Wharton defeated Plant City and Alonso Wednesday night. Both of Wharton's victories were by hefty margins. The sweep puts the 'Cats back at .500(3-3) overall for summer league play.
"We just played a lot more like a team," Sophomore Xavier Owens stated. "It felt like everything was just clicking better and a lot of people stepped up."
The Wildcats will be back in action next Wednesday.
April 30, 2009
April 29, 2009
FBLA States: Wheeler Places 4th, Tennis Takes State
Wharton Wildcat Junior, Tate Wheeler, placed 4th in last weeks FBLA (Future Business Leader's of America) State Competition. Wheeler competed in the Sports Management category. His accomplishment just adds to the importance of academics as well as proves to young developing athletes everywhere that academics and athletics can be balanced efficiently with a little can-do attitude and hard work.
Taking a break from hoops to give the much deserved props to the Wildcat Boys Tennis team who captured their second consecutive state championship Tuesday.
Congratulations to the team and Head Coach Marcie Scholl. Mrs. Scholl is also a Student Intervention Specialist at Wharton.
Taking a break from hoops to give the much deserved props to the Wildcat Boys Tennis team who captured their second consecutive state championship Tuesday.
Congratulations to the team and Head Coach Marcie Scholl. Mrs. Scholl is also a Student Intervention Specialist at Wharton.
April 27, 2009
HC Budget Cuts, Season To Be Shortened
Saturday morning the avid high school sport fan sat down with their coffee and Tampa Tribune. After turning to the back couple pages of the sports section one might have realized the news regarding the shortening of prep sport basketball schedules by 40 percent.
Nick Williams of the Trib and Christina Alvarez of the FHSAA gave their pieces on the matter and Laness Robinson threw in his opinion. The story is posted below.
The shortening would most likely eliminate extra tournaments such as the Tampa Hoops Classic our boys took part in a season prior to last. The schedule shortening is just another attempt to counteract our faltering economy. Hillsborough County reps already hinted at making athletes pay to play next season.
The article also mentions that district size may come into play regarding the number of times the teams meet during the regular season. Usually teams will meet twice a year, home and away. Also, JV sports still in existence will be debated about in regards to pulling the plug completely.
Robinson also stated that schedules for the upcoming school year are usually locked during the spring of the current year but the process has been delayed due to the proposal.
ORIGINAL STORY (HERE)
Nick Williams of the Trib and Christina Alvarez of the FHSAA gave their pieces on the matter and Laness Robinson threw in his opinion. The story is posted below.
The shortening would most likely eliminate extra tournaments such as the Tampa Hoops Classic our boys took part in a season prior to last. The schedule shortening is just another attempt to counteract our faltering economy. Hillsborough County reps already hinted at making athletes pay to play next season.
The article also mentions that district size may come into play regarding the number of times the teams meet during the regular season. Usually teams will meet twice a year, home and away. Also, JV sports still in existence will be debated about in regards to pulling the plug completely.
Robinson also stated that schedules for the upcoming school year are usually locked during the spring of the current year but the process has been delayed due to the proposal.
ORIGINAL STORY (HERE)
April 23, 2009
Spring League Results, 'Cats Split
Last night, Wharton played a in pair of spring league contests. Wharton won the first game against Plant, 50-44 in what was a preview of a future rivalry thanks to Wharton's newly aligned district for the 2009-2010 season. Although it's no more than a controlled scrimmage, there's nothing better than defeating the Tampa Tribune darling Panthers.
The second contest was between Spoto and Wharton, which Spoto defeated the 'Cats by six, 39-33. Wharton will resume spring league action next Wednesday.
The second contest was between Spoto and Wharton, which Spoto defeated the 'Cats by six, 39-33. Wharton will resume spring league action next Wednesday.
April 20, 2009
Upcoming Spring League Action, April 22
Last Wednesday the Wildcats faced Berkley Prep and King High School in an a pair of spring league games. Wharton fell to both the Pirates by 2 and the Lions by 4, both very slim margins. The Wildcats will be back in action this coming Wednesday night, April 22. They will face Plant H.S. at 6pm and the second opponent is Spoto.
April 10, 2009
Wildcat Chat: Q & A with A.J. Astroth
AJ Astroth started his high school career in the lone star state. Lucky for Wharton fans, he and his family landed in Tampa, FL and now he will be a spectacle to see every time he steps on the court for the next two years. TBC.net got a chance to rap with the up-and-coming baller in another version of the Wildcat Chat. The interview questions are bolded and Astroth's responses are in italics.
Q: What part of Texas are you from and why did you move to Tampa?
A: I'm from the north side of Houston Texas. We moved to Tampa mostly because my mother received a job that took us out here so we decided to give Florida a shot and try something new.
Q: When you and your family decided to move to Florida from Texas, why did you ultimately choose Wharton?
A: I hadn't even heard about Wharton until about a week before i started going there. I remember my mother saying it was between Wharton and Freedom, and she chose Wharton because she thought Wharton sounded more like real high school name. Good choice mom.
Q: First year under your belt, one of the top 3 scorers as a sophomore, what can we expect to see from you next season?
A: Next season you can expect me to continue to work hard and continue to improve everyday. Giving it all on the court each game and having fun knowing my teammates and I are in this together no matter what the outcome is.
Q: From a spectators standpoint, the district tournament game against Bloomingdale you seemed like you did a lot of "growing up." What made you turn it on for that game more than what we had seen all year from you?
A: I knew it was the district tournament game and I knew that it was all or nothing. I learned throughout the year to just let the game come to you and to trust your teammates, and that's what I tried to do.
Q: Around Christmas break you looked to have fallen in a shooting slump but you were able to claw your way out of it late in the game against Durant. As a player, how do you overcome slumps?
A: Just keep shooting. Never think about the shot you missed, but instead worry about the next time you shoot. My dad tells me to have a short memory when it comes to shooting and eventually the slump will go away.
Q: The school paper referred to you as the sophomore sensation but on the court you seem like a "silent assassin." What nickname do you prefer? Or are nicknames unimportant?
A: Nicknames are fun, I really don't have a nickname that people call me, but it would be cool to have one. As long as you don't focus on the nickname you want more then you trying to improve your game then its ok with me.
Q: Who do you share the closest bond with of those on the team? Do you hang with any of the players outside of school and practice?
A: I have a close bond with everybody on the team. They were the first people I met when I moved here, and they all are really good friends. I hang out with most of them all the time outside of school. We're like a big ole' family.
Q: Are you currently playing on a AAU/USSSA/YBOL (travel ball) team? If so who? If not, why not?
A: Yea I am. AAU keeps me occupied during the summer and it keeps me in shape. I will try to go back home to Houston to play AAU there, but if not then I'll find a more local team to play with.
Q: With the possibility of "paying to play" in high school sports, do you think that will act as a barrier for less fortunate kids or will players find a way to pay for the costs regardless?
A: Not really a barrier, but more of a hill to climb. If kids really love the game then they will find a way to pay for the costs and be out there on the court. They wont give up just because things are not free anymore, but they will work harder to climb the hill.
Q: New district, new classification, but returning the top 3 scorers; what is a realistic goal for you and the Wildcats to accomplish next year?
A: The wildcats are going to make some noise this coming year. District title is the first thing I'm worrying about. Then after that we'll just take each game one game at a time, but of course my eyes are still on a State championship..
They say championships are won in the off-season and all the boys are already working towards next years season. Thank you to AJ for taking time out of his schedule and giving us a great interview. Go 'Cats.
Q: What part of Texas are you from and why did you move to Tampa?
A: I'm from the north side of Houston Texas. We moved to Tampa mostly because my mother received a job that took us out here so we decided to give Florida a shot and try something new.
Q: When you and your family decided to move to Florida from Texas, why did you ultimately choose Wharton?
A: I hadn't even heard about Wharton until about a week before i started going there. I remember my mother saying it was between Wharton and Freedom, and she chose Wharton because she thought Wharton sounded more like real high school name. Good choice mom.
Q: First year under your belt, one of the top 3 scorers as a sophomore, what can we expect to see from you next season?
A: Next season you can expect me to continue to work hard and continue to improve everyday. Giving it all on the court each game and having fun knowing my teammates and I are in this together no matter what the outcome is.
Q: From a spectators standpoint, the district tournament game against Bloomingdale you seemed like you did a lot of "growing up." What made you turn it on for that game more than what we had seen all year from you?
A: I knew it was the district tournament game and I knew that it was all or nothing. I learned throughout the year to just let the game come to you and to trust your teammates, and that's what I tried to do.
Q: Around Christmas break you looked to have fallen in a shooting slump but you were able to claw your way out of it late in the game against Durant. As a player, how do you overcome slumps?
A: Just keep shooting. Never think about the shot you missed, but instead worry about the next time you shoot. My dad tells me to have a short memory when it comes to shooting and eventually the slump will go away.
Q: The school paper referred to you as the sophomore sensation but on the court you seem like a "silent assassin." What nickname do you prefer? Or are nicknames unimportant?
A: Nicknames are fun, I really don't have a nickname that people call me, but it would be cool to have one. As long as you don't focus on the nickname you want more then you trying to improve your game then its ok with me.
Q: Who do you share the closest bond with of those on the team? Do you hang with any of the players outside of school and practice?
A: I have a close bond with everybody on the team. They were the first people I met when I moved here, and they all are really good friends. I hang out with most of them all the time outside of school. We're like a big ole' family.
Q: Are you currently playing on a AAU/USSSA/YBOL (travel ball) team? If so who? If not, why not?
A: Yea I am. AAU keeps me occupied during the summer and it keeps me in shape. I will try to go back home to Houston to play AAU there, but if not then I'll find a more local team to play with.
Q: With the possibility of "paying to play" in high school sports, do you think that will act as a barrier for less fortunate kids or will players find a way to pay for the costs regardless?
A: Not really a barrier, but more of a hill to climb. If kids really love the game then they will find a way to pay for the costs and be out there on the court. They wont give up just because things are not free anymore, but they will work harder to climb the hill.
Q: New district, new classification, but returning the top 3 scorers; what is a realistic goal for you and the Wildcats to accomplish next year?
A: The wildcats are going to make some noise this coming year. District title is the first thing I'm worrying about. Then after that we'll just take each game one game at a time, but of course my eyes are still on a State championship..
They say championships are won in the off-season and all the boys are already working towards next years season. Thank you to AJ for taking time out of his schedule and giving us a great interview. Go 'Cats.
April 7, 2009
All Hillsborough County Boys Basketball Team Announced
No Love, No Surprise...
This past Friday (my apologies for the lateness of the article) Nick Williams revealed his All Hillsborough County Boys Basketball Team. Although many of his selections were obvious, a few shocking, but none more predictable that no Wildcats were even selected for the honorable mentions. As I mentioned, the lack of love or respect for the Wildcats is nothing new and if any Wharton supporters are upset with Damian Dixon, AJ Astroth, and Xavier Owens being left off the list this is something that Wharton has become accustomed to over the past decade or so. The only considerable ink Wharton received was during their 29-2 campaign back in 2007. I reviewed the list and took into consideration of those who I saw play this year.
Newsome's Samal Shepherd is well deserving of his second team achievement and if it wasn't for the star-studded first team, he most likely would have received first team acknowledgment. Trent Mackey, son of the Newsome Head Coach, is also a very strong, young player who is deserving of his honorable mention spot. But as I purooze over the remainder of the list, I see players who played on teams with 20 or more losses. I see players who couldn't shake a stick at the ability of Dixon, Owens, and Astroth.
Damian Dixon averaged 10.8 PPG, held a 73% freethrow percentage, as well as sunk a record setting 7 three pointers in a dismantling of Brandon High School. AJ Astroth and Xavier Owens, both sophomores averaged 11.7 and 11.3 respectively.
The article in its entirety is posted below.
This past Friday (my apologies for the lateness of the article) Nick Williams revealed his All Hillsborough County Boys Basketball Team. Although many of his selections were obvious, a few shocking, but none more predictable that no Wildcats were even selected for the honorable mentions. As I mentioned, the lack of love or respect for the Wildcats is nothing new and if any Wharton supporters are upset with Damian Dixon, AJ Astroth, and Xavier Owens being left off the list this is something that Wharton has become accustomed to over the past decade or so. The only considerable ink Wharton received was during their 29-2 campaign back in 2007. I reviewed the list and took into consideration of those who I saw play this year.
Newsome's Samal Shepherd is well deserving of his second team achievement and if it wasn't for the star-studded first team, he most likely would have received first team acknowledgment. Trent Mackey, son of the Newsome Head Coach, is also a very strong, young player who is deserving of his honorable mention spot. But as I purooze over the remainder of the list, I see players who played on teams with 20 or more losses. I see players who couldn't shake a stick at the ability of Dixon, Owens, and Astroth.
Damian Dixon averaged 10.8 PPG, held a 73% freethrow percentage, as well as sunk a record setting 7 three pointers in a dismantling of Brandon High School. AJ Astroth and Xavier Owens, both sophomores averaged 11.7 and 11.3 respectively.
The article in its entirety is posted below.
------------------------------------------------------
FIRST TEAM
John Henson, Sickles, Senior, Center
McDonald's All-American and Parade Magazine first team All-American led state-ranked Gryphons to 6A region semifinals while averaging 17.8 points, 12.3 rebounds and 6.1 blocks per game. Will play for North Carolina in the fall.
Toarlyn Fitzpatrick, King, Senior, Forward
Led King in four statistical categories – points, rebounds, assists and blocks -- and led the Lions to their first state tournament appearance. Signed to Georgia Southern and will end career with 2,014 points.
Sheldon Cooley, Plant, Senior, Guard
East Tennessee State signee averaged 20.8 points, 8.1 rebounds and 4.9 steals per game. FACA District Player of the Year will end career with 2,076 career points.
Jay Bowie, Tampa Prep, Junior, Forward
Six-foot-5 forward averaged a double-double with 14.8 points and 10.8 rebounds per game for a team that went to the Class 2A state final four.
Johnathan Gray, Berkeley Prep, Senior, Guard
Arguably the county's top perimeter shooter, Gray led the Buccaneers to a district title and region semifinals with 18.4 points per game.
Jordan Davis, Sickles, Junior, Guard
Davis led the county in assists and was fourth in the state with 215 total assists (7.4 per game) and was Sickles' second leading scorer with 8.2 points per game.
SECOND TEAM
Jamal Cherry, Tampa Prep, Jr. Guard
Matt Kendrick, Chamberlain, Sr., Center
Andre Davis, Blake, So. Guard
Samal Shepherd, Newsome, Jr., Forward
Joe Raga, Bloomingdale, Sr. Forward
Austin Suarez, Berkeley Prep, Sr. Forward
HONORABLE MENTION
Alonso – Chris Williams. Armwood – Rashad Davis; Demetrius Jackson. Bayshore Christian – Fred Lewis. Berkeley Prep – Daniel Nilsson-Cole; Christian Reintgen; Nelson Agholor. Blake – Michael McFarland. Bloomingdale – Callum Townsend; Sean Hayes. Cambridge – Cameron Brown. Chamberlain – Eric Storts. Citrus Park Christian –Durant – AJ Garden; Andre Nation; Jeffrey Thomas. East Bay – Fred Porter. Freedom – Brendon Bertorello. Grace Christian – Alex Lanfranconi. Hillsborough – Juan Washington; Michael Jimerson. Jesuit – Austin Schonbrun. King –Lennard – Evan Locke. Middleton – Gerick Leath. Newsome – Charles Murphy; Trent Mackey. Plant – Michael Frazier. Plant City – Josh Theibe. Robinson – Reggie Sweatman. Seffner Christian –Sickles – Kelvin Daniels; Nico Cora. Spoto – Karl Beasley. Tampa Bay Tech – Fredrick Drayton; Lacarlton Nelson. Tampa Catholic – Ian Ham. Tampa Prep – Brandon Hagarty. Rethel Oliver; Chauncey Day; Andrew Donaldson; Reshard Brown. Devin Paularinne. Jake Haslam; Devontae Morgan.
The Tribune's All-Hillsborough County Boys Basketball Team was selected by staff writer Nick Williams. The team was selected based on performances in the regular and postseason and overall talent. The various all-conference and all-star teams selected by the county's head coaches were strongly considered. The Tribune's Boys Basketball Athlete and Coach of the Year will be announced at a later date.
April 3, 2009
Wildcat Chat: Q & A with Xavier Owens
The Wildcat Chat is back and it's latest interview is a little one on one with the X-Man, Xavier Owens. Xavier will be returning next year for his junior campaign but will be the most experienced player on the roster. X is a combo guard/forward who loves to create mismatches, or as Dick Vitale calls puts it,"He's an M & M'er, Baby!" The interview questions are in bold and Owens' answers are in italics.
Q: What was the biggest difference between last years squad and this years bunch? How did your role change?
A: Well honestly I think the major difference was that last years team had all been together for 4 whole years while our team had only been together for barely 1 so they all had already had that natural chemistry that they needed to be pretty good. Well basically I went from being one of the last ones off the bench to seeing a lot of playing time and helping out the team more.
Q: Having not experienced the JV level, how difficult was it to adapt to the speed of the varsity game straight out of middle school?
A: I'll admit just coming right out of middle school it was pretty tough, not much because of the physicality of the competition but more of having to try and understand that the seniors that I really looked up to were helping me mentally to become stronger for the years to come.
Q: If you stay on the path you are on now, you will be only the second player in school history to letter all four years. You know where Shawn Vanzant ranks in the Wharton record books, what would being in that company mean to you?
A: It would mean a lot because Shawn is an awesome player to be in a category with as far as being the only two in Wharton history to have achieved it.
Q: With Dixon, Astroth, and yourself back for next years campaign, what do you feel this team can accomplish?
A: Well we have a lot of things that can come out good for us as far as the season is concerned for next year but above all I'm hoping that we can make a run for the state championship.
Q: Now that the off season is here, what do you feel you need to work on as an individual in order to help this team reach the next level in the seasons to come?
A: I think that the biggest thing that I need to do is just try and be more consistent with my shooting and I can also improve with my ball handling a little so I can try and be more aggressive penetrating.
Q: A lot of people see you as more of a forward with a guard skill-set. What to you prefer playing and what is more comfortable for you to play on the floor, forward or guard?
A: Well honestly I really like playing more face up to the basket so that I can do what I do best in creating my own lane to the basket and helping free up some of our shooters. I'm just more comfortable at playing out on the wing as an off guard like the small forward position because its basically a guard but if we are facing a smaller team or something I can take my man down low also.
Q: You've got two years of varsity experience under your belt. Most kids step onto the varsity stage as a junior. Do you feel like your experience can give you an edge over the first year varsity players?
A: In some ways yes because I've already went through the growing pains of getting adjusted for two years now but really when it comes down to it, it just depends on who has the most heart and who wants it more.
Q: What do you do to get yourself up for a game? Is it some Lil John and 50 Cent on your I-Pod or do you get pumped up in a different way?
A: Haha. Yeah, I like to listen to a lot of different types of artists like T.I., Lil Wayne, Lupe Fiasco, Young Jeezy and plenty more. And I also like to sleep out the pre-game jitters.
Q: Which rival do you have more fun putting the beat down on, Freedom or Brandon? Why?
A: I like playing Freedom the most because when we play each other that's when we get the most fan support and it's such a hostile environment to be in, let alone play in. I just love it. It really pumps me up.
Q: Who do you have winning the NCAA Tournament in your bracket? Why?
A: I have PITT winning it because I just think that there too tough for any of the other teams they play against to hang with them..They have amazing guard play and post play.
He's a young gun who thrives for the big stage and his career seems to be just beginning. We are all looking forward to what this big man can accomplish. This concludes this installment of the Wildcat Chat.
Q: What was the biggest difference between last years squad and this years bunch? How did your role change?
A: Well honestly I think the major difference was that last years team had all been together for 4 whole years while our team had only been together for barely 1 so they all had already had that natural chemistry that they needed to be pretty good. Well basically I went from being one of the last ones off the bench to seeing a lot of playing time and helping out the team more.
Q: Having not experienced the JV level, how difficult was it to adapt to the speed of the varsity game straight out of middle school?
A: I'll admit just coming right out of middle school it was pretty tough, not much because of the physicality of the competition but more of having to try and understand that the seniors that I really looked up to were helping me mentally to become stronger for the years to come.
Q: If you stay on the path you are on now, you will be only the second player in school history to letter all four years. You know where Shawn Vanzant ranks in the Wharton record books, what would being in that company mean to you?
A: It would mean a lot because Shawn is an awesome player to be in a category with as far as being the only two in Wharton history to have achieved it.
Q: With Dixon, Astroth, and yourself back for next years campaign, what do you feel this team can accomplish?
A: Well we have a lot of things that can come out good for us as far as the season is concerned for next year but above all I'm hoping that we can make a run for the state championship.
Q: Now that the off season is here, what do you feel you need to work on as an individual in order to help this team reach the next level in the seasons to come?
A: I think that the biggest thing that I need to do is just try and be more consistent with my shooting and I can also improve with my ball handling a little so I can try and be more aggressive penetrating.
Q: A lot of people see you as more of a forward with a guard skill-set. What to you prefer playing and what is more comfortable for you to play on the floor, forward or guard?
A: Well honestly I really like playing more face up to the basket so that I can do what I do best in creating my own lane to the basket and helping free up some of our shooters. I'm just more comfortable at playing out on the wing as an off guard like the small forward position because its basically a guard but if we are facing a smaller team or something I can take my man down low also.
Q: You've got two years of varsity experience under your belt. Most kids step onto the varsity stage as a junior. Do you feel like your experience can give you an edge over the first year varsity players?
A: In some ways yes because I've already went through the growing pains of getting adjusted for two years now but really when it comes down to it, it just depends on who has the most heart and who wants it more.
Q: What do you do to get yourself up for a game? Is it some Lil John and 50 Cent on your I-Pod or do you get pumped up in a different way?
A: Haha. Yeah, I like to listen to a lot of different types of artists like T.I., Lil Wayne, Lupe Fiasco, Young Jeezy and plenty more. And I also like to sleep out the pre-game jitters.
Q: Which rival do you have more fun putting the beat down on, Freedom or Brandon? Why?
A: I like playing Freedom the most because when we play each other that's when we get the most fan support and it's such a hostile environment to be in, let alone play in. I just love it. It really pumps me up.
Q: Who do you have winning the NCAA Tournament in your bracket? Why?
A: I have PITT winning it because I just think that there too tough for any of the other teams they play against to hang with them..They have amazing guard play and post play.
He's a young gun who thrives for the big stage and his career seems to be just beginning. We are all looking forward to what this big man can accomplish. This concludes this installment of the Wildcat Chat.
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