The 2008-2009 basketball season is officially in the books. Wednesday night, Wharton held their annual boys basketball banquet inside the hallowed Wharton Gymnasium as friends and family came to celebrate the season and all of it's glories.
The festivities kicked off around 6PM when all the winter sports rendezvoused in the school cafeteria to pay homage to one another as well as grubbed down on some Lee Roy Selmons. After the plates were licked clean the 'Cats and the gang headed over to the gym for the team award ceremonies as well as the Letterman presentations.
Varsity Head Coach Dave Bastian and Junior Varsity Head Coach Comer Copeland said their pieces to their respective players and bid good luck and farewell to Zachery Litton, Stephen Simmons, Garry Volcy, and Mike Robinson, the programs four seniors. Both Litton and Robinson started and ended their career's here at the W. Simmons graduated having dedicated 3 years to the 'Cats. Garry had been in the program for 2 years.
Litton, Simmons, and Robinson all received 2nd year varsity patches to add to their Letterman jackets and collected their respective pins for their letters. Xavier Owens also picked up his second year patch.
First time letters were distributed to AJ Astroth, Damian Dixon, Tate Wheeler, Garry Volcy, Nick Swain, Drake Williams, and Kharid Westbrooks.
The award winners are posted below.
Varsity
Performance Rating Award: Zachery Litton (Best overall cumulative season grade-out)
Coaches Award: Stephen Simmons
Academic Award: Tate Wheeler (5.46 GPA)
Most Improved Player: Garry Volcy
Defensive Player of the Year: Mike Robinson
Top Cat Award: Damian Dixon, record setting performance vs Brandon (7 three pointers, game high 27 points)
Junior Varsity
Coaches Award: Andrew Sharp, Jereth Kirkland
Academic Award: Dirk Werner (4.21 GPA)
Defensive Award: Travaris Hamilton
** The Junior Varsity squad also had 8 members on their roster with a 3.0 GPA or better (4 had greater than 4.0)**
The night ended on an emotional note when Team Mom, Lisa Litton, was thanked and applauded with a pair of standing ovations in regards to her four year dedication to the program. Lisa Litton took part in cooking team meals for every game over the past four years. She also served as Coach Bastian's video coordinator and provided him with same night game film all season long. She also planned and organized all the senior night festivities in the recent years, but more importantly she acted like a second mother to all the boys and each and every one of them would tell you that themselves.
March 26, 2009
March 25, 2009
Wildcat Chat: Q & A with Shawn Vanzant
This installment of the Wildcat Chat is a special addition. TBC.net conversed with all-time leading scorer and current Butler University guard Shawn Vanzant for the latest edition of the Wildcat Chat. In the midst of March Madness he was hard to get a hold of but for your enjoyment we were able to exchange views. The interview questions are in bold and Shawn's responses are in italics.
Q: What's the biggest difference between college basketball and high school basketball?
A: The biggest difference between college basketball and high school basketball to me is the players and the game is a lot faster. Also the players are a lot stronger than in high school so you have to adjust to that.
Q: You've been blessed enough to call the historic Hinkle Field House home. Compare it to other gyms you've played in, is it second to none or is there something else out there?
A: I have had the opportunity to play in a lot of gyms in my life time but I think no gym compares to the Hinkle Field House.
Q: We all witnessed your career at Wharton but personally what was your greatest high school basketball moment?
A: One of my greatest high school moments would have to be beating Brandon at home my senior year.
Q: I know scoring a career high 20 points ranks highly, but what is your greatest college basketball moment to date?
A: One of my greatest college moments was being able to play in the NCAA "March Madness" Tournament.
Q: You shared a close relationship with Coach Dave Bastian while you played at Wharton. How do you think he will fare and what is a realistic goal you feel he can help the team accomplish?
A: Coach Dave is a great coach. He helped my game grow so much through my high school career and I think he will do the same with Wharton. All he needs is time. I can see the team winning district next year!
Q: Everyone knows high school classes tend to be easier than college courses. Going to Butler, a top academic school, how hard is it to balance your school work and your basketball?
A: You would think it would be hard to balance school work and playing ball but the teachers at Butler understand how hard it is and they work with you which makes it a lot easier to balance.
Q: What are you majoring in?
A: I am majoring in Elementary Education.
A: I dont think I will ever have a close relationship as I had with Coach Tonelli but Coach Brad and I have a real close relationship, better than I thought coming into my college career.
Q: Now that you have been eliminated from the NCAA tournament, what do you plan on doing for the offseason?
A: My plans are working on game to make my weakness my strengths.
Q: When can we expect to see you back in Tampa running pick up games at open gym?
A: I plan on being back in Tampa in May to run some games.
Fresh out of March Madness, Vanzant would never deny his alma-mater the chance to rap with the former seat-filler. Keep your eyes out for the next installment of Wildcat Chat.
Q: What's the biggest difference between college basketball and high school basketball?
A: The biggest difference between college basketball and high school basketball to me is the players and the game is a lot faster. Also the players are a lot stronger than in high school so you have to adjust to that.
Q: You've been blessed enough to call the historic Hinkle Field House home. Compare it to other gyms you've played in, is it second to none or is there something else out there?
A: I have had the opportunity to play in a lot of gyms in my life time but I think no gym compares to the Hinkle Field House.
Q: We all witnessed your career at Wharton but personally what was your greatest high school basketball moment?
A: One of my greatest high school moments would have to be beating Brandon at home my senior year.
Q: I know scoring a career high 20 points ranks highly, but what is your greatest college basketball moment to date?
A: One of my greatest college moments was being able to play in the NCAA "March Madness" Tournament.
Q: You shared a close relationship with Coach Dave Bastian while you played at Wharton. How do you think he will fare and what is a realistic goal you feel he can help the team accomplish?
A: Coach Dave is a great coach. He helped my game grow so much through my high school career and I think he will do the same with Wharton. All he needs is time. I can see the team winning district next year!
Q: Everyone knows high school classes tend to be easier than college courses. Going to Butler, a top academic school, how hard is it to balance your school work and your basketball?
A: You would think it would be hard to balance school work and playing ball but the teachers at Butler understand how hard it is and they work with you which makes it a lot easier to balance.
Q: What are you majoring in?
A: I am majoring in Elementary Education.
Q: In high school, you have a more hands-on relationship with the head coach. Is there a close relationship with Coach Stevens? Or is it tough to share a close bond with a coach like the one you shared with Tonelli?
A: I dont think I will ever have a close relationship as I had with Coach Tonelli but Coach Brad and I have a real close relationship, better than I thought coming into my college career.
Q: Now that you have been eliminated from the NCAA tournament, what do you plan on doing for the offseason?
A: My plans are working on game to make my weakness my strengths.
Q: When can we expect to see you back in Tampa running pick up games at open gym?
A: I plan on being back in Tampa in May to run some games.
Fresh out of March Madness, Vanzant would never deny his alma-mater the chance to rap with the former seat-filler. Keep your eyes out for the next installment of Wildcat Chat.
March 24, 2009
Faltering Economy Makes Presence Known in Hillsborough County
Nick Williams of the Tampa Tribune has written an article about how Hillsborough County is beggining to feel the repercussions of our nation's economic crisis.The article states that any and all athletes in Hillsborough County may have to start paying in order to compete in high school sports in order to counteract the school systems financial problems. Neighboring Pasco County has already adapted this method and it may be on it's way to the nation's 4th largest school district very soon. Students pay $60 for each sport they plan to compete in and $40 for the second. Any and all sports after the second are free of charge.
Former Wharton High School AD and current Hillsborough County Public School Athletic Director Lanness Robinson weighed in on the matter:
"We are a part of the budget cuts, too. We are not exempt from budget cuts. We are only in the process of preparing. Nothing is final."
The budget cutbacks may also result in shorter schedules and more doubleheaders throughout the season. There are plenty of opinions and ideas floating around. Mike Phillips, Plant High School's Head Basketball Coach, said he wouldn't have a problem with doubleheaders, where the girls team will play earlier in the evening followed by the boy's game right after.
In 2007, Pasco County accumulated $367,644.50 in the "participation fees."
You can find the full article HERE.
March 23, 2009
Dixon & Astroth Invited to National Camp
Senior-to-be Damian Dixon and Junior-to-be AJ Astroth were both invited to take park in the USA Junior Nationals International Sports Festival at the University of Illinois in Champagne, IL from July 27 to August 2.
Both Dixon and Astroth attended an exposure camp in Orlando a few weeks back and caught the eye of some USA Junior National scouts and were invited to what the organization is calling:
"...a unique opportunity for all athletes to improve their basketball talent through highly organized competition. Information about our participating athletes is provided to educational institution throughout the U.S. and Canada for possible scholarship opportunities."
Dixon and Astroth helped power the Wharton offense this past season and their talents did not go undetected. So from TBC.net, congratulations to Dixon and Astroth on the invite. Both have not verified whether or not they will be attended the function but both players are deserving of these accolades and we all look forward to watching their careers evolve into a chance to play at the next level.
Both Dixon and Astroth attended an exposure camp in Orlando a few weeks back and caught the eye of some USA Junior National scouts and were invited to what the organization is calling:
"...a unique opportunity for all athletes to improve their basketball talent through highly organized competition. Information about our participating athletes is provided to educational institution throughout the U.S. and Canada for possible scholarship opportunities."
Dixon and Astroth helped power the Wharton offense this past season and their talents did not go undetected. So from TBC.net, congratulations to Dixon and Astroth on the invite. Both have not verified whether or not they will be attended the function but both players are deserving of these accolades and we all look forward to watching their careers evolve into a chance to play at the next level.
March 18, 2009
Wildcat Chat: Q & A with Head Coach Dave Bastian
Head Coach Dave Bastian took time out of his busy schedule and hooked up with TBC.net for the second installment of the Wildcat Chat. The interview questions are in bold and Coach Bastian's responses are in italics.
Q: Now that you have your first season under your belt, what are your thoughts on the outcome? Do you feel this years team over achieved, under achieved, or was the finish something you expected?
A: I never really expect anything other than to work harder than our competition. So, from that standpoint I thought we were relatively successful. I still think that we can work harder but I think we laid the ground work for some of the younger kids. I was disappointed that we did not finish Bloomingdale off because I thought we were playing well and I would have liked the opportunity to play King again. I thought we played well enough to win and that we just didn't make the plays in the last minute you need to make to be successful on the scoreboard. My disappointment in the scoreboard has nothing to do though with how proud I am of the kids. In particular, how proud I am of the 4 seniors who have sacrificed so much for the program.
Q: With Zachery Litton and Stephen Simmons graduating. Who is going to be your "quarterback" on the floor?
A: I think that Kharid Westbrooks and Jereth Kirkland give us two good options at the point guard position for next year.
Q: With your top three scorers all coming back next year, what are your goals for next season?
A: My goals are to continue to grow the program from a basketball development standpoint so that the kids in the program will continue to improve. We will continue to play year round and supplement our play with conditioning, leagues, and team camps.
Q: With the FHSAA realignment, you will now be competing in 6A as well as playing in a new district. Will there be an appeal or are you looking forward to competing in Florida's largest, and some say most competitive, classification?
A: It is really something I don't have any control over so I don't worry about it much. I have always felt there is a significant difference between the competition at the 5A & 6A levels and the competition at the other 4 class levels. I have never understood why the 1A & 2A schools get so much recognition when the competition is so weak. I look forward to competing at the highest level.
Q: What are some of the negatives with this years team? Was it a lack of team chemistry? Was it a lack of experience? Or was it just poor execution at times that disabled this team from reaching the highest level of basketball?
A: You have to keep in mind that 9 of our 11 losses were to pretty good teams. Bloomingdale (3), King (2), Newsome (2), Chamberlain, and Sickles were all top 100 in the state with King, Bloomingdale, & Sickles top 50. I thought against the top teams we were just limited in some of the things we could do but I thought our chemistry was pretty good.
Q: Which game this season, do you think you saw your team play and perform at the optimal level?
A: The two games that we played particularly well were the Durant game and the second game against Tampa Bay Tech.
Q: What are your thoughts about the new 5 team district? Brandon and Bloomingdale are nothing new but what do you think about the addition of Alonso and Plant?
A: All teams have excellent coaches. I expect it to be very competitive.
Q: As a player, were you driven or extra motivated by a feisty home crowd? Did you enjoy your high school and/or college(s) student support?
A: I always have felt a personal responsibility to win. To give the home crowd and the students something to be a part of - something they can feel proud about. The crowd and the Wharton supporters mean so much to us. We try very hard to do our very best for everyone involved but particularly the loyal supports who take their time to come and encourage us.
Q: What does the off season looking like for you and your team? Will you focus solely on weight training or conditioning or will their be a balance of skill training and x's and o's work...?
A: Combination of playing, drilling, and conditioning. All within the county rules of course.
Q: With only 5 teams in the district, that means only 8 district games. Will their be any noteworthy non-district games we should mark on our calendars? Or is it too early to ask that question?
A: Little too early. We are still working on the schedule to date. I expect to be in a high level Christmas tournament along with playing the best competition we can find.
Thanks Coach for taking the time out of your day to give us your input and we look forward to the great things to come. It's not a matter of what, it's a matter of when. Yet another great interview, this time from the Head Coach. Stay posted for a Q&A with Shawn Vanzant, Wharton's all-time leading scorer and a co-captain of the 2007 Wildcat team who was responsible for the winningest season in school history.
Q: Now that you have your first season under your belt, what are your thoughts on the outcome? Do you feel this years team over achieved, under achieved, or was the finish something you expected?
A: I never really expect anything other than to work harder than our competition. So, from that standpoint I thought we were relatively successful. I still think that we can work harder but I think we laid the ground work for some of the younger kids. I was disappointed that we did not finish Bloomingdale off because I thought we were playing well and I would have liked the opportunity to play King again. I thought we played well enough to win and that we just didn't make the plays in the last minute you need to make to be successful on the scoreboard. My disappointment in the scoreboard has nothing to do though with how proud I am of the kids. In particular, how proud I am of the 4 seniors who have sacrificed so much for the program.
Q: With Zachery Litton and Stephen Simmons graduating. Who is going to be your "quarterback" on the floor?
A: I think that Kharid Westbrooks and Jereth Kirkland give us two good options at the point guard position for next year.
Q: With your top three scorers all coming back next year, what are your goals for next season?
A: My goals are to continue to grow the program from a basketball development standpoint so that the kids in the program will continue to improve. We will continue to play year round and supplement our play with conditioning, leagues, and team camps.
Q: With the FHSAA realignment, you will now be competing in 6A as well as playing in a new district. Will there be an appeal or are you looking forward to competing in Florida's largest, and some say most competitive, classification?
A: It is really something I don't have any control over so I don't worry about it much. I have always felt there is a significant difference between the competition at the 5A & 6A levels and the competition at the other 4 class levels. I have never understood why the 1A & 2A schools get so much recognition when the competition is so weak. I look forward to competing at the highest level.
Q: What are some of the negatives with this years team? Was it a lack of team chemistry? Was it a lack of experience? Or was it just poor execution at times that disabled this team from reaching the highest level of basketball?
A: You have to keep in mind that 9 of our 11 losses were to pretty good teams. Bloomingdale (3), King (2), Newsome (2), Chamberlain, and Sickles were all top 100 in the state with King, Bloomingdale, & Sickles top 50. I thought against the top teams we were just limited in some of the things we could do but I thought our chemistry was pretty good.
Q: Which game this season, do you think you saw your team play and perform at the optimal level?
A: The two games that we played particularly well were the Durant game and the second game against Tampa Bay Tech.
Q: What are your thoughts about the new 5 team district? Brandon and Bloomingdale are nothing new but what do you think about the addition of Alonso and Plant?
A: All teams have excellent coaches. I expect it to be very competitive.
Q: As a player, were you driven or extra motivated by a feisty home crowd? Did you enjoy your high school and/or college(s) student support?
A: I always have felt a personal responsibility to win. To give the home crowd and the students something to be a part of - something they can feel proud about. The crowd and the Wharton supporters mean so much to us. We try very hard to do our very best for everyone involved but particularly the loyal supports who take their time to come and encourage us.
Q: What does the off season looking like for you and your team? Will you focus solely on weight training or conditioning or will their be a balance of skill training and x's and o's work...?
A: Combination of playing, drilling, and conditioning. All within the county rules of course.
Q: With only 5 teams in the district, that means only 8 district games. Will their be any noteworthy non-district games we should mark on our calendars? Or is it too early to ask that question?
A: Little too early. We are still working on the schedule to date. I expect to be in a high level Christmas tournament along with playing the best competition we can find.
Thanks Coach for taking the time out of your day to give us your input and we look forward to the great things to come. It's not a matter of what, it's a matter of when. Yet another great interview, this time from the Head Coach. Stay posted for a Q&A with Shawn Vanzant, Wharton's all-time leading scorer and a co-captain of the 2007 Wildcat team who was responsible for the winningest season in school history.
March 12, 2009
ALUM UPDATE: Shawn Vanzant
All-time Wharton leading scorer Shawn Vanzant and his Butler Bulldogs will be dancing again this year after they were selected as an at-large bid for the 2009 NCAA Tournament. Butler landed a 9 seed and will be back in action Thursday.
Butler was dealt a heartbreaking loss at Hinkle this past week at the hands of Cleveland State in the Horizon League Championship game. Butler was looking for their record-tying sixth tournament title but saw their efforts fall short in the waning moments of the contest.
Butler opened up an 8 point lead midway through the second half but Cleveland State turned the tables on the 'Dogs as they rained in three pointer after three pointer as they out shot the usually-three-point-happy Butler squad on their way to a Horizon League Championship and the automatic bid to the '09 Tourny.
Vanzant has seen limited minutes in the last handful of games due to a tweaked knee but managed to sky over 2 Vikings and 1 of his own teammates to snag a rebound off of a Cleveland State arrant free throw and gave his team a shot at the win in the final seconds. However, both attempts fell off-the-mark and Cleveland State defeated Butler 57-54.
Butler will kick off their tourny journey this coming Thursday, March 19 as they take on Louisiana State in the South bracket of the tournament.
Butler was dealt a heartbreaking loss at Hinkle this past week at the hands of Cleveland State in the Horizon League Championship game. Butler was looking for their record-tying sixth tournament title but saw their efforts fall short in the waning moments of the contest.
Butler opened up an 8 point lead midway through the second half but Cleveland State turned the tables on the 'Dogs as they rained in three pointer after three pointer as they out shot the usually-three-point-happy Butler squad on their way to a Horizon League Championship and the automatic bid to the '09 Tourny.
Vanzant has seen limited minutes in the last handful of games due to a tweaked knee but managed to sky over 2 Vikings and 1 of his own teammates to snag a rebound off of a Cleveland State arrant free throw and gave his team a shot at the win in the final seconds. However, both attempts fell off-the-mark and Cleveland State defeated Butler 57-54.
Butler will kick off their tourny journey this coming Thursday, March 19 as they take on Louisiana State in the South bracket of the tournament.
March 10, 2009
Wildcat Chat: Q & A with Damian Dixon
Soon to be Senior Damian Dixon chimed in for a little Wildcat Chat, question and answer session with TBC.net. With the 2008-2009 season in the books and the 2009-2010 already on everyone's mind, the Wildcat guard has not taken a break and is already working towards next year's goals. The interview questions are in bold and Dixon's answers are in italics.
Q: Although no one was particularly happy with how this season ended, how do you think this relatively "new" lineup played this past year?
A: The new lineup began to gel towards the end of the year, we just needed time to get the chemistry between us better. But with the short amount of time we had I think we did very good.
Q: What was your most memorable moment of this past season? What made that moment the most memorable?
A: The most memorable moment this past season was the district game. Even though we lost, it showed me that even though we were faced with a problem, nobody put their heads down and complained we just kept fighting. It showed how much of a team bond we gained throughout the whole season.
Q: What ways do you train in the off season? Anything out of the ordinary? Or do you just head up to the local park to run pickup games with the old men?
A: In the off season the main thing I have to keep up with is being in shape. Coach tells me if I want to play the next level I have to be able to go all out the entire game. Usually if it's coming out of coach’s mouth, you might want to pay attention. So I run throughout the week, workout twice a week, and play as much as I can.
Q: With all 3 top scorers returning, what would be a realistic goal(s) for this team to accomplish next year?
A: My goals for the team next year is to start by winning districts. Then after that just take it one game at a time then of course go for states.
Q: You've played for two different high school basketball programs. What makes Wharton the best place for you?
A: Wharton is the best place for me because the people involved with me are like my second family. If I need help with something or just even some encouragement, they’re there for me. At Wiregrass it just didn't seem like anyone cared and like I was just wasting my time.
Q: If you could model your game after one player (NBA, NCAA, or HS) who would it be and why?
A: The player I would have to model my game after would be Dwyane Wade. He knows how to drive to the basket and score, he can shoot, dribble, play defense, just pretty much everything. Most important he goes hard all the time.
Q: You went to an exposure camp in Orlando this past Sunday, how was that and how do you think you performed?
A: The camp was a good experience, and it helps me see where I stand and what I need to work on. I feel I performed well enough for the scouts or whoever to pick out the things I do well on the court.
Q: Do you currently play on a travel ball team (AAU/USSSA)? If so, who? If not, why not?
A: Not right now, I'm currently looking for a team to play on.
Q: Where do you plan on, or wish to attend college after you graduate from Wharton? Do you plan on continuing your basketball career?
A: The college I wish to attend is Florida State. I want to go there because I've always been a Seminole fan. I have family that lives right down the street from it so I've been around it my whole life. I plan on continuing my basketball career in college so that would be a plus because it’s close to home to.
Q: Have you received any interest from any schools yet? If so, who?
A: Right now the only school that coach has told me that has interest in me is St. Leo. But it’s a start and I hope to get more by the end of my senior year.
So there you have it. A great interview from a great player. With the 2008-2009 season in the rear view mirror, our 'Cats are already building towards next year. Stay tuned for an interview with Head Coach Dave Bastian as he sits down with TBC.net for some more Q & A.
Q: Although no one was particularly happy with how this season ended, how do you think this relatively "new" lineup played this past year?
A: The new lineup began to gel towards the end of the year, we just needed time to get the chemistry between us better. But with the short amount of time we had I think we did very good.
Q: What was your most memorable moment of this past season? What made that moment the most memorable?
A: The most memorable moment this past season was the district game. Even though we lost, it showed me that even though we were faced with a problem, nobody put their heads down and complained we just kept fighting. It showed how much of a team bond we gained throughout the whole season.
Q: What ways do you train in the off season? Anything out of the ordinary? Or do you just head up to the local park to run pickup games with the old men?
A: In the off season the main thing I have to keep up with is being in shape. Coach tells me if I want to play the next level I have to be able to go all out the entire game. Usually if it's coming out of coach’s mouth, you might want to pay attention. So I run throughout the week, workout twice a week, and play as much as I can.
Q: With all 3 top scorers returning, what would be a realistic goal(s) for this team to accomplish next year?
A: My goals for the team next year is to start by winning districts. Then after that just take it one game at a time then of course go for states.
Q: You've played for two different high school basketball programs. What makes Wharton the best place for you?
A: Wharton is the best place for me because the people involved with me are like my second family. If I need help with something or just even some encouragement, they’re there for me. At Wiregrass it just didn't seem like anyone cared and like I was just wasting my time.
Q: If you could model your game after one player (NBA, NCAA, or HS) who would it be and why?
A: The player I would have to model my game after would be Dwyane Wade. He knows how to drive to the basket and score, he can shoot, dribble, play defense, just pretty much everything. Most important he goes hard all the time.
Q: You went to an exposure camp in Orlando this past Sunday, how was that and how do you think you performed?
A: The camp was a good experience, and it helps me see where I stand and what I need to work on. I feel I performed well enough for the scouts or whoever to pick out the things I do well on the court.
Q: Do you currently play on a travel ball team (AAU/USSSA)? If so, who? If not, why not?
A: Not right now, I'm currently looking for a team to play on.
Q: Where do you plan on, or wish to attend college after you graduate from Wharton? Do you plan on continuing your basketball career?
A: The college I wish to attend is Florida State. I want to go there because I've always been a Seminole fan. I have family that lives right down the street from it so I've been around it my whole life. I plan on continuing my basketball career in college so that would be a plus because it’s close to home to.
Q: Have you received any interest from any schools yet? If so, who?
A: Right now the only school that coach has told me that has interest in me is St. Leo. But it’s a start and I hope to get more by the end of my senior year.
So there you have it. A great interview from a great player. With the 2008-2009 season in the rear view mirror, our 'Cats are already building towards next year. Stay tuned for an interview with Head Coach Dave Bastian as he sits down with TBC.net for some more Q & A.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)