Wheeler Earns Award

Senior Tate Wheeler received the Pepsi Scholar-Athlete Award as reported by Nick Williams of The Tampa Tribune.

"To be nominated for the award, each athlete must have a 3.0 unweighted GPA, have a minimum 1100 SAT or 25 ACT score, play varsity a sport and be involved in community service."

Tate has been awarded a number of academic awards and has accumulated an astounding GPA of 6.27. He was also a member of KEY, BETA, NHS and FBLA earning honors in each of them.

Tate lettered in both basketball and cross country.

Congratulations to Tate for your hard work on and off the court.

Spring League Update: Wharton 69, Middleton 26; Wharton 45, Sickles 47

Wharton splits a pair of summer league games, defeating Middleton before falling to Sickles.

Against Middleton, the Wildcats jumped out to an early 16-4 lead at the end of the first quarter. CJ McGill racked up 4 steals and an 4 steals during the early run. Matt Collazzo had an impressive second quarter, scoring 7 points.

Wharton held the 33-8 lead at half.

Sir Patrick Reynold's hot hand and Xavier Owens jumper at the horn capped off another strong quarter and the 57-16 lead heading into the fourth.

The 'Cats continued to cruise in the final quarter and defeated the Tigers 69-29.

In the second game Wharton faced county-rival Sickles.

The Gryphons forced a couple of turnovers that helped them gain a 9-2 advantage four minutes into the game.
Drake Williams and Xavier Owens had their hands full in the paint. The Sickles back court made it difficult for the Wildcats to find the looks they wanted.

Owens' three-point play with just under a minute to play cut the Gryphon lead to 6.Sickles responded on the next possession to push it back to 8 before McGill's three-pointer at the buzzer trimmed it to 13-8.

Early in the second quarter, Jadarian Greene's put back cut the deficit to 1 but Sickles all-county guard answered with a 3-point shot.

Wharton would be held scoreless for the remaining six minutes of the second quarter.

After halftime, Sickles 21-12 lead was cut back down to two possessions thanks to some strong defense by Jafar Mascoll and a Reynolds three-pointer.

McGill's steal and 3-point play gave Wharton their first lead of the night. Jereth Kirkland accounted for 7 points during the Wildcats third quarter run. Wharton held the 31-27 edge at the end of the third.

Both team traded blows before Sickles managed to regain the lead with 4:56 to play. Reynolds' jumper put the Wildcats back on top on the ensuing Wharton possession. The contest continued to go back and forth until a Gryphon 1 for 2 free throw gave Sickles the lead with just over two minutes to play.

Down 3 with under a minute left, Owens' jumper cut the deficit to one.

Wharton would be forced to intentionally foul on the next possession, giving Sickles the chance to take a 3-point lead with 17.3 to play.

The free throw was good.

Owens would be fouled on the 3-point attempt but failed to knock down the tying 1 for 3 free throw and Sickles iced the game at the line.

Wharton was without AJ Astroth, who injured his knee this past weekend during an AAU game.

Spring League Update: Wharton 97, Steinbrenner 41; Wharton 67, Durant 62

'Cats sweep Spring League games, defeating Steinbrenner and Durant.

Xavier Owens, AJ Astroth and CJ McGill all looked like their usual selves. Owens thrilled in both contests with a pair of rim-rattling dunks and a few sky high rejections.

In the first game against Steinbrenner, junior-to-be Jereth Kirkland had an impressive showing, connecting on what seemed like a half-dozen three pointers. Kirkland played well and really helped spark the Wharton attack.

The Wildcats poured it on first year Steinbrenner High School, holding a 58-16 halftime lead. Thanks to Kirkland's hot hand as well as an all-around defensively driven performance by the rest of the 'Cats, Wharton defeated the Warriors 97-41.

The second game the Wildcats competed in was against the Durant Cougars.

Durant jumped out to a quick 8-2 lead. Wharton took the lead for the first time in the opening minutes of the second quarter 16-15.

Wharton held a slim 31-29 lead at the half thanks to a well contested CJ McGill jumper in the final seconds of the quarter .


After a back and forth third quarter, the Wildcats took a 6-point lead heading into the final period. Both Wharton and Durant couldn't manage to put the game out of reach in the third and played a very up-tempo style of basketball during the stretch.

Wharton quickly pushed its lead to 10 in the opening minutes of the fourth by finding easy buckets in Durant's porous zone defense.

Durant managed to trim the lead to 2 with just under a minute to play but Wharton was able to hold off the Cougars' comeback effort and pick up their second win of the night, 67-62.

Wharton will continue it's spring league play next Wednesday night at Wharton.

Photos of tonight's games can be found HERE.

Wildcat Chat With CJ McGill

TBC.Net brings you the first ever Wildcat Chat with a freshman! Super-frosh CJ McGill sat down with TBC.Net for some freshman questions, spring league updates and much more! Enjoy.



TBC: Coming in as a freshman, how much different is the high school game compared to what you experienced playing middle school basketball?

CJ: High School basketball is much more different than middle school basketball in so many ways. It's much more competitive and involves lots of hard work and dedication.

TBC: As the season progressed, you began to get more confident as a shooter. You had your career high 20 points in the first round of the playoffs. What are some of the reasons you feel you began to score more as we got deeper into the season?

CJ: The reason I think I began to emerge as a scorer so late in the season is because my confidence level wasn't very high in the beginning of the year. I realized it and so did Coach Tonelli. He called me to his office one day and told me I'm doing fine for my first year, and I'll get better. He also said while I'm out there don't hesitate to score. As the season progressed, I started getting comfortable with the way I was playing. Then when the Regional game came, I felt confident and played calm.

TBC: 27-2. The second best record in school history and a school record 25 wins in a row. What are some things that made those possible?

CJ: I believe it was chemistry that got us that far. We began playing together this summer, and played over 70 games. We all knew our roles and what we bring to the table for the team.

TBC: What was your favorite game this past season and why?

CJ: My favorite game this season would have to be the game against Sickles in the Christmas Tournament Championship. After the loss earlier in the year to Sickles, we didn't want anything more than to get a chance to play them again. In the Championship game, we all did our jobs; defense, rebounding, scoring, and distributing the ball. In the end result, we came out and beat Sickles 52-50. I'll remember that game forever.

TBC: You lose Damian Dixon's ability to get it done all over the floor. What kind of things are you going to need to do in order to make up for the work load that Damian had?

CJ: Well to start off, Damian was an awesome player. He works hard on defense, passes well, and had the ability to get to the basket easily. He will be missed on the team, but for me I need to be more vocal and a leader out on the court.

TBC: How is team progressing in the spring league? Compared to last years team, what things are different?

CJ: Well things are extremely different without the seniors that are graduating, but we still have 3 more starters coming back from last season. We have a few dark shades here and there but I know we can build upon them.

TBC: You have one year under your belt and 3 years remaining. When you graduate in 2013, what do you want future players and fans to say about CJ McGill. How do you want to be remembered? What things are you going to do to make sure you have nothing to regret?

CJ: I just want to be known as the player that always played hard and the play that would do anything for his team. The things I'm going to have to do to make sure I won't regret anything is play hard in every game, practice hard, and get better every day.

TBC: Any personal goals your trying to work for during the off season? Any things you would like to change in your game? If so, what are you doing to help the change?

CJ: I'm trying to gain some weight for next season and get stronger. I'm also trying to change the form of my jump shot. For weight gaining, I'm starting to eat every 3 hours in a day so there's always something in my stomach. For strength, I'm doing push ups every night.

TBC: Last year, being the freshman, you walked out of the locker room after a game with a "dunce hat" that read "Freshman." Do you think the older guys poking fun at you helped you mature as a player, knowing that they care about you enough to give you a hard time?

CJ: The older guys making fun of me didn't necessarily make me better as a player, but as a teammate. Despite all of the jokes they made about me, I cared about them and they cared about me.

TBC: Derrick Rose or Steve Nash? Why?

CJ: Definitely Derrick Rose. He's explosive and his crossover is ridiculous. Rose also has crazy jumping ability!

Dixon, Astroth Land Second Team All-County; Owens, McGill Honorable Mention

The All-Hillsborough County Boys Basketball team was announced and four Wharton Wildcats captured honors.

Senior Damian Dixon and junior AJ Astroth were second team selections. Junior Xavier Owens and freshman CJ McGill received honorable mentions.

The following is an excerpt from the news article on how the team was selected.

"The Tribune's All-Hillsborough County Boys Basketball Team was selected by staff writer Nick Williams. The all-conference teams selected by the county's head coaches were strongly considered. The Tribune's boys basketball player and coach of the year will be announced at the annual Parade of Athletes banquet May 24."

The article in its entirety can be found HERE.

On the Lady's side, Wharton freshman Shayla Cooper was a member of the All-Hillsborough County first team thanks to her 16 PPG this year. Tesha Hanson received honorable mention.  

Congratulations to both the boys and girls basketball players who received their respective selections.

Wildcat Chat with AJ Astroth

The TBC.Net caught up with senior-to-be AJ Astroth with a few questions regarding this past season as well as some questions on what we can expect in 2010-2011.

TBC: What were your expectations coming into this season? Was 27-2 even a possibility?

AJ:  Before the season I really did think our team was capable of being very good. I expected a winning record and a run into the playoffs, but 27-2? That was a huge accomplishment and I'm glad we got to achieve it. I wasn't satisfied when we lost, but that record shows how much hard work we put into this year along with great coaching.

TBC: What made this team great?

AJ: I think our chemistry and our friendships off the court helped make this team so great, and that friendship rolled over onto the court. We all basically do everything together, so we know each others strengths and weaknesses and how to go about them. Of course our hard work during the off season as well made this team great.

TBC: The moment the clock struck 00.00 after the loss to St. Petersburg to end the season, what went through your mind? What were you thinking?

AJ: Man, when that happened, I couldn't even take it all in. I didn't want to believe it and it didn't feel real. It was like I was dreaming. The only thing I was thinking of was "wow" its actually over, and everything we had done up to that point was all over. It took me a couple days to actually take it all in and accept it.

TBC: With you, Xavier, CJ and Jonathan all coming back next season, what are your expectations heading into next year?

AJ: I expect us to go farther next year. After this loss hit us, I feel like as a team we realize that losing that game shouldn't of happened, so we're putting in tons of handwork during this off-season to pick up where we left off and claim a regional title on the way to the state finals.

TBC: What are some personal goals you will set for yourself for your senior year? Anything your going to focus on during the off season?

AJ: For me personally, I've set my goals to get stronger and gain weight during the off-season. I'm going to the gym everyday to get stronger, and working on the weaknesses of my game on the court as well. I'm just focusing on becoming the best basketball player I can be.

TBC: Any interest from the next level? Any colleges, coaches or scouts interested in you? If not, where would you ultimately want to end up? Is playing basketball something you want to continue doing after you graduate from Wharton?

AJ: I've gotten a few looks from the next level for basketball and I would definitely want to end up playing on the college level. I've gotten some D-1 looks, and I'm hoping this off-season with working out and playing AAU will help my chances as well. I also can see myself majoring in sports medicine and doing something in that field.

TBC: Kobe Bryant or LeBron James?

AJ: A tough question, but I would have to say Kobe over LeBron. Kobe has championships under his belt, and more years of experience. He knows the game inside out and has proved it every year. LeBron is a star on the rise, and maybe in the future can surpass Kobe Bryant.

It's A Wrap: TBC.Net Concludes Final Four Coverage

Although it did not end the way the Butler faithful wanted it to, TBC.Net has concluded its Final Four coverage.

All week long, TBC.Net brought you to ground zero of this year's NCAA Final Four. Wharton's all-time leading scorer Shawn Vanzant and his Butler Bulldogs shocked the world with their run to the national championship game before falling to Duke 61-59.

The Litton family, Ed Morse Cadillac Tampa and TBC.Net wants to thank you for your readership and continuing support. All of your comments, e-mails and well-wishes were greatly appreciated.

TBC.Net will be returning to its regularly scheduled coverage with a special Wildcat Chat later this week with senior-to-be AJ Astroth.

Signing off from Indianapolis, Indiana... TheBlueCrew.Net

Alumni Update: Vanzant, Butler Fall To Duke In National Title Game

Shawn Vanzant and his Butler Bulldogs fell two points short of a national championship, losing to Duke 61-59 in the NCAA 2010 National Championship.

After trailing for the majority of the second half, Butler managed to keep within striking distance.

Butler had an opportunity to take the lead with 13.9 seconds to play when Hayward's fade-away jump shot just missed.

Duke grabbed the rebound, sunk one of two free throws and Hayward's half court toss rimmed out as time expired as did Butler's dream campaign of winning a national championship in front of a home-sided crowd of 70,930.

Sports fans around the continent will hear the phrase "the clock struck 12 on the Cinderella Bulldogs." The truth being Butler is far from "Cinderella."

Despite whatever story line the audience links to the 2010 Butler Bulldogs, the small school who plays its home games in historic Hinkle Fieldhouse were one shot away from completing what every "expert" at every major sporting news outlet called impossible... a national championship.

As a fan of college sports it is great to see a team that continues to prove the naysayers wrong. They don't have a multi-million dollar locker room, they don't spend 300 thousand dollars on each of their players and they don't have the recruiting tools that the prestigious perennial powers have.

They have much more than that.

They have young men who put their team first. They have coaches who focus on the fundamentals and morals. They have a program that does not cut corners and make excuses.

Butler's run to the national championship may have resembled a classic high school basketball film, but what it does not resemble is what has become the norm in college sports.

The small school may be hanging their heads on this night, but they truly have nothing to be ashamed of.

Alumni Update: Vanzant, Butler Beat Michigan State, Advance To National Championship!

Shawn Vanzant and his Butler Bulldogs have accomplished what many called impossible, they will be competing in Monday night's National Championship.

Vanzant scored 1 point, pulled in 3 rebounds one of which came in the games final minute giving Butler another chance at a bucket. Hayward capitalized and Butler outlasted Michigan State sending the "mid-major" to the NCAA National Championship. Vanzant was named the ESPN "Subway Sub of the Game."

Cinderella? Hardly.

Butler and Vanzant will play the winner of Duke for the championship.

Photos of the game and the post game interview can be found HERE.

Bulldogs, Vanzant Ready For Final Four

Shawn Vanzant and his Butler Bulldogs are ready for their game with Michigan State.

ESPN and other media hubs have been dubbing the Bulldogs the "Hoosiers" of 2010. The Mayne Event, a show ESPN provides to its viewers by Kenny Mayne, portrayed a comical vision about the Bulldogs' home town advantage.

Despite how much talking has been done all week long by sportscasters, new anchors and reporters, at 6:07p.m. when the ball is lobbed up at center court the talk is no longer relevant.

"I'm just ready to play," Shawn Vanzant said before the game in the lobby of the team's hotel.

You can bet he will be ready, he and the rest of the Bulldogs.

Tip-off is scheduled for 6:07p.m.

Final Four Friday

On the eve of the biggest game of his career, Shawn Vanzant and his Butler Bulldogs practice in front of a crowd three times the size of one that would pack their home at Hinkle Fieldhouse.

The hometown Bulldogs were welcomed to the court by a standing ovation and a fluttering of camera flashes. Each of the four teams remaining in the NCAA tournament were given 50 minutes to practice in front of any spectators that cared to watch. The event was free to the public.



After fulfilling his duties to his team, Vanzant took TBC.Net on a tour of the hallowed Hinkle Fieldhouse.

Visit www.twitter.com/thebluecrew and www.youtube.com/jdlbluecrew for photos and videos of Final Four Friday.

Photos can be found HERE.

TBC.Net Has Arrived In Indianapolis!

TBC.Net and the Ed Morse Cadillac Tampa caravan has arrived in Indianapolis!

After checking into the hotel in Shelbyville, IN just 30 miles south of Indianapolis, we are now headed to Lucas Oil Stadium to watch the Butler Bulldogs open practice at noon.

After the practice, we will get to spend some time with Wharton's own Shawn Vanzant.

Stay tuned to www.youtube.com/bluecrew for the complete video log all weekend long.

TBC.Net Hits The Road... Next Stop Indianapolis!

TBC.Net is on its way to Indianapolis, Indiana for the Final Four to root on Butler University and Wharton's own Shawn Vanzant!

Click on the banner below the website's header to be redirected to TBC.Net's Youtube channel.

Ed Morse Cadillac Tampa provided TBC.net with a video camera to document the journey. Check back all night and morning long to see the progress TBC.Net has made!

www.youtube.com/jdlbluecrew

WILDCAT WALL: The Wildcat Nation Speaks Vanzant, Final Four

Below are some comments from former teammates, acquaintances, family members and others who are rooting for Shawn and his Butler Bulldogs in the journey to the national title in this years Final Four. If you would like to be added to the wall, please e-mail your comments to jdl@thebluecrew.net.

Head Coach Tommy Tonelli, Wharton Basketball:

On Shawn's success: "I am very happy and very proud of Shawn for making it to the Final Four! More importantly, he has played a key role for his team in helping them advance throughout each game of the tournament. The only thing better as a college basketball player than making it to the Final Four is winning the National Championship. Hopefully he will experience this as well. Regardless, this is an experience of a lifetime and something he will look back on ten or twenty years down the road and realize what an awesome accomplishment this was for him and his team!"


Words for Shawn: "Enjoy every minute of your Final Four experience and stay focused on what you are playing for - a National Championship! Go after it!"

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Ms. Cindy Rogers, Wharton Guidance Counselor:

On Shawn's success: "I am so excited for Shawn and the team. In making it to the Elite Eight I was thrilled watching him make that 3 point shot and sticking his tongue out. Then again in the last game he scored early again I thought it was going to be easy but the second half really tested my nerves, couldn't even sit down the last 2 minutes I wanted it for them sooooo bad! When time ran out and they won I just screamed and cried and texted everyone I knew "they did it". I can just imagine the elation that Shawn is feeling and sharing with his teammates and I am so happy for him. Coach Stevens too I remember meeting him on a recruiting trip here when Shawn was a senior and he was still an assistant coach, now he is coaching in the FINAL FOUR! Wow!!!"

Words for Shawn: "I want Shawn to know that no matter what he has made me so proud of him in all his accomplishments both on and OFF the court in his education at Butler! He is such a positive role model to so many younger than him in being an example of "doing the right thing and working hard pays off". Butler has played their game each time and not let the pressure get the best of them and it will be the same on Saturday! "Go play your game and you got this!!!!" Love ya!"

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Leonard Simmons, Wharton Basketball c/o 2007:

On Shawn's success: "From what I know of him and what he's been through I think that he is most deserving of it and for him to be doing what he is doing is amazing. I'm very proud of him for staying focused through it all..."

Words for Shawn: "Good luck and to show the heart and determination and will to win that he has shown since I have known him."

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CJ McGill, Wharton Basketball c/o 2013:

On Shawn's success: "I think Shawn and the Bulldogs are doing outstanding, and keeping the Butler tradition alive! We all knew you guys would do good, keep up the good work!"

Words for Shawn: "Good luck Shawn and show them what Wharton basketball's all about! We all will be watching!"

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Danny Miller, Blue Crew c/o 2007:

On Shawn's success: "I couldn't be happier for him, I've followed Butler and rooted for them since Shawn's freshman year there and to see him in the Final Four is almost surreal. He and his teammates deserve all the success they've had so far and I hope they can finish it off with a National Championship."

Words for Shawn: "Good luck this weekend my man everyone here at ODU is rooting for you, love you bro."

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Mike Eastman, long-time friend of Shawn's, Wharton c/o 2007:

On Shawn's success: "Shawn making it into the final four with Butler is pretty incredible to say the least. He hasn't lived the perfect life and deserves every second of it. Anybody who knows or has heard of his story would agree. I've known Shawn since we were kids and to see him doing this well, and this much success is amazing... Shawn's life isn't the brightest but unlike the countless others who fall in the same category, he came through, he beat the odds and is kicking a$$. I love that kid."

Words for Shawn: "If I could see him I would tell him how proud I am of him..More importantly I would tell him to just do it..win."

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Joshua Jones, Wharton Basketball/Football c/o 2007:

On Shawn's success: "It's pretty cool. It's the biggest stage in college basketball. On top of that it's not like he's one of the guys on the end of the bench just along for the ride. He's a contributor."

Words for Shawn: "Two game winning streak is all you need bruh. Make it happen"

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Derek Holmes Jr., Wharton Basketball c/o 2008:

On Shawn's success: "It's remarkable Shawn is on a team that has reached an achievement that very few players and teams get to reach in their collegiate career. It's even more remarkable that Shawn has played a key part in his team reaching great heights."

Words for Shawn: "You might as well win it all since you've gotten this far. But if there's anything else I would say, it would be to cherish the moment, leave everything you have out on the floor...opportunities like the NCAA Final Four don't come around everyday."

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Brett Ballard, Blue Crew c/o 2007:

On Shawn's success: "Shawn deserves it. He was always a hard worker in high school and it's great to see him and Butler make it this far in the tourney."

Words for Shawn: "Keep working hard and shock the world. You guys are on a special run. Enjoy every second of it."

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Damian Dixon, Wharton Basketball c/o 2010:

On Shawn's success: "I think Shawn making it to the Final Four with Butler is a great thing. It's a tribute to all of the hard work they have put in all season. Even though some thought they would be out as early as the first round, they have came up with some big wins which has positioned them in the running for a national championship."

Words for Shawn: "I just have to say good luck. Play your game and don't get away from what has brought them that far."

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Zach Litton, family, Wharton Basketball c/o 2009:

On Shawn's success: "Words can't describe how happy I am for Shawn making it to the Final Four. All the hard work he has put in has obviously paid off Making it to the Final Four is not something many people in this world get to experience and I'm just proud that Shawn gets to play in it because if anyone deserves it, it's Shawn. When the final seconds ticked off the clock and Butler sent home yet another "higher-seeded" team, I just started crying because I was just so happy for Shawn and I knew that a dream of his just came true. Shawn has been through more than most people have in his 21 years of life and I just thought to myself how happy he was when Butler took down K-State and I just lost it. He really deserves this opportunity and experience."

Words for Shawn: "Shawn will take care of what he needs to on the court, he always has. All I want to say to him is, "Shawn, I love you, and I can't wait to see you play in the Final Four. It is a dream come true for me to see you play in Indy."

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Jeff Litton, family:

On Shawn's success: "Tears of Joy!!! Its what hard work and determination will get you!"

Words for Shawn: "Keep Fighting....Love you son."

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Lisa Litton, family

On Shawn's success: "I am very proud of him and his teammates! It just goes to show that determination, hard work on and off the court and in the classroom and the will to want to succeed and achieve the top honors in basketball by making it to the Final 4 is worth every bit of what each player and coach puts into it individually everyday."

Words for Shawn: "I am so proud of you and all your accomplishments! You have traveled a journey that most would have given up on by now. You never quit on yourself or "your families" no matter what! So with that being said: Stay Focused, Play Hard, Play "Pink Strong" for Moms! I Love You Shawnie..."

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