By Dave Brousseau
FORT LAUDERDALE – For much of the past 20 years the St. Thomas Aquinas girls’ basketball team had struggled to find a solution how to defeat Nova.
Friday night in a Class 6A regional final the Raiders rallied from an 11-point third quarter deficit to earn a 60-56 victory and a berth to the FHSAA state semifinals on March 12 at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville.
Aquinas will face George Steinbrenner at 11 a.m. with a state championship game at stake.
Aquinas (20-8) will attempt to win a fifth state championship in six seasons. They won four consecutive titles from 2021-24.
Sophomore guard London Thomas scored a game high 27 points to rally her team into position for a win.
Nova senior Jaelynn Housey dropped a pair of free-throws with 34.3 seconds remaining in regulation that tied the score 56-56.
Senior guard Ronneisha Thomas, who had missed six weeks due to a broken left hand, sank a clutch 3-pointer with 13.1 seconds left for a 59-56 lead. Laila Barnett sealed the win on a free throw with 3.6 seconds left.
“Got to be poised,” said Thomas on her clutch 3-pointer. “I worked on that shot before the game every day in practice. When the moment came, I just had to knock it down.”
The Raiders defense played a big part in the comeback after trailing 45-34 in the third quarter. They held Nova (23-5) scoreless during a six-minute stretch, all the while Thomas scored 18 second half points.
“This was a big-team effort for the win,” said Thomas. “We had to stick together and keep pushing. We had worked too hard to be best team in the state. We had to get back at Nova to get to Jacksonville.”
The Raiders cut their double digit third quarter deficit to within 45-40 entering the decisive fourth quarter
Dating back to 2006, Nova leads the all-time series 23-3. Aquinas had won three consecutive games against the Titans until a four-point loss in the BCAA Big 8 final on Jan. 31.
“We just didn’t execute down the stretch,” said Nova coach Jadon Hively. “The girls gave a great effort but just didn’t execute. We just didn’t hit some shots that we needed to get.”
Housey had 14 points for the Titans, while Ke’Mora Evens led the team with 15 points. Ya’Niyah Young added 13 points.
Dave Brousseau is a veteran journalist who worked at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and is a longtime BCAA Correspondent. Need to reach out to him? Contact him at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
By Dave Brousseau
FORT LAUDERDALE – Early into the third quarter of the Class 6A regional final the defending state champion St. Thomas Aquinas boys’ basketball team saw its lead shrink to five points at 39-34 against Miramar.
Consider that a short time threat.
The Raiders changed the narrative, regained momentum as they would go on to punish the Patriots 77-43.
It was the seventh time this season that St. Thomas won games by 30-plus points or more.
St. Thomas (26-4) advances to a state semifinal game against Tampa Sickles at 1p.m. at the University of North Florida on March 12. Two more victories would give the Raiders back-to-back state titles for the first time in school history.
“I think we just settled down little bit,” said Aquinas coach Julius Sandi. “We’ve been hyped about this game all week long. Second half we got into a little foul trouble, switched our defense and we were able to come through.”
Clarence Westbrook Jr., Drake Sandi, Kellson Sandi and Xavier Pink collaborated to help the team create distance themselves and the Patriots.
Westbrook led all scorers with a game-high 22 points, while Drake Sandi added 18 points, Kellson Sandi 17 points and Pink 13 points. In the fourth quarter alone, the Raiders outscored Miramar 28-4 and 40-18 in the second half.
“We talked about staying composed if they made some runs,” said Drake Sandi. “We weren’t worried because we’ve been here before. Once we chipped away and had the ball in our favor so that’s all.”
Pink came off the bench with Nate Accius and Zane Elliott in foul trouble to contribute nine of his 13 points in the second half.
“We were giving up easy baskets that we shouldn’t have,” said the senior forward. “We truly just played the game of basketball. We did nothing crazy and kept it simple.”
In the BCAA Big 8 championship on Jan. 31, St. Thomas edged Miramar 68-60. It was the second time in the past 20 years St. Thomas swept Miramar in the same season.
The Patriots (21-9) were led by Ronald Germielle, a 6-11 junior power-forward with 15 points with eight coming when the Patriots cut into the Raiders lead in third quarter.
The Raiders never trailed only once in the game midway through the first quarter despite Miramar being held to two baskets. The Patriots did make 9 of 12 free throws however.
Dave Brousseau is a veteran journalist who worked at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and is a longtime BCAA Correspondent. Need to reach out to him? Contact him at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
One of the most popular radio shows of its kind heads toward the middle of February with another impressive show on Monday night.
Six guests once again filled the two hours as the South Florida High School Sports Show once again presented some interesting topics.
Each week, the FM 104.3 WQAM radio program attracts the newsmakers in high school sports, recruiting college sports – not only locally, but throughout the country.
The show gives listeners an opportunity to hear about college football programs statewide from the media that cover them. It also focuses on the coaches who use the state of Florida – Miami-Dade and Broward Counties in particular.
The program, which has run for nearly two decades and has been recognized nationally as one of the best of its kind, has become a popular listen for recruiting fans as well as high school sports purists, focusing on high sports and the newsmakers.
Here is a look at the way Monday night went:
As the Florida Gators begin spring football practice today under new head coach Jon Sumrall, fans will be anxious to see if he and his staff can return this program to its winning ways. Kevin Brockway from the Gainesville Sun talked about the team and immediate future.
KEVIN BROCKWAY ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/kevin-brockway-gainesville-sun-e1b64
When Plantation American Heritage wrapped up the girls’ state soccer championship last week, it was the fourth consecutive title for the Lady Patriots as they finished No. 1 in Florida and one of the best in the country with an 18-0-1 record and will return plenty of talent for next season. Head Coach Cindy Marcial talked about the team and more.
CINDY MARCIAL ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/coach-cindy-marcial-head-girls-soccer-coach-plantation-american-heritage-73565
The University of Miami players just wrapped up a week at the NFL Combine as they look toward the Pro Day at the end of the month. While they prepare for the next step in their career, the new Miami Hurricanes entered campus with hopes of being in the same position one day as Adam Lichtenstein of the South Florida Sun Sentinel spoke about.
ADAM LICHTENSTEIN ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/adam-lichtenstein-south-florida-sun-sentinel-talking-hurricanes-football-d7ab4
Coming off a national championship game against Indiana and a 13-win season, head coach Mario Cristobal spoke about what it takes to not only get to the elite level, but stay in that position. The Hurricanes return plenty of talent, bring in some key pieces from the Portal and have perhaps the best recruiting class – top to bottom – that they have ever had.
COACH MARIO CRISTOBAL ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/mario-cristobal-miami-hurricanes-football-head-coach-83388
Through the Florida Coaches Coalition, getting coaches paid more money for what they do to teach and cultivate young men and women, is going to be an ongoing endeavor. With the aid of booster clubs in local communities, the dream of getting salaries at a level where they are across the country is an objective they have been working toward for five years. Dr. Andrew Ramjit, Executive Director, joined the program to speak about what can be done to help coaches succeed. He also spoke the coaching clinic held this past weekend in Lake Mary.
DR. ANDREW RAMJIT ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/dr-andrew-ramjit-florida-coaches-coalition-44261
Anthony and Michael Yero created 305Sportss to follow and promote athletes from this area of the country who have made south Florida, Miami-Dade in particular, one of the best places for athletic talent in the country. From football to track and field, basketball and other events, the “Sports Brothers” will put you on the map with nearly one million followers. Last week they were at the NFL Combine and came back with some amazing footage and stories.
ANTHONY YERO ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/anthony-yero-305sportss-6669e
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
For the past 55 years, we have spent more time on football fields than anyone in the country. From games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, we get to as many events as possible to see the athletes LIVE. Follow us on Facebook (Larry Blustein), Instagram (OurBoyBlu) and Twitter (@PrepRedzoneFL).
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When Pedro Neiva took over Miami Varela’s football program, he knew that it would be a process to turn the Vipers around and build a winning program.
While last season ended 6-4, there were plenty of things that this program did well and gave the coaches, players and administrators something to be positive about.
As there were ups and downs, Coach Neiva told his players that you get what you put in – and that’s why this off-season has been one that everyone is seeing a turnaround in southwest Miami-Dade County.
With several prospects coming back – along with some new faces – the expectations are high and that is something that hasn’t happened too much with this program.
CLASS OF 2027 RISING SENIORS HAVE TALENT
As the entire roster is filled with playmakers, the Vipers will rely on the 2027 (rising seniors) class for experience and leadership.
Ricky Day, 6’0, 185, Athlete.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/v/2SwbjZ
Keen Davis, 6’1, 165, Athlete
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/v/2T9tAA
Andrew Laporte, 6’2, 195, TE/K/P.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/v/2T9RHs - TE highlights
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/v/2T9S8F - K/P highlights
Carlos Vazquez, 6’1, 260, OL.
Jordan Carrasquillo, 5’7, 165, DB.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/v/2TBEAw
Also keep an eye on Keanu Alvarado (5’9, 225, OL), Troy Averhoff (5'10, 240, OL), Sebastian Arenas (5’8, 175, LB), Jorgedrick Borrero-DeJesus (6'1, 315, DL), Kaedan Montero (5'11, 215, DL), Austin Ross (6'1, 175, WR), Jose Santos (5'11, 250, OL/DL) and athlete Barron Williams (6'3, 185).
UNDERCLASSMEN HOLD THE KEY
As the rising senior class has prospects that this program will rely on, there are some younger players to keep an eye on as well.
Here are some top rising juniors (2028) players to check out:
Justin Iglesias, 5’9, 165, DB.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/v/2TAveT
Leland Walker, 5’11, 175, Athlete.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/v/2T9xEE
Joel Pujadas, 6'0, 195, Quarterback.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/v/2TAs29
JoseMiguel Gonzalez, 5’7, 175, Quarterback.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/v/2TAsrt
The Vipers also have some other players in the class that are expected to make an impact this spring and summer. Prospects such as Julian Bello (5'9, 235, OL), Aitor Diaz (5'11, 190, WR), Cristian Garcia (6'1, 335, DL), Leonard Guanche (6'0, 185, Athlete), Ricardo Hernandez (6'0, 225, DL), Enzo Mesa (5'9, 190, LB), Issac Perez (5'10, 165, DB) and offensive lineman Anthony Zepeda (5'10, 235).
The future looks solid with rising sophomores (2029) Samuel Pavon (6'3, 285, OL/DL) and linebacker Yuniesky Pena (5'8, 175).
2025 Varela Vipers
Miami Ferguson, W 13-6
Miami Sunset, W 23-6
Hialeah Miami Lakes, W 7-0
Miami Coral Reef, L 30-0
Doral Reagan, L 14-13
Miami Braddock, L 21-14
Hialeah Gardens, W 28-6
Southwest Miami, W 7-0
Miami Coral Park, W 27-13
Miami Springs, L 31-7
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
For the past 55 years, we have spent more time on football fields than anyone in the country. From games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, we get to as many events as possible to see the athletes LIVE. Follow us on Facebook (Larry Blustein), Instagram (OurBoyBlu) and Twitter (@PrepRedzoneFL). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
In the moments following their 31-0 loss in the first ever state football championship appearance, West Broward head coach Brian McCartney, his players and assistant coaches were dejected.
After winning 12 straight games and reaching the 6A state title game against defending state champion West Boca Raton, there was a hollow feeling for the Bobcats, who had tasted defeat for the first time since way back in Week 2.
Forget the fact that nobody in the state picked this program to be in the finals, McCartney and his team were in no mood for consolation prizes. They had worked too hard and proven too many people along the way – winning games that even the most knowledgeable high school football gurus gave them no chance to win at all.
As the off-season started and several players graduated along with some others transferring out, it was back to the drawing board for this program as veteran players greeted new players with the same objective – win!
Coming up with another 12-win season and making it all the way to the state finals will indeed be a tough assignment, but this is a program that believes that over the course of the spring and summer, things can change and pieces could still be added.
McCartney, who was named South Florida Coach of the Year this past weekend at the Florida Coaches Coalition event in Lake Mary, is ready to reload.
RISING SENIORS (2027) WILL BE COUNTED ON
With a number of holes to fill, there are some rising seniors who figure to lead and showcase their experience.
Among those prospects will be Amir Jones (DL), Sadle Howard (DB), Izaiah Lopez (RB), transfer running back/defensive back Ryan Walker and defensive back transfer Kyler Johnston.
WHAT ABOUT THE UNDERCLASSMEN?
With the addition of several new faces, the rising seniors will be important, but for depth and a bright future, the younger players will also be counted on heavily.
Class of 2028 rising juniors such as Landen Hairston (QB), gifted Larry Freelove (DB), Gabe Cypress (DL) and quarterback transfer Kane Garbutt.
There is also a solid group of Class of 2029 (rising sophomore) talent. Prospects such as Karsen Bell (DE), Mekhi Themes (DB), Jace Alphonse (DL), offensive tackle Braylon Williams (6’4 280), standout linebacker Alix Anselme and linebacker Jordan Smith.
Expect other prospects to be added to this program in the coming months as “transfer season” will really kick in after spring.
WEST BROWARD BOBCATS
Corner Canyon, Utah, L 38-13
Camden County, Georgia, L 32-13
Plantation, W 31-6
Pembroke Pines Flanagan, W 20-8
Miramar Everglades, W 55-0
Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons, W 49-38
Miami Beach, W 54-0
Miramar, W 52-8
Miami Dr. Krop, W 49-0
Davie Western, W 35-7
South Plantation, W 56-13
Coconut Creek Monarch, W 38-12
Miami Southridge, W 30-27
Gainesville Buchholz, W 24-17
West Boca Raton, L 31-0
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
For the past 55 years, we have spent more time on football fields than anyone in the country. From games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, we get to as many events as possible to see the athletes LIVE. Follow us on Facebook (Larry Blustein), Instagram (OurBoyBlu) and Twitter (@PrepRedzoneFL). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..