven Sanchez can be reached at ssanchez@heraldnews.com. You can follow him on X (formerly Twitter) @Chezsports and TikTok @ssanchezsports

This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Vote for the 2025-26 Herald News Boys Sports Team of the Year

LYNN HAVEN, Fla. — The next generation of football players took the field Saturday as Mosley High School hosted a free speed and agility camp, giving young athletes an opportunity to develop their skills while learning from Dolphins players and coaches.

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The camp, organized by Jordan Whitely, who oversees Mosley's strength and conditioning program and runs Athletic HQ, featured drills focused on speed, agility, footwork and combine-style testing. Members of the Mosley varsity football team volunteered throughout the morning, leading stations and mentoring the campers.

Mosley head coach Tommy Joe Whiddon said the event reflects the program's commitment to serving the community.

"Jordan Whitely, who does our strength and conditioning and runs Athletic HQ, came to me and said, 'Coach, I run my little business on the side. Do you have any issue with me running the camp this year?'," Whiddon said. "Jordan's doing a great job running the camp. He's got our players out here helping run all the different drills, creating relationships with the kids."

While football fundamentals were part of the camp, Whiddon said the emphasis extended beyond the game itself.

"One thing we're trying to explain to these kids, especially those who have aspirations to play at the next level, is the developmental piece of this," Whiddon said. "Obviously football is paramount, but if you truly want to be a real player, especially at the high school level and beyond, you've got to be working on the drills and things that are going to make you better."

Campers rotated through 40-yard dash drills, agility stations and other exercises commonly seen at football combines.

"We're bringing those things to their attention because, at this young age, I don't think most kids are aware of that," Whiddon said. "We're putting it on the minds of them and their parents that, as they go through this journey, this part is just as important as the X's and O's and making plays on the field."

Whiddon said he likes what he has seen from his varsity squad throughout the summer. The Dolphins recently tested themselves against some of the nation's top programs at an invitation-only 7-on-7 tournament in Hoover, Alabama.

"We played teams from Louisiana, Ohio, Georgia, Tennessee and Alabama, and we competed," Whiddon said. "We made it to the Final Four."

Mosley was eliminated by nationally ranked Thompson.

"We lost to Thompson in a one-possession game," Whiddon said. "They're No. 11 in the country right now. We were the only team there that gave them a competitive game. They beat the brakes off everybody else."

The experience, Whiddon said, reinforced his belief that the Dolphins can compete with anyone if they continue to embrace the program's mentality.

"I think that gives us a lot of confidence about the potential this football team has," Whiddon said. "If we compete and play hard, you've always got a chance. That's our message to the kids."

Adebanji Bamidele is a sports reporter for the Panama City News Herald. He can be reached at abamidele@gannett.com or through X, formerly known as Twitter, @AdebanjiBamide1.

This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Mosley hosts free youth football speed and agility camp

The week of July 5-11 saw postseason play go into full swing for high school baseball teams from the Ames area.

Roland-Story, the No. 2 team in Class 2A, pounded Greene County (8-0) and Ogden (20-4) to claim the 2A District 4 championship and advance onto the substate finals. Gilbert crushed Webster City (10-0) and Ballard demolished Perry (11-1) in 3A substate quarterfinal competition.

Ames ended its season with a 6-4 loss to Mason City in the 4A Substate 2 quarterfinals on July 10 at Mason City. Nevada fell to Waverly-Shell Rock, 5-2, in the 3A Substate 2 quarterfinals. 

In 1A District 4 competition, both Collins-Maxwell and Colo-NESCO came up short on July 6. Collins-Maxwell suffered a 5-2 loss to Madrid at Alleman and Colo-NESCO was dealt a 10-0 loss by AGWSR at Fort Dodge.

There were several outstanding individual performances from area baseball players during district and substate competition.

Here are the Ames Tribune male Athlete of the Week nominees for the week of July 5-11. AmesTrib.com readers vote to determine the winner, who will be announced at the end of the week.

Cullen Smith, Ames

Smith helped keep the Ames baseball team in the game against Mason City during the Little Cyclones' 6-4 loss to the Riverhawks in the 4A Substate 2 quarterfinals on July 10 at Mason City.

Smith doubled once, had one sacrifice hit and totaled three RBIs for Ames. He also made one putout in his only fielding opportunity in center field.

Cael Faber, Roland-Story

Faber threw a perfect game for the No. 2 Roland-Story baseball team during its 8-0 victory over Greene County in the Class 2A District 4 semifinals on July 7 at Norsemen Field in Story City.

Faber retired all 15 batters he faced, and he recorded seven strikeouts along the way. Faber also walked twice and drove in one run on offense.

Bryce Miller, Ballard

Miller had a strong all-around outing for the Ballard baseball team during its 11-1 Class 3A Substate 7 quarterfinal win over Perry on July 10 at Slater.

Miller was 3-for-4 with a triple and two runs on offense. He threw two perfect innings with four strikeouts as the winning pitcher for the Bombers.

Blake Bell, Gilbert

Bell had an outstanding game for the Gilbert baseball team during its 10-0 victory over Webster City in the 3A Substate 2 quarterfinals on July 10 at Gilbert.

The Tiger catcher was 2-for-3 at the plate with four RBIs. He also threw out one base runner, and he went without an error in the field.

Kole Beving, Nevada

Beving was a terror on the basepaths for the Nevada baseball team during a 6-5 regular season win over Marshalltown on July 6 at Marshalltown.

Beving swiped five bases for the Cubs during the victory. He went 1-for-3 at the plate with two runs and threw four innings on the mound, giving up one earned run on three hits with seven strikeouts and three walks.

Joe Randleman covers high school sports for the Ames Tribune. Contact him at jrandleman@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JoeRandleman

This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Vote for Ames Tribune male Athlete of the Week for July 5-11

The week of July 5-11 saw regional softball competition kick into high gear for teams from the Ames area.

Roland-Story, the No. 12 team in Class 3A, advanced to the 3A Region 1 championship game with wins over Iowa Falls-Alden (2-0) and Pella Christian (13-1). Ames saw its season come to a close with an 8-0 setback against No. 10 Des Moines Roosevelt in the 5A Region 3 semifinals on July 11 in Des Moines.

Gilbert defeated Nevada in the 4A Region 2 quarterfinals, 2-1, before dropping an 11-9 slugfest to Newton in the semifinals. Ballard also reached the 4A Region 2 semifinals, earning a 6-1 win over Webster City in the quarterfinals before suffering a 12-4 setback to No. 2 Carlisle in the semifinals.

Collins-Maxwell saw its season come to a close with an 11-5 loss to No. 3 St. Edmond in the 1A Region 3 semifinals. The Spartans defeated North Mahaska in the quarterfinals, 9-5, on July 8.

Colo-NESCO fell to North Mahaska by a 12-0 score in the 1A Region 3 first round on July 6.

There were several standout performances from area softball players during the week.

Here are the Ames Tribune female Athlete of the Week nominees for the week of July 5-11. AmesTrib.com readers vote to determine the winner, who will be announced at the end of the week.

Evelyn Carlson, Roland-Story

Carlson was phenomenal for the No. 12 Roland-Story softball team during its 2-0 quarterfinal win over Iowa Falls-Alden on July 9 in Roland and its 13-1 semifinal victory over Pella Christian on July 11 in Pella as part of Class 3A Region 1 competition.

Carlson belted a solo home run to help the Norse survive against IFA. She smacked two home runs and finished with three runs and six RBIs against Pella Christian.

Sammy Johnson, Gilbert

Johnson was the hero during Gilbert's 2-1 win over Nevada in eight innings during the 4A Region 2 softball quarterfinal game on July 9 at Gilbert.

Johnson had the game-winning RBI single in the bottom of the eighth inning. She also made two putouts with no errors in center field.

Hailey Craig, Ames

Craig was a bright spot in a losing effort for the Ames softball team during its 8-0 5A Region 3 semifinal setback against No. 10 Des Moines Roosevelt on July 11 in Des Moines.

Craig collected one of the Little Cyclones' two hits off Roosevelt ace Clara Page. She also provided steady play in right field.

Elsie Sorem, Nevada

Sorem threw a strong game in defeat for the Nevada softball team during its 2-1 4A Region 2 quarterfinal loss to Gilbert in eight innings on July 9 at Gilbert.

Sorem gave up two runs on eight hits with five strikeouts and one walk in seven innings.

Bristol Courter, Collins-Maxwell

Courter had a big night swinging the stick for the Collins-Maxwell softball team during its 9-5 victory over North Mahaska in the 1A Region 3 quarterfinals on July 8 in New Sharon.

Courter went 2-for-3 with a home run and three RBIs for the Spartans.

Joe Randleman covers high school sports for the Ames Tribune. Contact him at jrandleman@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JoeRandleman

This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Vote for Ames Tribune female Athlete of the Week for July 5-11

In celebration of the 250^th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence just across the river in Philadelphia, the Courier-Post sports staff has compiled a wide-ranging list of the top 250 South Jersey athletes of all time.

Our staff scoured the Courier-Post, Burlington County Times and Daily Journal archives, spoke to countless South Jersey athletic luminaries and argued endlessly on the final list of 250 names.

To be eligible for this list, an athlete must have attended a South Jersey high school, lived their formulative years in South Jersey or gained their notoriety from their connection to South Jersey.

In the coming weeks, we will present the names in reverse order until we get to No. 1.

USA 250 South Jersey Athletes of All Time links

201-250 | 151-200 | 101-150

51-100 | 26-50 | 1-25

This week, we bring you the athletes from 200-151:

200. Pete Kugler, Cherry Hill East

A tenacious defensive lineman won five championships in professional football, winning three Super Bowl titles with the San Francisco 49ers and two USFL titles with the Philadelphia/Baltimore Stars. Kugler played in 81 games over his eight-year career in his NFL career, which was all with the San Francisco 49ers. During his senior year at Cherry Hill East in 1976, his head coach Bo Wood called him the best lineman he ever coached. He was a standout lineman at Penn State and was drafted in the sixth round (147^th overall) by the 49ers in the 1981 NFL Draft.

199. Tracy Burkhardt, Washington Township

One of the top female athletes in South Jersey, Burkhart was a three-sport star with the Minutemaids. She starred at Kean University in softball, collecting 194 hits, including 42 doubles and 10 triples while stealing 52 bases and driving in 111 runs during her collegiate career. She was also a successful coach, leading the Minutemaids to 353 wins and three state titles on the softball diamond.

198. Turk McBride, Woodrow Wilson

A sack master at Woodrow Wilson where he set a program record with 13 sacks in his senior season and was a Parade All-American in 2002. McBride went on to play at Tennessee before becoming a second-round pick (54^th overall) by the Kansas City Chiefs. He would play 66 games (24 starts) in the NFL for Kansas City, Detroit and New Orleans, posting 9.5 sacks and 125 combined tackles.

197. Dezman Moses, Willingboro

 Keeping it in the Moses family, Lauren Moses’ brother, Dezman was a three-sport standout with the Chimeras. He was a difference maker on the gridiron where he was a star defensive end at Willingboro. Moses shifted to linebacker and put together a strong career at Tulane before signing with the Green Bay Packers in 2012. He would also play for four seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs.

196. Lauren Moses, Rancocas Valley

One of the cornerstones of the Red Devils’ girls’ basketball program, Moses played in four state championship games, earning two title. A premier player In the post, Moses tallied a program-record 1,823 career points for RV. She was the Courier-Post Player of the Year in 2013. Moses was also a 1,000-point scorer at the University of Virginia.

195. Sally Starr, Shawnee

No athlete has learned more varsity letters than this Starr as she compiled 24 of them during her standout careers at Shawnee and Ursinus. She competed in field hockey, basketball and softball with the Renegades, earning All-South Jersey status in the fall and spring sports. She earned a dozen more varsity letters in college, switching from softball to lacrosse as her spring sport. In field hockey, Starr helped lead Ursinus to three straight AIAW Division I finals. Starr was selected to the U.S. Field Hockey Team and participated in the 1978 and 1979 National Sports Festivals.  

194. Haason Reddick, Haddon Heights

A fracture femur ended his senior season at Haddon Heights High School prematurely, but after walking onto the team at Temple University, Reddick’s football career took off. He’s played nine years in the National Football League, including two seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles. He was the 13^th pick overall in the 2017 NFL Draft and a two-time Pro Bowl selection.

193. Charlie Pratt, Palmyra

A three-time All-American at Manhattan College, Pratt captured the NCAA title in the 220 low hurdles and finished second in the 120 high hurdles. He was a national AAU champion in the decathlon, winning the title in the first time he ever competed in the event. He participated in the 1956 United States Olympic Trials, placing fifth in the high hurdles.

192. Isabeau Levito, Mount Holly

The area’s latest Olympian, Levito competed in figure skating at the Milan Games last winter. She was the  2023 United States national champion and a three-time bronze medalist. She skated her way to the gold medal in the World Juniors in 2022.

191. Ed Smith, Pemberton

Hailing from one of the signature families from Pemberton, Smith played minor league baseball in four different organizations before embarking on a career in the National Football League. He played tight end for Atlanta, Detroit and Philadelphia. Smith turned down several scholarship offers to power college football teams and went to play baseball when the Chicago White Sox drafted him in the seventh round of the 1987 MLB Draft.

190. Allison Munch, Burlington Township

A two-sport star at Burlington Township, Munch put her athletic talent to the officiating world at a young age, becoming a youth softball umpire when she was just 16. She rose to the college ranks as an umpire, working four national championship games, including three behind the dish. She also became the NJSIAA softball rules interpreter.

189. Matt Emmons, Pemberton

Nobody hit the mark better than this rifle shooter. Emmons competed in four Olympic Games (2004, 2008, 2012, 2016), earning a gold medal in 2004 Athens. He also won a silver and bronze medal. At the 2018 World Championships, he won a silver medal. Emmons is the shooting coach for the Czech biathlon team.

188. Mike Racobaldo, Woodrow Wilson

A state champion in two sports, Racobaldo helped lead the Tigers to titles in baseball and basketball. The 1970 graduate won six varsity letters during his time at Woodrow Wilson. The Tigers won two state titles in baseball and was a two-time All-State selection at two different positions – pitcher and first base. He was drafted by Cincinnati in the 1970 MLB Draft, but went to the University of Houston on a basketball scholarship. He was inducted into the Camden County Sports Hall of Fame in 2017.

187. Antron Brown, Northern Burlington

A track star with the Greyhounds, Brown made his name on the speedway where he’s regarded as one of the top drag car racers in the nation. After a successful career on the NHRA’s Pro Stock Motorcycle circuit, he switched to Top Fuel dragsters where he was a four-time NHRA champion. Brown also competed in the U.S. Olympic Trials in 1997, competing in the 100-meter dash.

186. Chad Severs, Ocean City

The most prolific goal scorer in South Jersey high school history, the 2000 Ocean City High School graduate led the area in scoring three times and still holds the region’s record for career goals with 159. He helped lead Ocean City to two state championships before going to play at Penn State where he posted 38 goals and 90 points in his collegiate career.

185. Jersey Joe Walcott, Camden

“Jersey Joe” made a name for himself in the boxing ring where he fought professionally for 23 years and was one of the best heavyweights in the world during the decades of the 1940s and 1950s.  He was oldest heavyweight champion in history when he won at the age of 37. The Pennsauken/Merchantville native fought Joe Lewis for the heavyweight title in 1947, making Walcott the oldest boxer to fight for a title. He also fought Rocky Marciano at Philadelphia’s Municipal Stadium in 1952. Life after boxing saw Walcott get into referring and even professional wrestling before becoming Camden County Sheriff in 1971.

184. Gary Melchionni, Bishop Eustace

This talented guard led Bishop Eustace to an unbeaten season and state championship in 1969. He went on to play at Duke University where he was the first two-time captain for the Blue Devils and became one of the top backcourt players in the nation. Melchionni went on to play professionally with the two seasons with the Phoenix Suns.

183. Claudia McCarthy, Millville

One of the female pioneers in sports, McCarthy competed in field hockey, basketball, tennis and ran track at Millville before moving on to Trenton State College. She went on to become one of the most successful coaches in South Jersey history, including a 50-year career as the Thunderbolts’ field hockey coach where she won 610 games.

182. Emma Matera, Delran

One of the pioneers in girls’ wrestling in South Jersey, Matera is the first-and-only two-time state champion from the area. She was a four-time state place winner, finishing third and fourth in the state the other two seasons with the Bears. She went 64-6 in her scholastic career and is currently wrestling at Ursinus.

181. Ted Narleski, Collingswood

Armed with a fastball that allegedly reached close to triple digits, Narleski was a premier relief pitcher in Major League Baseball. He pitched six seasons in the majors, including five with the Cleveland Indians and was a two-time All-Star with the Tribe. Narleski was one of the top athletes to come out of Collingswood where he played baseball and football. He was named to the Courier-Post’s All-Century Classic Era Team (1939-1974).

180. Jamie Franks, Shawnee

A two-time All-State selection, Francks was the Garden State’s Player of the Year in 2004. He delivered 65 goals for the storied Shawnee program before becoming a key player with Wake Forest where he helped the Demon Deacons to a national championship in 2007.

179. Chris LaPierre, Shawnee

Regarded as one the best two-sport athletes in the region’s history, LaPierre was a star on the football field and lacrosse pitch. He scored a South Jersey-record 44 touchdowns in 2008 and was among the leaders with 519 career points. In lacrosse, he scored 199 career goals for the Renegades and the midfielder was selected as the Most Valuable Player of the Under-Armor All-America game before enjoying a stellar lacrosse career at the University of Virigina.

178. Laura Darling, Shawnee

A three-sport star with the Renegades, Darling earned nine varsity letters in high school and 10 more at Ursinus College. Darling was the South Jersey Field Hockey Player of the Year during her senior season at Shawnee. At Ursinus, she won the prestigious Linda McIntyre Award for excellence and dedication to women's sports. After her playing career, she became the director of the Garden State Games and director of Olympic Development while also serving as Assistant Executive Director of the USA Field Hockey Association.

177. Reggie Welch, Woodrow Wilson

One of the top athletes from the eastside of Camden, Welch deposited 2,938 career points for the Tigers, the most in South Jersey history at the time he graduated in 1992. Welch led Woodrow Wilson to two sectional crowns. He played collegiate basketball at Cleveland State (two years) and Coppin State (two years).

176. Lex Therien, Cherokee

One of the best to put on the Cherokee uniform, Therien was a key producer during the Chiefs’ girls basketball glory days. Therien scored 1,283 points as a four-year starter, guiding the team to a 92-10 record, which including three South Jersey Invitational Basketball Tournament titles, two sectional championships and a state title. She was the South Jersey Player of the Year in 2020 and was a two-time All-State selection. Therien went to have a standout career at Loyola where she scored a program-record 44 points in a game in 2024.

175. Byron Carmichael, Rancocas Valley

Carmichael scored a RV-record 35 goals en route to South Jersey player of the Year honors as a senior in 1998. He went on to become Marshall University’s all-time leading scorer with 58 goals and 128 points, earning MAC Player of the Year twice. He went on to play before professional soccer and played eight seasons with the Ocean City Barons/Nor’easters where he tallied 62 goals and 148 points in 102 games — all team records.

174. Stephen King, Shawnee

A two-time state champion and two-time South Jersey Player of the Year for the Courier-Post, King led the Renegades to a 99-5-3 mark over his scholastic career. He was the New Jersey Gatorade and NSCAA Player of the Year as a senior when he scored 24 goals and 21 assists. At Maryland, he started 93 games and scored 30 goals, helping to lead the Terrapins to the 2005 NCAA national championship. He went on to play four seasons in professional soccer, logging 77 games with Chicago, Seattle and D.C. United.

173. Drew Roskos, Delran

A two-time New Jersey Player of the Year and three-time United Coaches Association High School All-American, Roskos scored 84 times for Delran, including a school single-season record of 33 in 2021 along with 22 goals in 18 career playoff games. He is currently playing soccer at Bucknell. Roskos was also a standout wrestler, posting a 120-12 career record.

172. Bo Melton, Cedar Creek

A football, basketball and track star for the Pirates, Melton made his mark on the gridiron, Melton caught 51 passes for 766 yards and nine TDs as a senior, while adding 451 yards and seven more TDs as a rusher. Melton stayed in state, playing at Rutgers University, catching 164 passes for 2,011 yards in five seasons. Melton was the 229th pick int he 2022 NFL Draft by the Seahawks, but was later claimed off the practice squad by the Packers. In three seasons at Green Bay, Melton has 31 catches for 458 yards and four touchdowns, including two in the playoffs.

171. Lou Rowe, Atlantic City

One of the best players to ever lace up the sneakers at Atlantic City, Rowe averaged 26.2 points per game as a Vikings' senior and was named the New Jersey player of the year. Rowe continued his career at the University of Massachusetts, where he scored 1,249 career points and was named the 1995 Atlantic 10 player of the year. Rowe was the 30th pick of the 1995 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons. Rowe played one year each in Detroit and Golden State before concluding his professional career internationally and in the Continental Basketball Association.

170. Jenny Sell, Moorestown

Sell led her hometown Quakers to the 1987 NJSIAA Group 2 state championship. Sell helped establish Moorestown as one of the state's top tennis powers. Sell went on to a standout career at North Carolina State University, where she was set the Wolfpack record for career match wins. A two-time All-Atlantic Coast Conference selection, Sell was named to the ACC 50th Anniversary tennis team. Sell later was named conference coach of the year for the ACC, Big 12, CAA and ITA while coaching at NC State, UNC Wilmington and Kansas.

169. Mike Sell, Moorestown

Sell is a two-time NJSIAA state singles champion, having won in 1989 and 1991, but his tennis career did not top out in high school. A four-year All-American at the University of Georgia. Asa player, Sell topped out as the No. 136 player int he world in singles and No. 83 in doubles. Sell turned his sights to coaching, where he coached Monica Seles to the No. 1 ranking in the world. He added the assistant coaching title for the United States for 2012 London Olympic teams. He later coached eight seasons at Louisiana State University.

168. Joan Lewis, Moorestown

A Rancocas Valley Hall of Famer for her athletic accomplishments at the former Mount Holly High School, Lewis returned to South Jersey as head coach of the Moorestown field hockey team. In 26 seasons with the Quakers, Lewis won 13 state championships, which was then a state record. Lewis won 456 games in a career that spanned from 1979-2004. Lewis is sixth on South Jersey's coaching wins list, 16 for the state.

167. Bea Thomas, Moorestown

Of all the members of South Jersey's 250 greatest athletes, Thomas may ultimately hold the most impressive record. Thomas passed away in 2015 at the tender age of 102. A Philadelphia native, Thomas came to South Jersey after a three-sport career at Temple University. Thomas excelled as a coach first at Palmyra, then Moorestown. Her teams won 97 consecutive swim meets at Moorestown, where she won more than 250 meets in 27 seasons. In field hockey, she was named the 1998 US Olympic Developmental Coach of the Year. She remained as the freshman team and goaltenders coach for the Quakers field hockey until the age of 92.

166. Lexi Smith, Florence

Smith started off in top gear and never let up on the pedal. With three goals in her very first varsity game as a freshman, Smith marked herself as one of the state's best scorers. Smith would go on to set a then national record with 191 career goals. Upon graduation, smith played four years at the College of New Jersey, where she excelled as a defender, while never fully giving up her offensive bonafides. Smith scored 58 goals with 39 assists in 85 games for the Lions.

165. DJ Wagner, Camden

There was never any doubt that DJ Wagner would be a star. The grandson of Milt and son of Dajuan Wagner didn't disappoint, scoring 2,040 career points as a third-generation Camden star. Camden had won 25 straight games when the 2020 season was cut short by COVID after winning the South Jersey Group 2 title. The Panthers eventually won 43 straight and the 2022 NJSIAA Group 2 title before losing in the Tournament of Champions final. Wagner started his college career as the University of Kentucky before transferring to Arkansas for the last two seasons. Wagner will play his senior season at the University of Maryland next winter.

164. Brenden Aaronson, Shawnee

The “Medford Messi” attended Shawnee High School for a year before moving onto the Philadelphia Union’s YSC Academy. He played 51 games for the Union, scoring seven goals, including his first professional goal in his debut. Aarsonson would play overseas with Red Bull Salzburg and is now with Leeds United. He’s also scored nine goals on the United States national team. Aaronson is a key reserve for the 2026 USA World Cup team.

163. Brian Zoubek, Haddonfield

Zoubek cast a long shadow in South Jersey basketball lore, and not just for his 7-foot-1 frame. The center led Haddonfield to three consecutive NJSIAA Group 2 championships in 2004, 2005 and 2006. Zoubek set the scoring standard for the Haddons with 2,082 career points. Zoubek went on to lead Duke University to the 2010 NCAA championship with an eight-point, 10-rebound performance in the title game. A three-time All-Atlantic Coast Conference Academic team member, Zoubek was an undrafted free agent signing by the New Jersey Nets before ending his career prematurely due to injury issues.

162. Chris Ford, Atlantic City

A native of Atlantic City, Ford put Holy Spirit basketball on the map. As a senior he averaged 33 points per game and scored 1,507 career points. His high school accomplishments drew the attention of Villanova University, where he averaged 15.8 points per game, leading the Wildcats to three NCAA tournament appearances. In 10 NBA seasons, with Detroit and Boston, Ford finished with a 9.2 career scoring average. Ford coached for 10 seasons in the NBA, five with the Boston Celtics.

161. Danielle Ryan, Shawnee

An all-time great along Tabernacle Road, Ryan won nine varsity letters including four each in soccer, basketball and one in softball. She was a four-time All-South Jersey soccer player and 1987 midfielder of the year. Amazingly, she was even better on the hardwoods. Ryan scored 2,115 career points and topped out as the 1989 South Jersey Player of the Year. Ryan scored 1,297 career points at Florida State University finishing in the top 10 on the Seminoles' career lists for points, steals, assists, field goal percentage, free throw percentage and games played.

160. LaMarr Greer, Middle Township

Greer made Cape May County the center of the New Jersey basketball world after transferring from Overbrook to Middle Township before his junior season. Greer led the Panthers to NJSIAA Group 2 titles in 1993 and 1994. He completed his career as a McDonald's All-American and New Jersey player of the year. Greer scored 1,022 career points at Florida State University before embarking on a distinguished career in the international professional ranks. Greer concluded a five-year stint as head coach at Middle this winter with a 104-44 career record.

159. Bill Culbertson, Camden

A star among stars in the Camden basketball universe, Culbertson led the Panthers to three South Jersey Group 4 and two NJSIAA Group 4 state titles. Culbertson scored 1,537 points and led Camden to an 80-10 record in just three varsity seasons. His 1979 state tournament run stands as one of the most impressive performances in postseason history. In five playoff games, Culbertson averaged 34.8 points, including 39 in a state semifinal against Middletown South and 38 in the state final against Union. Culbertson started his collegiate career at the University of South Alabama before spending three seasons at the University of Pittsburgh.

158. Jackie Campbell, Willingboro

A true two-sport star for the Chimeras, Campbell led Willingboro to state championships in basketball in 1979 and field hockey in 1976 and 1978. Campbell was the first 1,000-point scorer at Willingboro joining classmate Channie Hallet at the milestone. Campbell was recruited to play field hockey at the University of Virginia, where she scored a then-freshman record of 22 goals. She was a walk-on player for the Cavaliers' basketball team as well. Campbell kept her hand in athletic endeavors as an administrator for the NCAA and Big East Conference, among other duties.

157. Eric Robinson, Gloucester Catholic

The Bellmawr native was a standout at Princeton University before embarking on a career in the National Hockey League. He’s played seven seasons in the NHL and is currently on the Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes. He has 66 goals in 455 career games. He played for the United States at the World Championships in 2021, recording three assists in 10 games as the squad earned a bronze medal.

156. Mike Daniels, Highland

Daniels ran for 2,203 yards with 25 career touchdowns for the Tartans but drew more notice for his abilities as a defensive lineman compiling nearly 300 tackles and 27 career sacks. Daniels also wrestled for three years and qualified fo r the Meet of Champions in the discus and shot put. The University of Iowa came calling next, where he was a second-team All-Big Ten lineman in 2011. Daniels was the 132nd pick of the 2012 NFL Draft, in the fourth round by the Green Bay Packers, where he played for seven seasons. In his 10-year career, Daniels had 257 tackles, including 30 career sacks. He returned one fumble for a touchdown as a rookie.

155. Jess Copskey, Sterling

One of the smoothest scorers to ever lace up sneakers in South Jersey, Copskey scored a Camden County-record 2,991 career points while leading the Silver Knights to NJSIAA Group 2 championships in 2000 and 2001 and the 2001 Tournament of Champions title, the first South Jersey team to win that honor. Copskey scored 35 points in the TOC final. Copskey was named to the CAA All-Rookie team at Drexel University before her career was cut short due to an injury during her sophomore season.

154. Tony Black, Haddon Township

Black never got to walk at his Hawks' graduation. The 1970 Haddon Township had a more pressing engagement that day, riding a horse named Stand By Me in his first professional race. That race never went off, but Black rode the horse to his first of exactly 5,200 career wins just a few days later. In July of 1993, Black won nine consecutive races over two days at Atlantic City Racetrack, Philadelphia Park and back in Atlantic City to tie a North American record that had stood since 1930. Black raced until the age of 61, winning his final race on Smart Tori, a horse owned by his son, Anthony Jr. Black.

153. Meredith Elwell, Moorestown

A premier two-sport athlete that starred on the Moorestown field hockey and lacrosse fields, the 1996 graduate won state championships in both sports. Collegiately at the University of Virginia, Elwell earned All-America honors in both sports leading the Cavaliers to two NCAA Final Fours in both sports. Elwell played internationally with the United States Under-23 National Team. Elwell replaced iconic coach Joan Lewis at her alma mater in 2005, winning two Central Jersey titles and the 2006 NJSIAA Group 3 championship in her two-year coaching career.

152. Matt Szczur, Lower Cape May

A three-sport star for the Caper Tigers, Szczur added track and field to his more well-known pursuits of football and baseball. Drafted out of the 38th round by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2007, Szczur opted instead to play football and baseball at Villanova University. A consensus All-American and CAA Offensive Player of the Year, Szczur led the Wildcats to their first FCS National Championship in 2009, earning MVP honors in the championship game with 270 all-purpose yards. After an All-Big East junior season with the Wildcats, Szczur was drafted in the fifth round of the MLB Draft by the Chicago Cubs. Szczur played parts of five seasons with the Cubs and San Diego Padres with 136 hits and 12 career home runs in 363 games.

151. Brandon Bell, Oakcrest

A running back and linebacker for the Falcons, Bell amassed over 300 tackles and 1,000 rushing yards in four varsity seasons. In State College, Bell was a three-season starter at linebacker for Penn State University. Bell had 9.5 career sacks with a high of four as a senior. He added three interceptions for his career. An undrafted rookie free agent, Bell signed with the Cincinnati Bengals, where he appeared in nine games during the 2017 and 2018 seasons.

Tom McGurk is a regional sports editor for the Courier-Post, The Daily Journal and Burlington County Times, covering South Jersey sports for over 35 years. If you have a sports story that needs to be told, contact him by email at tmcgurk@usatodayco.com. Follow him on Twitter at @McGurkSports. Help support local journalism with a digital subscription.

Tom Rimback grew up reading the Burlington County Times and Courier Post sports sections and began writing for the BCT in 1996. He has covered everything from Super Bowls and Final Fours to Tri-County Swimming but he’s happiest on a sideline interviewing South Jersey scholastic athletes. Follow him on twitter @Rimbacksports. Email him with story ideas at tomrimback@gmail.com and, most importantly, support local journalism with a subscription to the Courier-Post.

This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Ranking South Jersey's Top 250 greatest athletes, see Nos. 151-200

There's nothing like Friday night lights in Greater Cincinnati.

The Queen City is packed with tradition and state title contenders every year. As another season approaches, The Enquirer will provide a comprehensive preview of the sport in the city of seven hills. To kick off our coverage, we're looking at the top 10 players in each position group, beginning with defensive backs and safeties.

Here are the top 10 defensive back and safeties in Greater Cincinnati.

There is a poll at the bottom of the story to vote on the top player; readers can vote once per hour per device and the poll will close at 4 p.m. on Friday, June 17.

Mister Achoe, Withrow

As a sophomore, he was second in the Cincinnati Metro Athletic Conference with four interceptions, including one that he returned 82 yards for a touchdown. He also made 23 tackles, with 11 coming in a loss at La Salle.

Achoe currently holds offers from the University of Louisville, Miami University and the University of Tulsa.

Ace Alston, Anderson

Ranked as the top defensive back in Ohio, according to 247Sports, he recorded two interceptions in 2025 and was second in the Eastern Cincinnati Conference with 17 pass deflections. The Notre Dame commit has six career interceptions and will be one of the main factors as the Raptors look to build on their 26-game regular-season winning streak and return to their third straight Division II state championship game.

Caleb Arrasmith, Beechwood

One of a number of skill players for the Tigers, he led the team with three interceptions, including two that he returned for touchdowns. He also made 17 tackles. On offense, Arrasmith caught 18 passes for 273 yards and two touchdowns.

Chris Bradley, North College Hill

He is a journeyman among Cincinnati high school football. Bradley started his career at Moeller, grabbing two interceptions as a sophomore before leading the Greater Miami Conference with six interceptions as a junior at Lakota West.

Now, he will look to factor into NCH's first Miami Valley Conference title since 2011. He is ranked as the seventh-best defensive back in Ohio and is committed to Indiana.

Roman Combs, Lakota West

In his first season in the Greater Miami Conference, Combs made 21 tackles and grabbed two interceptions with six pass deflections. He is ranked as the fifth-best defensive back and No. 35 overall player in the state and committed to Purdue on June 27.

Ka'Ronn Daugherty, Princeton

As a junior at Winton Woods, he tied for the ECC lead with four interceptions, two each in wins over Turpin and Lebanon. He also registered eight pass deflections and 16 tackles. With the influx of transfers to Princeton, the Vikings will be a frontrunner to advance to the state tournament for the first time since 1990.

Hezikiah Kelley, Northwest

The Temple University commit is ranked as the top safety and No. 30 overall player in Ohio. He was a two-way player for the Knights in 2025, recording 255 receiving yards and 49 rushing yards, averaging over 20 yards on punt returns and kick returns, and totaling 61 tackles with a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, an interception and three pass deflections.

Evan Kincaid, Ryle

As a junior, Kincaid tied for the Class 6A lead with seven interceptions, returning one for a touchdown. He also picked up 25 tackles for a Raiders defense that allowed just 119 passing yards, 101 rushing yards and 17 points per game.

Marino Middleton, Moeller

He is the top returning defensive back in the Greater Conference League-South. He recorded two interceptions as a junior and made 35 tackles. Middleton also forced and recovered a fumble.

Monsanna Torbert, Princeton

He is ranked as the No. 3 defensive back in Ohio despite playing primarily as a quarterback last year at Taft. He threw for 1,791 yards and 27 touchdowns with no interceptions and ran for 375 yards to lead the Senators to a Division IV regional semifinal. His lone interception was a pick-six in the season finale against Woodward.

Torbert was originally committed to Indiana University before flipping to the University of Michigan on July 1.

Additional defensive backs to watch in 2026

Jaxon Barnett, Little Miami; Ramik Bell, Cincinnati College Preparatory Academy; Brady Boruske, Bishop Brossart; Cooper Clay, Badin; Brady Conrad, McNicholas; Christian Coston, Winton Woods; Jack Denier, Harrison; Paxton Dodsworth, Moeller; Parker Jackson, Ross; Nathan Kellenberger, Cincinnati Country Day; Jerod Lindsey, Anderson; Ben Markarian, Harrison; Payden Mawyer, Wilmington; Mario Meatchem, CCPA; Chase Moak, Hamilton; Carson Quaimbao, Mariemont; Chaick Sacko, Hughes; Xavier Thornberry, Holy Cross; Key'Sean Torbert, Princeton; Gabe Williams, Highlands; Korde Williams, Summit Country Day; Peyton Zinser, Scott

Vote: Who is the top defensive back in Greater Cincinnati high school football?

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Previewing the top defensive backs in Cincinnati high school football

MUNCIE — The Delaware County Athletic Hall of Fame has elected 11 new members who will be honored this month in its 2026 class.

Cindy (Kizer) Baldwin, Melvin Bryant II, Bob Cook, Caroline (Gullion) Kovalcin, Mike Larrabee, Joselyn (Johnson) Martin, Ryan Schrecongost, Craig Skinner, Kristy (Cox) Smoot, Cody Young, and Doug Zaleski will be inducted Saturday, July 25 at the Ball State Alumni Center. Kaye Harrell will be honored at the banquet as this year’s James Lightbody Award of Excellence recipient.

More: Delaware County Athletic Hall of Fame golf outing, ceremony ticket info

More: New podcast spotlights legendary Muncie-area sports figures

The induction banquet, sponsored by Crown Pointe Communities, will be at 6 p.m. July 25 at the Ball State Alumni Center. Tickets for the dinner, available through the hall’s website at delcohof.org, are $30 for adults, $15 for children 5-12, and free for children under 5. The event is being underwritten by Larry New, CEO of Crown Pointe Communities, and wife Cheryl.

A golf outing, presented by Pizza King, starts with lunch at 11 a.m. and a shotgun start at noon on Friday, July 24. Entry for the four-player scramble event is $240 per team. Hole sign sponsorships are available for $50 and three signs are $100. The lunch is sponsored by Associated Advertising Specialties. Teams can enter up to the day of the event.

The Delaware County Athletic Hall of Fame awarded five major academic scholarships this year. Henry Tokar received the Francis Lafferty Hall of Fame Scholarship for $3,500, Ryan Burkholder (boys) and Zoey Burkholder (girls) received the Larry and Cheryl New Family Scholarship for $2,500 each, Connor Rowray received the Hill Family Scholarship for $2,000, Grace Turner received the Schrecongost Family Scholarship for $2,000, Ashlyn Dudley received the Tom Childs Family scholarship for $2,000, Noah Barnett received the Roberta “Tootie” Falls Memorial Scholarship for $1,000, and Levi Abbott received the Coach DeNeal Family Scholarship for $1,000.

This year’s Hall of Fame honorees are:

Cindy (Kizer) Baldwin

Baldwin was part of a two-time IHSAA championship team in the late 1990s at Central High School. Her Bearcats squad won sectional, regional, semi-state and state titles in 1997 and repeated the feat in 1998. She was named the 1998 most valuable player for the North Central Conference, and she claimed the Mental Attitude Award by the IHSAA the same year. Baldwin went on to play collegiately at Western Michigan University. She was the team’s rookie of the year in 1999 and helped the Broncos claim the 2000 Mid-American Conference championship.

Melvin Bryant II

Bryant was credited by coach John Hochstetler as one of the pivotal players that helped build a culture of winning at Central High School in the early 2000s. The Bearcats posted a 7-4 record during his junior season. The win total was the highest for the program in 30 years. Central repeated the 7-win total in his senior year in 2001. Bryant earned first-team All-State recognition as a tight end as a junior and senior. That helped him earn multiple Division I scholarship offers, and he accepted one from the University of Illinois. Bryant was the starting tight end for the Illini from 2003-05. He also was a starter on Central’s 2001-02 basketball team.

Bob Cook

Cook made his mark in basketball at Wapahani High School and Olivet Nazarene University. He played all levels of basketball leading up to his prep career at Wapahani. Cook received all-county, all-conference and all-sectional honors while helping the Raiders win multiple conference and sectional championships. His team was ranked 15th in the state in the 1988-89 season, and he also broke the school record for points in a game with 39. Cook had a successful career at Olivet. He was the conference player of the year twice and a two-time district player of the year. Cook scored 1,400 career points while helping his team win four conference championships, three district titles and advance to the national tournament three times.

Caroline (Gullion) Kovalcin

Kovalcin was one of the premier distance runners in Central High School history, earning notoriety in cross country and track and field while helping the Bearcats win multiple championships in the North Central Conference, sectional and regional competition. The track program was ranked in the top 10 in the state in 1999. The 1997-98 school year was especially dominant. She won city, North Central Conference, sectional and regional races that season in cross country. During her junior and senior seasons in track, Kovalcin twice won the NCC, sectional and regional championships in the 1,600 and 3,200 meter races. She also was a sectional champion in the 800 run, plus the 4x400 and 4x800 relay events. Kovalcin was known as a natural leader with a strong work ethic and competitive excellence that also was displayed in the classroom. Now a Chicago resident, she competes in 5Ks, half-marathons and marathons.

Mike Larrabee

Larrabee guided Yorktown to multiple championships while coaching the Tigers in baseball for nine seasons as an assistance and 14 seasons as the head coach. He took over the helm in 2003 and compiled a 253-150 record. His Tigers won Delaware County tournament championships seven times, six sectional titles, two regional crowns and one Hoosier Heritage Conference pennant. Larrabee helped develop six Indiana All-Star players, five first-team All-Staters, and 24 players who went on to play college baseball, including 10 at the Division I level. He also was a district coach of the year four times and HHC coach of the year twice. He was a district representative for 12 years. He also spent four years as a basketball assistant, and currently has coached 32 years as an assistant football coach at Yorktown.

Joselyn (Johnson) Martin

Martin’s career in athletics, which includes nine varsity letters in three sports at Central High School, represents varied accomplishments and excellence, the bulk of it coming in volleyball. The four-year volleyball letterwinner helped the Bearcats post a 142-12 record during her time with the team. Central won state championships in 1999 and 2002 with combined records of 76-4. Martin’s 2001 team was 33-2 and finished runner-up in the state finals. Her Munciana club team won national championships in 1999 and 2002. On the basketball court, Martin also won four letters while being named All-North Central Conference as a junior and senior. She led the league in field-goal percentage in 2002. After high school, Martin played collegiately at the University of Tennessee. She helped the Volunteers win the Southeastern Conference regular-season and tournament titles for the first time in 2004. Her 2005 team went to the NCAA Final Four for the first time in school history. She currently officiates high school volleyball in Tennessee and provides private volleyball lessons.

Ryan Schrecongost

Schrecongost is a highly accomplished PGA Professional and golf instructor with more than 30 years of experience in the golf industry. Since becoming a PGA Professional in 2004, he has established himself as one of Indiana’s most respected golf coaches. He has given more than 40,000 lessons throughout his career and mentoring many of the state’s top players while being named “best teacher in Indiana” twice by Golf Digest. His career has included leadership and instructional roles at several prestigious golf facilities across the country. He worked at Pinehurst Resort in the Golf Advantage School, served at Pebble Brook Golf Club, Wade Hampton Golf Club and Keowee Key Country Club as Director of Instruction, and later became the PGA Head Golf Professional at The Golf Club of Indiana. He has been with GOLFTEC since 2011 and is currently the PGA Director of Instruction and Franchise Owner of GOLFTEC Carmel. Schrecongost also received GOLFTEC’S MVP Award as one of the Top 20 Exceptional Instructors in America in 2021 and 2022, along with multiple GOLFTEC National Awards for Outstanding Instruction in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021. In addition to coaching, he has contributed to the golf community through published instructional articles for Indiana Golf Magazine and has built a reputation as one of the Midwest’s premier golf instructors, combining decades of experience, competitive success and a passion for helping golfers improve.

Craig Skinner

Skinner’s string of success started in 1989 as an assistant volleyball coach at Burris during the Owls’ run to a state championship. Multiple titles have followed him during his career. He was an assistant coach at the University of Nebraska in 2000 when the Cornhuskers won the NCAA women’s volleyball championship. Skinner became the head coach of the women’s program at the University of Kentucky in 2004 and has been credited with moving the program into national prominence. Skinner holds the school record for most wins with a 497-157 record in 21 seasons. His Wildcats became the first Southeastern Conference team to win a national championship in volleyball in 2020. Kentucky finished runner-up in the national title match last season. Kentucky has played in 21 consecutive NCAA tournaments. Before his arrival, the Wildcats had not qualified for the tournament in 11 years and had not enjoyed a winning season in five years. Twenty-seven of his players have received All-America status.

More: Muncie ties abound in Wisconsin vs Kentucky NCAA Volleyball Final Four

More: Pair of Muncie natives to meet in NCAA volleyball championship

Kristy (Cox) Smoot

Smoot has a long history of success in volleyball, starting with a Munciana AAU national championship in 2001 and a runner-up finish in the national championship in 2005. The Delta graduate carried that performance into high school. She helped the Eagles win the 2002 IHSAA state championship. Smoot was All-Hoosier Heritage Conference and All-Delaware County selections in 2003 and 2004. She earned state recognition by being named to the 2004 Indiana All-Star team. Smoot continued her athletic career at Indiana State University where she broke several records. The libero ended her career as the school’s leader in total digs, digs per set, and aces in a season. She was the team most valuable player in 2006, ‘07 and ‘08. Smoot won the team’s leadership award in 2006.

Cody Young

Young’s athletic career is defined by the determination to overcome a devastating stage 4 cancer diagnosis that was deemed inoperable when he was 9 years old. He battled hard to reverse the outcome and admirably went on to a career in baseball that included a professional opportunity. The growth started at Delta High School, where he became a two-time all-county and all conference player. He was the team most valuable player as a senior after posting the seventh best batting average in school history at .444. Young was a four-year starter at Anderson University where he became an all-conference and All-American. He set the school record for single-season slugging (.982) and was second in batting average (.482) while being selected the Ravens outstanding male athlete of the year in 2010. He was selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the 2010 draft and played two seasons with the organization in the minor leagues before retiring. He has since worked in the private sector in Indianapolis.

Doug Zaleski

Zaleski came to Muncie from Wisconsin in 1988 and stepped into a situation as a beat reporter for the Muncie Evening Press and later The Star Press that featured one of the best periods of athletics in Ball State history. He was fortunate to be in the front row as Ball State basketball played in either the NCAA Tournament or NIT nine times from 1989-2002. Zaleski chronicled the Cardinals’ 1990 NCAA Sweet 16 run and the 2001 Maui Invitational, the two most memorable events in program history. He also covered six of the nine all-time Division I football games in which the Cardinals played. Away from Ball State assignments, he greatly enjoyed covering high school teams coached by the likes of Bill Harrell, John Robbins, Steve Shondell, Brian Dudley, Tim Cleland and a list of so many others too long to mention. Zaleski was named the 2010 Indiana Sports Writer of the Year. He also earned more than 80 state, regional and national writing awards. The most prestigious was a fifth place finish in the Associated Press national contest for a series of articles on Ball State basketball. The top four winners were from the New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times and Atlanta Journal Constitution.

Kaye Harrell

Harrell was selected by the Delaware County Athletic Hall of Fame as the Lightbody Award of Excellence winner for 2026. The honor is bestowed on an individual by the Delaware County Sports Heritage Foundation. It recognizes the contributions of an individual who has excelled in the participation, support or promotion of athletics with a link to Muncie, Delaware County, Indiana. The Delta High School graduate excelled in basketball for three seasons and went on to play four years at Ball State, serving as a co-captain each year. Harrell went on to a long and successful career in coaching and teaching in Delaware County. She began her coaching career in 1975 at Wes-Del, leading the Warriors to county and sectional championships five times. The 1975-76 team won a regional crown. Harrell coached at Muncie Southside one year before moving on to Muncie Central, where she coached the Bearcats two times for six seasons each. They won sectional crowns in 1994 and 1995. Harrell coached the Indiana All-Stars and has supported camps and youth leagues for many years. The widow of hall of fame basketball coach Bill Harrell, Kaye is a member of the Delaware County Athletic Hall of Fame and the Wes-Del Athletic Hall of Fame.

This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: 11 set for induction into 2026 Delaware County Athletic Hall of Fame class

After months filled with excitement and tears of happiness and sadness, the spring sports season is officially over in the Gainesville area.

The end of the season marks the release of the Gainesville Sun's All-Area teams. As such, we'll be releasing 11 All-Area teams for six spring sports (baseball, softball, lacrosse, flag football, tennis and track and field).

All teams can be viewed on Gainesville.com/sports/high-school. For all these sports, we're picking a Player of the Year — the athlete we and area coaches thought was the best.

However, we want to give you, the fans, the chance to make your voice heard.

That's why we're releasing Player of the Year polls to accompany each All-Area teams. Each of the first-team nominees in a respective sport will be a candidate.

Below is the poll for the best big school baseball player in 2026. We released this team Wednesday and picked Newberry prodigy and Florida baseball commit Tavis Honeycutt as our Player of the Year. There are twelve nominees from which to choose, and you can vote as many times as you'd like. The poll closes at noon Friday, July 17.

Please share this poll with family and friends, and congratulations to all of those on the All-Area teams and their families!

Noah Ram covers Florida Gators athletics and Gainesville-area high school sports for The Gainesville Sun, GatorSports.com and the USA TODAY Network. Contact him at nram@usatodayco.com. Follow him on X @Noah_ram1, Instagram @Ramreporter and Facebook Noah Ram - Reporter.

This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Vote now for the Gainesville area's best Big School Baseball Player in 2026

After thousands of votes were cast, readers across the USA Today Network have made their voices heard, selecting the top high school football stadium in the state. 

New Oxford High School’s Colonial Stadium took home 46 percent of the votes cast and finished as the top-voted stadium, receiving 1,132 votes. 

Renovated in 2004 to provide a facelift to the facility, Colonial Stadium overhauled its facilities and installed turf and seats 4,000 for its high school football games. 

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Following Colonial Stadium, Aliquippa’s Heinz Field, more widely known as “The Pit,” took second place, while Veterans Memorial Stadium in Erie took third. 

Rounding out the top five were Dallastown’s Wildcat Stadium and Berlin Brothersvalley’s Center Rock Inc. Sports Complex in Berlin, Pa.

Ethan Morrison is the sports reporter for the Beaver County Times. Contact him at emorrison@usatodayco.com and follow him at EthanMorrison26 on X. 

This article originally appeared on Beaver County Times: Pennsylvania's top high school football stadium revealed

When one looks at the game of lacrosse across the country, it’s easy to see that it has grown tremendously across the nation and in traditional hotbeds such as the Syracuse area, Maryland, and parts of Virginia where strong youth programs have been feeding talent into high schools and colleges for decades.

From a micro perspective in Polk County, local lacrosse experts are still building that foundation, seeing steady growth with more kids getting involved every year. The difference, though, is that those established areas have deeper pipelines and more year-round opportunities, while Polk County is focused on creating accessible, high-quality programs that can develop local talent from the ground up.

Playing in one of these established areas was Lakeland head boys lacrosse coach Zac Brownlee — The Ledger’s 2026 Boys’ Lacrosse Coach of the Year — as he played at Cortland State in Central New York, which showed him how powerful a strong youth lacrosse culture can be. So, following his eighth year as the Lakeland boys coach, Brownlee brought that same opportunity to Polk County in June of 2025, as the Dreadnaughts head coach is currently the executive director of the Lakeland Lakers lacrosse program.

What is it all about and who runs it? The program gives local families access to quality coaching and development, pulling together a strong group of coaches and directors with deep Central New York roots, including Marty Ward, head coach at Florida Southern, Chris Burdick, head coach at Webber International and Tim Hunt, who is on the business side who. They, too, have all played collegiate lacrosse in the area. A part of the action is also local products Alex Ari, head coach at All Saints Academy, and Brycen Ortiz, head coach at Lakeland Christian — both of whom played at Webber under Coach Burdick — as well as Matt Harris, the head coach of Winter Haven High School from Victor, New York and Isaiah Thomas, who is a Florida Southern alumni.

“The goal is to bring all that talent and experience together in one place so we can build something lasting with great coaching,” Brownlee said. “We’re already seeing it start to grow organically. Polk County kids who played college lacrosse are now coaching here and helping reproduce Polk County lacrosse.”

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The program comprises recreational programs for 8U, 10U, 12U, 14U, plus a high school age six-versus-six league. The fall program will have practices Mondays and Thursdays starting in early October, with the culmination being a tournament in Plant City, Florida Nov. 6-7.And the chemistry of the program is derived straight from areas like Central New York — a place that has stacked talent because they’ve had organized youth programs for a long time thanks to young athletes starting early and playing in competitive environments that develop strong fundamentals and lacrosse IQ. And that depth shows up when those players reach high school and college.

In Polk County, however, it is polar opposites when it comes to talent disparity.

“In Polk County we’re catching up, and our kids are athletic and coachable, but many are still newer to the sport,” Hunt said. “What’s promising is that we now have local coaches and players who grew up here and played at the college level, so we’re starting to build that same kind of pipeline without having to rely only on people moving in from hotbeds.”

Brownlee said the experience of producing and going through with this program is immeasurable.“It feels really rewarding to see the pieces coming together and kids getting excited about the game,” Brownlee said. “Bringing in coaches with that Central New York background alongside local guys like Alex and Brycen has created a strong foundation. Watching families and volunteers get involved and seeing the program start to take on a life of its own has been the best part. We’re still growing, but it already feels like we’re building something that can last and benefit Polk County for years.”

It will certainly benefit the youth athletes who decide to join, as the program focuses on solid fundamentals — stick skills, ground balls, positioning, and lacrosse IQ — while emphasizing teamwork, sportsmanship and mental toughness. Brownlee and his group also intends to enlighten folks on handling mistakes and staying positive, which helps them on the field and off.

“As they get older these skills translate directly into high school and travel programs, and the confidence and discipline they build carries over into school and life,” Brownlee said. “The goal is to develop well-rounded players and good teammates who love the game."

While it is still a young program, Brownlee has already coached kids from his teams who have stepped up into high school teams and travel-select programs with improved confidence and skills. In fact, several players have earned spots on varsity squads and have gone on to play collegiate lacrosse, which have made these kids notable alumni who have success stories.First off there is Kaleb Cook (Lakeland High School Class of 2020) who went on to play at Lynn University and then graduated from Florida Southern.Then there are Ortiz (Lakeland Christian Head Coach) and Alex Irizarry (All Saints Academy head coach), both Lakeland High School graduates who played for Chris Burdick at Webber International University.Luke Mowrer (Lakeland High School ‘24 graduate) is currently playing at Florida Institute of Technology.Collis Rhodes (Lakeland Class of 2025) — The Ledger’s 2025 Player of the Year — plays at William Woods University.Fisher Williams (All Saints Academy class of 2019) is a graduate who played at Lynn University.And Mac Bayless (Lakeland Christian of 2020) competed at the University of Tampa and graduated from Colorado Mesa.This network benefits from quality coaching and opens doors for the players. Families can sign up by going to Lakeland Lacrosse Initiative Inc. or by emailing lakelandlakerslacrosse@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Here's what to know about the Lakeland Lakers youth lacrosse program

Clint Bryant couldn’t help but feel nostalgic while watching the 2026 NBA Finals. 

Amongst the different positional matchups that took place, the point guard battle between the New York Knicks’ Jalen Brunson and the San Antonio Spurs De’Aaron Fox caught the former Augusta University athletic director and men’s basketball coach’s eye.

Just 12 years earlier, those two NBA all-stars were just high schoolers looking to make a name for themselves as they put on a show against one another at the 2014 Nike EYBL Peach Jam. Bryant remembers watching that game, as he did many others during the 30-year history of the tournament. He was the man that brought Peach Jam to Augusta.

“We thought it was a good idea conceptually,” Bryant said of the event. “I don’t know if anybody knew, including Nike, that it would become the longest lasting event of its time, and every major shoe company across the country has been trying to model and duplicate it since that time.”

The Nike EYBL Peach Jam tournament has become a staple of summer basketball at the high school level since its inaugural session back in 1996. Dozens of basketball players who have suited up to play at Peach Jam would end up going pro. Even more would go onto play collegiately because of the scholarship offers they’d receive during the tournament. And between the college coaches, agents and fans, there’s never an empty seat in the house.

But before it became the marquee high school event that it is today, it was just an idea that was still being formed. It was pitched to Bryant in 1995 by then-Georgetown men’s basketball assistant coach Eddie Meyers, who was helping Nike plan a summer travel tournament for the youth.

The biggest hurdle was finding a location for the event. In addition to having the requisite gym space for multiple basketball games to take place at once, the location also had to have golf courses available for the coaches to play during their downtime. Initially Nike was considering Myrtle Beach or Las Vegas, but finding hotels and venues during the summer time at those vacation destinations would have been nightmarish.

Bryant then proposed Augusta. In addition to having some of the top golf courses in the country, there were also multiple schools with gyms within a mile radius of Augusta University. Nike liked the idea and had Meyers come down to check out the venues.

Once in Augusta, the tour of the various sites left something to be desired for the scale of the event that Nike was looking for. But before Meyers was set to leave, Bryant wanted to show him one more place. Just across the Savannah River in North Augusta was a new facility called the Riverview Park Activities Center. Bryant hadn’t been there either, but he was hopeful this place would be the one to change Meyers and Nike’s minds.

“We weren’t in there five minutes, and we said this is the place,” Bryant said.

The home of the event was solidified, but there wasn’t a definitive name for it as of yet. Bryant suggested the name having to do with peaches because the fruit is native to both Georgia and South Carolina. While the first-ever tournament was called the Peach Basket Classic, the second edition, and every year thereforth, it was called the Peach Jam.

Over 500 college coaches showed up to the first tournament, according to Bryant. Teams from all over the country, and even one from Europe, made their way to North Augusta to play at Peach Jam. Future NBA players such as Elton Brand, Baron Davis and Dirk Nowitzki all participated in the inaugural session.

Will Avery, a former NBA lottery pick and Augusta native, also played in the event. The standout from Westside High School had been to many camps and tournaments as the top point guard prospect in the country at the time. But being able to play in a high-level competition at home brought a different dynamic with it.

“I think [it was] maybe the first time my grandmother ever saw me play a travel basketball game because there wasn’t many tournaments in Augusta, period,” Avery said. 

Avery took advantage of the opportunity to play in front of family and friends, dropping 39 points against the Tennessee Travelers in his first game of the tournament. He’d go on to lead Peach Jam in scoring.

After seeing how massive a turnout Peach Jam had, Avery feared that it would only be a matter of time before Nike pulled the plug on the operation in Augusta. 30 years later, and the tournament has remained right where it started. During that time, Peach Jam became the second biggest economic driving event in Augusta, behind the Masters Tournament.

The tournament has become an essential part of the fabric of Augusta. That wasn’t Bryant’s intention when he told Nike to host their tournament there. But because of that choice he made, Augusta will always be associated with high level hoops and the future of basketball once summer rolls around.

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: How Augusta became the 30-year home of Nike EYBL Peach Jam basketball

The 2025-26 Vermont high school sports year is in the books. Now, it's time to vote for the coach of the year powered by Delta Dental.

Covering the fall, winter and spring seasons, Burlington Free Press sports reporters Alex Abrami and Judith Altneu tallied a list of 13 deserving coaches to be included on the ballot. Below, you'll find quick briefs on each coach and why they were included.

Voting is unlimited until the poll closes at 9 p.m. on Thursday, July 16.

Read on and then vote away!

Bert Berthiaume, BFA-St. Albans girls volleyball/softball

Bert Berthiaume has been a fixture in St. Albans helping BFA be known as the state's top softball program. The 2026 season was no different as Berthiaume guided the Comets to their second straight undefeated season extending their winning streak to 35 games. Berthiaume earned his 12th D-I softball title after BFA defeated Colchester 2-1, with the Comets outscoring teams 186-22. In the fall, Berthiaume helped BFA girls volleyball team (14-3) reach the D-I championship game for the second straight season.

Bethany Coursen, Bellows Falls field hockey

Longtime Bellows Falls field hockey head coach Bethany Coursen helped the Terriers capture their seventh title in 2025. Bellows Falls dropped down to D-II for the first time since 2017, but still cruised through the season capturing the top-seed. The Terriers (14-2-1) continued rolling throughout the playoffs defeating U-32 4-1 in the D-II championship game.

Hosea Crittenden, Lamoille boys basketball

Under Hosea Crittenden, Lamoille boys basketball capped the program's rebuild with its first title since the school district unified in 1967. And the Lancers did it with a memorable upset of No. 1 and previously unbeaten Hartford in the D-I final. In their first title game in 25 years, Crittenden's Lancers played loose and confident to carve out a thrilling, 56-53 win at Barre Auditorium, wrapping a 20-4 campaign.

Amanda Hull, Woodstock girls lacrosse

The state's coach of the year, Amanda Hull trotted out a talented Woodstock girls lacrosse squad during the 2026 spring season. The Wasps racked up 263 goals and allowed 102 as they went 15-2 — both losses were to D-I finalist Burr and Burton — to claim the program's first D-II crown since 2015. In the playoffs, Woodstock had a 45-18 goal differential capped by an 11-6 triumph over U-32 in the final.

Morgan Kathan, Vergennes girls soccer

After the program's fourth straight losing season in her second year in charge, Vergennes girls soccer coach Morgan Kathan had her players and herself play in an offseason women's league to build chemistry and culture. The plan worked: Kathan and the Commodores posted a 17-1 record in 2025, outscored opponents 86-14 with nine shutouts and seized the D-III crown with a 2-0 win over Peoples. It was Vergennes' first crown in two decades.

Jen Liguori, Essex girls volleyball

Jen Liguori is the most successful volleyball coach in the state helping Essex extend its winning streak to 86 games. Liguori coached the most talented team in the state as the Hornets (17-0) secured their fifth straight undefeated season. Essex has won seven of the nine total D-I volleyball championships.

Kelly McClintock, Rice field hockey

In her 15th season leading Rice field hockey, Kelly McClintock has helped develop some of the top talent in the state. Her team featured four D-I college commits with a mostly young core group of players who are returning next fall. McClintock guided the Green Knights (17-0) to their second straight title with a 4-2 win over Champlain Valley.

Tristan Menard, BFA-St. Albans boys basketball

Despite an eight-loss regular season and the sixth seed for the D-I boys basketball playoffs, the Bobwhites went on a dream run and produced an unforgettable upset of No. 1 Rice to seize their first championship in 39 years. And Tristan Menard dialed up the right schemes. After surviving in the semifinals with an overtime win, BFA changed up its game plan and focused on a slower tempo without turning it over to stymie Rice. The result: A 54-48 decision to savor for a lifetime.

Darren O'Meara, Spaulding wrestling

Longtime Spaulding wrestling coach Darren O'Meara and his Crimson Tide put to bed one of the nation's longest championship streaks when they halted Mount Anthony's 36-year title run in March. Having been the runner-up six times during MAU's consecutive reign, Spaulding racked up the most total points in six years and scored grapplers in 12 of the 14 weight classes for its first state title since 1984. 

Tom Perry, Colchester football/baseball

In his 22nd year leading Colchester football, Tom Perry steered the Lakers to the D-II championship, the program's first since 2009, with a 27-20 win over defending champion Fair Haven. The Lakers' 8-3 record also included a road semifinal victory at Lyndon to reach their second title game in three seasons. And in the spring, Perry posted his 16th 10-plus win campaign in his final season as the Lakers' baseball coach; Colchester fell in a semifinal classic at Essex but leaves as the program's all-time winningest skipper.

Mark Pfaff, MMU girls basketball

The Metro Division's coach of the year, Mark Pfaff helped Mount Mansfield girls basketball pull off its epic 22-point comeback in the D-I state championship game. Pfaff trusted his players refusing to call a timeout before Aly Dorman's game winning shot giving the Cougars a 62-60 win over Rutland for their first title. This title is the culmination for Pfaff's work building the Cougars program up from scratch in just eight years.

Ellen Taggart, Milton girls Ultimate

The girls Ultimate coach of the year, Ellen Taggart helped Milton claim its first title in epic fashion. The Yellowjackets avenged a blowout loss to Champlain Valley in the 2025 championship earning a 13-9 victory over the undefeated Redhawks. Behind Taggart's leadership and willingness to incorporate zone defense, Milton was able to get its elusive win over CVU.

Patrick Zilkha, Burr and Burton boys soccer

Patrick Zilkha and Burr and Burton boys soccer had been knocking on the door for a couple years before breaking through last fall with a 16-0-1 campaign and a 65-11 goal differential, capped by an overtime victory over two-time defending champion Champlain Valley in D-I final. It was BBA's first D-I crown, and the first non-Chittenden County school in 25 years to claim the state's top division.

Vote for the Vermont high school coach of the year

Football season is trudging closer through the unbearable heat wave. Padded practice starts in just under three weeks across the Peach State, and official kickoff waits just over a month away. Let the highly anticipated countdown begin.

For GHSA, Week 1 of 12 kicks off Friday, Aug. 21. The season will stretch until Friday, Nov. 6, when playoff qualifiers are selected. The playoffs will begin Nov. 13 and run through the semifinals on Dec. 4. The championships will be held between Dec. 15-16 at Mercedes Benz Stadium in downtown Atlanta.

For GIAA, Week 1 of 12 kicks off on Friday, Aug. 15.

The 11-man playoffs will begin Nov. 6 and run through the semifinals on Nov. 13. The championships will be held between Nov. 20-21 with the location still to be determined.

The 8-man playoffs will begin Oct. 31 and run through the semifinals on Nov. 14. The championships will be held Nov. 20 at Mount de Sales Academy's Cavalier Fields in Macon.

Here are the regular season opponents scheduled for the 18 Athens area programs in fall 2026.

Apalachee

• Week 1, Aug. 21: at Winder-Barrow
• Week 2, Aug. 28: Discovery
• Week 3, Sept. 4: at Lassiter
• Week 4, Sept. 11: OPEN
• Week 5, Sept. 18: at Walnut Grove
• Week 6, Sept. 25: at Cedar Shoals
• Week 7, Oct. 2: Habersham Central
• Week 8, Oct. 9: OPEN
• Week 9, Oct. 16: Jackson County
• Week 10, Oct. 23: Mountain View
• Week 11, Oct. 30: at Loganville
• Week 12, Nov. 6: Clarke Central

Athens Academy

• Week 1, Aug. 21: Savannah Christian
• Week 2, Aug. 28: Holy Innocents
• Week 3, Sept. 4: at Savannah Country Day
• Week 4, Sept. 11: at Bethlehem Christian
• Week 5, Sept. 18: OPEN
• Week 6, Sept. 25: Whitefield Academy
• Week 7, Oct. 2: OPEN
• Week 8, Oct. 9: at Rabun County
• Week 9, Oct. 16: Prince Avenue Christian
• Week 10, Oct. 23: at Providence Christian
• Week 11, Oct. 30: at Commerce
• Week 12, Nov. 6: Oglethorpe County

Athens Christian

• Week 1, Aug. 14: Augusta Prep
• Week 2, Aug. 21: Edmund Burke
• Week 3, Aug. 28: at Strong Rock
• Week 4, Sept. 4: Tattnall Square
• Week 5, Sept. 11: Riverside Prep
• Week 6, Sept. 18: at Bethlehem Christian
• Week 7, Sept. 25: George Walton
• Week 8, Oct. 2: at Lakeview
• Week 9, Oct. 9: Lanier Christian
• Week 10, Oct. 16: OPEN
• Week 11, Oct. 23: at Loganville Christian
• Week 12, Oct. 30: OPEN

Bethlehem Christian

• Week 1, Aug. 14: at Calvary Christian
• Week 2, Aug. 21: Social Circle
• Week 3, Aug. 28: ELCA
• Week 4, Sept. 4: at Towns County
• Week 5, Sept. 11: Athens Academy
• Week 6, Sept. 18: Athens Christian
• Week 7, Sept. 25: Lakeview
• Week 8, Oct. 2: at Loganville Christian
• Week 9, Oct. 9: OPEN
• Week 10, Oct. 16: at George Walton
• Week 11, Oct. 23: Riverside Prep
• Week 12, Oct. 30: OPEN

Cedar Shoals

• Week 1, Aug. 21: Heritage, Conyers
• Week 2, Aug. 28: Seckinger
• Week 3, Sept. 4: at Hart County
• Week 4, Sept. 11: OPEN
• Week 5, Sept. 18: at Clarke Central
• Week 6, Sept. 25: Apalachee
• Week 7, Oct. 2: at Mountain View
• Week 8, Oct. 9: Walnut Grove
• Week 9, Oct. 16: OPEN
• Week 10, Oct. 23: at Jackson County
• Week 11, Oct. 30: at Habersham Central
• Week 12, Nov. 6: Loganville

Clarke Central

• Week 1, Aug. 21: Pebblebrook (The Corky Kell Classic at Kell High School)
• Week 2, Aug. 28: Oconee County
• Week 3, Sept. 4: at North Oconee
• Week 4, Sept. 11: OPEN
• Week 5, Sept. 18: Cedar Shoals
• Week 6, Sept. 25: Mountain View
• Week 7, Oct. 2: at Walnut Grove
• Week 8, Oct. 9: at Habersham Central
• Week 9, Oct. 16: OPEN
• Week 10, Oct. 23: Loganville
• Week 11, Oct. 30: Jackson County
• Week 12, Nov. 6: at Apalachee

Commerce

• Week 1, Aug. 21: OPEN
• Week 2, Aug. 28: East Jackson
• Week 3, Sept. 4: at Elbert County (The Granite Bowl)
• Week 4, Sept. 11: Greene County
• Week 5, Sept. 18: Chestatee
• Week 6, Sept. 25: OPEN
• Week 7, Oct. 2: at Temple
• Week 8, Oct. 9: Oglethorpe County
• Week 9, Oct. 16: Rabun County
• Week 10, Oct. 23: at Prince Avenue Christian
• Week 11, Oct. 30: Athens Academy
• Week 12, Nov. 6: at Providence Christian

East Jackson

• Week 1, Aug. 21: Elbert County
• Week 2, Aug. 28: at Commerce
• Week 3, Sept. 4: at Banks County
• Week 4, Sept. 11: at White County
• Week 5, Sept. 18: Hephzibah
• Week 6, Sept. 25: OPEN
• Week 7, Oct. 2: West Hall
• Week 8, Oct. 9: at Monroe Area
• Week 9, Oct. 16: OPEN
• Week 10, Oct. 23: East Hall
• Week 11, Oct. 30: Cherokee Bluff
• Week 12, Nov. 6: at Oconee County

Jackson County

• Week 1, Aug. 21: North Forsyth
• Week 2, Aug. 28: at Dacula
• Week 3, Sept. 4: OPEN
• Week 4, Sept. 11: North Oconee
• Week 5, Sept. 18: at Mountain View
• Week 6, Sept. 25: at Habersham Central
• Week 7, Oct. 2: Loganville
• Week 8, Oct. 9: OPEN
• Week 9, Oct. 16: at Apalachee
• Week 10, Oct. 23: Cedar Shoals
• Week 11, Oct. 30: at Clarke Central
• Week 12, Nov. 6: Walnut Grove

Jefferson

• Week 1, Aug. 21: at Calhoun
• Week 2, Aug. 28: Westside (SC)
• Week 3, Sept. 4: at Peach County
• Week 4, Sept. 11: Jackson, Atlanrta
• Week 5, Sept. 18: Oconee County
• Week 6, Sept. 25: OPEN
• Week 7, Oct. 2: at Flowery Branch
• Week 8, Oct. 9: East Forsyth
• Week 9, Oct. 16: Madison County
• Week 10, Oct. 23: at Winder-Barrow
• Week 11, Oct. 30: North Oconee
• Week 12, Nov. 6: OPEN

Madison County

• Week 1, Aug. 21: at Morgan County
• Week 2, Aug. 28: Hart County
• Week 3, Sept. 4: Franklin County
• Week 4, Sept. 11: at Banks County
• Week 5, Sept. 18: at Seckinger
• Week 6, Sept. 25: OPEN
• Week 7, Oct. 2: East Forsyth
• Week 8, Oct. 9: North Oconee
• Week 9, Oct. 16: at Jefferson
• Week 10, Oct. 23: OPEN
• Week 11, Oct. 30: at Winder-Barrow
• Week 12, Nov. 6: Flowery Branch

Monsignor Donovan Catholic

• Week 1, Aug. 14: OPEN
• Week 2, Aug. 21: at Griffin Christian
• Week 3, Aug. 28: Covenant Christian
• Week 4, Sept. 4: OPEN
• Week 5, Sept. 11: at Kings Way Christian
• Week 6, Sept. 18: Pinecrest
• Week 7, Sept. 25: at Peachtree
• Week 8, Oct. 2: at Covington
• Week 9, Oct. 9: OPEN
• Week 10, Oct. 16: Praise Academy
• Week 11, Oct. 23: at Victory Baptist
• Week 12, Oct. 30: Georgia School for Innovation and Classics

North Oconee

• Week 1, Aug. 21: at Oconee County
• Week 2, Aug. 28: Stockbridge
• Week 3, Sept. 4: Clarke Central
• Week 4, Sept. 11: at Jackson County
• Week 5, Sept. 18: Calhoun
• Week 6, Sept. 25: OPEN
• Week 7, Oct. 2: Winder-Barrow
• Week 8, Oct. 9: at Madison County
• Week 9, Oct. 16: Flowery Branch
• Week 10, Oct. 23: at East Forsyth
• Week 11, Oct. 30: at Jefferson
• Week 12, Nov. 6: OPEN

Oconee County

• Week 1, Aug. 21: North Oconee
• Week 2, Aug. 28: at Clarke Central
• Week 3, Sept. 4: at Morgan County
• Week 4, Sept. 11: Discovery
• Week 5, Sept. 18: at Jefferson
• Week 6, Sept. 25: OPEN
• Week 7, Oct. 2: Cherokee Bluff
• Week 8, Oct. 9: at East Hall
• Week 9, Oct. 16: OPEN
• Week 10, Oct. 23: West Hall
• Week 11, Oct. 30: at Monroe Area
• Week 12, Nov. 6: East Jackson

Oglethorpe County

• Week 1, Aug. 21: at Hephzibah
• Week 2, Aug. 28: OPEN
• Week 3, Sept. 4: Washington-Wilkes
• Week 4, Sept. 11: Putnam County
• Week 5, Sept. 18: at East Hall
• Week 6, Sept. 25: OPEN
• Week 7, Oct. 2: at Banks County
• Week 8, Oct. 9: at Commerce
• Week 9, Oct. 16: Providence Christian
• Week 10, Oct. 23: Rabun County
• Week 11, Oct. 30: Prince Avenue Christian
• Week 12, Nov. 6: at Athens Academy

Prince Avenue Christian

• Week 1, Aug. 21: Thomson
• Week 2, Aug. 28: OPEN
• Week 3, Sept. 4: OPEN
• Week 4, Sept. 11: Greater Atlanta Christian
• Week 5, Sept. 18: Trinity Christian
• Week 6, Sept. 25: at Fellowship Christian
• Week 7, Oct. 2: OPEN
• Week 8, Oct. 9: Providence Christian
• Week 9, Oct. 16: at Athens Academy
• Week 10, Oct. 23: Commerce
• Week 11, Oct. 30: at Oglethorpe County
• Week 12, Nov. 6: at Rabun County

Westminster Christian

• Week 1, Aug. 14: OPEN
• Week 2, Aug. 21: at Young Americans Christian
• Week 3, Aug. 28: OPEN
• Week 4, Sept. 4: at Augusta Eagles
• Week 5, Sept. 11: Fullington
• Week 6, Sept. 18: OPEN
• Week 7, Sept. 25: at Holy Spirit Prep
• Week 8, Oct. 2: at Vidalia Heritage
• Week 9, Oct. 9: David Emanuel
• Week 10, Oct. 16: OPEN
• Week 11, Oct. 23: OPEN
• Week 12, Oct. 30: OPEN

Winder-Barrow

• Week 1, Aug. 21: Apalachee
• Week 2, Aug. 28: at North Hall
• Week 3, Sept. 4: at Upson-Lee
• Week 4, Sept. 11: Hart County
• Week 5, Sept. 18: at St. Pius X
• Week 6, Sept. 25: OPEN
• Week 7, Oct. 2: at North Oconee
• Week 8, Oct. 9: at Flowery Branch
• Week 9, Oct. 16: OPEN
• Week 10, Oct. 23: Jefferson
• Week 11, Oct. 30: Madison County
• Week 12, Nov. 6: East Forsyth

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Complete fall 2026 high school football schedules for Athens-area

Starting last August through the WIAA state soccer tournament this spring, there were plenty of standout girls athletes across Manitowoc and Sheboygan counties in the 2025-26 school year.

Here is a list of the top 42 girls athletes, in alphabetical order.

I’ll be focusing on top accomplishments, not necessarily every sport they competed in or accolade they received.

At the bottom of the list will be a poll to choose who you feel was the best of the entire school year.

The poll will be open one week until July 20 at noon.

Brooke Arnoldi, sr., Sheboygan Falls

Arnoldi placed fourth in diving at the WIAA Division 2 state swimming and diving meet with a score of 349.70 for the Kohler/Lutheran/Falls girls swimming team.

Abigail Beaumont, jr., Sheboygan Falls

Beaumont was honorable mention all-state in Division 2 by the Wisconsin Volleyball Coaches Association.

Maggie Behler, jr., Kohler

Behler, the 2025 Lakeshore Elite girls cross country runner of the year, won the WIAA Division 3 title with a time of 18 minutes and 22.5 seconds. She also added a pair of state track and field medals, taking third in the 3,200-meter run (10:49.51) and sixth in the 1,600 (5:05.98).

Angie Bianchi, sr., Two Rivers

Bianchi, the 2025-26 Lakeshore Elite girls wrestler of the year, placed second at 120-pounds at the WIAA state tournament.

Eva Boness, sr., Mishicot

Boness was second team all-Division 2/3 by the Wisconsin Fastpitch Softball Coaches Association.

Macy Bruggink, sr., Oostburg

Bruggink made honorable mention all-state in Division 3 by the WVCA.

Ava Daggett, jr., Random Lake

Daggett earned honorable mention all-Division 4/5 by the WFSCA.

Jenna Dirks, sr., Elkhart Lake-Glenbeulah

Dirks placed sixth in the discus with a distance of 127-feet and 6-inches at the WIAA Division 3 state track and field meet.

Juliana Doerner, so., Mishicot

Doerner, the 2026 Lakeshore Elite girls track and field athlete of the year, won the 200 at the WIAA Division 3 meet in a state-record 24.04 seconds. She also added another state medal by taking fourth in the 100 (12.15).

Danika Eberhardt, jr., Random Lake

Eberhardt earned honorable mention all-Division 4/5 by the WFSCA.

Gwenn Elliott, so., Kohler

Elliott was first team all-state in Division 4 by the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association after averaging 23.5 points and 11.1 rebounds per game.

Arden Getschman, jr., Cedar Grove-Belgium

Getschman had a terrific junior season for the Cedar Grove-Belgium soccer team. She was fourth in the state with 92 points, 10^th with 35 goals and was third in the state with 24 assists.

Madyson Gutschow, sr., Kiel

Gutschow was honorable mention all-state in Division 3 by the WVCA.

Nora Halverson, jr., Sheboygan Falls

Halverson won a pair of state medals at the WIAA Division 2 state track and field meet. She earned bronze in the long jump with a distance of 18 feet and .25 inches while taking fourth in the triple jump (37-4.5).

Megan Hochkammer, sr., Valders

Hochkammer earned honorable mention all-state honors by the WVCA in Division 3. She was also honorable mention all-state in Division 4 by the WBCA after averaging 17.8 ppg and 8.8 rpg.

Mollie Junk, jr., Manitowoc Lincoln

Junk was named honorable mention all-state in Division 1 by the WVCA.

Ady Ketterhagen, sr., Oostburg

Ketterhagen, the 2025-26 Lakeshore Elite girls basketball player of the year, was named first-team Division 3 and a finalist for the Ms. Basketball award by the WBCA. She averaged 20.4 ppg, 7.3 rpg and 3.5 steals per game for the state champions.

Kinsley Ketterhagen, so., Oostburg

The sophomore was first team all-state in Division 3 by the WBCA after averaging 16.8 ppg and 3.5 spg for the state-champion Flying Dutchmen.

Riley Ketterhagen, sr., Oostburg

Riley earned first team all-state honors in Division 3 by the WBCA after averaging 11.2 ppg and 4.9 assists per game.

More Ketterhagens: Oostburg wins back-to-back WIAA D3 state titles, cements golden legacy

Kalli Knowles, sr., Plymouth

Knowles was tied for eighth in the state in goals with 36 and ninth in points with 81 for the Plymouth girls soccer team.

Makiah Krause, sr., Manitowoc Lutheran

Krause was named honorable mention all-state in Division 4 by the WBCA after she averaged 17.6 ppg, 3.2 apg and 3.7 spg.

Malasia Lee, jr., Two Rivers

Lee took fourth in the 100-meter dash with a time of 12.29 seconds at the WIAA Division 2 state track and field meet.

Eva Manzano, jr., Manitowoc Lutheran

Manzano was fifth in the triple jump (36-1) at the WIAA Division 3 state track and field meet.

Maddison McDole, sr., Kiel

McDole tied for 5th in the high jump (5-4) at the WIAA Division 2 state track and field meet.

Marissa Mehlhorn, sr., Manitowoc Lutheran

Mehlhorn, a member of the state-champion volleyball team, was first team all-state in Division 3 by the WVCA. She was also honorable mention all-state in Division 4 by the WBCA for basketball, averaging 14.4 ppg, 8.3 rpg and 3.7 spg. The highlight of her basketball season though was becoming the program’s all-time leading scorer.

Lydia Neeb, sr., Sheboygan Christian

Neeb made honorable mention all-state in Division 4 for the Eagles' volleyball team.

Liz Neils, Sr., Kiel

Neils was honorable mention all-state in Division 3 by the WVCA.

Emjay Neumann, sr., Manitowoc Lincoln

Neumann finished second at 114, losing the WIAA girls wrestling championship match to earn a silver medal.

Anna Olson, sr., Valders

Olson earned honorable mention all-state by the WVCA in Division 3.

Sofia Rodriguez, sr., Sheboygan Christian

Rodriguez earned honorable mention all-state honors in Division 4 by the WVCA for the Sheboygan Christian volleyball team.

Kensington Rosenow, sr., Mishicot 

Rosenow was named honorable mention all-state in Division 4 by the WBCA after averaging 19.6 ppg.

Ava Rothe, sr., Kiel

The Kiel volleyball player made honorable mention all-state in Division 3 by the WVCA.

Taavi Saeger, sr., Kiel

Saeger tied for second in the state with 52 goals this soccer season. She also led the state with 125 points and became the Raiders all-time points leader.

Gracie Schmidt, sr., Cedar Grove-Belgium

The Cedar Grove-Belgium girls soccer player was fifth in the state in assists with 21 while her 91 points were fifth.

Clara Sieracki, sr., Valders

Sieracki took sixth on the beam (9.0167) at the WIAA Division 2 state gymnastics meet.

Addison Stoeckigt, sr., Howards Grove

Stoeckigt earned honorable mention all-state honors in Division 4 by the WBCA after she averaged 13.1 ppg and 8 rpg.

Mia Stolle, sr., Kohler

Stolle earned a sixth-place medal at the WIAA Division 2 state swim meet in diving with a score of 337.55 for the Kohler/Lutheran/Falls co-op.

Ava Stuebs, jr., Manitowoc Lutheran

Stuebs, the 2025 Lakeshore Elite volleyball player of the year, was named first team all-Division 3 by the WVCA. 

More Ava Stuebs: Meet the 2025 Lakeshore Elite volleyball team and Player of the Year

Chloe Thill, so., Random Lake

Thill made second team all-Divisions 4/5 by the WFSCA.

Maddie Thomas, jr., Sheboygan Lutheran

Thomas was chosen honorable mention all-state by the WBCA after averaging 13 ppg.

Samantha Veldkamp, jr., Sheboygan Christian

Veldkamp was honorable mention all-state in Division 4 by the WVCA. She also made first team all-state in basketball after averaging 19.1 ppg and 11.6 rpg.

Abby Weidmayer, jr., Manitowoc Lincoln

The Manitowoc Lincoln volleyball player was named honorable mention all-state in Division 1 by the WVCA.

Nora Williams, jr., Sheboygan Falls

Williams won a pair of state medals at the WIAA Division 2 state swim meet, taking sixth in the 200-yard freestyle (1:58.04) and silver in the 500 freestyle (5:15.48).

Contact Tom Dombeck at 920-686-2965 or tdombeck@htrnews.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @Tom_Dombeck.

This article originally appeared on Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter: Who will be the top girls athlete for 2025-26 in Manitowoc, Sheboygan? Vote here

While the kickoff of the 2026 high school soccer season is still a month away, The Enquirer is getting preseason coverage rolling with looks at the top returning players across each position group.

The defensive anchors of every unit and the first group to feature are the goalies. Here are some key keepers to watch in 2026.

Be sure to vote for your favorite using the ballot at the end of the story. You can vote once an hour until 4 p.m. Friday.

Gabriella Brennan, Taylor

Brennan stepped up in her sophomore campaign, securing 11 shutouts and 98 saves in 2025. She allowed just 15 goals all season, earning a spot on the all-city first team. The incoming junior will look to improve on Taylor's 12-7 finish alongside over a dozen Yellowjacket upperclassmen.

Lindsay Bruce, Milford

An incoming junior already with two years of experience in goal, Bruce led the Eastern Cincinnati Conference with nine shutouts in 2025. She made 78% of stops and allowed just 23 goals, earning Enquirer first-team all-city honors in Division I.

Kara Buck, Seton

The Seton defense was nearly impenetrable in 2025, thanks to Buck's play in goal. Buck allowed just nine goals all season, recording 133 saves at a 94% clip. The incoming junior is a crucial returning piece from the Saints' state finals run and was a first-team all-city selection.

Bailee Class, Highlands

Class was at her best in the postseason, allowing just two goals in eight wins, including a shutout of Notre Dame in the Ninth Region final. She had nine shutouts and 120 saves in her sophomore season and was named one of The Enquirer's co-defensive players of the year in Northern Kentucky and Southeast Indiana.

Ava Gray, McNicholas

Gray turned in another strong showing as a junior for McNicholas. With an 84.5% save percentage, she made 87 saves with four shutouts in 2025. She, alongside a nine-member senior class, should have the Rockets in prime position to improve on a 9-4-8 finish.

Jada Kassner, Fayetteville-Perry

As a junior, Kassner anchored the Rockets' defense en route to a conference title with a 6-0 record, finishing 13-5-1 overall. Her 96 saves and four shutouts earned her a spot on the first-team all-city in Division V, and her performance should only improve as a senior.

Mallory Oliver, Harrison

Oliver, an incoming junior, already has two seasons as goalie under her belt. She's been a lockdown keeper as an underclassman, turning in 135 saves and 10 shutouts in 2025, a small improvement from her 134 saves and 8.4 shutouts as a freshman. Her performance earned her a spot on The Enquirer's all-city first team.

Leah Peter, Anderson       

The incoming senior was one of the top goalies in the ECC last season, finishing second in the conference with 136 saves and eight shutouts. Peter's defense was critical in the playoffs; she led four straight shutouts to reach the regional final, then made 17 saves in a narrow 3-2 regional championship win over St. Ursula.

Elle Speelman, Walnut Hills

In a highly competitive ECC, Speelman was more than up to the task. She finished her junior year with 88 saves and just 19 goals allowed, turning in six shutouts along the way. The first-team all-city selection will lead a nine-member senior class to improve on last year's 10-6-3 season.

Lexi Willis, Little Miami

A critical component of Little Miami's ECC champion season in 2025, Willis allowed just four goals in 16 games with seven shutouts. The incoming senior turned in 66 saves last season, representing an astonishing save percentage of 94%.

Vote for your favorite girls soccer goalkeeper ahead of the 2026 season

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Previewing Cincinnati high school girls soccer's top goalies

While the kickoff of the 2026 high school soccer season is still a month away, The Enquirer is getting preseason coverage rolling with looks at the top returning players across each position group.

The defensive anchors of every unit and the first group to feature are the goalies. Here are some key keepers to watch in 2026.

Be sure to vote for your favorite using the ballot at the end of the story. You can vote once an hour until 4 p.m. Friday.

Gabriella Brennan, Taylor

Brennan stepped up in her sophomore campaign, securing 11 shutouts and 98 saves in 2025. She allowed just 15 goals all season, earning a spot on the all-city first team. The incoming junior will look to improve on Taylor's 12-7 finish alongside over a dozen Yellowjacket upperclassmen.

Lindsay Bruce, Milford

An incoming junior already with two years of experience in goal, Bruce led the Eastern Cincinnati Conference with nine shutouts in 2025. She made 78% of stops and allowed just 23 goals, earning Enquirer first-team all-city honors in Division I.

Kara Buck, Seton

The Seton defense was nearly impenetrable in 2025, thanks to Buck's play in goal. Buck allowed just nine goals all season, recording 133 saves at a 94% clip. The incoming junior is a crucial returning piece from the Saints' state finals run and was a first-team all-city selection.

Bailee Class, Highlands

Class was at her best in the postseason, allowing just two goals in eight wins, including a shutout of Notre Dame in the Ninth Region final. She had nine shutouts and 120 saves in her sophomore season and was named one of The Enquirer's co-defensive players of the year in Northern Kentucky and Southeast Indiana.

Ava Gray, McNicholas

Gray turned in another strong showing as a junior for McNicholas. With an 84.5% save percentage, she made 87 saves with four shutouts in 2025. She, alongside a nine-member senior class, should have the Rockets in prime position to improve on a 9-4-8 finish.

Jada Kassner, Fayetteville-Perry

As a junior, Kassner anchored the Rockets' defense en route to a conference title with a 6-0 record, finishing 13-5-1 overall. Her 96 saves and four shutouts earned her a spot on the first-team all-city in Division V, and her performance should only improve as a senior.

Mallory Oliver, Harrison

Oliver, an incoming junior, already has two seasons as goalie under her belt. She's been a lockdown keeper as an underclassman, turning in 135 saves and 10 shutouts in 2025, a small improvement from her 134 saves and 8.4 shutouts as a freshman. Her performance earned her a spot on The Enquirer's all-city first team.

Leah Peter, Anderson       

The incoming senior was one of the top goalies in the ECC last season, finishing second in the conference with 136 saves and eight shutouts. Peter's defense was critical in the playoffs; she led four straight shutouts to reach the regional final, then made 17 saves in a narrow 3-2 regional championship win over St. Ursula.

Elle Speelman, Walnut Hills

In a highly competitive ECC, Speelman was more than up to the task. She finished her junior year with 88 saves and just 19 goals allowed, turning in six shutouts along the way. The first-team all-city selection will lead a nine-member senior class to improve on last year's 10-6-3 season.

Lexi Willis, Little Miami

A critical component of Little Miami's ECC champion season in 2025, Willis allowed just four goals in 16 games with seven shutouts. The incoming senior turned in 66 saves last season, representing an astonishing save percentage of 94%.

Vote for your favorite girls soccer goalkeeper ahead of the 2026 season

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Previewing Cincinnati high school girls soccer's top goalies

Cincinnati high school football kickoffs aren't here yet, but at The Enquirer, we are kicking off our preseason football coverage with a look at the best returning players in various position groups.

Here are some receivers and tight ends to watch.

Be sure to vote for your favorite using the ballot at the end of the story. You can vote once an hour until 4 p.m. Friday.

Charles Alexander Jr., Withrow

The 6-foot-3, 190-pound senior has committed to Iowa State after previously committing to Louisville. He was offered by more than 25 other schools, including several Power-5 programs.

Playing on a team that didn’t throw a lot, he recorded 21 receptions his junior season for 369 yards and six touchdowns. He was named first team all-league in the Cincinnati Metro Athletic Conference-Red Division, helping Withrow finish 9-3.  

Cordell Ball, Oak Hills

The 6-foot-3 junior was one of Cincinnati’s leading receivers last year, catching 56 passes for 1,017 yards and nine touchdowns. He had 177 yards and three touchdowns against Sycamore and 185 and two TDs in a 59-47 loss to Lakota East. Ball, also one of the area’s best basketball stars, has more than 10 Division I offers, including Cincinnati and other Power-Four programs Iowa State, Louisville, Maryland and Wisconsin.

Colten Barger, Lloyd Memorial

The multi-sport star helped the football Juggernauts to a landmark season, going 13-1 and advancing to the KHSAA Class 3A state semifinals. He had a big freshman season as well, catching 30 passes for 415 yards and five touchdowns.

Noah Bilinski, Springboro

The 6-foot-1, 175-pound senior was first-team all-league in the Greater Western Ohio Conference, helping the Panthers to a 7-4 record. He was one of the state’s leading receivers with 84 catches for 1,082 yards and nine touchdowns. He has Division II offers including Grand Valley State.

Tyler Fryman, Beechwood

The four-star football recruit and multi-sport star has committed to Kentucky for football and baseball. He flipped his commitment from Louisville in June. On the gridiron, Fryman caught 62 passes for 1,320 yards and 23 touchdowns, helping the Tigers to an 11-2 record and the Class 2A state quarterfinals. He was also the Ninth Region Player of the Year in baseball, helping them to the state quarterfinals, and an indoor track state champion.

Thomas Huckleby, Cincinnati Country Day

The junior plays several positions for the Nighthawks, helping them to a 9-2 record and earning second-team all-state honors. He scored 23 total touchdowns last year, catching 48 passes for 881 yards and nine TDs while also being the team’s second-leading rusher with 526 yards and 13 TDs on 71 carries.

Lorenzo McMullen, Princeton

The junior three-sport star transferred from Taft after last season. McMullen is rated as a four-star prospect on 247Sports and holds 21 offers, including Cincinnati, Florida, Notre Dame, Oregon and Penn State. In football, he was first-team all-state in Division IV after catching 39 passes for 601 yards and 14 touchdowns to help the Senators to an 11-1 record.

Christian Roether, Harrison

The 6-foot-4 junior tight end was the team’s leading receiver last season, catching 30 passes for 500 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also played defensive line and was on the state semifinalist baseball team.

Chase Walpole, Elder

The senior is the top returning receiver for quarterback Kaden Estep and the Panthers, who went 12-1 last season. He had 43 catches for 615 yards and three touchdowns. He had 15 catches for 181 yards in three playoff games.

Tysin Weaver, Anderson

The 6-foot, 175-pound senior was one of the top receivers in the state leading the Raptors’ high-powered offense with 91 catches for 1,375 yards and 20 touchdowns, leading Anderson to the Division II state final. He scored touchdowns in 12 of 15 games, including four against Kings and three against Turpin. He had seven catches for 190 yards against Kings. In five playoff games, he had 38 catches for 497 yards including 11 for 125 in the state final loss to Avon. With Cooper Kathman and Tegan Jallick also returning at receiver after putting up big numbers in 2025, and Owen Scalf returning at QB, the Raptors should have another explosive offense. Weaver has several recent Division II offers.

On the radar

Peyton Abner, New Richmond; Wyatt Adams, South Dearborn; Cade Anthrop, Campbell County; Jomar Berg, Goshen; Joey Dahmer, Milford; C.J. Elliott, Turpin; Andre Englemon Jr., Ludlow; Desean Flagg, Colerain; Eddie Holloway, Taft; Demarco Jackson, Newport; Tegan Jallick, Anderson; Carter Jones, Lakota East; Elijah Jones, Harrison; Cooper Kathman, Anderson; Wyatt Lassen, Lebanon; Tayden Lorenzen, Highlands; Andrew Lyman, Kings; Brylan Miltenberger, Wyoming; Evan Otto, Roger Bacon; Nathan Pabst, Beechwood; Callan Poland, Turpin; Cooper Reynolds, Blanchester; Tyce Rutledge, Waynesville; Liam Vargo, Roger Bacon; Logan Von Holle, St. Xavier; Drew Wauligman, Elder.

Vote: Who is the top receiver/tight end in Greater Cincinnati high school football?

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Previewing Cincinnati high school football's top receivers, tight ends

Cincinnati high school football kickoffs aren't here yet, but at The Enquirer, we are kicking off our preseason football coverage with a look at the best returning players in various position groups.

Here are some receivers and tight ends to watch.

Be sure to vote for your favorite using the ballot at the end of the story. You can vote once an hour until 4 p.m. Friday.

Charles Alexander Jr., Withrow

The 6-foot-3, 190-pound senior has committed to Iowa State after previously committing to Louisville. He was offered by more than 25 other schools, including several Power-5 programs.

Playing on a team that didn’t throw a lot, he recorded 21 receptions his junior season for 369 yards and six touchdowns. He was named first team all-league in the Cincinnati Metro Athletic Conference-Red Division, helping Withrow finish 9-3.  

Cordell Ball, Oak Hills

The 6-foot-3 junior was one of Cincinnati’s leading receivers last year, catching 56 passes for 1,017 yards and nine touchdowns. He had 177 yards and three touchdowns against Sycamore and 185 and two TDs in a 59-47 loss to Lakota East. Ball, also one of the area’s best basketball stars, has more than 10 Division I offers, including Cincinnati and other Power-Four programs Iowa State, Louisville, Maryland and Wisconsin.

Colten Barger, Lloyd Memorial

The multi-sport star helped the football Juggernauts to a landmark season, going 13-1 and advancing to the KHSAA Class 3A state semifinals. He had a big freshman season as well, catching 30 passes for 415 yards and five touchdowns.

Noah Bilinski, Springboro

The 6-foot-1, 175-pound senior was first-team all-league in the Greater Western Ohio Conference, helping the Panthers to a 7-4 record. He was one of the state’s leading receivers with 84 catches for 1,082 yards and nine touchdowns. He has Division II offers including Grand Valley State.

Tyler Fryman, Beechwood

The four-star football recruit and multi-sport star has committed to Kentucky for football and baseball. He flipped his commitment from Louisville in June. On the gridiron, Fryman caught 62 passes for 1,320 yards and 23 touchdowns, helping the Tigers to an 11-2 record and the Class 2A state quarterfinals. He was also the Ninth Region Player of the Year in baseball, helping them to the state quarterfinals, and an indoor track state champion.

Thomas Huckleby, Cincinnati Country Day

The junior plays several positions for the Nighthawks, helping them to a 9-2 record and earning second-team all-state honors. He scored 23 total touchdowns last year, catching 48 passes for 881 yards and nine TDs while also being the team’s second-leading rusher with 526 yards and 13 TDs on 71 carries.

Lorenzo McMullen, Princeton

The junior three-sport star transferred from Taft after last season. McMullen is rated as a four-star prospect on 247Sports and holds 21 offers, including Cincinnati, Florida, Notre Dame, Oregon and Penn State. In football, he was first-team all-state in Division IV after catching 39 passes for 601 yards and 14 touchdowns to help the Senators to an 11-1 record.

Christian Roether, Harrison

The 6-foot-4 junior tight end was the team’s leading receiver last season, catching 30 passes for 500 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also played defensive line and was on the state semifinalist baseball team.

Chase Walpole, Elder

The senior is the top returning receiver for quarterback Kaden Estep and the Panthers, who went 12-1 last season. He had 43 catches for 615 yards and three touchdowns. He had 15 catches for 181 yards in three playoff games.

Tysin Weaver, Anderson

The 6-foot, 175-pound senior was one of the top receivers in the state leading the Raptors’ high-powered offense with 91 catches for 1,375 yards and 20 touchdowns, leading Anderson to the Division II state final. He scored touchdowns in 12 of 15 games, including four against Kings and three against Turpin. He had seven catches for 190 yards against Kings. In five playoff games, he had 38 catches for 497 yards including 11 for 125 in the state final loss to Avon. With Cooper Kathman and Tegan Jallick also returning at receiver after putting up big numbers in 2025, and Owen Scalf returning at QB, the Raptors should have another explosive offense. Weaver has several recent Division II offers.

On the radar

Peyton Abner, New Richmond; Wyatt Adams, South Dearborn; Cade Anthrop, Campbell County; Jomar Berg, Goshen; Joey Dahmer, Milford; C.J. Elliott, Turpin; Andre Englemon Jr., Ludlow; Desean Flagg, Colerain; Eddie Holloway, Taft; Demarco Jackson, Newport; Tegan Jallick, Anderson; Carter Jones, Lakota East; Elijah Jones, Harrison; Cooper Kathman, Anderson; Wyatt Lassen, Lebanon; Tayden Lorenzen, Highlands; Andrew Lyman, Kings; Brylan Miltenberger, Wyoming; Evan Otto, Roger Bacon; Nathan Pabst, Beechwood; Callan Poland, Turpin; Cooper Reynolds, Blanchester; Tyce Rutledge, Waynesville; Liam Vargo, Roger Bacon; Logan Von Holle, St. Xavier; Drew Wauligman, Elder.

Vote: Who is the top receiver/tight end in Greater Cincinnati high school football?

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Previewing Cincinnati high school football's top receivers, tight ends

We've hit the midway point of summer, which means another exciting year of high school sports in Greater Cincinnati is right around the corner.

Southwest Ohio saw two volleyball teams take home gold trophies in 2025 (Seton and McNicholas). It figures to be another ultra-successful season on the court from the first serve in August until the state tournaments in November.

In advance of the season, The Enquirer is previewing the top 10 players at each position, starting with the defensive specialists and liberos.

Make sure to vote for the top player in the poll at the bottom of the story, which will be open until 4 p.m. on Friday, July 17.

Grace Frommeyer, Bishop Brossart

The Lady 'Stangs should be favored to win their first 10th Region title since 2022, returning the vast majority of their production from 2025. As a sophomore, Frommeyer was in the top 20 in Kentucky with 533 digs to go with 40 aces and 34 assists.

Ella George, Loveland

The Tigers are well-positioned to compete for another Eastern Cincinnati Conference crown, one year after making their first state tournament appearance. George, a second-team all-conference selection as a sophomore, will be in the running for the conference's defensive player of the year award. In 2025, she registered 464 digs, 102 assists and 45 aces.

Dara Jackson, Notre Dame

While the Pandas will once again have a deep senior class, Jackson will be one of the stars of the show as a junior. She is the ninth-ranked player and fourth-ranked libero in Kentucky's class of 2028, according to PrepDig, and has already attracted a healthy amount of college offers. After contributing 516 digs, 85 assists and 47 aces, she was named to the 35th District, Ninth Region and state all-tournament teams.

Emme Moser, Fenwick

Moser has been a lynchpin for Fenwick's success over the last two seasons, which saw the Falcons finish as state runner-up in 2024 and regional runner-up in 2025. The University of Toledo commit was named to the Greater Catholic League-Coed and all-district first teams as a junior.

She led the GCL-Coed with 532 digs to go with 65 aces and 60 assists.

Karly Otto, Anderson

Can Anderson take home its second ECC title in three years?

Otto, an all-conference second-team selection as a junior, is one of seven seniors this season. She helped the Raptors to a district title in 2025 by compiling 419 digs, 112 assists and 19 aces.

Kenadi Sieg, St. Henry

Sieg is coming off a sophomore season in which she was named to the second-team all-state and ranked in the top 20 in the state with 527 digs, prompting announcers to yell "Sieg dig!" whenever she made a spectacular play. She also had 82 assists and 24 aces as the Crusaders finished as the Ninth Region runner-up. She is ranked eighth in Kentucky in the class of 2028 according to PrepDig and recently announced her commitment to the University of Cincinnati.

Ali Strange, McNicholas

The Xavier University commit brings the energy for the Rockets on every point, whether she's diving for a ball destined for the floor or setting up the offense for an attack. She is one of three McNick seniors currently committed to a Division I program. As a junior, she was named to the GCL-Coed, all-district and All-Ohio first teams, contributing 389 digs, 100 assists and 47 aces for the season.

Emory Sullivan, Scott

The daughter of head coach Andrea Sullivan will take on an increased workload after the Eagles graduated a sextet of superb seniors who led them to back-to-back state tournament appearances. Sullivan led Scott in 2025 with 486 digs (she was one of four players with more than 275 digs) and also had 44 aces and 41 kills. Along with Jacinda Campbell, Shelby White and Kinley Dunford, she will be charged with leading the Eagles to a 10th Region three-peat.

Maggie Timmerman, Seton

Timmerman was one of two sophomores to appear in every match for the Saints in 2025. Not only did she provide a great defensive option behind Grace Jones, she provided steadiness for the Saints' serve-receive efforts in the latter portion of the postseason. She had 225 digs, 34 aces and 15 assists last year, numbers that will surely increase in her junior campaign.

Addyson Wolfer, Mount Notre Dame

It should be an exciting season for the Cougars, who are coming off their first state tournament appearance since 2021 and have a new head coach in Dani Szczepanski.

Along with Cami Reisert, Wolfer will feature as one of two liberos for MND as the Cougars look to contend in the Girls Greater Catholic League. As a sophomore, she posted 250 digs and 24 assists.

Additional defensive specialists and liberos to watch in 2026

Savannah Chun, Goshen; Francesca Hansel, Ryle; Kennady Horsley, Kings; Rylee Jewell, Summit Country Day; Lucy Longworth, Harrison; Makena Marks, Conner; Sophia Ober, Ross; Cami Reisert, Mount Notre Dame; Ellyse Shealy, Lawrenceburg; Peyton Smith, Fairfield; Lainey Tilton, Sycamore

Vote: Who is the top defensive specialist/ libero in Greater Cincinnati girls volleyball?

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Previewing Cincinnati's top defensive specialists, liberos in 2026

We've hit the midway point of summer, which means another exciting year of high school sports in Greater Cincinnati is right around the corner.

Southwest Ohio saw two volleyball teams take home gold trophies in 2025 (Seton and McNicholas). It figures to be another ultra-successful season on the court from the first serve in August until the state tournaments in November.

In advance of the season, The Enquirer is previewing the top 10 players at each position, starting with the defensive specialists and liberos.

Make sure to vote for the top player in the poll at the bottom of the story, which will be open until 4 p.m. on Friday, July 17.

Grace Frommeyer, Bishop Brossart

The Lady 'Stangs should be favored to win their first 10th Region title since 2022, returning the vast majority of their production from 2025. As a sophomore, Frommeyer was in the top 20 in Kentucky with 533 digs to go with 40 aces and 34 assists.

Ella George, Loveland

The Tigers are well-positioned to compete for another Eastern Cincinnati Conference crown, one year after making their first state tournament appearance. George, a second-team all-conference selection as a sophomore, will be in the running for the conference's defensive player of the year award. In 2025, she registered 464 digs, 102 assists and 45 aces.

Dara Jackson, Notre Dame

While the Pandas will once again have a deep senior class, Jackson will be one of the stars of the show as a junior. She is the ninth-ranked player and fourth-ranked libero in Kentucky's class of 2028, according to PrepDig, and has already attracted a healthy amount of college offers. After contributing 516 digs, 85 assists and 47 aces, she was named to the 35th District, Ninth Region and state all-tournament teams.

Emme Moser, Fenwick

Moser has been a lynchpin for Fenwick's success over the last two seasons, which saw the Falcons finish as state runner-up in 2024 and regional runner-up in 2025. The University of Toledo commit was named to the Greater Catholic League-Coed and all-district first teams as a junior.

She led the GCL-Coed with 532 digs to go with 65 aces and 60 assists.

Karly Otto, Anderson

Can Anderson take home its second ECC title in three years?

Otto, an all-conference second-team selection as a junior, is one of seven seniors this season. She helped the Raptors to a district title in 2025 by compiling 419 digs, 112 assists and 19 aces.

Kenadi Sieg, St. Henry

Sieg is coming off a sophomore season in which she was named to the second-team all-state and ranked in the top 20 in the state with 527 digs, prompting announcers to yell "Sieg dig!" whenever she made a spectacular play. She also had 82 assists and 24 aces as the Crusaders finished as the Ninth Region runner-up. She is ranked eighth in Kentucky in the class of 2028 according to PrepDig and recently announced her commitment to the University of Cincinnati.

Ali Strange, McNicholas

The Xavier University commit brings the energy for the Rockets on every point, whether she's diving for a ball destined for the floor or setting up the offense for an attack. She is one of three McNick seniors currently committed to a Division I program. As a junior, she was named to the GCL-Coed, all-district and All-Ohio first teams, contributing 389 digs, 100 assists and 47 aces for the season.

Emory Sullivan, Scott

The daughter of head coach Andrea Sullivan will take on an increased workload after the Eagles graduated a sextet of superb seniors who led them to back-to-back state tournament appearances. Sullivan led Scott in 2025 with 486 digs (she was one of four players with more than 275 digs) and also had 44 aces and 41 kills. Along with Jacinda Campbell, Shelby White and Kinley Dunford, she will be charged with leading the Eagles to a 10th Region three-peat.

Maggie Timmerman, Seton

Timmerman was one of two sophomores to appear in every match for the Saints in 2025. Not only did she provide a great defensive option behind Grace Jones, she provided steadiness for the Saints' serve-receive efforts in the latter portion of the postseason. She had 225 digs, 34 aces and 15 assists last year, numbers that will surely increase in her junior campaign.

Addyson Wolfer, Mount Notre Dame

It should be an exciting season for the Cougars, who are coming off their first state tournament appearance since 2021 and have a new head coach in Dani Szczepanski.

Along with Cami Reisert, Wolfer will feature as one of two liberos for MND as the Cougars look to contend in the Girls Greater Catholic League. As a sophomore, she posted 250 digs and 24 assists.

Additional defensive specialists and liberos to watch in 2026

Savannah Chun, Goshen; Francesca Hansel, Ryle; Kennady Horsley, Kings; Rylee Jewell, Summit Country Day; Lucy Longworth, Harrison; Makena Marks, Conner; Sophia Ober, Ross; Cami Reisert, Mount Notre Dame; Ellyse Shealy, Lawrenceburg; Peyton Smith, Fairfield; Lainey Tilton, Sycamore

Vote: Who is the top defensive specialist/ libero in Greater Cincinnati girls volleyball?

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Previewing Cincinnati's top defensive specialists, liberos in 2026

While the kickoff of the 2026 high school soccer season is still a month away, the Enquirer is getting preseason coverage rolling with looks at the top returning players across each position group.

The defensive anchors of every unit and the first group to feature are the goalies. Here are some key keepers to watch in 2026.

Be sure to vote for your favorite using the ballot at the end of the story. You can vote once an hour until 4 p.m. Friday.

Hayden Carter, Harrison

In his junior campaign, Carter tallied 147 saves with nine shutouts, allowing just 19 goals through 20 games. His three saves in a shootout win over Loveland in the district semifinals were instrumental to the Wildcats claiming a district championship, and he earned a spot on the Enquirer's all-city first team.

Landen Darling, Mason

As a sophomore, Darling secured 10.5 shutouts in goal for Mason. The Comets allowed just nine goals all season en route to a 14-1-3 record, and Darling's skills will only improve in his junior season.

George Fey, Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy

With 60 saves to just 17 goals allowed, Fey held down the Eagles' defense as they finished the year with a 12-3-2 record. He recorded five shutouts as a junior and could have an even better season in 2026 as CHCA figures to return more than a dozen incoming seniors after graduating just five players this offseason.

Booker Gifford, Covington Catholic

Gifford was instrumental in Covington Catholic's state runner-up season. He recorded 181 saves as a junior while allowing just 27 goals as the Colonels went 18-8-2 overall. He was named to the Kentucky High School Athletic Association all-tournament team for his performances, highlighted by his 12 stops to shut out South Oldham in the semifinals.

A.J. Goff, McNicholas

Goff's performance in goal was a bright spot for the Rockets in 2025. The junior recorded 111 saves with eight shutouts, allowing 24 goals as McNicholas reached the district finals with a 10-9-2 record.

Scotty Hall, Wilmington

Hall was a brick wall in his junior season, stopping 91% of shots on goal as he racked up 133 saves. Allowing just 13 goals and recording six shutouts, he helped Wilmington go undefeated in conference play and finish with a 14-1-3 record. Hall earned first-team all-city honors for his performance and will look to build on that in 2026.

Nick Maslin, Lakota East

Maslin was one of the top goalies in the Greater Miami Conference in 2025, tallying 82 saves with only 25 goals allowed. As a young Thunderhawks team continues to develop, look for the incoming senior to build on his three shutouts from a year ago.

James McKernan, St. Xavier

The Enquirer's co-defensive player of the year for Division I allowed 21 goals in 18 games, with six shutouts, in helping the Bombers reach the Division I state semifinals. McKernan's 73 saves led the Greater Catholic League-South, and he was a first-team all-league and all-district selection.

Judah Muck, Batavia

Muck led a tremendous Batavia defense as a sophomore, leading the Southern Buckeye Athletic and Academic Conference with eight shutouts and allowing just nine goals. His efforts in the net led the Bulldogs to a 10-3-2 record in 2025.

Brady Smith, Loveland

Opponents frequently found themselves frustrated against Smith's defense as the sophomore secured 11 shutouts in 2025. With 76 saves and only 9 goals allowed, he saved nearly 90% of all shots on goal last season. With the incoming junior Smith being joined by four incoming senior defenders, the Tigers look to be stingy once again.

Vote for your favorite boys soccer goalkeeper ahead of the 2026 season

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Previewing Cincinnati high school boys soccer's top goalies

While the kickoff of the 2026 high school soccer season is still a month away, the Enquirer is getting preseason coverage rolling with looks at the top returning players across each position group.

The defensive anchors of every unit and the first group to feature are the goalies. Here are some key keepers to watch in 2026.

Be sure to vote for your favorite using the ballot at the end of the story. You can vote once an hour until 4 p.m. Friday.

Hayden Carter, Harrison

In his junior campaign, Carter tallied 147 saves with nine shutouts, allowing just 19 goals through 20 games. His three saves in a shootout win over Loveland in the district semifinals were instrumental to the Wildcats claiming a district championship, and he earned a spot on the Enquirer's all-city first team.

Landen Darling, Mason

As a sophomore, Darling secured 10.5 shutouts in goal for Mason. The Comets allowed just nine goals all season en route to a 14-1-3 record, and Darling's skills will only improve in his junior season.

George Fey, Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy

With 60 saves to just 17 goals allowed, Fey held down the Eagles' defense as they finished the year with a 12-3-2 record. He recorded five shutouts as a junior and could have an even better season in 2026 as CHCA figures to return more than a dozen incoming seniors after graduating just five players this offseason.

Booker Gifford, Covington Catholic

Gifford was instrumental in Covington Catholic's state runner-up season. He recorded 181 saves as a junior while allowing just 27 goals as the Colonels went 18-8-2 overall. He was named to the Kentucky High School Athletic Association all-tournament team for his performances, highlighted by his 12 stops to shut out South Oldham in the semifinals.

A.J. Goff, McNicholas

Goff's performance in goal was a bright spot for the Rockets in 2025. The junior recorded 111 saves with eight shutouts, allowing 24 goals as McNicholas reached the district finals with a 10-9-2 record.

Scotty Hall, Wilmington

Hall was a brick wall in his junior season, stopping 91% of shots on goal as he racked up 133 saves. Allowing just 13 goals and recording six shutouts, he helped Wilmington go undefeated in conference play and finish with a 14-1-3 record. Hall earned first-team all-city honors for his performance and will look to build on that in 2026.

Nick Maslin, Lakota East

Maslin was one of the top goalies in the Greater Miami Conference in 2025, tallying 82 saves with only 25 goals allowed. As a young Thunderhawks team continues to develop, look for the incoming senior to build on his three shutouts from a year ago.

James McKernan, St. Xavier

The Enquirer's co-defensive player of the year for Division I allowed 21 goals in 18 games, with six shutouts, in helping the Bombers reach the Division I state semifinals. McKernan's 73 saves led the Greater Catholic League-South, and he was a first-team all-league and all-district selection.

Judah Muck, Batavia

Muck led a tremendous Batavia defense as a sophomore, leading the Southern Buckeye Athletic and Academic Conference with eight shutouts and allowing just nine goals. His efforts in the net led the Bulldogs to a 10-3-2 record in 2025.

Brady Smith, Loveland

Opponents frequently found themselves frustrated against Smith's defense as the sophomore secured 11 shutouts in 2025. With 76 saves and only 9 goals allowed, he saved nearly 90% of all shots on goal last season. With the incoming junior Smith being joined by four incoming senior defenders, the Tigers look to be stingy once again.

Vote for your favorite boys soccer goalkeeper ahead of the 2026 season

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Previewing Cincinnati high school boys soccer's top goalies

Louisville Cardinals outfielder Lucas Moore, a former Hamilton Badin High School standout, was selected by the Cleveland Guardians in the fifth round (155th overall) of the 2026 MLB Draft.

Moore played three seasons at Louisville, batting .316 with an OPS of .862 and 107 stolen bases.

He was named to the 2025 USA Collegiate National Team, and earned 2025 D1Baseball all-America second-team and all-ACC first-team honors.

A shortstop at Badin, Moore was a three-time all-state selection who hit .426 over three seasons with 27 doubles, 10 triples and 130 runs scored.

One pick before the Guardians selected Moore, the Cincinnati Reds selected shortstop Dylan Bowen from Indiana's Hanover Central High School.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Lucas Moore, Louisville outfielder from Badin HS, drafted by Guardians

Louisville Cardinals outfielder Lucas Moore, a former Hamilton Badin High School standout, was selected by the Cleveland Guardians in the fifth round (155th overall) of the 2026 MLB Draft.

Moore played three seasons at Louisville, batting .316 with an OPS of .862 and 107 stolen bases.

He was named to the 2025 USA Collegiate National Team, and earned 2025 D1Baseball all-America second-team and all-ACC first-team honors.

A shortstop at Badin, Moore was a three-time all-state selection who hit .426 over three seasons with 27 doubles, 10 triples and 130 runs scored.

One pick before the Guardians selected Moore, the Cincinnati Reds selected shortstop Dylan Bowen from Indiana's Hanover Central High School.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Lucas Moore, Louisville outfielder from Badin HS, drafted by Guardians

Six players from Chandler Hamilton's 2022 state high school championship baseball team were taken in Major League Baseball drafts over the past four MLB drafts.

UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky leads the way as the No. 1 overall pick, selected in the 2026 draft by the Chicago White Sox on Saturday, July 11

In Day 2 of the draft, three more players from that '22 Hamilton team were selected.

They are pitcher Kole Klecker (Minnesota Twins, 10th round from Arizona State), pitcher Rohan Lettow (Pittsburgh Pirates, 12th round, from San Diego State), and infielder Ryan Kucherak (San Diego Padres, 15th round, from Northwestern).

Keckler spent his first three seasons at TCU before transferring to ASU.

Among players taken in previous years:

Outfielder Gavin Turley was taken by the Athletics in the fourth round of the 2025 draft.

Pitcher Josh Tiedemann went to the New York Yankees in the 13th round of the 2023 draft.

That 2022 Hamilton team went 29-4 and run-ruled Chandler, 11-1, in the 6A state championship game in five innings.

Gilbert Campo Verde outfielder Ezekiel Zion was the only 2026 Arizona high school player taken in the 20-round draft. He was chosen by the Padres in the 20th round, the 605th overall pick.

Richard Obert has been covering high school sports since the 1980s for The Arizona Republic. Catch the best high school sports coverage in the state. Sign up for Azcentral Preps Now. And be sure to subscribe to our daily sports newsletters so you don't miss a thing. To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Obert at richard.obert@arizonarepublic.com or 602-316-8827. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter:@azc_obert

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Championship Arizona high school team has had 6 taken in MLB draft

Selden Kolkebeck’s perfect senior season received a fitting storybook ending Sunday.

One month after compiling a 12-0 record and helping lead Old Tappan to the NJSIAA Group 3 state championship, the Harrington Park native was selected by the Texas Rangers in the 19th round of the 2026 MLB Draft. Kolkebeck was chosen with the 14th pick of the round, No. 567 overall.

MLB Draft 2026: Former Don Bosco baseball star Eric Becker drafted by Cincinnati Reds

The right-handed pitcher, who is committed to Columbia University, became the third New Jersey high school player selected in this year’s draft. St. Augustine’s Alex Weingartner was taken by the Chicago White Sox in the sixth round (No. 166 overall), while Cranford’s Brayden Fry went to the Baltimore Orioles in the 16th round.

Kolkebeck also became the second Old Tappan player drafted during the weekend. Alex Kranzler, a Vanderbilt junior and fellow Knights alumnus, was selected by the Boston Red Sox in the 17th round.

Kolkebeck is the fourth area player drafted out of high school in as many years. The others are Nicky Becker (2025 - Seattle), Nazier Mule (2022 - Cubs) and Caden Dana (2022 - Angels).

The selection caps a remarkable year for Kolkebeck, whose undefeated season helped propel Old Tappan to a state championship and now has him headed toward professional baseball after one of the most successful campaigns in program history.

MLB Draft 2026: 6 North Jersey baseball players who could be selected in MLB Draft

It has been a remarkable year for North Jersey's top pitching prospect. Kolkebeck was virtually untouchable on the mound, compiling a perfect 12-0 record while striking out 126 batters in 78 innings.

He also posted a microscopic 0.72 ERA, issued just 15 walks, threw five shutouts and recorded nine complete games, leading Old Tappan to its first state title since 2008 and second in program history. Kolkebeck reached double figures in strikeouts in 10 of his outings, consistently overpowering opposing lineups throughout the season.

An outstanding student in the classroom, Kolkebeck drew the attention of numerous MLB scouts each time he took the mound and routinely delivered in the spotlight. He possesses an imposing 6-foot-4, 215-pound frame and demonstrates advanced poise, command and maturity beyond his years.

His fastball reaches the mid-90s, while his breaking pitches sit in the upper-70s to low-80s with sharp late movement. He also features an effective changeup that keeps hitters off balance.

A total of 16 players with New Jersey ties were selected in the 2026 MLB Draft, including four with connections to Bergen County programs. Former Don Bosco Prep standout Eric Becker was the highest Bergen County player taken, going to the Cincinnati Reds in the second round. Former Mahwah star Aidan Teel was selected by the Minnesota Twins in the 11th round, while Bergen Catholic alumnus Carsten Sabathia III was chosen by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 20th round.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Old Tappan baseball star Selden Kolkebeck drafted by Texas Rangers

Baseball

American Legion

Shrewsbury 10, Hudson 8: Owen Mongeon homered and drove in a pair, Tommy Kursonis singled, doubled and drove in a run and Jackson Lucarelli singled and drove in two as host Post 397 (14-7) held on to top Post 100 (10-11) at Fitton Field.

Joey Farrell singled in a run and Charlie Hammel added a sacrifice fly as Hudson rallied for four runs in the top of the seventh, but Mongeon came in to seal the win with a pair of strikeouts. Jackson Libby singled twice, scored twice and drove in a pair and Shamus Rowe doubled and drove in two for Post 100.

Shrewsbury 13, Vernon Hill 9: Drew O'Connell was 2 for 4 with a double and three RBIs, Connor Mudd was 2 for 2 with a triple, four runs and one RBI, Jackson Lucarelli was 2 for 4 with a double, Cam Kelly was 2 for 2 with two runs and one RBI and Xavier Sanchez singled twice and drove in two to send host Post 397 (14-7) past Post 435 (0-20) at Fitton Field.

Tommy Kursonis also doubled and drove in two for Shrewsbury, which had 14 hits and scored six runs in the third inning to take a 9-2 lead.

Kamauri Hughes, Noah Jolly (RBI), Yuandel Ortiz (2 RBIs) and Eddy Cordero (2 RBIs) all had two hits for Vernon Hill, while Zach Braconnier doubled and scored twice.

Leominster 9, North County 0: Danny Nelson (6 IP, 5 H, 9 Ks) and Jake Notaro (1 IP, 0 H) combined on a five-hit shutout and Troy Leighton (double, RBI), Liam Bridgham (run) and Cam Cirone (double, RBI, 2 runs) all had two hits to send visiting Post 151 past Post 193.

Nolan Tetreault doubled, scored twice and drove in a pair for Leominster.

Adam Adams singled twice for North County.

Cherry Valley 9, Vernon Hill 8: Andrew Cloutier was 2 for 4 with a double and two RBIs, while Nolan Remington and Patrick Shilale (RBI) each had two hits as host Post 443 (19-2) held on to top Post 435 (0-20).

Leo Lamacchia was 3 for 3 with one RBI, Ethan Sonnenberg singled twice and drove in a pair and Zach Braconnier singled, tripled and drove in a run for Vernon Hill.

Milford 10, Framingham 0: Nick Pedroli struck out four and scattered six hits over five innings and also was 2 for 5 with a double and RBI from the leadoff spot as host Post 59 (18-3) blanked Post 117 (9-12).

Brady Iarussi was 3 for 4 with one RBI, Ben Maiorano (double, 2 RBIs), Jackson Fournier (2 RBIs) and Josh Bouchard (2 RBIs) all had two hits and Gavin Metcalf drove in a pair for Milford.

Northbridge 8, Cherry Valley 1: Luke Charron struck out nine and gave up one run on two hits over seven innings as visiting Post 343 (13-9) topped Post 443 (11-10).

Dylan Diosomito was 3 for 4 with three doubles and one RBI from the leadoff spot for Northbridge, while Jake Costello singled, doubled, scored twice and drove in a run, Alex Vosburgh doubled and drove in three, Cody Veneziano singled twice and drove in a run and Willem Haker doubled and scored for Post 343.

Braden Beando doubled for Cherry Valley.

Futures Collegiate League

New Britain 3, Bravehearts 1: Trey LeMay (7 IP, 5 Ks) and Max Jarvis (2 IP) combined on a two-hitter as the host Bees (20-16) topped the Bravehearts (19-20), who have lost five straight.

Former Oakmont Regional star Caleb Allen, who pitches for Bentley, went 5⅓ innings for Worcester and gave up three runs on eight hits while fanning five. Liam Childs and Lane Leclair tossed 2⅔ innings of shutout relief, but the Bravehearts bats couldn't get going.

Sunday's local games

Baseball

American Legion

Grafton at Northborough (2), 10 a.m. (Memorial)

Hudson vs. North County, noon (Riverside)

Shrewsbury at Framingham, 7 p.m. (Bowditch)

Main South vs. Vernon Hill, 7 p.m. (Tivnan)

Schedule may change due to weather, field conditions, or postponements.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Summer Roundup, Schedule: Bats help Shrewsbury pick up sweep

For years, the Tallahassee Democrat has honored top high school athletes in the Big Bend area.

Through its All-Big Bend teams, many top performers in their respective sports have earned the coveted Player of the Year honor.

That continued in the 2025-2026, which has come and gone. Some athletes have now graduated and gone to college, joined the workforce, or are still in progress toward their high school diploma.

But before moving on to the 2026-2027 athletic year, let’s take a look at this past season.

From football all the way to competitive swimming, here’s a chance for fans, parents, and coaches to vote for their favorite All-Big Bend Player of the Year honoree.

One last time.

Voting is open from Sunday, July 12, to Sunday, July 19, at 11:59 p.m.

Vote here: Top Big Bend Player of the Year for 2025-2026?

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Vote for the Big Bend's top boys' high school athlete from 2025-2026

A new high school football season in the Montgomery area is around the corner, and the 2026 season will feature some new faces on the sidelines for their respective teams.

During the offseason, some Montgomery-area teams hired new head coaches, and the Montgomery Advertiser wants to know which new hire the readers feel like will have the most wins during the 2026 season.

One of the notable departures was first-year head coach Jonathan Chandler, who left Montgomery Catholic to take the head coaching vacancy at Opelika.

Saint James athletic director Larry Ware also found himself a head coach to take over after Ware was the interim head coach for the 2025 season. Hayden Stockton will lead the charge for the Trojans during the 2026 season, trying to restore the Saint James to its former glory.

Another interesting hire was Lawerence O'Neal leaving Tallassee to take the job at Park Crossing.

Voting will open on Sunday, July 12, and will last until noon on Thursday, July 16.

Which new Montgomery-area high school football coach will have the most wins in 2026 presented by The Vance Law Firm

• Montgomery Catholic's Aubrey Blackwell
• Percy Julian's Fred Farrier
• Park Crossing's Lawerence O'Neal
• Saint James Hayden Stockton

Vote for which new Montgomery-area high school football coach will have the most wins in 2026 presented by The Vance Law Firm

Jaeden Day covers high school sports, Alabama State football and Auburn recruiting for the Montgomery Advertiser/USA Today. You can find him on X at dayjaeden12, or reach him at JDay@montgome.gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Vote for which new high school football coach will have most wins presented by The Vance Law Firm

For an entire year, Andy Price had a passenger every time he stepped into his truck.

It wasn’t a person, a pet or anything that could find its way into the cabin of the 1997 Ford Ranger on its own.

Instead, Price’s passenger was a willing reminder of a task he had put on the backburner for years — a Brazilian jiu-jitsu purple belt he earned in the early 2010s at The Armory Daytona, a since-closed MMA gym owned by mixed martial artist and former UFC fighter Richard Crunkilton.

“There were times I’d just stick it back behind the seat if somebody was coming. Maybe it would sit there for a month, and I’d sit it back out on the seat,” Price said. “Because I wasn’t married at the time, I lived by myself, it’s just me going back and forth to work. I’d have to look at this thing every single day, and it was just a reminder of what I had not finished.

“I think that helped me, but I don’t think it helped the belt much.”

Price has been a staple of Volusia County high school football for almost three decades. He was first the head coach of Warner Christian and led the Eagles to 12 playoff berths, including three straight Class 1A title games, in 13 seasons from 1999-2012.

After a brief one-year county departure to coach Titusville in 2012, Price returned to lead Spruce Creek in 2013 and has held the position ever since. Under Price, the Hawks have had only one losing record in the FHSAA’s largest classification.

While the move out of Volusia County was brief, it disrupted the extracurricular routine Price had devoted five years of his life to — mixed martial arts, primarily Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

Price was a mainstay on the mats of The Armory Daytona from 2007 until he left in 2012. It’s true that his main focus was almost entirely jiu-jitsu, but he also trained wrestling and Muay Thai, a form of kickboxing that combines punches, kicks, knees and elbows.

It culminated in Price’s one and only amateur MMA fight in March 2011, which a then-36-year-old version of himself won 1:30 into the first round via rear-naked choke.

Although the drive and wonder of potential additional MMA fights were there for Price, his move to Titusville put him out of reach of The Armory and training subsided. And even though he returned a year later, the journey he set out on remained on hold.

“I loved jiu-jitsu so much. It was just when I moved back, I just didn’t have it in me to go jump back on, and I didn’t think I could put the time in, so I put a lot more time at Creek on the work side of things,” Price said. “On the personal side, you have some personal problems here and there, and you just don’t feel like it.”

The purple belt he earned under Crunkilton became his personal token of the universally-understood adage, “life happens.” Its once-fresh hue printed on the belt’s fabric slowly faded, probably dried from the constant beating it took from the Florida sun in Price’s front passenger seat, and simultaneously symbolized the distance life had taken him away from a sport he enjoyed.

Maybe it was the sun-damaged belt Price made himself acknowledge every day for around a calendar year, or maybe it was the feeling he loosely described as “the itch” that got him back into training. In reality, it was probably a combination of the two along with the 2016 opening of Ralph Gracie Florida Jiu-Jitsu that seemingly ended Price’s five-year hiatus in 2017.

Or so he thought.

Ralph Gracie Florida opened in 2016

Ralph Gracie Florida was opened in Port Orange by Regis Calixto de Lima, a sixth-degree black belt and 2021 International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation World Master Champion, in 2016.

Calixto was a lawyer in Brazil while still training jiu-jitsu, which he originally got into as a kid to help defend himself playing soccer. In 2013, he dove full-time into Brazilian jiu-jitsu after growing tired of his home country’s government.

“One day I say, why am I doing both? I don’t need to do both,” Calixto said. “Day by day, I lost my passion for the law, corruption. I don’t believe in the Brazilian government. I said, ‘I don’t want to do this anymore,’ and I prepared a plan to move to the United States.”

Calixto searched the East Coast from Miami to Charlotte, North Carolina, for a spot to open his own academy under the name of Ralph Gracie, the grandson of one of the sport’s primary developers, Carlos Gracie. He eventually settled on Port Orange because, according to him, “God gave me the opportunity, God gave me the way.”

As fate would have it, the gym’s opening led to Price seeing an advertisement, which ultimately led to him taking a class in 2017 after years of loose and inconsistent training. But then he popped some cartilage in his ribs during one of his first training sessions, and the motivation he'd been building disappeared.

Such is the nature of combat sports.

“I walk out that night like I’m never coming back, like that’s it for me. I can’t do this anymore,” Price said.

For the better part of a year, Price stood on his initial thoughts, as popped rib cartilage is probably as comfortable as the name suggests, on top of his extensive list of injuries preparing for his MMA fight. 

But that’s when Price first laid the purple belt in his truck, and Calixto kept texting him, urging him to come back. Price had also remarried and found more stability in his life. His reasons for missing class became less frequent as “that itch” pestered him to go back.

Eventually he set a date — July 1, 2019.

“I’m going in there July 1. That’s it. I’m signing up. I’m not doing an intro class. Like, I’m gonna get on this now, and I’m gonna do it,” Price said. “And that’s what I did. … I’ve been there ever since.”

Andy Price says goodbye to an old friend

While there were hiccups in consistency over the next six years, Price was back to training like he was in the late 2000s and early 2010s.

Brazilian jiu-jitsu is known for its rigorous promotion system that often takes years to earn the next belt. Price took the more scenic route after receiving his purple belt and earned his brown belt in 2022, over 11 years and many car rides later.

“By the end, I had like a white rag rolled up in my hand the day I got my brown belt,” Price said. 

His brown belt didn’t last nearly as long as the purple belt, as Price finally finished what he set out to do when he started in 2007 — earning his black belt, the highest attainable belt for most Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners, in July 2025.

“I didn’t cry, but I can remember starting to choke up a little bit talking about the time that it took, the people that supported me through the process and how special Professor (Calixto) is,” Price said. “He never gave up on me.”

Price still attends classes and continues to learn about the martial art, partly because of his new, yet familiar, role as a part-time instructor at Ralph Gracie Florida. It seems like a fitting role for a man that teaches and coaches high schoolers for a living.

Currently, Price instructs a 6 a.m. class on Mondays and sometimes Fridays, though Calixto is open to other Price-led classes in the future.

“He’s a natural, he’s a professor, he’s a coach,” Calixto said. “He knows how to coach, and he’s very interesting to learn the details to teach from. … We work together, have meetings, have conversations about techniques, and he helped me a lot. He’s doing a fantastic job.”

And like the purple belt, the black belt still lives in Price’s car. This time in a much more comfortable situation in the back seat protected by tinted windows.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Andy Price earned jiu-jitsu black belt after 18 years. Now he leads others toward that goal