The Daily Feed — Aug. 23, 2023

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.

In the news

Land O’ Lakes cancels football opener amid ongoing investigation

The Pasco County school district is investigating a physical altercation between Land O’ Lakes football players that has led to the suspension of practices and games for the program, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

Matt Wicks, the county athletic director, confirmed the cancellation of Land O’ Lakes’ junior varsity and varsity regular season openers, both against River Ridge.

The incident district officials are investigating involved two junior varsity players in the locker room that was recorded on other players’ phones and was encouraged to continue, the Tampa Bay Times’ Jeffrey S. Solochek reported.

DeSantis names new FHSAA Board of Directors

The Orlando Sentinel’s J.C. Carnahan reported that Florida governor Ron DeSantis named eight people to the Florida High School Athletic Association’s Board of Directors.

The new members, according to Carnahan, are: Sara Bayliss (College Admissions Advisor at St. John Paul II Catholic), Ricky Bell (former Director of Interdivisional Support Services for Leon County Schools), Monica Colucci (Miami-Dade County District 8 School Board Member), A. Jermaine Ford (Captain for Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office), Jim Norton (Superintendent of Schools for Gulf County), Alejandro “Alex” Tamargo (Principal of Mater Academy Charter), Paul Selvidio (Chief Operating Officer/Chief Financial Officer for Community School of Naples) and Allen Shirley (Principal of South Sumter High).

Baseball

PHU’s Huddleston commits to Flagler

Cole Huddleston put an end to his recruitment by announcing his commitment to Flagler.

Last season, the Palm Harbor University infielder/pitcher hit .347 with nine doubles and 16 RBIs.

Classifieds

The Hoop Vibe Fall Showcase set for Sept. 15

The Hoop Vibe’s Fall Showcase for boys basketball players will be on Sept. 17 at The Big House in Tavares. The event is for players in the 2024-27 classes. The cost is $130 before Sept. 1 and $140 after that.

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. 

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). 

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).

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).

Friday’s schedule (week 1)
Hernando County

Hernando Christian at Calvary Christian Academy, 7

Hudson at Hernando, 7:30

Poinciana at Nature Coast, 7:30

Melbourne Eau Gallie at Springstead, 7:30

Crystal River at Weeki Wachee, 7:30

Hillsborough County

Oasis Christian at Foundation Christian, 4:30

Eagles View at Bell Creek Academy, 7

Young Kids in Motion at Tampa Catholic, 7

Clearwater Central Catholic at Berkeley Prep, 7

Seffner Christian at Windermere Prep, 7

Tampa SLAM at Sarasota Christian, 7

Armwood at Venice, 7:30

Bloomingdale at Sumner, 7:30

Brandon at Riverview, 7:30

Blake at Leto, 7:30

Carrollwood Day at Madison County, 7:30

Chamberlain at Durant, 7:30

Middleton at East Bay, 7:30

Steinbrenner at Gaither, 7:30

Lennard at Hillsborough, 7:30

Alonso at Freedom, 7:30

Newsome at Plant City, 7:30

Robinson at Spoto, 7:30

Plant at Tampa Bay Tech, 7:30

King at Strawberry Crest, 7:30

Sickles at Jefferson, 7:30

Wharton at Jesuit, 7:30

Pasco County

Legacy Charter at Bishop McLaughlin, 7

Bronson at Anclote, 7

Four Corners at Academy at the Lakes, 7

Tradition Prep at Zephyrhills Christian, 7

Bronson at Anclote, 7:30

Cypress Creek at Fivay, 7:30

Mitchell at Gulf, 7:30

Hudson at Hernando, 7:30

Lake Wales at Zephyrhills, 7:30

Land O’ Lakes at River Ridge, 7:30

East Ridge at Pasco, 7:30

Sunlake at Wesley Chapel, 7:30

Pinellas County

Miami Columbus at Clearwater Academy, 7

Keswick Christian at Bradenton Christian, 7

Shorecrest at Ocala Christian, 7

Northside Christian at Akelynn’s Angels Christian, 7

Clearwater Central Catholic at Berkeley Prep, 7

St. Petersburg Catholic at Bradenton Bayshore, 7

Boca Ciega at Seminole, 7:30

Countryside at Dunedin, 7:30

Palmetto at Gibbs, 7:30

Hollins at Indian Rocks Christian, 7:30

Tarpon Springs at St. Petersburg, 7:30

Largo at Pinellas Park, 7:30

Palm Harbor University at Osceola, 7:30

Lake Gibson at East Lake, 7:30

Lakewood at Northeast, 7:30

Soccer

Former TC standout Bailey named SEC freshman of the week

Lena Bailey, who scored her first collegiate goal in Florida’s win over Maryland, was named the Southeastern Conference’s freshman of the week.

Bailey, a former star at Tampa Catholic, has already provided an immediate impact for the Gators. Six minutes after entering the match against the Terrapins, she scored what turned out to be the winning goal in a 1-0 victory.

Volleyball

Today’s county schedules
Hillsborough County

Jefferson at Sickles, 7

St. Petersburg Catholic at Bell Creek Academy, 7

Spoto at Freedom, 7:30

Pinellas County

St. Petersburg Catholic at Bell Creek Academy, 7

Largo at Countryside, 7:15

Clearwater Central Catholic at Osceola, 7:30

Pinellas Park at Seminole, 7:30

Tarpon Springs at East Lake, 7:30