Times wires
Friday, March 11, 2011

EL PASO, Texas — UCF is one win away from its second Conference USA tournament title in three years after defeating Memphis 81-63 on Friday.

The Knights (21-10), coached by former USF player Joi Williams, led from start to finish to extend their winning streak to 10, their longest since 1983-84. UCF faces Tulane today.

NO. 2 STANFORD 100, ARIZ. 71: Nnemkadi Ogwumike scored 32 and her sister Chiney added 21 as the Cardinal (28-2) won its 22nd in a row to make today's Pac-10 final in Los Angeles.

NO. 3 BAYLOR 86, K-STATE 53: Brittney Griner scored 21 and Destiny Williams added 18 for the Bears (30-2), who made the Big 12 final in Kansas City, Mo.

NO. 7 UCLA 63, CAL 50: Atonye Nyingifa had a season-high 17 points and nine rebounds for the Bruins (27-3), who reached today's Pac-10 final.

NO. 8 TEXAS A&M 81, NO. 21 OKLAHOMA 68: Guard Sydney Carter scored all of her 19 points in the second half for the Aggies (27-4), who got past the Sooners (21-11) to make their fourth consecutive Big 12 final.

TULANE 70, NO. 22 HOUSTON 60: Brett Benzio had 13 points and 20 rebounds in the C-USA semifinals as the Green Wave upset the Cougars (26-5).

SOUTHLAND FINAL: Twins Ashlyn and Caitlyn Baggett combined for 38 points to lead McNeese State (26-6) past Central Arkansas 71-50 in Katy, Texas, giving the team its first NCAA Tournament berth.

MTSU DEATH: Shanterrica Madden, accused of killing Middle Tennessee State's Tina Stewart on March 3, was released from jail on bond. Stewart's funeral is today in Memphis.

Times wires
Friday, March 11, 2011

INDIANAPOLIS — Talor Battle scored a team-high nine, including a 3-pointer and free throw late, as Penn State defeated No. 13 Wisconsin 36-33 in the Big Ten quarterfinals Friday.

It was the lowest-scoring game in the tournament's 14 years. And it wasn't close. The previous record was 85, Wisconsin over Michigan 51-34 in 2008.

Wisconsin was 15-of-51 from the field and 2-of-21 on 3-pointers. Penn State was 13-of-39 from the field and 3-of-12 on 3-pointers. But that was enough to move into today's semifinals against another upset winner, Michigan State. The Spartans knocked off No. 9 Purdue 74-56.

Kalin Lucas scored a career-high 30 to lead Michigan State, which made 7 of 10 first-half 3-pointers to lead 37-23.

No. 1 Ohio State barely avoided an upset. Jared Sullinger scored 20 and made 10 of 10 free throws in overtime as it eked past Northwestern 67-61.

Sullinger, who had 18 rebounds, was 2-of-12 from the field but 16-of-18 on free throws. The Buckeyes, who face Michigan in the semifinals, attempted just two field goals in overtime and hit one, Jon Diebler's 3-pointer.

In the other quarterfinal, Darius Morris scored eight of his 17 in the final eight minutes to help Michigan rally from a nine-point deficit and beat Illinois 60-55. It's only the second time Illinois did not advance to the semifinals.

Fredette scores 52

LAS VEGAS — Jimmer Fredette scored 52 in No. 8 BYU's 87-76 win over New Mexico in the Mountain West semifinals. Fredette, who scored 32 and 33 in two blowout losses to the Lobos during the regular season, had 33 by halftime as BYU took a 47-42 lead.

He missed his first three shots of the second half and didn't score until 6:52 in. But his 3-pointer made it 71-63 and gave him 47, a tournament record. His three-point play with 4:24 left gave him 50.

BYU faces the winner of Friday's late game between No. 7 San Diego State and UNLV.

No. 2 Kansas 90, Colo. 83: Twins Marcus and Markieff Morris outscored Colorado 17-4 during a first-half stretch for the Jayhawks in the Big 12 semifinals in Kansas City, Mo. Kansas trailed by 12 before the run. It led 43-37 at halftime then started the second half with a 16-5 run. The Jayhawks play No. 10 Texas, which beat Texas A&M 70-58. The Longhorns had four players in double figures, led by Jordan Hamilton's 17.

No. 16 Arizona 67, USC 62: Derrick Williams scored 20, including two free throws that made it a five-point game with 20 seconds left, as the Wildcats reached the Pac-10 final in Los Angeles. They will go for their first tournament title since 2005 against the winner of the late game between Washington and Oregon.

Dayton 68, No. 18 Xavier 67: Luke Fabrizius grabbed an offensive rebound, was fouled and made two free throws with 5.8 seconds left to lift the Flyers in the Atlantic 10 quarterfinals in Atlantic City. The No. 9 seed, which led by 17 midway through the second half, meets No. 12 Saint Joseph's, which beat No. 4 Duquesne 93-90 in overtime. Also, No. 24 Temple beat La Salle 96-76. The Owls didn't trail after a 14-3 run gave them a 30-20 lead. They meet Richmond, which beat Rhode Island 55-45.

No. 23 Utah St. 58, San Jose St. 54: Tai Wesley had 14 points and 12 rebounds to help the Aggies reach the WAC final in Las Vegas. They face the winner of the late game between New Mexico State and Boise State.

Patriot: Bucknell, which upset Kansas in 2005 and Arkansas in 2006, is back in the tournament after beating visiting Lafayette 72-57 in the final.

MEAC: Morgan State led most of the way and upset top-seeded Bethune-Cookman 61-48 in the semifinals in Winston-Salem, N.C. The Bears face Hampton, which beat Norfolk State 85-61.

Ivy: Harvard and Princeton, which tied for the regular-season title, meet tonight at Yale for the tournament berth.

USC coach to sit: USC suspended coach Kevin O'Neill for the rest of the Pac-10 tournament for his confrontation with an Arizona booster at the Trojans' hotel after Thursday's victory against Cal. O'Neill said there was no physical contact with the man with whom he said he doesn't get along. O'Neill was Arizona's interim coach and named Lute Olson's successor in 2007-08. But he was let go after Olson changed his mind about retiring.

By Les East, Special to the Times
Friday, March 11, 2011

NEW ORLEANS — Dave Ewart's victory in his first game as Storm coach wasn't conventional by Arena Football League standards, but perhaps that's fitting since the way he got the job was unconventional.

Ewart, promoted from assistant head coach four days before training camp after Tim Marcum resigned, saw his team fail to throw a touchdown pass, yet it still outscored the New Orleans VooDoo 46-40 in the season opener for both teams Friday night at the New Orleans Arena.

Marcum resigned amid a controversy concerning racially insensitive and pornographic e-mails found on his work computer.

Tampa Bay, which scored five rushing touchdowns and never trailed against the VooDoo, next plays Thursday at Utah.

"This is a passing league, and our running attack gave us a second dimension," said Storm quarterback Mike Potts, who completed 20 of 35 passes for 165 yards in his first start. "I think that caught New Orleans off guard."

Michael Lindsey sandwiched touchdown runs of 3 yards and 1 yard around a 57-yard kickoff return for a score, and former USF quarterback Grant Gregory scored on runs of 2 yards and 1 yard to lead the Tampa Bay offense, which was outgained 224-168 and withstood three scores by the VooDoo's P.J. Berry, who caught seven passes for 73 yards and finished with 233 all-purpose yards.

The Storm recorded five sacks — four by linebacker Cliff Dukes, who set a single-game franchise record.

Tampa Bay led 33-21 at halftime, but Berry caught a 10-yard pass from Danny Wimprine to get New Orleans within 33-28 late in the third quarter. Lindsey answered with his kickoff return for a touchdown and a 39-28 lead.

"I saw a wall," he said, "then I saw a seam and all I had to do was beat the kicker (Jonathan Ruffin.)"

The VooDoo drove to the Storm 9 early in the fourth, but on fourth and 6 defensive back Erick McIntosh broke up Wimprine's pass to Kris Peters.

New Orleans held Tampa Bay on its next possession and struck on a 32-yard touchdown pass from Wimprine to Berry.

Tampa Bay increased the lead to 46-34 when Lindsey ran 1 yard on fourth down with 56.8 seconds left.

"It seemed like as soon as we got the momentum, we gave it right back to them," New Orleans coach Derek Stingley said. "We need to make better stops. We cannot allow them to continue to run the ball down our throats."

The VooDoo completed the scoring on Berry's 1-yard run on an untimed down after offsetting penalties as time ran out.

"I told our guys that if we didn't turn the ball over, cut down on our mistakes and were more physical then we'd win the game," Ewart said, "and that's how we won."

By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Friday, March 11, 2011

ATLANTA — Coaches will often tell you it's not easy to beat a team twice in one season. Three times? Obviously even harder.

So when the SEC tournament bracket played out that Tennessee would face Florida for the third time this season, it seemed odds were in the Vols' favor. But after taking a double-digit lead early, then falling apart midway through the first half, Florida scored 56 second-half points and shot 82 percent from the field to earn an 85-74 win Friday night in the quarterfinals.

It is the first time in Florida history that the Gators have defeated the Vols three times in one season.

"That's huge for us to come in here and do that, and it's very special," UF senior forward Chandler Parsons said. "The rivalry of Florida-Tennessee is big, and it's been big since I've been a freshman here. And it's tough because they are a great team. So I think it's really special that we did that."

The Gators (25-6), who received their SEC regular-season championship trophy in a short pregame ceremony, face Vanderbilt at 3:30 p.m. today. The Commodores defeated Mississippi State 87-81. It will be Florida's first appearance in the SEC semifinals since winning the tournament in 2007.

Florida led by 12 in the first half, taking a 25-13 lead with 9:55 remaining. But Tennessee (19-14) got tougher on defense and Florida struggled.

Led by forward Tobias Harris and junior guard Scotty Hopson, Tennessee outscored Florida 21-4 in the final 9:22 of the first half to take a 34-29 halftime lead. Harris scored six of Tennessee's first eight on his way to an 18-point first-half effort — 8-of-10 from the field. He had a game-high 25 points.

Florida scored just one basket in the final 6:18 of the half. Junior guard Erving Walker said the team was embarrassed by the performance.

"Coach (Billy Donovan) yelled at us at halftime and put us in our place," Walker said. "We didn't want to continue to look like that; we started playing like Florida in the second half."

With the score tied at 50 with 12:09 remaining, Florida went on a 7-0 run to take a 57-50 lead and never trailed again.

Tennessee's foul trouble put Florida in the bonus at the 12:35 mark, and the Gators went 24-of-33 from the free-throw line in the second half.

All five Florida starters scored in double figures, and the Gators shot 82.4 percent from the field in the second half, 58.7 percent in the game, for their second best percentage of the season. Florida was 14-of-17 in the second half.

"Florida in the second half, their offense was absolutely on fire and our defense was nonexistent," Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl said. " … And when you allow a team to score 56 points in the second half or shoot the way they shot and send them to the foul line as often as we sent them, you got no chance to win."

Antonya English can be reached at english@sptimes.com.

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Mike McCollum, Times Correspondent
Friday, March 11, 2011

TAMPA — Jefferson High School played host to the 26th annual United Negro College Fund All-Star Basketball Classic on Friday night, showcasing some of the top seniors in the Tampa Bay area.

In all-star games, fans can usually anticipate seeing a few fastbreak dunks, dazzling ballhandling, and a lot of 3-point shots. And while there were a couple of dunk attempts and some flashy dribbling that drew a few ooh's and ahh's, the 3-point shot proved to be the biggest factor in this all-star contest.

The East team connected on nine 3-pointers and blew away the West 62-31 in front a packed house. The first four baskets for the East were 3-pointers as it raced out to a double-digit lead midway through the first half. King's Chauncey Day led the way with 14 points for the East, 10 of which came in the first half. Day was named the game's MVP.

"It was a lot of fun," Day said. "The hard work paid off."

Already leading by 13 at the half, the East began the second half on a 19-7 run. The 3-point barrage continued as the East connected on five more long-range bombs in the second half.

Blake's Curtis Fountain led the way for the West with 14 points.

Wharton's Da-Vonte Lamar won the 3-point contest, connecting on nine shots. Tampa Catholic's Antonio Rubio took home the dunk contest crown with an array of high-flying jams. Doing his best Dr. J impression, Rubio took off from just inside the free-throw line to slam one home and electrify the crowd.

But aside from the basketball awards, perhaps the highlight of the night belonged to Fon Njoh of Robinson High. Njoh was honored at halftime for earning the highest GPA of all classic participants, maintaining a 6.2 average.

In earlier action, the East girls squad was victorious over the West 45-33. Spoto's Brianna Thomas was named MVP and Durant's Taylor Broadnax won the 3-point contest.

Chris Girandola, Times Correspondent
Saturday, March 12, 2011

LARGO — It was only fitting that Quincy Ford would steal the ball toward the end of the Pinellas County Senior All-Star Game and swoop in for a dunk to score the final basket Friday at Largo. The Gibbs 6-foot-7 standout finished with a team-high 17 points as the South earned a 121-113 victory over the North.

"I've reflected on everything that's happened this season, the playoffs, my whole high school career since I barely played as a freshman on the (junior varsity) team," said Ford, who will play for Northeastern next year. "It's been a special year with us making the state semis and to just be a part of these all-star games is an honor."

Clearwater's Jon Hogan led the North with 24 points and Tarpon Springs' C.J. Mackey added 21. Gibbs' Devante Miley and Boca Ciega's Josh McCree each had 14 for the South.

The South was electric in the first half and held a 40-13 lead just eight minutes into the game. But over the next 12 minutes the North worked its way back into the game and finished the half with a 17-2 run to go into halftime down by a 60-48 score.

The North caught up midway through the second half when three made free throws by Clearwater's Joey Nungester after being fouled on a 3-pointer finished off a 17-2 run. The South scored the next 10 points, though, highlighted by two dunks by Ford and two jumpers in the lane by Boca Ciega's Kyonn Smith and would not trail the rest of the game.

"This is my first all-star game ever so it's amazing to think I was always the smallest kid who got picked last in most of the pickup games when I was younger," Mackey said. "Just to be in something like this is a huge accomplishment."

The 6-foot-5 Mackey won the dunk contest at halftime on his final dunk when he came flying in from half court and soared over South teammates Hogan, C.J. Bargman (Tarpon Springs) and Marques Hall (Largo). The final dunk beat Miley, who attempted a dunk by tossing the ball against the wall behind the basket, but ball hit the back of the backboard and he made a simpler dunk for a lower score.

East Lake's Ricky Strawter won the 3-point contest with 15 makes in a minute to beat Gibbs' Deion Miley, who had 13.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, March 12, 2011

2008 rankings

1. B.J. Upton, CF

2. Scott Kazmir, LHP

3. Carl Crawford, LF

4. Evan Longoria, 3B

5. David Price, LHP

6. Andrew Friedman, executive VP

7. James Shields, RHP

8. Michael Kalt, senior VP

9. Carlos Peña, 1B

10. Ron Porterfield, trainer

2009 rankings

1. Evan Longoria, 3B

2. B.J. Upton, CF

3. James Shields, RHP

4. Andrew Friedman, executive VP

5. David Price, LHP

6. Matt Garza, RHP

7. Joe Maddon, manager

8. Scott Kazmir, LHP

9. Carl Crawford, LF

10. Jeff Lyash, ABC chairman

2010 rankings

1. Evan Longoria, 3B

2. Stuart Sternberg, owner

3. Matt Garza, RHP

4. B.J. Upton, CF

5. Andrew Friedman, executive VP

6. David Price, LHP

7. Joe Maddon, manager

8. James Shields, RHP

9. Jason Bartlett, SS

10. Bill Foster or Ken Hagan

The Rays will be on the go this season. While their payroll is going down, their second AL East championship banner going up, their core veteran players going elsewhere and their bid for a new stadium going nowhere, they are at an interesting crossroads. Here, in our fourth annual Rays Power Index, is a look at those who have the most impact on their short- and long-term future.

1. Evan Longoria, third baseman

He's an MVP-caliber player at 25, which is impressive enough, and under the Rays' control through 2016, which is even better. But he's more than that, given his TV commercials, magazine shoots and top-drawer image: the first truly national face of the Rays franchise.

Last year: 1

2. St. Petersburg Mayor Bill Foster, and friends

Something has to give on the stadium situation, and it has to start with Foster giving the Rays permission to explore other sites around the Tampa Bay area, then cooperation from the new Tampa mayor, and the other merry men and women who rule. At least then, Rays exec Michael Kalt could try to find a workable solution. If not, expect the threats (sale, relocation and/or contraction) to escalate as well as — eventually — the risk of losing the team.

Last year: 10

3. Andrew Friedman, executive VP

His relentless ability to constantly find value in trades and bargains in a bloated free agent market makes him — with assists to his research staff — an annual candidate for the team MVP award. His best trick yet could be this season — cut the payroll by more than 40 percent, lose half the team that won the East and still field a contending team.

Last year: 5

4. David Price, pitcher

His first full season could not have gone much better, 19 wins and a No. 2 Cy Young finish. Given the Rays' reliance on pitching, and his ability as a hard-throwing lefty to dominate, he could be a franchise player for years.

Last year: 6

5. Joe Maddon, manager

Managing the clubhouse has always been as much a part of Maddon's agenda as the actual games, and that chemistry and communication are more important this year than ever given all the changes. Last year: 7

6. B.J. Upton, centerfielder

There is a certain point when Upton is either going to maximize his tremendous physical abilities and become the elite impact player long predicted or the Rays will have to give up on him being a star and take what they can get in trade. That time might be now. Last year: 4

7. Desmond Jennings, outfielder

It might not be until July or September or next year, but Jennings will be counted upon heavily to emerge as their next impact player, capable of changing a game in multiple ways. While the Rays have several top young pitchers — Jeremy Hellickson now, Chris Archer and Matt Moore on the way — Jennings is the only ready position player prospect. Last year: NR

8. Ron Porterfield, head athletic trainer

Keeping players on the field is more important than ever given the sacrifices in depth forced by payroll concerns. Porterfield and staff are among the game's best given their exhaustive hours and extensive emphasis on injury prevention.

Last year: NR

9. Ben Zobrist, infielder/outfielder

Financial flexibility is vital to the Rays' success. So with $17 million committed over the next four years (including $4.5 million this season), Zobrist needs to be more of an impact player than a bit piece.

Last year: NR

10. Fred Wilpon, Mets owner

That's a joke. Kind of. But the point is that Rays principal owner Stuart Sternberg isn't going to wait indefinitely for the stadium situation to be clarified or for MLB to provide more relief (increased revenue sharing, balanced schedule, realignment, etc.). So if Wilpon were, due to financial problems, to sell, and if commissioner Bud Selig preferred to solve a larger problem, maybe Sternberg would have interest in his hometown team, and a deal could be brokered that left the Rays with new owners — or as wards of MLB, perhaps subject to contraction.

Last year: NR

Marc Topkin can be reached at topkin@sptimes.com.

By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, March 12, 2011

The American Dream: 1 p.m. on Ch. 13. An interview with NASCAR driver Trevor Bayne about his victory at the Daytona 500.

The Fab Five: 9 p.m. on ESPN. A two-hour documentary looks back at the 1991 University of Michigan basketball program that featured stars such as Chris Webber and Jalen Rose.

Sports Connection: 11 p.m. on BHSN (Ch. 47). Former Rays slugger Fred McGriff is in the studio to talk about the Rays lineup for this season.

By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, March 12, 2011

The poll

If you could have one of these former Lightning players back on the team, who would you choose? Total: 904 votes

45 percent: Brad Richards

41 percent: Dan Boyle

9 percent: Nikolai Khabibulin

3 percent: None

1 percent: Other

1 percent: Roman Hamrlik

Another poll

How important is the Rays' exhibition record? Total: 248 votes

56 percent: Somewhat important, spring is the time to start establishing winning habits

33 percent: Not important, spring games don't count toward the regular-season standings

11 percent: Very important, the Rays won the Grapefruit League en route to the playoffs in '08 and '10

This week's question

Who will go further in the NCAA Tournament, Florida or Florida State?

Vote at sports.tampabay.com.

By Neil Taylor, Times Correspondent
Saturday, March 12, 2011

What's hot: The shallow-water fishing is excellent for a mix of redfish and speckled trout. There have been high winds over the past several weeks. But by selecting the right location, trips have yielded excellent action on both species.

Tackle: Medium spinning tackle with light fluorocarbon leader and a variety of plastic lures is all that is necessary. Rig up 3-inch paddle tail plastics on eighth-ounce jigheads, and rig up 5-inch tails on a weedless jighead. If you take along a third rod, consider a topwater lure or gold spoon.

Techniques: The redfish of spring are the most easily spooked. Eliminate unnecessary noise, and stealthily move into the shallows with seagrass bottom to begin the search. Make long casts, and get the lure moving immediately, using the rod tip to control the lure and give it a realistic motion. When there is a solid "thump" on the lure, set the hook and feel the power of the redfish. Stay on the move, but be ready to quietly stake out your boat or kayak if you find the fish. The sand or mud bottom "troughs" that are surrounded by shallower grass will hold large speckled trout. It is not unusual to catch very large trout and redfish in the same locations at this time of year. These particular locations are usually oyster encrusted bottoms near the mangroves.

Neil Taylor charters kayak fishing trips in the Tampa Bay area and can be reached at strikethreekayakfishing.com or (727) 692-6345.

By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, March 12, 2011

Charlie Sheen thinks he has it all sorted out. Melting down before our very eyes? Winning! Fired from his popular television show? Winning! Taking the drug named "Charlie Sheen?" Winning! He's not bipolar. He's bi-winning! But, man, he has nothing on the winners in sports. You want real winning? We have real winning for you. Check out our picks for the best winners in sports.

Greatest winners of all time

When we think of "winners," here are the first 10 names that come to mind.

1. Yogi Berra

Pick pretty much any Yankees player ever, and you're talking about a winner. Well, 'cept for Ed Whitson. Berra played 19 seasons in the big leagues and was on 10 world champions, more than any player in major-league history. Joe DiMaggio played on nine championship teams, and three other Yankees — Phil Rizzuto, Bill Dickey and Frankie Crosetti — played on eight. But no one has more World Series rings as a player than Berra.

2. John Wooden

Think about some of the great college basketball coaches of all time. For instance, let's take Mike Krzyzewski, Bob Knight and Dean Smith. Three pretty good coaches, right? Well, if you add up all of their national titles, you still would be one shy of the 10 won by Wooden at UCLA. Quite simply, the best basketball coach of all time — on and off the court.

3. Jean Beliveau

The Stanley Cup is the coolest trophy in sports because the names of the team members are engraved on the actual trophy. No one has his name engraved on the Cup more than Beliveau, the former Montreal Canadiens great. His name is on the Cup an incredible 17 times, 10 times as a player and seven more as an executive. We also should acknowledge another Habs legend — Jacques Lemaire. He won eight Cups as a player with the Canadiens, two more as a Montreal executive and another as coach of the New Jersey Devils.

4. Jack Nicklaus

Think of all Tiger Woods has done as a golf pro. Then realize he is not even close to matching the accomplishments of the Golden Bear. Nicklaus not only won 73 PGA Tour events (second to Sam Snead's 82), but a record 18 majors. And this is incredible: Nicklaus was runnerup in a major 19 times. Imagine, Nicklaus was just a few shots away from winning well more than 20 majors.

5. Trinity men's squash

We don't know how squash works exactly, and we didn't know Trinity College is in Connecticut until we looked it up. But apparently, Trinity is a squash factory. The men's team has won 244 matches in a row — the longest winning streak in any sport in the country. Along the way, it has won 13 national titles. We would say those dudes are "winners."

6. Margaret Court

This Aussie tennis star won more major titles than any player ever, man or woman. Court won more singles Grand Slam titles than anyone — 24, including 11 Australian Opens. Then tack on 19 doubles majors and 19 mixed doubles majors. Add it all up, and that's 62 Grand Slam titles. Right behind: Martina Navratilova with 59 major titles (18 singles, 31 doubles, 10 mixed doubles).

7. Michael Jordan

Other players have won more NBA titles than Jordan, who won six with the Chicago Bulls. And other players won more NCAA titles than the one Jordan won at North Carolina. But when you think about a player who simply willed his team to championships, we think of Jordan. And if it's the last shot of the game with a title on the line, we're putting the ball in Jordan's hands.

8. Brandon High wrestling

What exactly do they feed those kids out in Brandon? When they're babies, do they sleep in a crib or on top of a wrestling mat? The Eagles went 34 years without losing a dual meet. Known simply as "The Streak," Brandon won 459 straight before losing to Miami South Dade on Jan. 5, 2008.

9. A.J. Foyt

Charlie Sheen says he has one speed: Go. If that's true, Foyt has one speed: Win. Simply put, the greatest auto racer of all time. It doesn't matter what kind of car he's in. If there's a steering wheel, he'll get to the finish line before you. He's the only driver to win the Indianapolis 500 (four times), Daytona 500, 24 Hours of Daytona and 24 Hours of Le Mans.

10. Anson Dorrance

You could make an argument that Dorrance is the greatest coach in American sports history. The proof is in the championships. Under Dorrance, the University of North Carolina women's soccer team has won 20 NCAA titles. He has won more than 93 percent of his games. His team once won 101 games in a row. There's one word for all of this: winner.

While our boy Sheen can party like a rock star because that's how he rolls, we thought of this: Who, in sports, would we pick as being true winners in life? Maybe you think of people such as Muhammad Ali, Herb Brooks and Jackie Robinson. All are admirable picks. But we're going to go with two women: Mallory Holtman and Liz Wallace. You don't remember their names, but you remember their story. Holtman and Wallace were the University of Central Washington softball players who carried an opponent, Sara Tucholsky of Western Oregon, around the bases after she homered and injured her knee during a game in 2008. Unable to even stand, Tucholsky was lifted around the bases by the women. It was the best sign of sportsmanship we've ever witnessed and made Holtman and Wallace Hall of Famers in the game of life.

Best quotes ever about winning

The greatest quote ever about winning is from, of course, legendary Packers coach Vince Lombardi:

"Winning isn't everything. It's the only thing."

Then again, Lombardi never actually said that. What he did say was:

"Winning isn't everything, but the will to win is everything."

Lombardi also has the next two best quotes about winning:

• "If winning isn't everything, why do they keep score?"

• "Winning is not a sometime thing. It's an all time thing. You don't win once in a while. You don't do things right once in a while. You do them right all the time. Winning is habit. Unfortunately, so is losing."

Other winning quotes about winning

• "There is no I in team, but there is in win." — former NBA star Michael Jordan

• "Why did I want to win? Because I didn't want to lose!" — former boxer Max Schmeling

• "When you're a winner, you're always happy. But if you're happy as a loser, you'll always be a loser." — former Tigers pitcher Mark "The Bird" Fidrych

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, March 12, 2011

CLEARWATER — C John Jaso might not be at the top of the Rays lineup after all.

Ben Zobrist batted leadoff Saturday for a third straight start, and the Rays are giving serious thought to using him there during the season, at least against right-handers.

Zobrist, a switch-hitter, has the most walks and the sixth-best on-base percentage (.374) in the AL over the past two seasons, and his average of 4.1 pitches per plate appearance last season was best among the Rays, though he hit only .238.

"I guess it makes sense if I get on base a lot," Zobrist said. "As far as comfortability, I would say I'm more comfortable now hitting a little bit lower in the lineup than I am presently batting leadoff. But in the past, I've done a lot of leadoff hitting. And I'm not going to let it change my approach, and that's the important thing."

Zobrist, who was 1-for-3 with a homer in Saturday's 6-2 win over the Phillies, started at leadoff in 26 games last season (hitting .219) and 33 times for his career.

PRICE CHECK: There were a few things LHP David Price wasn't happy about during his five-inning, 73-pitch outing, such as opening the second inning with consecutive walks, then allowing a one-out RBI single.

But he couldn't have been more pleased with how he threw his slider.

"That's the best my slider's been probably in two years, so that's pretty exciting," Price said. "I haven't mixed in my curveball yet, and I'm getting some pretty good swings on my slider for me, and that's huge for my confidence, to be able to put guys away late with something else than a fastball."

The improvement is the result, he said, of a slight change in grip suggested by his former Vanderbilt pitching coach, Derek Johnson. "I was still throwing the grip he showed me in college, and then he thought he found a better grip and he showed me that this offseason," Price said.

Opposing manager Charlie Manuel, whose Phillies have some pretty good starters, took notice of Price's impressive work: "See if we can't work Price in our rotation."

LEFT OUT: The Rays lost LHP Cesar Cabral on waivers to Toronto. Cabral was a Rule 5 pick from Boston, and it was unlikely the Rays would have been able to keep him on the big-league roster, as required.

GAME DETAILS: Johnny "Biceps" Damon and Dan Johnson hit homers that cleared the fan area beyond the rightfield fence and had to at least approach the shoulder of U.S. 19. "Both of them were well-done," manager Joe Maddon said. … Maddon said he was most pleased that the Rays (6-8-1) played "a clean game," with good defense (SS Reid Brignac) and pitching (citing relievers Juan Cruz, Cesar Ramos and Jake McGee). … Brignac's two hits raised his average to .533.

MISCELLANY: 3B Evan Longoria left the game in the fourth inning but said he was fine and was scheduled for just two at-bats. … RHP James Shields will throw in a minor-league intrasquad game today rather than face division foe Toronto, and RHP Jeff Niemann will do so Monday when the rest of the team is off. … Look for Manny Ramirez in leftfield today with Damon as the DH. … RHP Jeremy Hellickson said he felt fine the day after making his spring debut.

By Gary Shelton, Times Sports Columnist
Saturday, March 12, 2011

PORT CHARLOTTE — At 25, Wade Boggs still had 2,892 hits to go. At 25, George Brett still had 1,304 runs left to drive in. At 25, Mike Schmidt still had 493 home runs in front of him.

As for Evan Longoria, he just got here, too.

People forget. Longoria arrived so quickly, and he has done so much, that it is easy to think of him as a finished product. He carries himself like a man who has been in the major leagues for a decade, and he has the resume to match.

Three All-Star Games. Two Gold Gloves. A Silver Slugger. A rookie of the year award. Two division titles. Three winning seasons. Endorsements. Acknowledgements. Accomplishments.

And yet, in many ways, Longoria has just come through the door. He has been in the majors less than three years, and he has played only 450 games, and like the other third basemen mentioned above, he is entering his first season as a 25-year-old.

In other words, Longo is still saying hello.

And don't you wonder what he has to say next?

"The more hungry I can keep myself, the better I can be every year," Longoria said. "Whether it's my 10th year or my 12th, or my third or my fourth, I'm going to continue to drive myself to be better every year.

"I've had three good years," Longoria said. "They're solid years. Obviously, they're years I wouldn't give back. I'm proud of them. I think I accomplished a lot in them. But it's just a start. I hope a lot more good years are in front of me. A lot more."

In baseball, the definition of greatness is sustained excellence. Yes, it a difficult thing to star even for a short period. But the players who are remembered are those who matter every year, the ones who never seem satisfied with what they have done. They become stars because they simply will not accept anything less.

"He is driven on the field to be the best," Rays manager Joe Maddon says of Longoria. "He doesn't run from that responsibility at all. He wants those Gold Gloves. He wants the Silver Sluggers.

"But I think this is the best part. He wants to win. He knows if he's driven to win the World Series, the rest will take care of itself."

Longoria says the same, steering the conversation from individual statistics to postseason performances.

"To me, greatness is being able to show you can perform on the highest level," Longoria said. "Guys who have become kind of put on a different pedestal are the guys who can perform in the playoffs, guys who lead teams to championships.

"To me, the team stuff is more important. Being able to play in the playoffs that first year sparked something inside of me. There is a sense of satisfaction to have another year under your belt, but it wasn't anything like playing in the postseason. That's where the satisfaction comes."

At 25, Brooks Robinson still had 14 more Gold Gloves to win. At 25, Eddie Mathews had 1,126 more walks. At 25, Jimmy Collins had his entire Hall of Fame career — every pitch — still to come.

So what pushes the stars to burn brighter? What keeps them in the weight room once they become rich and in the batting cage after they become famous? What drives them once they have made it?

Most of the time, the answer is internal. That's true with Longoria, too. That, and an overwhelming need not to look silly.

"It's more of a pride thing for me," Longoria said. "I don't want to go out on the field and embarrass myself. I know my ability. I know what I'm capable of doing. I wouldn't want to take any step backward. I wouldn't want anyone to begin to doubt me.

"It really comes from the bare essentials of hitting in the cage. I don't want to mis-hit a ball because I feel embarrassed. I feel there is always someone watching and saying, 'Why can't he do this 10 times out of 10? Why isn't he able to catch 10 balls out of 10 and make the throw?' It really comes from inside. I'm sure my teammates aren't saying that and being critical of every move. But I feel it. It upsets me when I don't do things the right way."

Said Maddon: "When we lose a couple of games, or when the team isn't playing well, Longo wears it as much as anybody."

Can Longoria get better? Of course he can. His average has increased each of the past three seasons. His power dipped a bit last year, but he still drove in more than 100 runs.

"I think you'll see his home runs come up as he gets older, because he's not going to miss his pitch when it's there," Maddon said. "It's like when Manny (Ramirez) was in Cleveland. He'd chase a pitch. When Manny stopped swinging at that pitch, his numbers went up. As Evan becomes a more mature hitter, you'll see his numbers get really silly."

It has happened before. The great third basemen seem to go fast and stay strong.

At 25, Graig Nettles still had 52 postseason games in front of him. At 25, Pie Traynor still had nine .300 seasons in front of him. At 25, Chipper Jones still had $140,395,133 worth of salary to come (not counting the $33 million he's signed for over the next three years).

As for Longoria, there are still places to go and things to do. Greatness awaits.

Today, he wants to be better than he was yesterday.

By Rodney Page, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, March 12, 2011

Not designed for your league

The Copperhead Course at Innisbrook will play differently this week than during the rest of the year. The course is designed to give amateurs a 25- to 30-yard landing area about 280 yards from the tee box on par 4s and 5s. Professionals are aiming 300 to 320 yards down the fairway, where it tapers to about 18 to 22 yards wide.

Range for amateurs: 25- to 30-yard landing area about 280 yards from the tee box on the par 4s and 5s.

Range for professionals: 300 to 320 yards down the fairway, 18 to 22 yards wide.

PALM HARBOR — The transformation is almost complete.

Innisbrook's Copperhead Course, home of this week's Transitions Championship, is just about changed from "resort course Copperhead" to its evil twin, "championship course Copperhead."

Think you've played the Copperhead? You haven't played it like this. Think you can relate to what the pros are going through this week because you've faced the same shots? You cannot.

This Copperhead course shows its fiercest face only one week a year. Some of the best players in the world are going to play it, so it has to be at its peak. The rest of the time it goes from being nasty to just difficult.

That's the way it has to be.

"If it was like this year round, nobody would want to play it," said Innisbrook's director of agronomy (fancy name for course superintendent), Keith Einwag. "It would be way too hard."

The only way to truly experience the Copperhead is to either earn a PGA Tour card or play in the Wednesday pro-am.

"You get to play the course, but you never really get to play it at the competition level," Einwag said. "Our club championship, if you play that week, you'll get close to the brutal rough, you'll get close to the green speeds, but we won't stop watering the greens because we still have three weeks until the (PGA) tournament.

"You really want to play the competition golf course, pay the $5,000 or whatever it is and play in the pro-am."

Here's how the course turns evil:

From tee …

A week before the tournament, the PGA sends a rules official and agronomist to check out the course. They ride the course and look for potential problems.

"There's a lot more to it than you think," PGA competition agronomist Harry Schuemann said.

It starts from the tee boxes. Pros play from the tips, and this week the course plays at just more than 7,300 yards. It normally plays from 6,100 to 6,700 yards.

The only way the pros won't play from the tips is on the par 3s, where wind might make a hole too hard even for them.

"You don't want them hitting a hybrid from over 200 yards out and trying to land it on these greens," Einwag said.

Another difference is the size of the landing area on par 4s and 5s. The average golfer is looking at a spot from 250 to 280 yards down the fairway. From the tee, that spot is generally wide.

Professionals are looking at an area that's 300 to 320 yards away, which is where the landing area tapers to about 18 to 20 yards. That's also where sand traps and deep rough linger in case of a slightly errant shot.

"The typical landing area for the pros is about 18-22 yards wide," Einwag said. "For the guests, their landing area is much wider, about 25-30 yards. The pros are looking at a different part of the fairway than the average golfer. That's why the fairways kind of taper in at certain points. It's a risk/reward."

To fairway …

Here's some advice from Einwag, who has been the head agronomist at Innisbrook for 10 years.

"Hit the fairway and don't worry about it," he said.

From the tee box, or behind the ropes, the intermediate and main cuts of rough look benign. That is an optical illusion. For the Transitions tournament, the intermediate rough will top out at about an inch and a half, but the main rough will start at 3 1/2 inches.

"By Sunday, it will be about 4 1/2," Einwag said.

That qualifies as U.S. Open-style rough. When balls land in Bermuda rough that thick, it's hard to advance. During regular resort play, the main rough tops out at an inch and a half.

Einwag said his crew, which numbers about 65 to 70 before and during tournament week, will cut the rough just before the tournament then leave it alone.

"Every day we mow tees, fairways and greens," he said. "We mow the rough about once per week."

Sand traps don't change during tournament week. It's not like they can be easily moved around the course. So if you've ever hit out of a Copperhead sand trap, you've hit out of the same traps the pros have.

The greens, however …

… Are brutal

This is where Copperhead makes a big change. The TifEagle Bermuda grass gets cut to an eighth of an inch. Watering the greens becomes a science. Water them too much and they become too slow. Water them too little and they might brown out.

"Grass is like a sponge," Einwag said. "When it's full of water, the blades are wide open, which causes more resistance to the ball. When you dry it out, the greens get firmer and faster."

This is where the Stimpmeter comes into play. It's basically a 3-foot ruler with a groove on one side. A ball is placed in the groove, and the Stimpmeter is raised until the ball goes down the groove and starts rolling on the green.

Usually, a flat spot on the green is used to judge the ball speed. After three or four tests from slightly different spots, an average is used to find the green speed.

An average green is about 10 on the Stimpmeter. That means a ball will roll about 10 feet. During tournament week, Einwag wants to keep the greens at 11.6 (meaning the ball will roll 11 feet, 6 inches) on the Stimpmeter.

"That's about right for us," he said. "A 12 here would kill them. There's so much slope here that it's too fast."

Schuemann uses Stimpmeters, moisture meters and firm meters to scientifically gauge the greens. If there's one consistent complaint from the players, it's about the greens.

"A golf course has 18 different personalities," Schuemann said. "You have to treat each hole differently. It's really difficult. The key is consistency. Our goal is to be as consistent as we can starting on Tuesday through Sunday. Players want to play the same greens on Sunday that they did on Tuesday."

Play was to be open on Copperhead through today. It shuts down to resort play for only one week. The pins are in totally different places than they will be for the tournament.

And the greens are inching up to tournament speeds.

"Right now we have to look out for resort guests," Schuemann said. "They don't want to play these conditions because they'll never get off the golf course. No. 14 is so dried out right now that there's no way resort guests can hold those greens. It's too quick. But we're doing it for the tournament."

Work, work, work

Einwag lives in Land O'Lakes, but during the tournament, he gets a room on site. He gets to the course by 4:30 a.m. and usually works on it until about 10 a.m. There will be crews on the course until midnight, mowing and watering greens.

On the Monday after the tournament, Einwag goes on vacation.

"After a week like this, I need it," he said.

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, March 12, 2011

The NHL has to get its referees on the same page when it comes to goaltender interference calls. Twice this season such calls were made in Lightning games. Both times Tampa Bay got the short end, and both calls resulted in opposite outcomes.

Example No. 1: In a Feb. 8 game against the Sabres, Buffalo's Paul Gaustad tied the score 3-3 with Lightning goalie Dwayne Roloson on his back after being tripped by the stick of the Sabres' Drew Stafford. But Stafford had fallen after being tripped by Tampa Bay defenseman Marc-Andre Bergeron, which apparently negated the contact with Roloson.

Lightning coach Guy Boucher said allowing the goal was correct. Rule 69.1 says: "If an attacking player has been pushed, shoved or fouled by a defending player so as to cause him to come into contact with the goalkeeper, such contact will not be deemed contact initiated by the attacking player for the purpose of this rule, provided the attacking player has made a reasonable effort to avoid such contact."

Which leads to example No. 2: Monday against the Capitals, the Lightning's Vinny Lecavalier seemed to score for a 2-0 third-period lead. But the goal was waived off because it was ruled Marty St. Louis interfered with goalie Braden Holtby.

First, replays showed St. Louis at most brushed Holtby as he fell into the crease. But even if he did, it was a direct consequence of being tripped by Washington forward Brooks Laich.

Same circumstances, right? A defending player pushing or fouling an attacking player into a goalkeeper. But the outcome was different. Lecavalier's goal was disallowed, turning what could have been a 2-0 comfort zone back into a 1-0 nail-biter.

Laich wasn't even called for tripping. Washington won 2-1 in a shootout and claimed first place in the Southeast Division.

What is the one thing players in every sport want from their game officials? Consistency. The NHL needs it when it comes to goalie interference calls.

As Boucher noted, "It can have an impact on the season."

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, March 12, 2011

5 questions | C Blair Jones

What's your favorite TV show? A tie between White Collar and Modern Family.

Favorite video game? I don't really play video games.

Where do the players hang out when they're with AHL Norfolk? The mall is right there by the rink.

Guilty pleasure at the mall? I'm just a browser; kill time, I guess, just go to a lot of movies.

Seen anything recently? The Liam Neeson movie The Unknown. I like his movies. The last few he's been in have been awesome. I try and see whatever he's in.

The fixer

Whenever Lightning assistant coach Wayne Fleming runs into someone who is associated with the Brynas team from the Swedish elite league, "They come to me and tell me, 'Thanks for saving us.' "

It was during the 2004-05 NHL lockout that Fleming signed with Brynas to help it avoid relegation to a lesser league. Backed up by NHLers Marc-Andre Bergeron, now with Tampa Bay, and Chris Phillips, of the Senators, Fleming said, he instituted a more intense attitude among the easy-going Swedes.

"The coaches are not as driven as the North American coaches," Fleming said. "That kind of carries over to their style of play. They've all got great skills. The ones who have great competitiveness make it over here."

"He was a breath of fresh air," Bergeron said.

In the end, Brynas avoided the embarrassment, and monetary consequences, of relegation. "They had good players," Fleming said. "It was just a matter of bringing it together with stronger focus."

Home cookin'

As Lightning D Mattias Ohlund listened to teammate and fellow Swede Victor Hedman describe his meal from a New York Scandinavian restaurant, he added to each description the word "big": a plate of lingonberries and mashed potatoes, a steak sandwich and a hamburger.

"I didn't have breakfast, and we had the day off," Hedman said. "I figured I'd eat some Swedish food, and eat a lot. For the record, I didn't finish the burger."

Quote to note

“Two and a Half Men without Charlie Sheen is as bad as a Lightning powerplay without Steven Stamkos. Right Barry Melrose?"

Two and a Half Men executive producer and former Lightning owner Oren Koules, on Twitter

Number of the day

22 Lightning home wins as of Saturday. Tampa Bay reached the playoffs every time it previously hit that mark.

By Bob Putnam, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, March 12, 2011

Boys

Player of the Year: M Jagger Martinez, Sr., Countryside

Why we picked him: Martinez not only paced the Class 6A state semifinalist Cougars with 16 goals, but in the season's most crucial moments, the talented senior hoisted his team on his shoulders and buried opponents with his foot. He had the winning goal against St. Petersburg in the district semifinals and against Bloomingdale in the region quarterfinals.

Most impressive accomplishment: In the region quarterfinals against Bloomingdale, Martinez broke a scoreless tie in overtime on a breakaway shot in which sped past a defender and drove the ball on the ground past the goalkeeper for the winning goal.

Did you know? Martinez is the son of former Major League Baseball player Dave Martinez. Jagger's older brother, Josh, played soccer and football for the Cougars before going on to become a kicker at Memphis.

Coach of the year

David Sica, Countryside: Led the Cougars to conference and district titles before reaching the Class 6A state semifinals, where they lost to eventual state champion Cypress Bay.

First team

F Matt Gaskins, Sr., Pinellas Park: UCF recruit helped the Patriots win the school's first district title.

F Nikolai Hammer, Sr., Countryside: Furman signee was among the team's leading scorers in the regular season.

F Brett Hummel, Sr., East Lake: Provided the Eagles with the offense it needed this season.

M Cameron Coughlin, Sr., East Lake: Versatile player who helped the Eagles' offense.

M Kyle Eichof, Sr., Countryside: Consistent playmaker for the Cougars in the midfield.

M Robert Menke, Sr., St. Petersburg: Tough tackler who helped pace the Green Devils during the regular season.

M Kevin Nota, Sr., Seminole: Became the leader of the Warhawks after graduation took its toll.

M Warren Simmons, Sr., St. Petersburg: Hard-nosed, aggressive player who was stalwart in midfield.

D Tyson Sargent, Sr., East Lake: Offensive-minded defender came through in the clutch.

D Brandon Shaneyfelt, Sr., Palm Harbor University: Steadying presence in the back who marked the top players.

GK Hunter Maricle, Sr., Countryside: Virginia Tech recruit used his 6-foot-5 height to make spectacular saves.

Second team

F Jared Brown, Jr., Clearwater Central Catholic

F Derya Ekren, Sr., Countryside

F Grady Trimble, Sr., Clearwater Central Catholic

M Jarrett Lyons, Jr., Clearwater

M Robby Mattei, Sr., Palm Harbor University

M Zack Shriver, Sr., Countryside

M Lucas Villarreal, Sr., Northeast

D Matt DiLeonardo, Sr., Osceola

D Andrew Hitt, Sr., Countryside

D Ben Seltzer, Sr., Seminole

GK Danny George, Jr., Countryside

Honorable mention

Clearwater: Ian Kane; Clearwater Central Catholic: Kyle Curinga, Coleman Dean, Connor Montgomery, Richard Murbach, Blake Myregaard; Countryside: David Kuckkhan; Dixie Hollins: Nika Chkhilvadze, Eldi Feimi, Bojan Skopljak; East Lake: Steven Barna, Anthony Giordano, Ivan Zigarevich; Gibbs: Manny Dones; Indian Rocks Christian: Trae Urie; Lakewood: Dane Leavy; Palm Harbor U: Jesse Caron, LJ Kim; Pinellas Park: Blake Andrews, Brandon Andrews, Zack Ditommos, Jordan Kaylor, Anthony Knight; Northeast: Kyle Apperson, Richie Parrey, Marino Pavacic, Victor Saucedo; Osceola: Chad Gessner, David Watson; St. Petersburg: Aaron Hoyt, Patrick Milligan, Raeshaun Washington; Seminole: Tyler Zulewski; Shorecrest: Rheese Wiltshire; Tarpon Springs: Diogo Rodrigues.

Girls

Player of the Year: F Gina Hayduke, Jr., Seminole

Why we picked her: With injuries hampering Sierra Lelii, the Warhawks' top scorer from a year ago, Hayduke took on the bulk of the offensive load, scoring a county-best 36 goals this season. She came on when Seminole needed her the most, scoring a combined six goals in two district tournament games. She also had numerous assists in the postseason.

Most impressive accomplishment: In the district semifinals, Hayduke scored on a free kick from 45 yards away that sailed high before going just under the crossbar and out of the reach of the Tarpon Springs goalkeeper.

Did you know? Hayduke is leaning toward attending USF and works out each Friday at the school with other top players from the bay area who are considering playing for the Bulls.

Coach of the year

Gary Kolb, St. Petersburg Catholic: Despite graduating four Division I starters, Kolb guided a young team that entered the district tournament with a losing record to its first state final four.

First team

F Sierra Lelii, Sr., Seminole: Teamed with Hayduke to provide Warhawks with 1-2 scoring punch.

F Kaitlyn Parker, Jr., Clearwater Central Catholic: Played a big role in helping Marauders knock off PHU this season.

F Jordyn Turner, So., Seminole: Not as flashy as the team's other forwards but just as consistent.

M Melanie Benner, Sr., Seminole: Helped team record 16 shutouts this season.

M Lindsey Cooper, Sr., Clearwater Central Catholic: Florida recruit scored more than 20 goals for the Marauders.

M Paige Lombard, Jr., Palm Harbor University: Leader of rebuilding team after two straight state titles.

D Cory Amend, Sr., Palm Harbor University: Tenacious sweeper who marked opposition's top scorer.

D Tara Belvin, Sr., Seminole: Helped team record 16 shutouts this season.

D Jenn Marzi, Sr., Clearwater Central Catholic: Tireless worker with incredible instincts in the back.

D Olivia Wilkerson, Sr., St. Petersburg Catholic: Spearheaded defense that did not allow a goal in playoffs until state final.

GK: Maggie Dalessio, Jr., St. Petersburg Catholic: Had a knack for coming up with crucial saves during the Barons' playoff run.

Second team

F Madison Del Duca, So., East Lake

F Christina Mendoza, So., St. Petersburg

F Kelly Phipps, So., Palm Harbor University

M Amanda Byrne, Jr., East Lake

M Torey Camporini, Sr., Clearwater Central Catholic

M Katie Pederson, Jr., Clearwater

M Katie Pelton, Jr., St. Petersburg

D Emily Divito, Sr., St. Petersburg Catholic

D Taylor Loyden, Sr., St. Petersburg

D Sydney Wendel, Sr., Seminole

GK: Jackie Aiosa, Jr., Seminole

Honorable mention

Clearwater: Kaitlyn Courtney; Countryside: Tanya Bawkins, Megan Giese, Riley Narum, Alyssa Rosati; Dixie Hollins: Jade Benningfield, Brenda Bernuy, Amanda Boylson, Kerri Hudson; East Lake: Chloe Keesecker, Kristy Lagoas, Caitlyn Lopez, Lauren Polito, Karina White; Lakewood: Katy Lally, Samantha Wilson; Northeast: Allie McPhail, Monica Methot, Rachel Parker, Taylor Philips; Osceola: Tami Allen, Adelyne Brainard, Lindsey Gentes, Olivia Igou, Kelly Pavelka, Tori Sturz; PHU: Meghan Harrington, Renee Huy, Morgan Lorenti, Nicole Naclero; Pinellas Park: Kassidee Davis, Sydnee Prince, Ashley Shultz, Kayla Steacy; St. Petersburg: Sammi Devlin, Sarah Parker, Christina Rosetti, Sarah Wilkins; St. Petersburg Catholic: Alyee Gilbert; Seminole: Casey Jones; Shorecrest: Jen Casey; Tarpon Springs: Lauren Grindey.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, March 12, 2011

Reunion of the day

RHP Dirk Hayhurst said all the typical cliche things about how there won't be anything special today facing his former Blue Jays teammates or bosses, who let him go. "Those are emotions that won't impede my play," he said. "Unless I give up like a million runs and then I'll use every excuse I can think of."

Guest of the day

Manager Joe Maddon's youth league football coach, Jack Seiwell, and his wife, Patsy, were down from Hazleton, Pa., and Maddon even got the devout Phillies fans to wear Rays blue for the day. Seiwell said he, like others in Hazleton, was upset when Maddon gave up football for baseball after his freshman year at Lafayette College. "But," Seiwell said, "I guess it worked out."

Quote of the day

"I wasn't used to running farther than first."

OF Matt Joyce, whose double and triple Saturday were his first extra-base hits of the spring

Sign of the day

In explaining how this year's slogan, Another Way, intersects with the usual Rays Way of doing things anyway, manager Joe Maddon had another bight idea: a street sign renaming the intersection at the Trop exactly that. Could they do so, you know, without going through city bureaucracy? "I think we can," he said. "They would be our own little signs — you're not going to get them on your GPS."

Rays at Blue Jays

When/where: 1:05 today; Florida Auto Exchange Stadium, 373 Douglas Ave., Dunedin

Tickets: $15-$27, available by calling (727) 733-0429, via bluejays.com and at the stadium.

Radio: 620-AM

Rays information: Toll-free 1-888-326-7297 (FAN-RAYS)

Pitchers: Rays — Chris Bootcheck, Cory Wade, Mike Ekstrom, Dane De La Rosa, Rob Delaney, Brandon Gomes, Chris Archer; Jays — Brandon Morrow, Marc Rzepczysnki, Octavio Dotel, Carlos Villenueva

Heads-up

Prospect Tim Beckham gets the start at shortstop as Reid Brignac gets the day off.

Who is this Ray?

Three of his four brothers were drafted, but he was the only one to reach the majors. He was offered football and basketball scholarships. He is in his 10th year in the Rays organization and has played in seven big-league games.

On deck

Monday: Off

Tuesday: Marlins, 1:05. Rays — Andy Sonnanstine; Marlins — Anibal Sanchez

Wednesday: at Marlins (Jupiter), 1:05. Rays — Wade Davis; Marlins — Chris Volstad

Thursday: at Yankees (Tampa), 7:05. Rays — TBA; Yankees — TBA

Upcoming schedule

18: Red Sox (ss), 7:05

19: at Twins

20: Orioles

21: Yankees, 7:05

22: at Red Sox, 7:05

23: Phillies

24: at Astros

25: Pirates

26: Orioles

27: at Pirates

28: at Yankees, 7:05

29: at Red Sox

30: vs. Blue Jays at Tropicana Field, 4:10

Who is this Ray answer: INF Elliot Johnson

Marc Topkin, Times staff writer

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, March 12, 2011

CLEARWATER — Things are about to get hairy with the Rays.

As he does in staging a long-drive contest before practice, and inviting Bucs coach Raheem Morris to manage for a day, and plotting a skinny jeans road trip, manager Joe Maddon is growing another plan to keep things loose — and a bit long — around the clubhouse.

"I want us to be the hirsute club this year," Maddon said.

The Rays already have the player with the most unique hair in baseball, the dreadlocked Manny Ramirez. Bench coach Dave Martinez has the most memorable beard. Evan Longoria has his bushy mullet. Johnny Damon is rocking the fauxhawk.

And Maddon plans to grow his white hair long on top, or at least as long, at 57, as he can.

"I encourage the growth of follicles," Maddon said. "I want them all to go nuts with their hair this year."

This wasn't particularly well planned out, Maddon said, and not — at least by design — a Samson vs. Goliath thing. More of a gut feeling that just struck him around the start of camp — about the time he saw Martinez's flowing beard.

"Sometimes I just go with my instincts, and I just think it could turn into a lot of fun for the group," Maddon said. "So whatever keeps you focused on the field, and having fun off of it, I'm all for."

And that, more so than taking extra ground balls or throwing more curveballs, is his point.

"If we're going to go anywhere, we've gots to play hard every day and have a good time while we're doing it," Maddon said. "Otherwise, we cannot play in October."

TB DOES TB: In another sign the Rays are gaining national prominence, they are one of eight teams featured in Tommy Bahama's new collector's edition line. The shirt, which sells for $250, will be unveiled at a March 31 event (5-8 p.m.) at the International Plaza store. … And for the other closet, Victoria's Secret is now offering a Rays v-neck women's T-shirt as part of its Pink line, for $26.50.

C.C.'S VIEW: For what it's worth, Carl Crawford said he expects the Rays to remain competitive: "They're definitely going to be in it, they're going to play us hard, it's not going to be easy to beat those guys."

RAYS RUMBLINGS: Pitcher/author Dirk Hayhurst is soliciting title suggestions for his second book via his Twitter account, @thegarfoose; Cup of Coffee, Out of My League and Behind in the Count are among the good ones. … Sports psychologist/performance consultant Ken Ravizza, who worked with the Rays the past two seasons and extensively with Longoria during his college days, has been hired by the Angels. … Maddon's wife, Jaye Sousoures, recently took the Florida Bar exam. … Rays limited partner Randy Frankel was at Friday's game but wouldn't comment on reports that he's part of a group seeking to buy the Mets. … Look for the opening-day starter (cough, David Price) to be named Tuesday. … Longoria is hosting the release party for buddy Daniel B. Marshall's new CD on March 26 at Jackson's in Tampa. … Julianna Zobrist, wife of Ben, will be finishing her second CD in the next couple of weeks. … Additional acts for the summer concert series are expected this week. … Jonah Keri's The Extra 2% ranked 138th among all book sales on Amazon.com as of Saturday and third among sports books.

By Bryan Burns, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, March 12, 2011

Girls player of the year: M Jenny Karl, Sr., River Ridge

Why we picked her: Anytime Karl crossed midfield with the ball, opposing goalkeepers would start biting their fingernails. No other player on the North Suncoast terrorized defenses quite like Karl. Whether it was streaking past defenders to slot a shot into goal or a long-distance laser that left goalkeepers' knees buckled, Karl was unquestionably the area's best at scoring goals. A tireless worker who chased every ball and never came off the field, Karl led River Ridge to a spot in the postseason and a third straight trip to the region semifinals.

Most impressive accomplishment: Karl led the area in scoring from the beginning of the year to the season's close. She finished with 44 goals and added 18 assists for 106 total points.

Did you know? Karl said that when she's out on the soccer field, it's her time to escape the pressures that go along with being a teenager. "It's like my getaway," she said. "I just love to do it." … Karl used to be a standout softball player but picked soccer, partly because of the sport's constant motion. "I like to move around all the time," she said. "I'm little, and I just like to get in everyone's way and do my thing. I like to be involved and try to take control."

Future plans: Karl signed a letter of intent with the University of Tampa and is hoping to see significant minutes during her freshman year with the Spartans. To better prepare herself for the jump in talent she'll see at the collegiate level, Karl continues to train with her club team, Hillsborough County United. She plans to major in criminal justice.

Girls

First team

F Arielle Anahory, Sr., Mitchell. Eckerd signee was fourth-leading scorer in school history with 58 goals and 20 assists in her career.

F Anezha "A.J." Blount, So., Wiregrass Ranch. Second in the area with 40 goals; none were bigger, however, than the two she scored in the region semifinals.

F Chelsea Foster, Sr., Gulf. The Buccaneers' leading scorer with 17 goals was a threat to find the net every time she touched the ball.

M Alyson Brady, Sr., Springstead. Future Western Michigan player led Eagles to district title and school's first region semifinal appearance.

M Anne Cypriano, So., Wiregrass Ranch. Controlled the middle of the field for the region finalist Bulls and recorded 10 goals and 11 assists.

M Hannah Foster, Jr., Gulf. The general in Gulf's potent attack scored 15 goals and had six assists.

M Sarah Olin, So., River Ridge. Smart distributor who could score from a distance had 12 goals and assisted on 16 others.

D Auburn Cherry, Sr., Mitchell. Tenacious, consistent defender will play for Florida Southern next year.

D Nicole Misener, Sr., Mitchell. Impact player who could score goals as well as she could prevent them.

D Carly Patton, Jr., Zephyrhills. Hard-nosed enforcer highlighted a Bulldogs defense that allowed few goals.

D Dani Schulman, Sr., Gulf. The Buccaneers' first Division I signee is headed for Florida Gulf Coast in the fall.

GK Lisa Jadick, Jr., River Ridge. Her performance in a region quarterfinal penalty shootout win over Mitchell was legendary.

Second team

F Kayla Labbe, Sr., Ridgewood

F Taylor Maramara, Sr., Bishop McLaughlin

F Berlin Waters, So., Wiregrass Ranch

M Danielle Gottwick, Fr., Mitchell

M Jessica Montelongo, Sr., Pasco

M Alicia Schulman, Jr., Gulf

M Ashley Walker, Sr., Springstead

D Kaitlyn Duke, Sr., Springstead

D Alyssa Lonsway, Jr., Land O'Lakes

D Cassidy Place, Fr., Sunlake

D Brianna Rossi, Fr., Gulf

GK Dayton Wetherby, So., Wiregrass Ranch

Honorable mention

Anclote: Kailin Torres; Bishop McLaughlin: Corrie Bexley, Emily Hernandez, Katie Kyle, Spencer Valdespino; Central: Samantha Berberette, Karissa DiMuccio, Alyx McKinney; Fivay: Sarah Bernstein; Gulf: Haley Foster, Melissa Morlan; Hernando: Megan Platt, Hailey Royal, Ashley Sims; Hudson: Logan McGee, Becky Reynolds, Sarah Staley, Erica Wills; Land O'Lakes: Tara Marshall, Brittany Nieves, Keke Potts, Kayla Robinson, Brooke Silvest; Mitchell: Natalie Banks, Shannon Estes-Larkin, Balea Schumacher; Nature Coast: Briana Baugher, Paige Kuhn, Arianna Medina, Emily Myers, Mallorie Pickersgill; Pasco: Melissa Fletcher, Hannah Hollander; Ridgewood: Amanda Desroberts; River Ridge: Laura Cason, Corinne Pieterse, Andrea Simon, Jessica Tata; Springstead: Kimberly Smith, Tara Vasquez; Sunlake: Emily Higgins, Carly Hill; Wesley Chapel: Kelsey Bare; Wiregrass Ranch: Sierra Monday, Nicole Esposito, Lauren Gordon, Grace Olsen, Christina Wojaczyk; Zephyrhills: Sarah Denney, Alex Fern, Rachel Osborne.

Coach of the year

Erin Dodd, Wiregrass Ranch: Dodd took a group of talented underclassmen and, by the end of the season, molded them into the area's most dangerous side. Under Dodd, the Bulls won their only district title, made the postseason for the first time and advanced to the Class 4A region final.

Boys player of the year: F Jordan Landry, Sr., Sunlake

Why we picked him: If there was one player on the North Suncoast who could consistently put the ball in the net, it was Landry, a senior sharpshooter with great touch and a deadly finish. Landry scored 52 goals in 31 contests. The offensive game plan for Sunlake was simple: continuously funnel balls up to its talented forward and watch Landry work his magic. With Landry scoring in bunches, Sunlake, a four-year-old program, recorded its first playoff wins in school history and came a penalty-kick shootout away from advancing to the state final four.

Most impressive accomplishment: Landry joined elite company when he scored the 100th goal of his high school career against Ridgewood on Jan. 6. He finished with 119 goals, which is a Sunlake record that is likely to stand for quite some time.

Did you know? Midway through the season, Landry found a pair of pink gloves in his closet and decided to wear them during games. Opposing players were not amused. "I had a bunch of names called at me, but then I realized that it started to get other players frustrated when they would get scored on by a guy wearing pink gloves," he said. "It was kind of a little mind game that I liked to play with the other team."

Future plans: Landry has yet to sign to play in college, but he has a tryout scheduled at Rollins College in Winter Park during spring break and another with Flagler College in St. Augustine in the near future. Wherever he ends up, Landry would like to study business. That and continue scoring goals.

Boys

First team

F Andrew Garcia, Jr., Land O'Lakes. The Gators' dynamic playmaker had 25 goals and 11 assists this season.

F Eric Garcia, Sr., Pasco. Lightning-quick forward scored 24 goals and had 12 assists for the region semifinalist Pirates.

F Andres Pinzon, Jr., Hernando. Toiled in anonymity on a sub-.500 team but scored 19 goals and assisted on 11 others.

M Andres Caesar, Sr., Wiregrass Ranch. Relentless worker in the middle of the Bulls' attack could set up goals as well as score them.

M Daniel Cano, Sr., Pasco. Technically gifted player with the ball at his feet registered 10 goals and nine assists.

M Jake Frahm, Jr., Land O'Lakes. All-around talent led his team in assists, scored nine goals and kept most opponents from reaching the Gators' back line.

M Omar Odulaja, Sr., Central. Paced Hernando County with 20 goals and led Bears to district title.

D Gerry DeCristofaro, Sr., Springstead. Tenacious defender who assisted on 13 goals and helped Eagles reach the playoffs for first time since 2007.

D Zachary Higgins, Sr., Land O'Lakes. Converted midfielder who unselfishly moved to the back to turn a shaky Gators back line into one of the area's best.

D Shane Jones, Sr., Hudson. The main cog in a surprising stretch run that saw the Cobras beat Mitchell, Wesley Chapel and Pasco to win a district title.

D Nathan Tellez, Sr., Pasco. The best defender on a Pirates defense that gave up only 17 goals all season.

GK Kody Parker, Sr., Land O'Lakes. Nearly broke a school record with 15 shutouts and allowed only 12 goals all season.

Second team

F Joshua Davis, Jr., Land O'Lakes

F Wayne Ewing, Sr., Hudson

F David Vitola, Sr., Central

M Matthew Campbell, Jr., Springstead

M Connor Gilboy, So., Sunlake

M Miguel Laliberte, Jr., Land O'Lakes

M Jonathan Thompson, Sr., River Ridge

D Alex Hernandez, Fr., Mitchell

D Bryan Huynh, Jr., Wesley Chapel

D Steven Mazza, Jr., Pasco

D Alex Piruzza, Jr., Sunlake

GK David Danahy, Sr., Sunlake

Honorable mention

Academy at the Lakes: Alex Burnham, Jason Pitcarin; Anclote: Harry Laureano; Bishop McLaughlin: Caelin Campbell, Matt Gulau, Christian Nummy, Tiger Williams; Central: Anthony Kaspars, Kevin Ramirez, Christian Velasquez, James Wert; Fivay: James Bors, Alex Mancini; Gulf: Petar Andjelic, Travis Jehs, Chris Osterer, Kevin Thompson; Hernando: John Dahmer, Cody Gillis; Hudson: Kyle Grzyb, Jonathon Mendez, Jeff Wills; Land O'Lakes: Nathan Dalton, Justin Lyles, Jake Morken, Frankie Pinciotti; Mitchell: Brian Hoxie, Cody Millian, Brendan Ross; Nature Coast: Tyler Callaghan, Eric MacLean; Pasco: Orlando Alcocer, Daniel Corona, Dillon Dunbar, Jose Flores, Angel Garcia; Ridgewood: Devon Graziano, Joshua Gray, Travis Lord, Sergio Velasquez; River Ridge: Alberto Ancona, Brad Lach, Tyler Lovelle; Springstead: Matthew Campbell, Cody Emmerman, Joey LaSala, Nathan Leathers, Richard Toth; Sunlake: Jared Landry, Ryan Norberg, Calvin Restrepo; Wesley Chapel: Max Caceres; Wiregrass Ranch: Jordan Clements, Rokas Daugala, Sam Eder; Zephyrhills: Gunnar Chauncey.

Coach of the year

Sam Koleduk, Sunlake: The Seahawks were an afterthought early in the year but continually picked up steam until, by the postseason, they were playing the best soccer of any team on the North Suncoast. With Koleduk at the helm, Sunlake earned its first playoff appearance in school history before knocking off Hudson and Pasco to reach the Class 4A region final, where it lost in a penalty-kick shootout.