Times wires
Friday, March 18, 2011

PORT ST. LUCIE — The Mets released second baseman Luis Castillo on Friday despite still owing him $6 million, cutting ties with a three-time All-Star linked to one of the most painful plays in team history.

Mets fans never forgave him for dropping a potential game-ending popup by Alex Rodriguez in 2009, a misplay that let the Yankees score two runs to win in the bottom of the ninth. Castillo was booed — a rarity in spring training — this week after he was slow to cover first base during an exhibition game.

Castillo, 35, had lost a lot of range in recent years. The switch-hitter was among five candidates for the second base job this spring, a list that still includes Luis Hernandez, Daniel Murphy, Justin Turner and Brad Emaus.

New general manager Sandy Alderson told Castillo about the move. Chief operating officer Jeff Wilpon approved the move on behalf of team ownership.

"I think there were a variety" of reasons for the release, Alderson said. "Obviously, we wanted to see how he looked physically from an offensive standpoint, defensively. You know, I think Luis made a strong effort, but we just felt given our other options and where we are headed as an organization this was in our mutual interest."

Castillo won three Gold Gloves, was a two-time NL stolen base champion and helped the 2003 Marlins win the World Series. He is a career .290 hitter with 370 steals in 15 seasons with Florida, Minnesota and the Mets. He stole 62 bases in 84 tries in 2000; he was 8 for 11 last year.

He was in the final season of a four-year, $24 million contract. He batted .235 with no homers, only six extra-base hits and 17 RBIs in 247 at-bats last season before losing his starting spot to Ruben Tejada and Hernandez.

"I think in spite of the fact no one has obviously separated himself in the competition, I think we have a good enough sense of where this is going we want to accelerate the process, so it's important to sort of scale back the competition," Alderson said.

Also, Carlos Beltran received a cortisone shot in his left knee in response to lingering discomfort.

ANGELS RELIEVER RETIRES: Scot Shields, the Angels' highly efficient setup man for much of the last decade, announced his retirement.

Shields, 35, had a knee injury and arm pain in recent years, but from 2004-08 he struck out 432 batters in 435 innings, setting up Francisco Rodriguez in the team's dominant bullpen.

"He evolved into the gold standard of what setup men are," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. "He could've gone a lot of places and been a closer, but he was committed to this organization and this organization was committed to him.

"He accepted his role and became the best at it."

Since the "hold" statistic was created in 1999, no American League pitcher has more than Shields' 155.

PIRATE OKAY AFTER SCARE: Pittsburgh right-hander Brad Lincoln was struck in his pitching arm by Jimmy Rollins' line drive and forced to leave early with a bruise in the Phillies' 3-2 victory.

Lincoln was hit in the third inning and quickly tracked down the ball near the first-base line. Rollins appeared startled by the accident and slowed down, and Lincoln tapped the Phillies star with his glove for the out.

"He was asking me if I was all right even before I tagged him," Lincoln said.

Lincoln said there was no reason to rule out his next start. He'll be re-evaluated today.

Also, Pittsburgh claimed left-hander Garrett Olson off waivers from the Mariners.

DODGERS: Third baseman Casey Blake might start the season on the disabled list after hurting his back trying to beat out a bunt.

MARLINS: Ricky Nolasco insists he is making progress. But slowed by a sore thumb early in spring training, Nolasco was hit hard in his second start, giving up eight hits and seven runs over two innings against the Astros.

Times wires
Friday, March 18, 2011

CHICAGO — Florida State has spent a lot of time this season talking about three words. The Seminoles have repeated them in practices and during games. They have thought about them and tried to live by them.

Somebody wrote them on a whiteboard in the locker room on Friday night in the United Center, after 10th-seeded FSU's 57-50 victory against No. 7 Texas A&M in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. There they were again. Three words: "Change the culture."

The Seminoles' victory against the Aggies (24-9) provided further proof the culture surrounding FSU basketball is changing, indeed. The triumph was the Seminoles' first in an NCAA Tournament game since 1998. There was a celebration afterward, signifying this was more than just an ordinary early-round tournament victory.

It was the shedding of a weight. The act of a program taking another step forward.

"We like making history," freshman guard Ian Miller said.

He played a career-high 27 minutes and led the offense during key stretches in the second half. That wasn't necessarily expected, but FSU (22-10) thrived on the unexpected Friday.

The Seminoles received 12 second-half points from Derwin Kitchen, after he scored just three in the first half. Bernard James finished with 10, after scoring just two in the first half.

Most unexpected of all: FSU, which prides itself on a gritty man-to-man defense, used a 3-2 zone during the final 12 minutes — the decisive stretch in which the Seminoles took control for good.

FSU assistant Stan Jones figured the zone might work. He'd studied film of the Aggies struggling against it against Baylor and Boston College.

"They were scoring pretty at will on us there in the second half and coach said, why not give (the zone) a try," said FSU guard Luke Loucks, a former Clearwater High standout. "… Next thing you know we're in a zone the rest of the game."

FSU plays second-seeded Notre Dame on Sunday, their first meeting in basketball.

Kitchen had a team-high 15 points, and Michael Snaer punctuated the victory with a late dunk. But, FSU coach Leonard Hamilton said, "There were a lot of heroes in this game."

Among them were Chris Singleton, the junior forward who returned after missing the past six games with a broken foot. He played 16 minutes and finished with four points but, Loucks said, Singleton's return "gave everyone a little boost of energy."

Then there was James, who was credited with three blocked shots but seemed to block twice as many. At one point in the second half, he scored eight consecutive points for the Seminoles, just when they were beginning to seize control.

At halftime Hamilton criticized his team for playing soft. He targeted James especially.

"He directly called me out and said I wasn't playing to my potential, and that I was just letting them bully me and I wasn't acting tough," James said.

So during the second half, James got tough. His teammates followed. After Texas A&M built an eight-point lead early in the second half, FSU answered with a 10-0 run that ended with a Snaer layup with 11:29 to play.

The Seminoles went to their zone defense around that time and the Aggies, who shot 31.4 percent overall, had no answers for it. FSU enjoyed the moment when it ended but only for "about three minutes," Loucks said. The Seminoles quickly remembered they hadn't reached an end point, but instead another beginning.

When it was over Friday James sat in the locker room with a pizza and soaked in the jubilant scene.

"If this isn't changing the culture," he said. "Then I don't know what is."

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Friday, March 18, 2011

PORT CHARLOTTE — The reason RHP Wade Davis was chosen for the No. 3 spot in the pitching rotation and RHP Jeff Niemann slotted fourth turned out to be as clear as night and day.

Niemann has a much worse record in day games than at night (5-5, 5.54 ERA vs. 22-11, 3.84) and with the pitcher in the No. 3 spot in line to start seven matinees in the first two months, the Rays opted to go with Davis, who has a much less dramatic split: 3-4, 3.95 in day games, 11-8, 4.04 at night.

Niemann said he had no explanation for the discrepancy and no issues with the Rays decision to make him No. 4.

"Around here, I think that's just a number," he said. "We've got any one of five guys that can run out there any night and win a ballgame. We've talked about it, that it was a matchup thing with the day games and all that. Whatever's best for the team, I'm more than willing to oblige."

Davis said he welcomed the opportunity. "Niemann's a great pitcher; he could easily be No. 1 in any rotation," he said. "I don't know that it had anything to do with performance or anything like that. I think it's just how it played out, and I'm happy where I'm at."

CRUZ CONTROL: RHP Juan Cruz closed out Friday's 7-3 win over the Red Sox for his sixth scoreless appearance, and feeling good, and that combination appears to be enough to earn one of three open bullpen jobs.

"He's doing really well right now," manager Joe Maddon said. "He just needs to stay healthy and I think everything's going to work out pretty good for him."

Cruz had surgery to clean out his right shoulder in May, cutting short his season in Kansas City, but has recovered enough that the Rays don't appear to have restrictions or concerns about using him, though he has yet to pitch with less than two days rest between appearances.

"Actually he wants more work," Maddon said. "We've been holding him back a bit."

"All I can say is I'm ready," Cruz said. "Everything, I think, is good."

PITCHING IN: No. 2 starter RHP James Shields worked 51/3 innings a minor-league game in Fort Myers rather than face the Red Sox varsity, allowing three runs on eight hits, a walk and a hit batter and striking out seven. … Though the Rays have kept starters from facing AL East opponents, RHP Jeremy Hellickson will go against the Yankees Monday so he can get some innings vs. big-league hitters.

N.Y. STATE OF MIND: Add the New York Post's Joel Sherman to those publicly pondering the idea of principal owner Stuart Sternberg buying the Mets and the Rays being contracted. Sherman wrote that he floated his "theory" by a "person involved in baseball labor" and was told it had been discussed, but it would "be difficult" to enact because folding two teams would cause a war with the players union during the upcoming negotiations.

GAME DETAILS: The Rays (9-10-1) hit four home runs off Sox knuckleballer Tim Wakefield, somewhat regular shots by Ben Zobrist, Kelly Shoppach and Evan Longoria and a massive blast by Manny Ramirez that went over the berm and the walkway beyond the leftfield fence. "That," on-deck hitter Matt Joyce said, "was sick." … RHP Joel Peralta may have had the most impressive accomplishment, though, beating ex-Ray Carl Crawford to the base for an infield out. … Crawford made a diving catch to end the sixth. … Elliot Johnson stole his seventh base of the spring, and Shoppach stole what he said was his first ever in a big-league uniform. … RHP Andy Sonnanstine was generally pleased with his 81-pitch, 41/3-inning start despite four walks (including Crawford with the bases loaded), saying it was "a big step" in throwing quality changeups.

MISCELLANY: Zobrist got his second spring start at 1B, with plans for more to increase his comfort factor in advance of regular-season duty. … Friday's game drew 7,740, the second sellout of the spring (both vs. Boston).

Times wires
Friday, March 18, 2011

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Tyler Zeller and John Henson scored almost at will inside against an overmatched opponent. Harrison Barnes wasn't bad, either.

Still, amid the career highs and gaudy numbers, there was just enough sloppiness, turnovers and bad 3-point shooting for North Carolina coach Roy Williams.

Zeller scored 32, Henson had 28 points, 11 rebounds and six blocks and Barnes had 24 points and 16 rebounds as North Carolina used its hulking size to mask other problems in a 102-87 victory over scrappy Long Island on Friday.

"Am I pleased about the win? You're darn right," Williams said. "Am I pleased about some of the turnovers? Not at all. Am I pleased about going 3-for-17 from the 3-point line? Not at all. But we have to build on this to be ready to play better in the next game."

Williams also was quick to point out it was good to be back on this stage.

After winning the 2009 NCAA title, North Carolina (27-7) was relegated to the NIT in a 17-loss season. Friday wasn't as easy as expected, but the second-seeded Tar Heels wore down the 15th-seeded Blackbirds.

The 7-foot Zeller and 6-10 Henson consistently turned high passes into layups over LIU to record career highs in points. They combined to hit 22 of 29 free throws. Henson, a graduate of Tampa's Sickles High who entered as a 47 percent free-throw shooter, made 8 of 10.

"We had mismatches inside," Zeller said. "So we just kept throwing it inside, and I got lucky and made some shots."

LIU (27-6), whose tallest starter was 6-7, faded after a 12-0 run tied it with about five minutes left in the first half.

"We don't see size like that. I don't think there are many teams in the country that are that long," coach Jim Ferry said. "We're a team that goes inside a lot and gets fouled. But they had 10 blocked shots. We're just not used to that."

Still, North Carolina was far from sharp despite playing 2½ hours from its campus.

There were the 18 turnovers, the meltdown in the first half, and a hiccup midway through the second when a 21-point lead was cut to 10.

"I think it's one of those things that nobody has played significant minutes in the tournament," said Zeller, one of only two players left from the 2009 team. "It's one of those things that when you get up by 10 or 15 in a regular-season game, they might just go away. But it's their last game, and they're going to keep coming back."

The Blackbirds, the Northeast Conference champions making their first NCAA appearance since 1997, fell to 0-4 in the tournament despite a decent showing in a difficult environment.

"I hope we did prove something," said Jamal Olasewere, who scored 15 to go along with Julian Boyd's team-high 18. "We went out there and played as hard as we could. And we gave North Carolina a fight with them being an ACC team and No. 2 seed. I think we proved a lot even though we lost."

Henson surpassed his career high by halftime with 20 points, and Barnes' late scoring spurt put the Tar Heels up 53-42 at the break. A 7-0 run to start the second half gave the Tar Heels more breathing room. Henson, whose previous career high was 19 points, later scored six straight to make it 66-45 with 16:47 left.

The Tar Heels, however, know, things will get tougher.

"We made some crucial mistakes," Zeller said. "Those are mistakes we can't make in the further rounds."

George Mason 61, 'nova 57: Luke Hancock made a go-ahead 3-pointer with 21 seconds left — "I was kind of hoping and praying," he said — for the eighth-seeded Patriots in Cleveland.

It was the first tournament win for George Mason (27-6) since beating Connecticut to reach the 2006 Final Four. Since then, it qualified for only the 2008 tournament, where it lost to Notre Dame by two in the first round.

"This is our team here; two different years and two different teams," said Mike Morrison, a graduate of St. Petersburg's Lakewood High who slammed home the final basket after Villanova missed its last shot. "We are trying to do what we have to do for ourselves."

The ninth-seeded Wildcats (21-12), once ranked No. 5 in the nation, lost their final six games and failed to get out of the first weekend of the tournament for the second straight season.

"We never expected to go out like this," said guard Corey Stokes, using a towel to dry his eyes. "I'm proud of my teammates. We played our hearts out."

Washington 68, Georgia 65: Isaiah Thomas scored 19 and the seventh-seeded Huskies (24-10) held on in Charlotte. Trey Thompkins had 26 points and 11 rebounds for the 10th-seeded Bulldogs (21-12), who trailed by 10 with two minutes left.

He made a 3-pointer with 5.4 seconds left to make it 67-65, and Georgia fouled C.J. Wilcox with 3.7 left. Wilcox made the first free throw and missed the second.

Jeremy Price got the rebound for the Bulldogs and flung the ball downcourt. Thomas got a hand on the pass, but Travis Leslie scooped up the ball and hoisted a 3-pointer that bounced high off the glass.

Ohio St. 75, Texas-San Antonio 46: Playing in Cleveland, a two-hour drive from their Columbus campus, the top-seeded Buckeyes led by 16 at halftime and by as many as 38 in the second half.

With 12:12 left and Ohio State (33-2) up by 23, coach Thad Matta pulled star freshman Jared Sullinger, who had 11 points and nine rebounds. Moments later, he pulled seniors David Lighty, William Buford and Jon Diebler.

"It's awful hard to beat us when the offensive weapons that we have are all clicking at the same time," Lighty said.

Melvin Johnson scored just five for the 16th-seeded Roadrunners (20-14) after a career-high 29 in Wednesday's first-round win over Alabama State.

"Wow," coach Brooks Thompson said. "They're good. Sullinger, our guys were just bouncing off him. It was pretty comical."

Marquette 66, Xavier 55: Darius Johnson-Odum scored 19 and Jimmy Butler 15 for the 11th-seeded Golden Eagles in Cleveland. Marquette (21-14) led by 13 at halftime then held on the few times the sixth-seeded Musketeers cut the lead to single digits.

After the final buzzer, Marquette coach Buzz Williams stopped in front of the band, gave a satisfied nod as he looked toward his team's fans and soaked in the moment.

"It was a deep, relaxing exhale to be able to go, 'Thanks for coming,' " he said. "I'm glad we get to stay another couple of nights because I know that those people that got here, however they got here, they didn't just come because we were 20-14. They came because of what Marquette means to them."

Xavier (24-8) and Michigan State were the only teams to reach the Sweet 16 in each of the past three tournaments. Tu Holloway, the Atlantic 10 player of the year who entered scoring 20.2 points per game, missed his first seven shots and scored only five.

"I really can't figure it out," he said. "I guess I was just missing shots."

Times wires
Friday, March 18, 2011

The Knights and Buckeyes don't care if no one believes they will stay in the NCAA Tournament for long.

No. 13 seed UCF (22-10) and No. 4 seed Ohio State (22-9) share confidence that comes from overcoming obstacles and fighting for postseason opportunities.

"We trust in our coaches, and we trust the process," UCF junior guard Aisha Patrick said.

The Knights and Buckeyes face off in the first round of the Women's NCAA Tournament today in Columbus, Ohio.

UCF is on an 11-game winning streak and won the Conference USA tournament. Ohio State is on a nine-game winning streak and won the Big Ten tournament.

Knights coach Joi Williams, a former USF player, called a team meeting after the Knights lost 65-58 at East Carolina on Jan. 30, with their record 11-10.

"It got our attention," senior guard D'Nay Daniels said of the meeting. "We knew we had to win February. We pulled together, we focused, we trusted the coaches, and we kept winning games."

The wins didn't always come easy, with the Knights adjusting to losing starting senior point guard Angelica Mealing to a season-ending knee injury.

"We dedicated our season to her and fight harder than we ever would have before," Daniels said. "She inspires us every day."

Williams said the leadership of forward Chelsie Wiley, guard Jelisa Caldwell, forward Leah Paige, Daniels and Mealing helped her team rally to earn an NCAA Tournament bid.

"The seniors really believe in everything that we've talked about — the process that it takes to win," Williams said. "They've bought in and, as a result, the younger kids have really bought into that, too. They played with a big sense of urgency down the stretch."

Meanwhile, Ohio State was 3-5 during a key stretch in January but rallied behind senior leaders, including center Jantel Lavender and guard Brittany Johnson.

"I like being the underdog," Lavender said. "I like the fact that we're in place where we can have some upsets. … I'm just ready to shut some people up and just play hard."

Obama's call: President Barack Obama is staying with defending champion Connecticut to win it all. Obama, filling out a bracket for ESPN, picked the Huskies to beat Baylor for the title. He correctly chose UConn to beat Stanford last season.

WNIT: Florida rolls on

GAINESVILLE — Jordan Jones scored a game-high 18 and Florida held UMBC to four field goals in the second half for a 59-47 win in the first round of the Women's NIT on Friday.

Florida (19-14) used a 20-3 run early in the second half to turn an eight-point deficit into a 51-42 lead with 11:43 left and never trailed again against the Retrievers (20-12).

The Gators play Florida Gulf Coast (28-3) at 7 p.m. Monday in Fort Myers in the second round.

"Obviously we are very pleased to be able to win and play another day," coach Amanda Butler said.

Men's NIT

Colorado 89, Cal 72: Alec Burks scored 25 and Cory Higgins had 22 for the host Buffaloes (23-13), who set a school record for wins and advanced past the second round for the first time since reaching the semifinals in 1991. They play the winner of Sunday's Fairfield-Kent State matchup Tuesday in Boulder.

Information from Times wires was used in this report.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Friday, March 18, 2011

Guest singer note of the day

Joe Maddon has been invited to make a guest singing appearance during Sunday's postgame concert by the B-Street Band. The Bruce Springsteen tribute band is led by childhood buddy Willy Forte, who made the offer during Thursday's show at the Tampa Hard Rock. Maddon, though, doesn't want to and plans no surrender: "I might have to get Johnny Damon to go up there for me."

Real singers note of the day

Country sensation Miranda Lambert (Sept. 24) has been added to the Rays concert series, along with classic rockers REO Speedwagon (April 30) and the pop trio Goo Goo Dolls (Aug. 6). Darius Rucker, the former singer of Hootie and the Blowfish fame, had been announced for May 14.

Charity cut of the day

RHP Wade Davis will join Lightning star Vinny Lecavalier and others in shaving his head to raise money for the Pediatric Cancer Foundation. Davis, who has never gone bald, plans to be shorn atop the dugout after his April 3 home start, hoping to raise $10,000. "It probably won't look good, but that doesn't matter," Davis said. "It'll be good, and hopefully we can raise some money." See tinyurl.com/64o4bsv.

Quote of the day

"We're trying to hide something, and I'm not hiding that we're trying to hide something."

Manager Joe Maddon, on keeping starters David Price and James Shields from pitching against AL East foes Boston and New York

New colors of the day

OF Justin Ruggiano strolled around Friday in an LSU jersey and cap, the result of losing a bet — that he initiated — with SS Reid Brignac over the Cotton Bowl, where LSU beat Ruggiano's Texas A&M squad. "It looks good on him," Brignac said.

Rays at Twins

When/where: 1:05 today; Hammond Stadium, 14100 Six Mile Cypress Parkway, Fort Myers

Radio: 620-AM

Tickets: $13-$39, available by calling 1-800-33TWINS, via twinsbaseball.com and at the stadium.

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

Pitchers: Rays — Wade Davis, Cory Wade, R.J. Swindle, Cesar Cabral; Twins — Nick Blackburn, Kevin Slowey, Jim Hoey

Heads-up

Most of the big names are getting today off, with the lineup featuring SS Reid Brignac, C John Jaso, DH Dan Johnson and 3B Sean Rodriguez.

Who is this Ray?

He was a second-round pick in 2004. He lettered in football and baseball in high school. He has played for 11 teams in the Rays organization, and nine have reached the postseason. He is a frequent user of Twitter. He once dated a Playboy Playmate.

On deck

Sunday: Orioles, 1:05. Rays — Jeff Niemann; Orioles — Brad Bergesen

Monday: Yankees, 7:05. Rays — Jeremy Hellickson; Yankees — Bartolo Colon

Tuesday: at Red Sox (Fort Myers), 7:05. Rays — David Price; Red Sox — TBA

Wednesday: Phillies, 1:05. Rays — TBA; Phillies — TBA

Schedule

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: SS Reid Brignac

Marc Topkin, Times staff writer

Times wires
Friday, March 18, 2011

CHICAGO — Brandon Rozzell led four players in double figures as Virginia Commonwealth made 12 3-pointers to stun Georgetown 74-56 Friday.

Rozzell tied his career high with six 3-pointers and finished with 26 points. Joey Rodriguez had 17 points and seven assists, and Bradford Burgess and Jamie Skeen scored 12.

It is the first time the 11th-seeded Rams (25-11), who beat Southern Cal on Wednesday, have won more than one game in the tournament.

Not even the return of point guard Chris Wright could help the sixth-seeded Hoyas (21-11), who were handed their worst loss in the tournament since a 24-point drubbing by Massachusetts in the 1996 region final. Wright, who broke his left hand Feb. 23 against Cincinnati, scored six on 3-of-13 shooting with just three assists.

VCU's win gave the Colonial Athletic Association a 2-0 sweep Friday of the Big East. Earlier in the day, George Mason beat Villanova.

Kansas 72, Boston 53: Twins Marcus and Markieff Morris combined to score 31 for the top-seeded Jayhawks in Tulsa, Okla.

Kansas (33-2) led only 33-29 at halftime. The Morrises were a combined 5-of-15 from the field while John Holland scored 15 of his 19 for the 16th-seeded Terriers (21-14). He was 6-of-10 from the field, including 3-of-5 on 3-pointers.

The fast start didn't carry over. He missed his first eight shots of the half and finished 1-of-9. Kansas, meanwhile, opened with a 10-3 run to go up 43-32, the Morrises scoring eight. The duo combined to go 7-of-8 from the field in the half.

Soon after, Brady Morningstar, Tyshawn Taylor and Markieff Morris hit 3-pointers on consecutive possessions to make it 58-43.

"I knew (a run) was coming," Boston coach Patrick Chambers said. "That's what they do. They score in bunches."

Kansas shot 62 percent in the half, 51 percent for the game.

"We played tight in the first half," Kansas coach Bill Self said. "Second half, I thought we loosened up a little bit offensively."

Notre Dame 69, Akron 56: Up 34-30, the second-seeded Irish scored the first nine of the second half in Chicago.

Ben Hansbrough, the Big East player of the year, scored 15 while making just 4 of 11 shots from the field for Notre Dame (27-6). But he made all six of his free throws and added six assists in his first game since shooting 3-of-16 in a Big East semifinal loss to Louisville.

"I thought he forced plays at times in the first half," Irish coach Mike Brey said. "In the second half, his decision-making was excellent, and it helped us flow."

The 15th-seeded Zips (23-13) shot only 35.9 percent, including missing its first eight shots of the second half. And 7-foot center Zeke Marshall was 2-for-13 from the floor.

"We just couldn't put enough baskets together on a continuous basis to win," coach Keith Dambrot said. "That's what a mid-major has to do to beat a major with a seed that high. You have to shoot the ball better than that. We felt like we got good shots even from the outside that just didn't go in."

Purdue 65, St. Peter's 43: JuJuan Johnson had 16 points and 16 rebounds in Chicago for the third-seeded Boilermakers, who have won their past 13 openers.

"Johnson's awesome. I mean, he's good," said John Dunne, coach of the 14th-seeded Peacocks (10-14). "You almost can't double-team him because all his shots are little fadeaways. And he makes them even when he's double-teamed."

Johnson's dunk off an alley-oop inbound pass highlighted a 9-0 run that put Purdue (26-7) up 15-4. And up 33-17, it scored the first seven of the second half.

The Boilermakers had been faltering, losing their regular-season finale at Iowa then getting blown out by Michigan State in their first Big Ten tournament game. But they were ready Friday.

"It's huge. After Michigan State, a lot of people might've counted us out," Johnson said. "But our team was confident in our abilities."

Illinois 73, UNLV 62: Mike Davis tied a season high with 22 points and added 10 rebounds for the ninth-seeded Illini in Tulsa. Illinois (20-13), which entered 6-10 in its previous 16 games, took control with an early 15-0 run and was up 46-24 at halftime.

"We always talk about it. It's not what you do at the beginning of the year. It's about what you do now," said Demetri McCamey, who had 17 points and seven assists for Illinois. "Everybody will forget about what you did at the beginning of the season or the Big Ten season if you go out and win in March."

Illinois led by double digits throughout the second half against the eighth-seeded Rebels (24-9).

"It's disappointing for the guys because they played really well in the last month especially and were doing the things they needed to do to create the opportunity to be here," UNLV coach Lon Kruger said. "To play like that in the first half, everyone was disappointed for sure."

Chris Girandola, Times Correspondent
Saturday, March 19, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG — The Pinellas-Hillsborough County girls game took on a playoff atmosphere at Eckerd College on Friday as the contest went into overtime for the first time in its 12-year history. In the end, Boca Ciega's Tamara Taylor scored four of her game-high 36 in the second overtime as Pinellas outscored Hillsborough in the final frame 10-4 to earn a 109-103 victory.

"I told the rest of the girls to bring it, and we did," said Taylor, who garnered MVP honors in last week's FACA all-star game in Ocala. "It was pretty special to end my high school career with all these other great players."

The game was a back-and-forth affair until Pinellas took a 90-84 lead with a minute and a half left before Hillsborough fought back to tie the game with 15 seconds left in regulation.

In the first overtime, the Pinellas team held a 99-97 lead with less than 30 seconds left when Jefferson's Laurie' Beaty stole the ball and went coast-to-coast for a tying layup. Beaty then came up with another steal and eventually drew a foul with .4 seconds left.

Beaty missed both attempts as the game went into the second overtime. She scored the first two points in the second extra period to give Hillsborough a lead but fouled out on the next possession in which Osceola's Hannah Demarest (21 points) made two free throws to tie.

After Durant's Taylor Broadnax (22 points) made a jumper on Hillsborough's next possession, Demarest hit a jumper in the lane to start an 8-0 run.

Indian Rocks Christian's Rachel Burnett scored 14 and Lakewood's Taye'lor Trotter had 10 as the other double-figure scorers for Pinellas.

The Hillsborough County boys all-star team came fully loaded to the all-star game against a Pinellas County team missing five all-stars that most likely would have made a different in Hillsborough's 132-108 rout of Pinellas.

But the ones who were in attendance for Hillsborough put on a highlight-reel show as Durant's Andre Nation scored 25, Sickles' Rashawn Rembert had 20 and Newsome's Trent Mackey had 19.

"We came out to have fun, but at the same time, you want to compete," said Nation, who won the slam dunk contest.

Wharton's Xavier Owens had 14 points as the only other player in double figures for Hills­borough.

The Gibbs' twin brothers of Deion (25 points) and Devante Miley (18 points) led the Pinellas team in scoring. Tarpon's C.J. Bargman had 11 points as the other player in double figures.

Lauren Burg, Times Correspondent
Saturday, March 19, 2011

CLEARWATER — Countryside had only seven wins last season and no more than 13 in Kemo O'Sullivan's coaching tenure.

But after Friday's 7-6 win over St. Petersburg Catholic, the Cougars have a better chance at eclipsing that 13-win mark.

"It's nice to be above .500. It's for the morale of the team," O'Sullivan said.

The Cougars (9-4) took the lead for good in the fifth inning thanks to a couple of errors by the Barons. Dalton Martinez got a hit and advanced to second on a throwing error that also sent Brenden Hewitt to third, and rightfielder Dominic Monda drove them in with a double.

The Cougars took a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the first after pitcher Eric Russell got out of the top half. It started when second baseman Brad Dunham's sacrifice fly drove in Monda. Russell's bunt single drove in Kiefer Sullivan and Jake Mielock's single scored Russell.

The Barons made it 3-2 in the third. After allowing one run in the bottom of the inning, they took advantage of a rough beginning for Cougar relief pitcher Monda, driving in three runs in the fourth off an RBI single by Dakota Sarafin, which scored both Jacob McFadden and Corey Baptist, along with a double from Justin Tedder to score Max Geller.

Monda recovered to pitch the rest of the game, only allowing one run off of a couple of his own errors in the seventh.

That proved to be just enough as a double play with the tying run in scoring position ended the game.

By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, March 19, 2011

TAMPA — Brandon Knight may become Kentucky's latest one-and-done freshman, but not before the Wildcats' shooting star blazes his own trail through the NCAA Tournament.

Two days after his only made basket beat the buzzer and Princeton, Knight scored a career-high 30 Saturday to lead Kentucky back to the round of 16 with a 71-63 win over fifth-seeded West Virginia.

After missing his first seven shots against Princeton before hitting the winner with two seconds left, Knight pulled the trigger early and often in the third-round game against the Mountaineers.

He made his first three shots, including two behind the 3-point arc, despite being admittedly anxious before the game.

"Definitely for me, I feel a lot more anxiety, especially coming into today's game, not playing so well (Thursday)," Knight said.

Knight not only atoned for that performance but also avenged the Wildcats' loss to West Virginia in the Elite Eight last year.

Fourth-seeded Kentucky (27-8) advanced to the East Region semifinals against either No. 1 seed Ohio State or eighth-seeded George Mason.

Knight helped the Wildcats crawl back into the game with an 11-0 run to start the second half and made six free throws down the stretch to preserve the win.

Center Josh Harrellson had 15 points and eight rebounds for Kentucky, which trailed West Virginia 41-33 at halftime.

Knight's performance, on the heels of his worst shooting game of the season in which he attempted a career-low eight field goals, did not surprise Kentucky coach John Calipari.

"He is a terrific player and an unbelievable person. … All the players I've coached, and I had guys that would live in the practice facility, literally, I've never seen a guy with this kid's work ethic," said Calipari, who had one-and-done freshmen such as Derrick Rose at the University of Memphis and John Wall at Kentucky, both No. 1 overall picks in the NBA.

"His focus is on where are my weak areas, and he goes after them. I've had a couple. One (Rose) is the MVP of the NBA. … Anytime you spend that kind of time, you expect good things to happen."

It was just the second win for Calipari over West Virginia coach Bob Huggins, who owned an 8-1 advantage before Saturday's game.

Senior guard Joe Mazzulla led the Mountaineers with 20 points. But only five of those came after halftime when the Wildcats made a defensive switch by putting Deandre Liggins on him.

"We just got all balled up again," Huggins said. "When we stayed spread, we had a better chance. We just got — we didn't get wide enough. And when you start creeping in, your defense creeps in. … We just get swallowed up with size if we don't spread people."

Knight did not win Saturday's game alone. He got help from fellow freshman Terrence Jones, who had 12 points and 10 rebounds.

"There's a reason why everybody recruits those guys," Huggins said. "They're pretty good."

Much has been made of Kentucky's inexperience and particularly Calipari's reliance on freshmen who enter the NBA after only one season.

"I think things happen, an inexperienced team is at a disadvantage," Calipari said. "But if the choice is talent or experience, I'm taking talent. Then you can blame me for us not winning. But I'm taking talent."

By Rodney Page, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, March 19, 2011

PALM HARBOR — At 30 years old and with all of two PGA Tour victories on his resume, Justin Rose is the wily veteran on top of a crowded Transitions Champion­ship leaderboard.

Rose fired a second-straight 6-under 65 Saturday for a three-round total of 13-under 200.

The Englishman held a one-shot lead over Webb Simpson (67) and Zimbabwe's Brendon de Jonge (66). Scott Stallings (66) and Gary Woodland (67) were two back.

Nick Watney (65), Brandt Snedeker (67) and second-round co-leaders Garrett Willis (70) and Chris Couch (70) closed three shots back.

With 14 players within five shots of the lead and with another day of ideal conditions forecast, today's final round should be a sprint to the finish. But there isn't a lot of experience chasing Rose.

While Watney won last week's WGC-Cadillac Championship at Doral, the four players within two shots are winless on the PGA Tour. Rose won twice on the tour last year and has six international victories.

Rose said he feels less pressure being in contention on Sunday now that he has a few wins.

"It's nice because every time you get in contention now, you don't have to field the question of whether this is going to be the time you break through," Rose said. "When you do deal with those questions, it makes getting into contention early in the week a very long week. It's nice to not have to fend that one off."

Rose got into contention by scorching the front nine in 31. He opened with birdie on No. 1 then rattled off four straight birdies on Nos. 4-7. His only back-nine birdie came on No. 18 when he made a 6-footer to cap a bogey-free round.

"The first 27 holes of the tournament I had to be really patient," Rose said. "I knew I was playing well, but I wasn't getting much out of it. Obviously the next combined 18 holes went pretty hot. I had to be patient on the last nine holes, but this is a course that it's easy to be patient on."

De Jonge worked his way up the leaderboard with a bogey-free round as well. He started the day two shots off the lead and got to within a shot thanks to a hot back nine. De Jonge, 30, birdied the 10th and 11th holes and ended his day with birdie at 18. He has shot two straight 66s.

Like Rose, de Jonge has been in position to win. Unlike Rose, he has not finished the deal.

"I think looking back on past experiences will help," de Jonge said. "Just what I've learned from playing in the last group and having been around the lead in previous occasions will help. I'm just going to take that and try to stay within myself."

Simpson, 25, has been on the PGA Tour full time since only 2009. His best finish was a tie for fourth. He managed to hang around Saturday despite two bogeys on the back nine. He rallied with birdies on Nos. 16 and 17.

"This is what we dream about and practice for," Simpson said. "To have a chance on Sunday. I'm looking forward to the challenge."

They are all looking up at Rose. His best PGA finish this year was a tie for ninth at the Northern Trust Open.

And Rose has had a whirlwind two weeks. After playing in the WGC tournament at Doral, he played in the Tavistock Cup on Monday and Tuesday in Orlando before coming to Innisbrook.

His plan for today is to take things as they come.

"My goal is to be as good as I can be," Rose said. "If that means I shoot 65 and win by five, then that's a good day. And if it means that I have to gut it out and be as good as I can be on a scratchy day and win by one, I'm fine with that. I don't know what (today) holds."

Derek J. LaRiviere, Times Correspondent
Saturday, March 19, 2011

Wrestler of the Year | Richie Bliss, Sr., Springstead (46-1)

There aren't many wrestlers in this area who have been more dominant over their careers than Bliss. With 139 wins and 106 pins in his three years competing at the varsity level, he made an indelible mark at Springstead, breaking the school's all-time pins record among others. Most impressive accomplishment: By defeating Harmony's Ariel Dominguez via technical fall in the 103-pound championship match, Bliss became the second North Suncoast wrestler to win three state titles, following Hernando's Addison Chipoletti (2003-05). The lightweight was more focused than ever this season, training in the offseason and preparing for a potential collegiate career. Did you know? Bliss holds the record for the fastest pin in state history. Against Pasco's Kevin Tipton in the first round of the 2009 Brandon Ippolito Invitational, he racked up a pin in only four seconds. According to the WUSA website, the national record at 103 pounds is held by Travis Sullivan of Monticello (Ky.) Wayne County, who pinned an opponent in 3.2 seconds on Feb. 2, 2006.

First team

103: Anthony Agazarm, Fr., Gulf, 51-12: Qualified for state in his first varsity year; though he lost in the Sunshine Athletic Conference final to Fivay's Chris Sorrick, he outlasted his rival when it mattered: with a trip to Lakeland on the line.

112: Jordan Rivera, Fr., Springstead, 44-9: The most successful freshman in the state this season in Class 2A, and the best in school history with his third-place showing. Also broke the program record for first-year wins set by Cody Ross (43).

119: Robbie Monsegur, Sr., Central, 28-5: One season after Central failed to qualify anyone for state, Monsegur notched a Class 2A first-round win in Lakeland as the lone North Suncoast wrestler in his weight class.

125: Sean Redman, Jr., Springstead, 31-8: “Buddha," as his teammates call him, could be inconsistent, but pulled it all together for his first state qualifying run.

130: Virgil Toms, Sr., Springstead, 46-3: One season after breaking through for his first state crown, Toms defended his title. Confidence was key all season as he pushed Class 3A champ Brandon's Rossi Bruno to overtime and beat the Class A champ, Gulf's Anthony Ayers, twice.

135: Nick Soto, Sr., Springstead, 50-2: The Times' Wrestler of the Year last season won his second straight state crown. The multiple All-American is on his way to the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga in the fall.

140: Cody Ross, Jr., Springstead, 49-1: Before he graduates, Ross could break most of the school records. He can tie Bliss with three state titles next year, and with 142 wins, he needs only 20 to reach Matt Booker's school record (162).

145: Sammy Colon, Sr., Springstead, 34-12: A broken hand kept Colon from reaching state; for the second season in a row the region qualifier was one match away.

152: Shawn Landgraff, Sr., Springstead, 49-3: Every year Landgraff improved, coming home with state gold in his final season.

160: R.J. O'Connor, Sr., Gulf, 60-4: Many questioned his ability to jump from 135 pounds to 160 as a senior, but O'Connor placed third at state in Class A.

171: Ladarious Jackson, Sr., Gulf, 50-0: With a vow to go undefeated at the beginning of the season, an emotional Jackson came through and won a second state title, cementing his spot as the most successful wrestler in school history.

189: Andrew Herr, Sr., River Ridge, 40-7: Injuries hindered Herr toward the end of the season, but he made a solid run toward Lakeland, finishing fifth in Class 2A at state.

215: Mike Hahn, Jr., Fivay, 38-5: Hahn won the SAC and district titles, then placed fourth at regionals. He seemed at home in Lakeland, coming in fourth to become the Falcons' first state placer.

285: John Dreggors, Jr., Springstead, 45-2: Ranked No. 1 in the state among heavyweights all season, only a tough loss to North Marion's Matt Pringle kept him from gold.

Second team

103: Chris Sorrick, Sr., Anclote, 41-9

112: J.P. Gamez, Jr., Pasco, 59-10

119: Sean Speer, So., Fivay, 46-5

125: Jesse Barker, So., Fivay, 27-14

130: Anthony Ayers, Sr., Gulf, 62-2

135: Carter Bolesta, Jr., Nature Coast, 47-17

140: Jared Young, Jr., Hernando, 42-11

145: Derek Wertheim, Sr., Mitchell, 46-5

152: Nick Popolillo, Jr., Wesley Chapel, 37-7

160: Thomas Gupton, Jr., Springstead, 43-14

171: Zach Pritz, Jr., Hernando, 48-6

189: Friday Karr, Sr., Gulf, 45-11

215: Zack Jordan, So., Pasco, 24-8

285: Jeff Kruse, Jr., Gulf, 55-6

Honorable mention

Central: Puerto Rico Nieves (160); Gulf: Forrest Swartsel (119), Austin Hayes (152); Nature Coast: Tyler Forand (112), Carlos Carrasquillo (171); Springstead: Steven Pavao (119); Sunlake: John Ortiz (112); Wiregrass Ranch: David Hill (125), Dylan Koesling (130), Elliot Morales (140)

Coach of the Year

Eric Swensen, Springstead: One season after crowning the most individual state champions in program history with five, Swensen lost one of those winners and still equaled that total to win Springstead's first state title. Joined by assistant Sal Basile, the lineups they put on the mat rewrite the record books every season.

Derek J. LaRiviere, Times Correspondent
Saturday, March 19, 2011

First team

103: Dylan Lucas, 8th, Tampa Bay Christian, 37-2. Just like James Flint did last year for the Rams, Lucas earned gold at 103 and will move on to Brandon.

112: James Flint, Fr., Brandon, 50-5. With a state title in middle school and one in his first season as an Eagle, this lightweight has a promising future.

119: Damen Patisaul, Jr., Strawberry Crest, 46-8. Only county wrestler to place in Lakeland in his weight class, coming in sixth in Class A after being dropped from the top bracket by eventual champion Fox Baldwin of Lake Highland Prep.

125: Kevin Norstrem, So., Brandon, 63-0. With an 11-1 major decision in the championship for his third title, Norstrem left no doubt as to his dominance this season.

130: Eric Franklin, Jr., Spoto, 44-9. With only one loss at state — to Gulf's Anthony Ayers, who defended his title — Franklin is one to watch next year.

135: Tyler Liberatore, Sr., Brandon, 50-0. Two-time state champion ended his prep career with two falls and two major decisions at Lakeland.

140: Brice Jones, Jr., Brandon, 48-17. Earned a fifth-place finish in his first state trip as part of the Eagles' lineup.

145: Travis Berridge, So., Brandon, 57-10. Berridge was involved in possibly the match of the state tournament with Osceola Kissimmee's Pete Baldwin in the final, falling on a 6-3 decision.

152: Anthony Cimino, Sr., Jesuit, 37-7. Consistently one of the Tigers' better competitors; in his final season, shined on his way to state bronze.

160: Wally Figaro, Sr., Brandon, 64-2. A 12-5 decision over Douglas' Vinny Jiovenneta finally landed Figaro a state title after a fourth-place finish and two thirds in previous years.

171: Kyle Koziel, Jr., Brandon, 62-1. Avenging his 2010 finals loss, Koziel won a convincing 9-2 decision over Miami Palmetto's Justin Cook.

189: Mike Ettore, Sr., Brandon, 65-2. Won a state title as a freshman in Class 2A, but 3A wasn't as kind. Last season, he lost in the finals and this season placed third in Lakeland.

215: Ben Richards, Jr., Hillsborough, 40-6. Second-highest placing underclassman in his weight class; fifth-place finish was his first time placing at state.

285: Joe Dudley, Sr., Brandon, 46-21. In his lone season as starting heavyweight, county champion helped the Eagles send 14 to state.

Second team

103: Abe Fernandez, Sr., Strawberry Crest, 42-6

112: Chase Singletary, 6th, Tampa Bay Chr., 37-10

119: Victor Fugate, So., Brandon, 55-12

125: Christian Dominguez, Jr., Jesuit, 37-9

130: Dakota Greene, 8th, Tampa Bay Chr., 34-10

135: Eric Bach, Jr., Tampa Prep, 40-9

140: Josh Fulford, Sr., Steinbrenner, 55-6

145: Kaylab Phillips, Jr., Lennard, 26-3

152: Tyler Dutrieux, Jr., Armwood 35-15

160: Chris Padilla, Sr., Robinson, 48-9

171: Gilbert Stokes, Sr., Durant, 40-13

189: Kenny Rach, Sr., Bloomingdale, 49-14

215: Lorenzo Martinez, Sr., Brandon, 49-10

285: Greg Tomlin, Jr., Berkeley Prep, 16-11

Honorable mention

Alonso: Lucas Fitzer (125); Bloomingdale: Skip Reagor (135); Brandon: Devan Berrian (103); Chamberlain: Sha'Von Flowers (103), Audrick Barr (125), Roger Phillips (130), Brandon Dorney (171); Durant: Chase Haley (119), Keith Watford (160); East Bay: Nissan Anderson (145); Freedom: Trey Lawson (160), Andrew Ford (189); Jesuit: Wyatt Roop (112), Kyle Walker (160); King: Jacob Wasserman (103); Lennard: Ernest Antoine (103), Calvin Rabney (130); Plant City: William Joyce (112), Matt Benton (130); Robinson: Wilfredo Sierra (112); Spoto: James Aikman (135); Steinbrenner: Austin Hanold (103), Tyler Reed (171), Ryon Keith (189); Strawberry Crest: Kris O'Brien (189)

Coach of the Year Russ Cozart, Brandon

In winning the program's 22nd state title, Cozart continued to cement his reputation as a legend in the sport. All 14 of his varsity wrestlers qualified for state, giving the team a leg up as the Eagles won their 11th straight crown. Cozart has been leading Brandon for 31 years and shows no signs of slowing down.

Co-wrestlers of the Year

Rossi Bruno, Jr., Brandon (63-2)

Why we picked him: Bruno has more achievements on the mat than some entire programs, and he still has one season left. Struggling with the flu in the region finals, he was upset by Palm Harbor University's Aaron Hartman in the 130-pound class for only the third loss of his high school career. A week later, he dominated Hartman in the Class 3A state finals for a 5-1 victory and his fourth gold medal. Most impressive accomplishment: Starting with his first win as an eighth-grader at Tampa Bay Christian, Bruno is accustomed to success. Four state titles is a Florida High School Athletic Association record, shared with 11 other wrestlers. Bruno and teammate Clark Glass, however, return next season with a chance for a fifth title. Did you know? Bruno is a multiple All-American and was the national champion at the 2007 USA Wrestling Cadets Folkstyle Championships at Cedar Falls, Iowa; the 2006 Junior Olympics Championships in Oklahoma City; and the 2006 Asics Dixie Nationals in Duluth, Ga.

Clark Glass, Jr., Brandon (65-1)

Why we picked him: Glass bumped up to the 152-pound class this season and took his intensity to a new level. He pinned George Jenkins' Jacob Moskowitz in 3:46 for his fourth state title. Most impressive accomplishment: Glass has 263 wins since his first year wrestling as a seventh-grader at Tampa Bay Christian, the year before Bruno (227) started competing there as well. Did you know? Glass has been named to many All-America lists while winning national titles at the 2007 Dixie Nationals in Atlanta; the 2006 USA Wrestling Greco-Roman Nationals in Green Bay, Wis.; the 2006 Liberty Nationals in Kansas City, Mo.; and the 21st annual Brute Bowl Classic in Dallas. He also won the Most Outstanding Wrestling award at the 2006 Big Horn Asics Nationals in Loveland, Colo.

Andy Villamarzo, Times Correspondent
Saturday, March 19, 2011

First team

103: De'Jhaun Monroe, Jr., Boca Ciega, 33-5: Runnerup at conference, state qualifier in Class 2A.

112: Patrick Brown, So., East Lake, n/a: Runnerup at conference, state qualifier in 3A.

119: Ryan Hartman, Sr., Countryside, 35-5: Conference champion, placed third at state in 3A.

125: Brian Travis, Sr., Northside Christian, 45-3: State runnerup in Class A.

130: Aaron Hartman, Fr., Palm Harbor University, 22-3: Runnerup in Class 3A to Brandon's Bruno Rossi, a four-time state champion.

135: Clarence Longley, Sr., Largo, 43-4: Finished in Class 2A, losing to eventual state champion Nick Soto of Springstead.

140: Anthony Melillo, Sr., Northside Christian, 44-4: Topped Clay's Jason Wojcik for Class A state crown.

145: Josh Jeffries, Sr., Largo, 44-6: Sixth at Class 2A state meet.

152: Chris Johnson, Sr., Largo, 36-6: Capped a solid season as state runnerup in Class 2A, falling to Springstead's Shawn Landgraff.

160: Charles McDaniel, Sr., Countryside, 40-9: Fifth at Class 3A state meet.

171: Mike Hogan, Sr., Dunedin, 51-5: Conference champion, state qualifier.

189: David Vogheny, Jr., Largo, 39-8: Conference champion, state qualifier.

215: Jared Stippert, Sr., Palm Harbor University, 37-5: Conference champion, third at Class 3A state meet.

285 Shane Haller, Sr., Osceola, 30-4: Conference champion, state qualifier.

Second team

103: Jared Ballew, So., Largo, 30-12

112: Shaun Shakoor, Sr., Dunedin, 44-4

119: Marty Milne, Sr., CC Catholic, 35-11

125: Dana Harrington, Jr., Dixie Hollins, 38-4

130: Dryden Dennis, Jr., Northside Christian, 40-9

135: James Bueno, Sr., Dixie Hollins, 27-13

140: Cody McKinnon, Sr., Largo, 46-6

145: Cliff Barker, Sr., Northside Christian, 14-5

152: Zane May, Sr., Northside Christian, 36-10

160: Kyle Goodnow, Jr., Dunedin, 46-5

171: Nick Orgera, Sr., Palm Harbor University, 36-12

189: Justin Lewandowski, Sr., Clearwater Central Catholic, 39-9

215: Kevin Kitchen, Sr., Countryside, 16-7

285: Ryan Johnson, Sr., Countryside, 26-13

Honorable mention

Admiral Farragut: Blaine Ward (215), Dontae McGee (140); Clearwater Central Catholic: Jordan Christopher (125); Dunedin: Austin Prince (140), RJ Luth (215); East Lake: Dylan Gouletas (145); Lakewood: Kenny Price (171); Northside Christian: Jason Piquette (160); Osceola: Jonathan Gille (160), Matthew Dixon (140), Jarred Willet (215); Palm Harbor University: Mike May (103)

Coach of the Year Jeremy Frioud, Largo

Frioud knew he had a good squad this season and helped squeeze out the Packers' potential, leading them to their first conference crown and qualifying five for state.

Wrestler of the Year | Dalton Dennis, Sr., Northside Christian, 46-2

Why we picked him: It was only fitting that the senior capped off his stellar prep wrestling career by winning his second straight Class A state title, this time in the 135-pound weight class. Dennis turned in a dominating performance in the final, getting a 9-2 decision over Tampa Prep's Eric Bach. Most impressive accomplishment: Claiming back-to-back titles in different weight classes; Dennis won last season at 125. The 135-pounder compiled a 91-4 record over the past two seasons. Did you know? Dennis will wrestle at the University of Oklahoma, picking the Sooners over offers from Cornell, Campbell, Duke, Liberty and Stanford. Oklahoma always had the edge as Dennis' brother, Dillon, who won a state title in '09 in the 140-pound class, wrestles for the Sooners.

By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, March 19, 2011

TAMPA — Erving Walker was a freshman shooting guard in 2009 when he left the floor at the St. Pete Times Forum in tears after his desperation final shot was blocked in a second-round SEC tournament game against Auburn.

The loss ended any hope the Gators had of making the NCAA Tournament that season.

Fast forward two years — to Saturday afternoon and the Gators' third-round NCAA Tournament game against storied UCLA.

Florida needed Walker again. And this time, he didn't let his team down.

Walker scored 10 of Florida's final 12, including four consecutive clutch free throws to help the No. 2-seeded Gators to a 73-65 victory over No. 7 UCLA in front of 17,771 at the St. Pete Times Forum.

Florida (28-7) advances to play BYU on Thursday in New Orleans in a Southeast Region semifinal. It will be the Gators' seventh Sweet 16 appearance and fifth under coach Billy Donovan. It was UF's third victory in three meetings against the Bruins.

With the Gators holding precariously to a 66-65 lead after UCLA's Tyler Honeycutt hit a 3-pointer with 2:34 remaining, Walker took over. He scored the Gators' final seven, the only player on either team to score in the final 1:14 of the game.

"He really played well," Donovan said.

"I thought he was out of sorts a little bit in the first half. He had a couple plays where he took a bad 3 and then he had a drive that got blocked, and both those plays led to free throws and fouls for our frontcourt. I was pretty hard on him during the game and at halftime because I really felt like he was going to need to step up, not so much making shots but just when he's got his engine running and he's got that fire and that passion, I think it changes the complexion of our team and opens up things for other guys on our team."

And it wasn't just the fact that Walker was making shots. It was how. His game-high 21 points included using his 5-foot-8 frame to drive the lane into UCLA's 6-10, 320-pound freshman center Josh Smith — and as Walker crashed to the floor from Smith's stomach, his floater went in. And it included a 3-pointer off an inbounds pass from Scottie Wilbekin in which he dribbled while looking out of the corner of his eye before hitting the shot that gave UF a 69-65 lead.

"For him to drive on a guy like Smith that's 6-10 and 300-some pounds and still get the shot off and make it, that's a great momentum changer for Erv and for the team," senior center Vernon Macklin said. "How many players do you see who can do that? He's 5-8 and he plays like he's 6-7 if you ask me. He's a great player, and he's relentless. I think he has one of the biggest hearts on the team."

UCLA (23-11) trailed by two at halftime but outscored Florida 10-6 in the first four minutes of the second half to take a 43-41 lead with 15:34 remaining in the game.

From there, the two battled back and forth, with neither leading by more than four until late in the game. Florida shot 50 percent from the field for the 10th time this season.

"I was really proud of the way we played today," UCLA coach Ben Howland said. "We gave ourselves a great chance there, down one with 40-some seconds to go, and went for a long steal, we missed, and the little guy played great down the stretch for them, Walker, burned us with it. He really did a great job down the stretch for their team. You know, we were right there, and the thing was going back and forth a lot there late in the game."

After the game, Walker was asked if he has any nicknames. Told that his teammate Kenny Boynton suggested "Big Shot, Erv," Walker responded: "I had a couple, but we can just go with what Kenny said. I like that one."

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

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, March 19, 2011

FORT MYERS — Saturday turned out to be a rough day for the Rays.

No. 3 starter RHP Wade Davis, bothered by effects of the flu, got hit around in the 9-2 loss to the Twins, allowing eight runs on nine hits and two walks while failing to get through four innings.

And C John Jaso got hit hard by a foul tip, well, where no man wants to get hit, and had to leave in considerable discomfort, officially diagnosed with a bruise and listed as day to day.

Davis was scratched from his Wednesday start and said he didn't feel comfortable and was getting dehydrated during his 83-pitch (49 strike), 31/3-inning outing.

"It wasn't good at all; I've got to get better," Davis said. "I wouldn't say I was wild (Saturday), just missing over the plate a little bit. I felt good physically; I was under control. It's been a while since I'd thrown, so I was a little erratic in my release point. … Everything was kind of weird. … And falling on my face doesn't really help my confidence, either."

Manager Joe Maddon said Davis' velocity and curveball were good but his command was noticeably off. "We've just got to get him back over the plate," Maddon said.

Jaso was struck squarely by a Jim Thome foul tip in the fourth inning and tried for several minutes to walk it off, but the pain was obvious, and Maddon took him by the arm and led him to the dugout.

"I could tell he was hurting," Maddon said.

Several teammates, who had a clear view of impact, said they felt for Jaso — to a degree. "That's one pain I don't want to feel," Dan Johnson said. "I think everybody gasped and went, 'Oh, no.' But he wore it like a champ, and he wanted to stay in."

First at first: Nonroster 1B Casey Kotchman added his first homer to what has been a stellar spring — hitting .395 with a team-high 15 hits in addition to the expected flashy defense — but Maddon made it clear that Johnson remains the leading, if not likely, man for the job.

"Just being honest, Johnson has the inside edge, there's no question," Maddon said. "Kotch is doing a great job, and he's making this whole thought process a little bit more difficult. But you have to look at what Danny did for us last year, the last couple years, and you have to consider that strongly. … So it's a nice problem for us to have right now, but as we move forward, I've got to admit, Danny is the incumbent."

Though Johnson hit only .198 in 40 games for the Rays last season (after hitting .303 with 30 homers and 95 RBIs in 98 games for Triple-A Durham), Maddon said the quality of his at-bats, walk rate and frequency of extra-base hits are all positives.

Maddon said it would be "very difficult" to keep Kotchman and Johnson. If Kotchman doesn't make the team, he's expected to go to Durham unless another team offers a big-league job.

Game details: The Rays (9-11-1) got within 5-2 on Kotchman's two-run homer in the fourth but no closer. … RHP Cory Wade, an outside candidate for a bullpen job, gave up a three-run homer to former Ray Delmon Young. … Sean Rodriguez worked at third, as he did in a minor-league game Friday. … SS Reid Brignac had two hits, raising his average to .407.

Miscellany: Tickets remain for Monday's game vs. the Yankees; stadium lots will open at 3 and gates at 4 to ease congestion. … The B-Street Band, a Bruce Springsteen tribute band, will perform a free concert after today's game.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, March 19, 2011

PORT CHARLOTTE

Aubrey Huff might have been the wrong man at the wrong time, but he had the right perspective on his assignment as the Rays' designated hitter.

"Best job in the world," Huff said, and often. "Sit around and hit four times."

But for the better part of the Rays' 13-season existence, there has been a lot more designating than hitting.

They've tried 102 of them, from Abernathy (Brent, who was 1-for-1 his lone shot) to Zobrist (Ben, who was 4-for-8 in three games). And, aside from Jose Canseco's 31-homer first half of 1999, few have done very well.

Going by the simple measure of OPS — on-base percentage plus slugging percentage — Rays DHs have been the least productive in baseball since the team started play in 1998, with a .750 OPS that is nearly 50 points below the league average.

The kick is that the job seems to be attractive: good pay (an average salary of $7.5 million in 2010, third highest of position), decent hours, light duty, cool benefits.

"DH-ing is easy for me," new Ray Johnny Damon said. "You can almost take it as a day off."

So why have the Rays had such a hard time finding the right man to fill it?

"I can't answer that question," Rays executive vice president Andrew Friedman said. "You would think that it would be the most fungible position, but we've just really struggled with it.

"I think part of it is that for a smaller revenue team, it's even more difficult because on average it's among the highest-paid positions in baseball. So that automatically puts us at a competitive disadvantage. We've tried to get creative to fill it, and we haven't done very well the past couple years."

Going back to their beginnings, creative might be a kind word.

The Rays have tried all kinds, from the big lugs such as Paul Sorrento and Bubba Trammell, to the big names such as Greg Vaughn and Fred McGriff, to the big busts, where Pat Burrell stands alone. They've tried bit players, young up-and-comers and several on the way out.

And in between?

A Jonny (Gomes) and two Johns (Flaherty and Jaso).

Two Bens (Grieve and Zobrist), Gabes (Gross and Kapler), Gregs (Norton and Vaughn), Jasons (Bartlett and Tyner), Joses (Canseco and Guillen), Joshes (Paul and Phelps) and Matts (Diaz and Joyce).

A Geoff (Blum) and a Jeff (Liefer). A Joe (Dillon), a Joey (Gathright) and a Joel (Guzman). A Damon (Hollins), a Damian (Rolls) and a Damion (Easley). Plus a Brook (Fordyce), a Kelly (Shoppach), a Michel (Hernandez), a Randy (Winn), a Terry (Shumpert), a Toby (Hall).

And now the Rays are going to hope Manny can be the man.

Overall, Manny Ramirez, 38, is considered one of the best hitters of his era, if not all time. But as a designated hitter? Maybe not so much.

Ramirez's numbers as a DH aren't bad — certainly better than anyone the Rays have had — with a .311 average in 323 games, 71 homers, 233 RBIs and a .968 OPS. But he hasn't done it much recently — 87 games in 2001 and 50 in 2002, then 93 games total until his final 21 of last season when claimed by the White Sox — and never on the somewhat full-time basis the Rays plan.

"I don't know," Ramirez said. "We'll see at the end of the year. It's something new; I haven't done it before."

David Ortiz, Ramirez's friend and former Boston teammate who is one of the game's best DHs, has some doubts.

"I don't know," Ortiz told ESPNBoston.com. "Manny's mind changed a lot — remember he tried to DH once, he was like 0-for-10, he was like, 'Bleep this.' But he's older now. His body has to get adjusted to that."

The Rays are hoping — as they did with Burrell and found out $16 million later otherwise — that Ramirez can make the adjustment, most important to the idle time between at-bats, without the mind-easing distraction of playing in the field.

"It's the silence between the notes that creates the music," Rays manager Joe Maddon said. "There's all this down time you have to know what to do with. That's really where the problem lies, guys just not knowing what to do with the time."

Some spend their time in the batting cage or watching video or riding an exercise bike. Burrell got so desperate last year that he said he'd stand in the cage as if he were playing defense and mimic the movements of the outfielders.

Dan Johnson said he learned early in his career from Frank Thomas that the most important thing was to relax and take his mind off his previous at-bats — so after each at-bat he'll often head back to the clubhouse, sit in front of his locker and work a crossword puzzle.

"I try to take my mind off the game in any possible way," Johnson said.

Ramirez said, for now, he doesn't have a routine mapped out, planning to just stay in the dugout between at-bats, as he has in the spring. That could change during the regular season when there are batting cages accessible from the dugouts. "I'm just trying to learn," he said.

In essence, what the Rays are looking for is someone who can be an intelligent and productive hitter without thinking much about it.

"It takes a certain mind-set," Friedman said. "It's certainly a lot more difficult than I think most people appreciate. Finding a routine that works for you, to keep you mentally sharp, with that much time elapsing between at-bats, is difficult.

"You almost need someone who doesn't think much, that doesn't overanalyze the situation and just enjoys picking up a bat and hitting four times."

"You'd think," Johnson said, "it would be easy."

You'd think.

But the Rays, 102 times over, know otherwise.

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

The complete DHs

From 1C, starting top left: Ozzie Timmons, Shawn Riggans, Antonio Perez, Josh Paul, Dioner Navarro, Dustan Mohr, Dave Martinez, David Lamb, Tim Laker, Kenny Kelly, Aki Iwamura, Michel Hernandez, Nathan Haynes, Nick Green, Charles Gipson, Brook Fordyce, John Flaherty, Felix Escalona, Raul Casanova, Reid Brignac, Brent Abernathy, Dave Silvestri, Jared Sandberg, Justin Ruggiano, Fernando Perez, Jeff Liefer, Travis Lee, Elliot Johnson, Desmond Jennings, Damon Hollins, Toby Hall, Joel Guzman, Joey Gathright, Geoff Blum, Ben Zobrist, Jerome Walton, Kelly Shoppach, Sean Rodriguez, Eric Munson, Mike Kelly, Delmon Young, Jason Tyner, Chris Singleton, Evan Longoria, Jose Guillen, Danny Clyburn, Miguel Cairo, Marlon Anderson, Adam Piatt, Herbert Perry, Julio Lugo, Matt Diaz, Javier Valentin, Randall Simon, Damian Rolls, Gerald Williams, Bobby Smith, Alex Sanchez, Aaron Ledesma, Gabe Kapler, Russ Johnson, Damion Easley, Jason Bartlett, Brad Hawpe, Joe Dillon, John Jaso, Gabe Gross, Elijah Dukes, Kevin Witt, Eduardo Perez, Randy Winn, Carlos Peña, Matt Joyce, Midre Cummings, Terry Shumpert, Pete LaForest, Hank Blalock, Ty Wigginton, Carl Crawford, B.J. Upton, Tino Martinez, Dan Johnson, Eric Hinske, Jorge Cantu, Bubba Trammell, Robert Fick, Wade Boggs, Josh Phelps, Steve Cox, Al Martin, Rocco Baldelli, Fred McGriff, Cliff Floyd, Greg Norton, Ben Grieve, Paul Sorrento, Willy Aybar, Pat Burrell, Greg Vaughn, Jose Canseco, Aubrey Huff, Jonny Gomes

By John C. Cotey, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, March 19, 2011

Jeremi Powell, Pinellas Park's 6-foot-2, 210-pound star, isn't just happy that colleges are interested in him. He's ecstatic. Few players are ever as thrilled to have chosen a school as the linebacker/receiver after a season in which he wondered if anyone noticed him. It has been a month, but that feeling? Still as strong as ever.

Here's a conversation John C. Cotey had with him last week:

JCC: Jeremy, this spring you have burst onto the recruiting scene. In the span of three weeks, you got your first offer and you committed to the University of Florida. Surprised?

POWELL: Yeah, I'm very surprised. I never thought this stuff could happen to a guy going to Pinellas Park.

JCC: Purdue was your first offer. Tell me about that day.

POWELL: I really didn't hear it from them. They just showed up at school. I was shocked the whole day. It was the middle of exams last semester, and Coach (Kenny Crawford) comes and gets me out of class. We took a walk. Purdue talked to me. They said they saw my highlight tape and they loved it. Boy, I couldn't believe it. It was overwhelming. It hit me hard.

JCC: Iowa State was next to offer and then Florida. The Gator offer had to be the biggest shocker.

POWELL: It was amazing. It was Saturday morning, and Coach (Crawford) calls me and tells me the Florida Gators just offered me a full ride. I was like … I was … crying. Later on that afternoon, South Carolina called, too, so it was a big day.

JCC: You didn't waste any time choosing the Gators. Why?

POWELL: I went up to Florida the next weekend, and the trip sealed it. I have lots of family up there. My mom (Kevra Grimmage) is from Gainesville and Live Oak, so that was big.

JCC: And the tour locked you in?

POWELL: Man, they showed me everything. I went up there on a Friday, stayed in a hotel. They wanted me there at 9 on Saturday morning. It was junior day, and everyone else was coming at 11. But they gave me my own little special tour. It was tight.

JCC: When did they have you?

POWELL: (Tight ends coach) Derek Lewis got me pumped. I walked inside where the crystal (national championship) trophy and the Heismans were, and he gave me this speech that gave me goose bumps. I told them you all got me. This is it.

JCC: You sound as thrilled today as you did when you made the decision to commit. Does that ever wear off?

POWELL: Man, it's funny you ask. Just a few minutes ago before I left the house, my mom came to my room and we were talking about it. No one in my family has ever been to college, and she came to my room and told me I should pray. She wanted this so bad for me and just busted into tears. I'm so happy. I'm all Gatored up right now; got the shirt on, the hat, the key chain from my girlfriend … the feeling, it just can't go away. I'm living the dream.

JCC: You had a great season last year (16 sacks), and that highlight tape is awfully impressive. You are big, strong, fast and unstoppable off the edge and look like a perfect fit at linebacker.

POWELL: Yeah, I'm going to be an outside linebacker. I play it in high school. And I like playing defensive end. I'm always in the three-point stance or standing on the line.

JCC: You posted some pretty good offensive numbers last year, too, with 45 catches.

POWELL: I don't want to be sounding big-headed, but there's schools that wanted me to be a wide receiver for them. My junior year was the most I've ever played wide receiver or running back. But once I got the hang of it, I was pretty good. But I like hitting people on defense. I love it.

JCC: Committing hasn't stopped the schools from calling. What are your future plans?

POWELL: Alabama, Tennessee, Miami all wanted me to call them. I'm just shocked that people really think I'm this good and people are starting to see it. They say it's only a verbal. I had one coach tell me the other day they think they can change my mind. I told him he's going to have to try pretty hard.

JCC: Will you make any visits?

POWELL: Yeah, I might just do that. I've never been out of the state of Florida. Tennessee wanted me up for their junior day on the 26th. I might go just to see. I've seen the Gators. I've seen USF. I've seen FSU. I'd like to see what it's like out there. But I don't want anybody mistaking. I'm not looking to change my mind. I'm committed to Florida.

JCC: You guys have some talent back next season. How much would you like to go out with a playoff game your senior season, which the Patriots haven't done since 2001?

POWELL: Yeah, man, that's it! Pinellas Park making the playoffs. That's what we're working hard to get. No one thinks of Pinellas Park. But maybe one day it'll be, "Hey, Jeremi Powell, he went to Pinellas Park, and he went to Florida." (Putting The Park on the map). That's the guy I'd like to be.

John C. Cotey can be reached at (813) 406-0530 or johncotey@gmail.com.

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, March 19, 2011

OTTAWA — The sizzling shot Dwayne Roloson took off his left collarbone Thursday against the Canadiens left a healthy bruise. But the Lightning goaltender said it likely would have been worse if not for a padded shirt he wore under his normal gear.

"Thankfully, we have those shirts," Roloson said, "because (the shot) would have done some damage if we didn't have that extra padding."

So shock resistant is the material, head equipment manager Ray Thill said, it can protect a hand from a full-on blow from a hammer.

"Want to try?" Thill said. "They demonstrate it all the time."

Roloson said he has worn the shirts, not standard issue to goalies, since he played for the Oilers from 2006-09. He hadn't replaced them in several years, so Thill ordered new ones from a company that uses a shock-absorbing material that feels like a spongy plastic and is called a viscoelastic polymer.

The shirts are custom-made, and Roloson also has extra padding for his arms and rib cage.

Even so, Roloson dropped to the ice when P.K. Subban's shot crashed into his collarbone. Roloson stayed in the game and played Saturday.

"Any time you get hit in the bone, it's bad," Roloson said. "It's calmed down. It's just one of those bruises. It's part of the game. You always get bruises. You always get little nicks."

FURTHER REVIEW: One of Steve Yzerman's suggestions at last week's general managers meetings in Boca Raton was to review every goal.

Spurred by Vinny Lecavalier's erroneously disallowed goal during a March 7 shootout loss to the Capitals — a goaltender interference call not reviewable under current rules, which allow review only to check if a puck crossed the goal line — Yzerman said the lead-up to goals should be examined as well.

"But how far do we go back?" Yzerman said. "Do we go two seconds back from the goal? Can we go 30 seconds back? What if the play is offsides? Do we say it doesn't count? So there's a lot that has to go into it." The constant, Yzerman said: "Let's go upstairs and get the calls right."

REST: LW Simon Gagne joined the team from Montreal, where he had a followup procedure for a nerve injury in his neck that kept him out of 18 games in October and November.

Coach Guy Boucher said he expected Gagne for Friday's game with the Hurricanes, or perhaps earlier, Tuesday against the Islanders.

"We could have done it later," Boucher said of the procedure, "but that would be close to the playoffs, and we wanted to give ourselves a little bit of time. We want to win every game, but we want our guys healthy, even if we have to sit some guys down in the short term."

HEALING: W Ryan Malone, in another step in his recovery from a mid-body injury that has kept him out of 17 games, skated in line rushes at the morning skate, though he wore a red jersey. Malone is expected back in the lineup around the beginning of April, Boucher said.

ODDS AND ENDS: With AHL Norfolk G Dustin Tokarski day-to-day with a lower-body injury, Jaroslav Janus was re-assigned from ECHL Florida. … D Matt Smaby was scratched.

Times wires
Saturday, March 19, 2011

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Immediately after hitting a difficult shot in Washington's NCAA Tournament opener, ever-confident guard Isaiah Thomas turned to the loud Georgia fans to his right, put an index finger to his lips and playfully yelled, "Shut up!"

Thomas and the Huskies — 2,800 miles from home — will need plenty more big shots and clutch plays to silence the crowd again today when they face North Carolina in its back yard in an East Region third-round game.

And the 5-foot-9 Thomas, whose buzzer-beater won last weekend's Pac-10 tournament, is right where he wants to be.

"I love it," Thomas said Saturday. "I mean, our backs are up against the wall. We have very few fans here. It feels like everybody is against us like it's been the whole season. So it's nothing new.

"We know it's going to be a lot of baby blue in the crowd. We're ready for it. It's the NCAA Tournament."

It's still far from a best-case scenario for Washington to try to secure its second straight appearance in the round of 16.

No team traveled farther for the first week of the tournament than the seventh-seeded Huskies. The second-seeded Tar Heels had one of the shortest trips and have won 24 consecutive NCAA games in their home state since 1979.

"We're two hours away and we know we have a lot of fans here supporting us," guard Dexter Strickland said. "So the intensity of the crowd will help us get more intensity and play with a better sense of urgency."

Strickland and point guard Kendall Marshall will split time guarding Thomas, coach Roy Williams said. They're challenged with trying to slow a sleek guard who can score in a variety of ways.

"I would have a hard time finding very many people that can have a more significant impact on the game than he does as a point guard," Williams said.