LAKE PLACID — All Kaneisha Hamilton wanted to do was to get back up and prove herself. ...more

June 6, 2008

AVON PARK –– Julie Lamb's grin could be heard through the phone after she was told that she'd been named the 2008 Highlands Today Softball Player of the Year. "This is a total shock to me," Lamb said. "This is coming out of left field." Actually it's catcher –– a position Lamb has been a leader at for the Red Devils for the last three seasons, and one she fell into by accident. "When I was eight and playing Dixie softball, none of the other girls wanted to play catcher," Lamb said. "I volunteered and have been behind the plate ever since." Her expertise at one of the hardest positions in softball comes from a solid work ethic and an underlying desire to get better with each game. Avon Park head coach Mike Cobb gives all the credit to the Red Devil senior, who took on the role of offensive and clubhouse leader after Heather Barnes was sidelined with an injury. ...more

June 2, 2008

Tom Fisher has a longstanding policy of not publicly criticizing his players. Friday, the Zephyrhills coach came close in an effort to motivate the Bulldogs to stay in shape this summer and prepare for next year. ...more

June 2, 2008

SEBRING — After not playing varsity tennis last year, Sebring sophomores Nikhil Raghuveera and Kyle Komisar had quite an impact on the courts this season. Raghuveera, who played at No. 5 singles, showed steady improvement and managed to go undefeated with a 12-0 record for the Blue Streaks, which included winning the Heartland Conference title. But Raghuveera was unable to compete in the district tournament because he was involved in a car accident the night before the event began in Sarasota. ...more

May 28, 2008

SEBRING –– Walking into the weight room as a freshman, Sebring's Brannen Dorman never thought he would be on the ultimate stage and going for gold as a senior at the Class 1A state finals. But despite his success, this gentle giant has always been humbled by his accomplishments. "Weightlifting is one of the great joys in my life," Dorman said. "I put in tons of hard work to finally reach the state level and just to be there was an accomplishment. I was very humbled by the experience." The Sebring senior came in fifth at the state finals in the 199-pound division with a bench press of 305 pounds and a clean-and-jerk of 295, for a combined total of 600 pounds. For his outstanding work ethic and accomplishments, Dorman has been named the 2008 Highlands Today's Boys Weightlifter of the Year. ...more

May 26, 2008

LAND O' LAKES - Historically, first-year high schools rarely have successful seasons, and Sunlake's basketball team was no exception. With the added disadvantage of having no seniors, Sunlake's varsity squad finished the season with a 3-24 record. One bright spot was the emergence of junior guard Eli Escobar as the team leader. ...more

May 25, 2008

FOOTBALL Shark lineman Brandon Nuby remains close to home; signs to play football with Webber International. ...more

May 23, 2008

As the words came out of Landy Faedo's mouth, a slight chuckle followed. ...more

May 20, 2008

He was a standard bearer, a distance runner whom nearly everyone in the area measured themselves against and few could beat. ...more

May 20, 2008

From his first day at Morehouse College - the country's only institution of higher learning dedicated to the education of black men - Joshua Packwood has been a standout. ...more

May 18, 2008