It was another stellar season of prep baseball throughout Hernando County, as no team finished with less than 11 wins. From the start of the season back in February all the way to the Class 5A state semifinals, there were plenty of individual performances that could be recognized along the way. We compiled a list of the top baseball players from this past season with the Hernando Sun’s All-Hernando Baseball Team.
With Nature Coast Technical High School’s 4-1 loss to Jacksonville Bolles in the Class 5A state semifinals, prep baseball finally concludes in Hernando County and caps one of the best seasons the county has seen in recent memory. The Sharks were able to ride the hot arm of pro prospect Jonathan Gates, who is surely going to be drafted by a Major League Baseball team this week in the 2018 MLB Draft. Hernando was able to have another tremendous season under Tim Sims, in which the Leopards finished second in Class 5A, District 7 behind Nature Coast.
On Thursday May 31, 2018 Nature Coast Technical baseball team made it to the 2018 FHSAA 5A State Semi-Finals game #1. Bolles Bulldogs vs Nature Coast Sharks. This time I'm giving you the play by play from my home watching it on live stream. My dogs looked at me kinda weird as I cheered throughout the game. The Hernando Sun congratulates the Sharks for making it to state.
Now on with the game play by play. Play Ball.... Sharks are up first to bat.
Top of 1st inning
This past week in Fort Myers, the Florida High School Athletic Association held their baseball state semifinals and finals between some of the premier teams in each classification. This year had added momentum for our county, because the Nature Coast Sharks were one of the teams fighting for the glory. Coming off their impressive win over Alachua-Santa Fe last week to capture their first Class 5A regional championship, the entire team knew the real battles were coming up.
Sadly, their first trip to the big dance would end in disappointment.
ST. LEO- It has been a special time recently for Saint Leo University Athletics, as the Lions had three sports clubs vying for national championships, including two first-timers, softball and men’s lacrosse. Men’s golf also competed for a national championship as well.
SPRING HILL- With the school year complete, graduating athletes around Hernando County are still in search of where they’ll play on the collegiate level and a few have found their new homes.
In the days leading up to the end of the school year, two of Springstead’s top athletes are now signing with universities and they signed letters of intent. Randy Morgan and Kyle Manuel signed with Advanced Prep Academy and Southeastern University, respectively. Both Morgan and Manuel played on Springtead’s football team this past 2017 campaign.
With Hernando’s 3-2 loss to Keystone Heights in the Class 5A, Region 2 final, prep softball in Hernando County concludes and caps one of the best seasons the county has seen in quite some time. Hernando was once again a force and was able to notch a district championship and a couple postseason victories in the process. Springstead wasn't too far behind, but fell in the region semifinals in Class 6A against district rival Crystal River.
Just under 1000 athletes descended on Wildlife Lane in Brooksville last weekend to participate in the Mud Endeavor 10 5K race. Runners mostly came from central Florida, but some travelled from as far away as Georgia, to experience the Brooksville mud run which takes advantage of the area’s unique terrain and the property’s access to water- essential for any respectable mud run.
BROOKSVILLE- In what was somewhat of a shocker, Bill Vonada has stepped down as Hernando’s head football coach early last week and penned a letter of resignation. Below is the letter of resignation obtained by the Hernando Sun from Vonada to the school, as he points out that the ever growing demands of coaching high school football are being met with dwindling resources.
On Tuesday, May 15th, the Nature Coast Sharks and Bishop Moore Hornets were set to do battle in a FHSAA Class 5A, Region II semifinal matchup, with the winner advancing to the region final. Roughly an hour prior to first pitch, a small blip on the radar caused a 10-minute shower with enough rain to put first and third base underwater, forcing the teams to play on Wednesday night.
Seems as though this extra day proved beneficial to the home team, and they have their MVP to thank for it.
