Welcome to The Daily Feed, your one-stop shop for everything high school sports in the Tampa Bay area. Whether you’re looking for the latest scores, highlights, interviews, or memes, we’ve got you covered. Every day, we’ll bring you a mix of social media posts, short stories, fun facts and links on what’s happening in the local scene. You’ll get to know the players, the coaches, the fans and the rivals. So, sit back, relax and enjoy The Daily Feed.
Basketball
Field set for Ulrich Family Classic
The 12-team field has been named for the 13th annual Ulrich Classic, held Jan. 6, 2024 at Wiregrass Ranch.
The teams are Alonso, Berkeley Prep, Clearwater, East Lake, Gateway Charter, King, Land O’ Lakes, Leto, Plant City, Sumner, Wesley Chapel and Wiregrass Ranch.
Today, the matchups for the boys tournament will be announced.
Classifieds
FHSAA seeks Student-Athlete Advisory Committee nominees
The Florida High School Athletic Association is looking for nominees for its Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. The nominations are due Aug. 24.
TBBCA Showcase set for Sept. 9
The Tampa Bay Basketball Coaches Association will hold its annual showcase on Sept. 9 at the All People’s Life Center and Gymnasium in Tampa. Registration information has already been sent to all high school coaches. The girls check in at 9 a.m. the day of the showcase and are on the court from 10 a.m.-noon. The boys check in at 1 p.m. and are on the court from 2-4. Last year, 13 girls and 26 boys who attended went on to play in college.
Girls basketball fall league needs teams
The North Greenwood Girls High School Fall League still is in search of a few teams to complete its schedule. The plan is for an eight-team league to play on Wednesdays from 6-9 p.m. at the North Greenwood Recreation Center starting this week and ending on Oct. 11. It costs $300 per team. For more information, contact Colton.Jacobs@myclearwater.com or JClemons@myclearwater.com.
Pinellas Park to host alumni baseball game in November
Pinellas Park is planning its first-ever alumni game on Nov. 4. Those interested must have played and graduated from the school. For more information contact coach Ryan Griffith via the team’s Twitter account (PPark_BB).
IRC to hold prayer walk on Thursday
Indian Rocks Christian is having a prayer walk at 7 p.m. Thursday. The event is designed for fellowship to get ready for the varsity football program’s preseason game the following night. Players, coaches, parents, students and community members are invited.
Dick’s Sporting Goods has deal for athletes, coaches
Athletes, coaches and staff that belong to the Florida High School Athletic Association will receive 20 percent off their entire purchase at Dick’s Sporting Goods the next two weekends (Aug. 11-14 and 18-21). The coupon is vaild in-store only.
Clearwater Academy looking to fill football schedule
Clearwater Academy needs opponents for varsity football games on Sept. 15 or Oct. 6. The Knights can host or play on the road. If interested, send a direct message on Twitter to Matthew Fleming (@CoachFleming612).
Zephyrhills Christian in search of kickoff classic
Zephyrhills Christian’s still is looking for an opponent for a football kickoff classic (preseason game). Those interested can send a direct message to the school’s athletic Twitter account (@AthleticsZca).
Wiregrass Ranch still looking for boys basketball games
Wiregrass Ranch’s boys basketball team need a few games to fill out its schedule. They available dates are on Dec. 12, Dec. 19 or Jan. 23. To inquire, send a direct message via Twitter to head coach Jeremy Calzone (@calzone32) or assistant Ross Van De Griek (@CoachRossWRHS).
Flag football
Eryn Klaus selected for Bucs’ Girls in Football Scholarship
One of Alonso’s top playmakers from its state champion flag football team was awarded with a scholarship from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Eryn Klaus, an all-state selection as a receiver, was one of four recipients of the academic scholarship, which was created by the Bucs for graduating high school football players pursuing a career in sports.
The four met coach Todd Bowles and toured the AdventHealth Training Facility with receiver Mike Evans, linebacker Lavonte David and quarterback Baker Mayfield acting as guides.
Klaus, now at the University of Florida, was a team captain and the valedictorian at Alonso as a senior.
Football
Land O’ Lakes tackles new family tradition
During last week’s scrimmage, Land O’ Lakes conducted a new tackling drill.
But it was not offense vs. defense. Or varsity vs. junior varsity.
The anticipated matchup was mothers going up against their child.
On one side, moms donned helmets and shoulder pads, sprinted, then lunged at their stationary sons before completing each tackle by falling on a foam-padded mat.
All while other parents and players cheered.
“We are starting some traditions,” Land O’ Lakes coach Dan Goodspeed said.
That includes one that parents – and their children – can embrace.
Volleyball
New faces, prominent places
There were several coaching changes in Hillsborough County, including four at high-profile programs. Here is a look at those first-year coaches.
Doug Chinchar, Carrollwood Day
The former Bishop McLaughlin coach was promoted by the Patriots after serving as an assistant this past season.
He replaces Chad Mercado, who left after one season.
Chinchar’s daughters, Naomi and Lydia, are two of Carrollwood Day’s top players.
In 11 seasons with the Hurricanes, Chinchar led the program to state semifinal appearances three straight seasons (2018-20), including a state final appearance in 2018.
Jandra Fabian, Steinbrenner
The former Bloomfield College standout was hired to replace Sabrina Shoemaker, who left in the offseason.
Fabian also has club experience as coach with the A5 program.
She takes over a talented team that lost to Plant in last year’s region semifinals.
McKensie Harold, Plant
A former star at the high school and collegiate level in Wyoming, Harold takes over a program primed for another state title run.
She replaces Weiss, who is now at Berkeley Prep.
Harold has extensive knowledge in the training aspect of the sport as CEO of Edge Volleyball. The program she inherits returns a bulk of the starters that advanced to the region final last season.
Sarah Reiss, Berkeley Prep
Sarah Reiss, who led Plant to the 7A state title in 2021, left her alma mater to take over the Buccaneers.
She replaces Bradley Jergensen, who left after one season.
Reiss (formerly Kirkwood), who starred at Plant before going on to play at Virginia, was already used to winning state titles before returning. She won three straight (2001-03) as a player with the Panthers and was the state Gatorade player of the year as a senior.
Wrestling
Jesuit’s K.J. Vazquez makes Puerto Rico U15 National Team
It has been a memorable summer for K.J. Vazquez.
After earning All-American status at the Fargo Nationals, the Jesuit standout ended up qualifying for the Puerto Rico U15 National Team.
