For the past five years the Wharton Wildcats have ended their season in the post season. Since the 2004-2005 season, Wharton has played in the past four district title games, winning two of them. Can the Wildcats reach the post season yet again? Could they add another laminate to a dusty banner? According to the Tampa Tribune the Wildcats will be locked out of the title game by the likes of Bloomingdale and King.
The Prep Sports writer for the Trib claims a Bloomingdale, King championship bout, not even hinting at anything regarding the team who has secured itself a spot in the previous four title games. Even Armwood and Brandon got some press regarding the graduation of a few key players. But when it comes to Wharton, no press allowed.
Last years double-OT victory over Bloomingdale was the high note capping off a "worst-to-first" district run. A teary-eyed Townsend walked off the court after dropping 30 points on Wharton in a failing effort. The clock struck 12 when an emotionally drained Wharton team fell to Brandon High School in the championship game. If the Wildcats want to improve their streak to six, they will have their opportunity to make their mark on the 08-09 campaign Monday night when they travel to Bloomingdale to open up district play.
WHO: Wharton Wildcats 2-0 (0-0) @ Bloomingdale 2-0 (0-0)
WHEN: Monday 7:45pm
WHERE: Bloomingdale High School
November 29, 2008
November 28, 2008
Wharton 46, Zephyrhills 34
With a fresh tummy full of turkey, the Wharton Wildcats traveled down Morris Bridge Road to face Zephyrhills in a battle between Hillsborough and Pasco County. Another slow start allowed a lesser team hang around with the Wildcats but nonetheless Wharton fended off a late surge by the Bulldogs and capped off their second straight victory in 2 attempts, 46-34.
Early in the second quarter the Wildcats took a 13-10 lead on a Garry Volcy three-pointer and never lost the lead again. Only up 4 at halftime, the Wildcats let the Bulldogs hang around with turnovers and sub-par three point shooting. Another Achilles heel for the Wildcats was their inability to crash the boards. The execution of a uptempo offense usually leads to poor execution on the defensive glass. The outlets run up the court on the shot and forget to pull in the rebound before hand. The Bulldogs center racked up at least 5 or 6 uncontested boards but was plagued by poor finishes all night.
Both teams failed to find their stroke from behind the arch. With 5:32 left in the 3rd, the Wildcats held a 24-18 lead but was forced to take a timeout getting a little too fast for their own good. After Bastain calmed his boys down, Wharton took a 10 point lead on a big offensive put back by Garry Volcy. Volcy struggled in Wharton's prior two contests but finally looked like he was having a good time on the court. The 10 point deficit was enough to force Zephyrhills to call a timeout to fend off the Wharton momentum. However, the momentum wasn't enough to finish off the Bulldogs.
At the end of the 3rd Wharton had a 9 point advantage, 34-25. Zephyrhills managed to claw back into it, narrowing the Wildcat lead to 4 with 2:13 remaining in the contest and the ball. But Zephryhills went into desperation mode too quickly rushing the remainder of their shots and trying to force three point jumpers. A shot that hadn't fallen all night for the Bulldogs.
With a 44-34 lead with 7 seconds left it was all but over when Xavier Owens rejected a 25 foot heave and finished the game off with an X-clamation point on an emphatic dunk (sorry Xavier, but I had put up the camera when we took the ten point lead but I promise never to put it away early again but I uploaded the video below) as time expired giving the Wildcats a 46-34 win.
Another slow start complimented with a strong finish gave the Wildcats a 2-0 record heading into a Monday night showdown with district favorite Bloomingdale. A Bloomingdale team that is averaging 60+ points a game behind sharpshooter Callum Townsend who went 10-11(5-6 3pt) and finished with 31 points this past Monday against Spoto High School.
November 25, 2008
Wharton 62, Spoto 50
The buzzer sounded to end the warm up and I could hardly wait any longer. I wanted to go press fast forward on the National Anthem and get the game going. What looked to be a lack-luster Blue Crew filled out to be a very good showing. Loud, proud, and enthusiastic. Maybe this time the Blue Crew will stay true to their team regardless of their record.
Soon after the tip, Wharton played like a frustrated bunch early. It was like the rust was still there from last years 15-14 squad. Poor shot choice and the inability to finish buckets at the basket had Wharton staring at a 1 point deficit when the buzzer sounded to end the first quarter. A similar performance in the second quarter aided in the 'Cats inability to pull away. But when the second half began, it was all Wharton.
Wharton was sparked by the play of sophomore Xavier Owens and Junior Damian Dixon. The X-man provided the hustle the Wildcats had been needing and his physicality turned the game around. Dixon also provided the quickness that allowed Wharton to push the ball up the court on every miss, make, or turnover.
Stephen Simmons and Zach Litton's aggressive play helped draw fouls that would send us to the line to cash in for the extra points. The defensive presence of AJ Astroth was a jump start to the fast break, his defense provided the stop and he'd immediately hit the outlet energizing the fast break.
I don't know what it is about this gym. Maybe its the way Hall-of-Fame Coach Tommy Tonelli used to hand clean the floor after every practice with his block of wood and damp towels. Or maybe it was the celebration at half court after we had just defeated Bloomingdale 71-41 to capture another district title back in 2007. It could also be the way the Blue Crew packed the house in the regional semifinals against Winter Heaven, which was the largest, rowdiest Blue Crew showing to date. Regardless what it is, regardless of who's coaching, whether or not I have a sibling, family member or even a close friend playing on the court, this gymnasium will always have a special spot in my heart.
What many students/supporters/parents/fans fail to realize is that the crowd does play an enormous factor in high school basketball. From a players standpoint, when you run out and take your home court, field, ice, whatever you play on, nothing is more motivating than seeing or hearing a crowd chanting your name and cheering you on. When Wharton won the district title back in 2007 (after beating every time in the district by no less than 11 points per game) I walked over to then Head Coach Tommy Tonelli and rejoiced in a big bear hug. He then said,"None of this would have been possible without you." Those words alone still wet my eyes and parch my throat. Knowing all I had done (promoting the team through commercials on the school show, creating/selling t-shirts, making signs, buying face paint to pass around, etc.) had aided the team.
That experience, knowing I, knowing we could change the outcome of the game without even stepping foot on the court or wearing a jersey is what motivates me to be part of the Blue Crew.
Soon after the tip, Wharton played like a frustrated bunch early. It was like the rust was still there from last years 15-14 squad. Poor shot choice and the inability to finish buckets at the basket had Wharton staring at a 1 point deficit when the buzzer sounded to end the first quarter. A similar performance in the second quarter aided in the 'Cats inability to pull away. But when the second half began, it was all Wharton.
Wharton was sparked by the play of sophomore Xavier Owens and Junior Damian Dixon. The X-man provided the hustle the Wildcats had been needing and his physicality turned the game around. Dixon also provided the quickness that allowed Wharton to push the ball up the court on every miss, make, or turnover.
Stephen Simmons and Zach Litton's aggressive play helped draw fouls that would send us to the line to cash in for the extra points. The defensive presence of AJ Astroth was a jump start to the fast break, his defense provided the stop and he'd immediately hit the outlet energizing the fast break.
I don't know what it is about this gym. Maybe its the way Hall-of-Fame Coach Tommy Tonelli used to hand clean the floor after every practice with his block of wood and damp towels. Or maybe it was the celebration at half court after we had just defeated Bloomingdale 71-41 to capture another district title back in 2007. It could also be the way the Blue Crew packed the house in the regional semifinals against Winter Heaven, which was the largest, rowdiest Blue Crew showing to date. Regardless what it is, regardless of who's coaching, whether or not I have a sibling, family member or even a close friend playing on the court, this gymnasium will always have a special spot in my heart.
What many students/supporters/parents/fans fail to realize is that the crowd does play an enormous factor in high school basketball. From a players standpoint, when you run out and take your home court, field, ice, whatever you play on, nothing is more motivating than seeing or hearing a crowd chanting your name and cheering you on. When Wharton won the district title back in 2007 (after beating every time in the district by no less than 11 points per game) I walked over to then Head Coach Tommy Tonelli and rejoiced in a big bear hug. He then said,"None of this would have been possible without you." Those words alone still wet my eyes and parch my throat. Knowing all I had done (promoting the team through commercials on the school show, creating/selling t-shirts, making signs, buying face paint to pass around, etc.) had aided the team.
That experience, knowing I, knowing we could change the outcome of the game without even stepping foot on the court or wearing a jersey is what motivates me to be part of the Blue Crew.
Why Am I Not Surprised?
Go figure, another season preview and the Wharton Wildcats are no where to be found. Monday's St. Pete Times printed their High School preview and Wharton was not even listed as a "Team On The Brink."
The article is entitled "Bloomingdale seeks balance, wins" and is a summary of how Bloomingdale and star player Callum Townsend look to capture the schools first "basketball title" since 1997. Paying some homage to the district, Eduardo A. Encina writes:
"The test will be difficult, especially because Bloomingdale resides in one of the most competitive districts in Hillsborough County."
He got one thing right. Like I stated early in the post, I am not surprised at all for the lack of respect for the blue and white but to not even hint at anything regarding our squad is ridiculous. But with the lack of press and coverage that has always come hand-in-hand with Wharton allows for our team to fly under the radar and beat teams who tend to take us lightly. Here are the highlights of the rest of the article...
Teams to Watch:
1. Sickles
2. Plant
3. Berkley Prep
4. Tampa Prep
5. Bloomingdale
On the Brink:
1. King
2. Chamberlain
3. Tampa Catholic
Players to watch:
George Alexander, Alonso, Sr., F/C
Sheldon Cooley, Plant, Sr., G
Toarlyn Fitzpatrick, King, Sr., F
Aaron Garden, Durant, Sr., F
Johnathan Gray, Berkeley Prep, Sr., F
John Henson, Sickles, Sr., F
Matt Kendrick, Chamberlain, Sr., C
Austin Suarez, Berkeley Prep, Sr., G
Back to the Bloomingdale issue... No doubt, they are the team to beat. No doubt, do they have 6 or seven strong players. But one thing is for sure... Don't sleep on the Wharton Wildcats.
The article is entitled "Bloomingdale seeks balance, wins" and is a summary of how Bloomingdale and star player Callum Townsend look to capture the schools first "basketball title" since 1997. Paying some homage to the district, Eduardo A. Encina writes:
"The test will be difficult, especially because Bloomingdale resides in one of the most competitive districts in Hillsborough County."
He got one thing right. Like I stated early in the post, I am not surprised at all for the lack of respect for the blue and white but to not even hint at anything regarding our squad is ridiculous. But with the lack of press and coverage that has always come hand-in-hand with Wharton allows for our team to fly under the radar and beat teams who tend to take us lightly. Here are the highlights of the rest of the article...
Teams to Watch:
1. Sickles
2. Plant
3. Berkley Prep
4. Tampa Prep
5. Bloomingdale
On the Brink:
1. King
2. Chamberlain
3. Tampa Catholic
Players to watch:
George Alexander, Alonso, Sr., F/C
Sheldon Cooley, Plant, Sr., G
Toarlyn Fitzpatrick, King, Sr., F
Aaron Garden, Durant, Sr., F
Johnathan Gray, Berkeley Prep, Sr., F
John Henson, Sickles, Sr., F
Matt Kendrick, Chamberlain, Sr., C
Austin Suarez, Berkeley Prep, Sr., G
Back to the Bloomingdale issue... No doubt, they are the team to beat. No doubt, do they have 6 or seven strong players. But one thing is for sure... Don't sleep on the Wharton Wildcats.
November 24, 2008
It's About That Time Again...
The temperature is dropping, the holiday decorations are going up, and the smell of turkey has all the kids counting down the days until winter break. But with the end of the semester around the corner, one thing is for sure... it's time to start the High School Basketball season.
Under the direction of first year head coach Dave Bastian the Wildcats look primed to make some noise in the district. The district outlook appears to be "all roads lead to" Bloomingdale High School. This year the preseason favorite is the Bloomingdale Bulls who return a majority of their line-up as well as acquire Raga, a transfer from Newsome High School. With Townson and Raga leading the way many feel that the race is for second place and that it will be the Bulls hoisting the district title trophy at years end.
Before anyone gets ahead of themselves, remember which two teams have represented this district in the state playoffs over the past couple of years. Barring the 06-07 upset of Brandon by the hands of a surprising Bloomingdale squad (before being handed a 30 point blowout-beatdown by the hands of our Wharton Wildcats), the Brandon Eagles and Wharton Wildcats have met for all the marbles year in and year out.
Last years Wharton team, riding a double digit district winning streak into the tourny, defeated the Bloomingdale Bulls in a double OT to advance against the Brandon Eagles. Brandon bested the 'Cats on their way to winning the district title which fueled their run to the FINAL 4 acquiring a Regional Title on their way. With Armwood and Brandon graduating the a big chunk of their go-to-guys, the early predictions put Wharton and Bloomingdale dueling it out for the district title.
After playing host to Spoto on Tuesday, the Wildcats will hit the road for one of their toughest road trips consisting of 4 consecutive road games (@ Zephyrhills, @ Bloomingdale, @ Armwood, and @ Sickles). Zephyrhills being the lesser of the four teams will provide Wharton with a suitable road test before opening up district play on the road against one of the counties best squads.
With home court advantage being such a dominant factor in recent years, it is time to get out the blue body paint, the crazy wigs, and all the blue and white beads you can find. Wharton's season kicks off Tuesday night, hope to see the BLUE CREW representing their school spirit. Go 'Cats!
Who: Wharton Wildcats (0-0) vs. Spoto Spartans (0-0)
When: Tuesday Night, 7:45pm
Where: Wharton High School
Under the direction of first year head coach Dave Bastian the Wildcats look primed to make some noise in the district. The district outlook appears to be "all roads lead to" Bloomingdale High School. This year the preseason favorite is the Bloomingdale Bulls who return a majority of their line-up as well as acquire Raga, a transfer from Newsome High School. With Townson and Raga leading the way many feel that the race is for second place and that it will be the Bulls hoisting the district title trophy at years end.
Before anyone gets ahead of themselves, remember which two teams have represented this district in the state playoffs over the past couple of years. Barring the 06-07 upset of Brandon by the hands of a surprising Bloomingdale squad (before being handed a 30 point blowout-beatdown by the hands of our Wharton Wildcats), the Brandon Eagles and Wharton Wildcats have met for all the marbles year in and year out.
Last years Wharton team, riding a double digit district winning streak into the tourny, defeated the Bloomingdale Bulls in a double OT to advance against the Brandon Eagles. Brandon bested the 'Cats on their way to winning the district title which fueled their run to the FINAL 4 acquiring a Regional Title on their way. With Armwood and Brandon graduating the a big chunk of their go-to-guys, the early predictions put Wharton and Bloomingdale dueling it out for the district title.
After playing host to Spoto on Tuesday, the Wildcats will hit the road for one of their toughest road trips consisting of 4 consecutive road games (@ Zephyrhills, @ Bloomingdale, @ Armwood, and @ Sickles). Zephyrhills being the lesser of the four teams will provide Wharton with a suitable road test before opening up district play on the road against one of the counties best squads.
With home court advantage being such a dominant factor in recent years, it is time to get out the blue body paint, the crazy wigs, and all the blue and white beads you can find. Wharton's season kicks off Tuesday night, hope to see the BLUE CREW representing their school spirit. Go 'Cats!
Who: Wharton Wildcats (0-0) vs. Spoto Spartans (0-0)
When: Tuesday Night, 7:45pm
Where: Wharton High School
November 22, 2008
Wharton 51, Wiregrass Ranch 47
The 2008-2009 campaign has officially tipped off. After a bitter overtime defeat to rival Wesley Chapel, the Wharton Wildcats Varsity boys basketball team fired back with a intensity driven win to knock off the up-and-coming Wiregrass Ranch Bulls 51-47.
After a 15-14 year that left a sour taste in the mouth of every person associated with the program, the Wildcat Nation was hungry to right the ship and start off the '08-'09 season with a strong showing in their two preseason games.
Thursday night, Wharton found themselves in a familiar situation. Three of the past four meetings between the Wharton Wildcats and the Wildcats of Wesley Chapel have come down to the final seconds. Back in the 2005-2006 season, Wharton upset Wesley Chapel in the first round of the 5A playoffs in a double overtime thriller. Although Thursday night's affair lacked the rim rattling dunks and long distance three point shots of the previous meetings, the competition was alive and well. Although Wesley Chapel emerged victorious, Wharton fed of the defeat and turned it around when they met Wiregrass Ranch the very next night.
It was almost like you could see the frustration from Thursday nights overtime defeat pouring out when they needed it the most. Down the stretch the Wildcats seemed a step ahead of their opponents who seemed to care more about the officiating than playing the game. When Wiregrass Ranch retaliated with a run of their own to close the gap and cut the score to 2, the Wildcats press would force a turnover, ultimately stiffling Wiregrass into losing sight of their gameplan. Led by the shooting ability of Allen Thomas, the Bulls still refused to go away quietly but the desperation three-point attempts in the closing moments of the competition played into the hands of the Wildcats.
Wharton's front court also played an outstanding game. Xavier Owens outplayed his counterpart with a physical performance that forced the Wiregrass forwards to relinquish the paint and rely on their outside shooting ability. All together these Wildcats played team basketball.
Hopefully Wharton can continue their intensity and build off this emotionally driven win next Tuesday when they play host to the Spoto Spartans. With the season opener at home in front of the rambunctious Blue Crew, what looks to be an exciting season, is just around the corner
GAME PHOTOS
After a 15-14 year that left a sour taste in the mouth of every person associated with the program, the Wildcat Nation was hungry to right the ship and start off the '08-'09 season with a strong showing in their two preseason games.
Thursday night, Wharton found themselves in a familiar situation. Three of the past four meetings between the Wharton Wildcats and the Wildcats of Wesley Chapel have come down to the final seconds. Back in the 2005-2006 season, Wharton upset Wesley Chapel in the first round of the 5A playoffs in a double overtime thriller. Although Thursday night's affair lacked the rim rattling dunks and long distance three point shots of the previous meetings, the competition was alive and well. Although Wesley Chapel emerged victorious, Wharton fed of the defeat and turned it around when they met Wiregrass Ranch the very next night.
After meeting a number of times in summer league competition, these two teams knew exactly what to expect from one another. Both teams like the uptempo intensity and feed off the energy and excitement. The in the early minutes of the exhibition Wiregrass Ranch led for most of the first half but could manage no lead greater than 4 points. Down 23-21 at halftime, the Wharton Wildcats fed off the intensity of senior guard Zach Litton and sophomore forward AJ Astroth to open up the 3rd quarter firing on all cylinders. Wharton took a 39-31 lead early in the 4th and held on to win their first pre-season game on their second attempt. Damian Dixon also led all scorers and provided the 'Cats with the offensive firepower that seemed stagnant in their first exhibition.
Litton was clutch down the stretch helping fend off a 8-2 Bulls run with a couple hustle plays of his own. Astroth aided the relief with a few key buckets in the paint against a frustrated Wiregrass Ranch front court. Stephen Simmons also added a few poised buckets with crafty drives in key situations.
Litton was clutch down the stretch helping fend off a 8-2 Bulls run with a couple hustle plays of his own. Astroth aided the relief with a few key buckets in the paint against a frustrated Wiregrass Ranch front court. Stephen Simmons also added a few poised buckets with crafty drives in key situations.
It was almost like you could see the frustration from Thursday nights overtime defeat pouring out when they needed it the most. Down the stretch the Wildcats seemed a step ahead of their opponents who seemed to care more about the officiating than playing the game. When Wiregrass Ranch retaliated with a run of their own to close the gap and cut the score to 2, the Wildcats press would force a turnover, ultimately stiffling Wiregrass into losing sight of their gameplan. Led by the shooting ability of Allen Thomas, the Bulls still refused to go away quietly but the desperation three-point attempts in the closing moments of the competition played into the hands of the Wildcats.
Wharton's front court also played an outstanding game. Xavier Owens outplayed his counterpart with a physical performance that forced the Wiregrass forwards to relinquish the paint and rely on their outside shooting ability. All together these Wildcats played team basketball.
Hopefully Wharton can continue their intensity and build off this emotionally driven win next Tuesday when they play host to the Spoto Spartans. With the season opener at home in front of the rambunctious Blue Crew, what looks to be an exciting season, is just around the corner
GAME PHOTOS
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