Times staff
Saturday, December 10, 2011

FSU vs. UNC Greensboro

When/where: 1 today; Donald L. Tucker Center, Tallahassee

TV/radio: FSN; 1040-AM

Records: UNCG 2-7, FSU 6-3

Notable: The Seminoles snapped a three-game skid with a 76-51 win over Charleston Southern on Monday, led by a career-high 20 points from Clearwater High's Okara White. … FSU has won seven straight non-conference home games. … The Spartans, of the Southern Conference, have a difficult out-of-conference schedule that also includes road or neutral-site games against Tennessee, Georgetown, Duke and Miami. … They are 1-43 all-time against ACC teams, beating Georgia Tech in 2007.

Times staff

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, December 10, 2011

USF vs. Florida A&M

When/where: 2 today; Martinez Center, University of Tampa

TV/radio: BHSN; 1250-AM

Records: FAMU 2-7, USF 5-4

Notable: FAMU has won its past two, both against NAIA programs. The measuring stick for USF should be the Rattlers' 22-point loss at Providence. … After today, Bulls home games will be at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa. … USF's balanced scoring is led by Victor Rudd (11.7), which would be the lowest average to lead the Bulls in 26 years. Forward Augustus Gilchrist, recovered from a shoulder injury, is at 11.5 points. … The Bulls have four nonconference games before the Big East season starts Dec. 28 against defending national champion Connecticut. … Four Rattlers average between 10 and 11 points, led by forwards Reggie Lewis (11) and Yannick Crowder (10.9).

Greg Auman, Times staff writer

1 inch 1 inch of body type 1 inch 1 inch of body type 1 inch 1 inch of body type 1 inch 1 inch of body type 1 inch 1 inch of body type 1 inch 1 inch of body type 1 inch 1 inch of body type 1 inch 1 inch of body type 1 inch.

2 inches 2 inches of body type 2 inches 2 inches of body type 2 inches 2 inches of body type 2 inches 2 inches of body type 2 inches 2 inches of body type 2 inches 2 inches of body type 2 inches 2 inches of body.

3 inches 3 inches of body type 3 inches 3 inches of body type 3 inches 3 inches of body type 3 inches 3 inches of body type 3 inches 3 inches of body type 3 inches 3 inches of body type 3 inches 3 inches of body.

4 inches 4 inches of body type 4 inches 4 inches of body type 4 inches 4 inches of body type 4 inches 4 inches of body type 4 inches 4 inches of body type 4 inches 4 inches of body type 4 inches 4 inches of body.

5 inches 5 inches of body type 5 inches 5 inches of body type 5 inches 5 inches of body type 5 inches 5 inches of body type 5 inches 5 inches of body type 5 inches 5 inches of body.

6 inches 6 inches of body type 6 inches 6 inches of body type 6 inches 6 inches of body type 6 inches 6 inches of body type 6 inches 6 inches of body type 6 inches 6 inches of body type 6 inches 6 inches of body type.

7 inches 7 inches of body type 7 inches 7 inches of body type 7 inches 7 inches of body type 7 inches 7 inches of body type 7 inches 7 inches of body type 7 inches 7 inches of body type 7 inches 7 inches of body.

8 inches 8 inches of body type 8 inches 8 inches of body type 8 inches 8 inches of body type 8 inches 8 inches of body type 8 inches 8 inches of body type 8 inches 8 inches of body type 8 inches 8 inches of body.

9 inches 9 inches of body type 9 inches 9 inches of body type 9 inches 9 inches of body type 9 inches 9 inches of body type 9 inches 9 inches of body type 9 inches 9 inches of body type 9 inches 9 inches of body.

10 inches 10 inches of body type 10 inches 10 inches of body type 10 inches 10 inches of body type 10 inches 10 inches of body type 10 inches 10 inches of body type 10 inches 10 inches of.

11 inches 11 inches of body type 11 inches 11 inches of body type 11 inches 11 inches of body type 11 inches 11 inches of body type 11 inches 11 inches of body type 11 inches 11 inches of body type 11 inches 11 inches of body.

12 inches 12 inches of body type 12 inches 12 inches of body type 12 inches 12 inches of body type 12 inches 12 inches of body type 12 inches 12 inches of body type 12 inches 12 inches of body type 12 inches 12 inches of body.

13 inches 13 inches of body type 13 inches 13 inches of body type 13 inches 13 inches of body type 13 inches 13 inches of body type 13 inches 13 inches of body type 13 inches 13 inches of body type 13 inches 13 inches of body.

14 inches 14 inches of body type 14 inches 14 inches of body type 14 inches 14 inches of body type 14 inches 14 inches of body type 14 inches 14 inches of body type 14 inches 14 inches of body type 14 inches 14 inches of body.

15 inches 15 inches of body type 15 inches 15 inches of body type 15 inches 15 inches of body type 15 inches 15 inches of body type 15 inches 15 inches of body type 15 inches 15 inches.

16 inches 16 inches of body type 16 inches 16 inches of body type 16 inches 16 inches of body type 16 inches 16 inches of body type 16 inches 16 inches of body type 16 inches 16 inches of body type 16 inches 16 inches of body.

17 inches 17 inches of body type 17 inches 17 inches of body type 17 inches 17 inches of body type 17 inches 17 inches of body type 17 inches 17 inches of body type 17 inches 17 inches of body type 17 inches 17 inches of body.

18 inches 18 inches of body type 18 inches 18 inches of body type 18 inches 18 inches of body type 18 inches 18 inches of body type 18 inches 18 inches of body type 18 inches 18 inches of body type 18 inches 18 inches of body.

19 inches 19 inches of body type 19 inches 19 inches of body type 19 inches 19 inches of body type 19 inches 19 inches of body type 19 inches 19 inches of body type 19 inches 19 inches of body type 19 inches 19 inches of body.

20 inches 20 inches of body type 20 inches 20 inches of body type 20 inches 20 inches of body type 20 inches 20 inches of body type 20 inches 20 inches of body type 20 inches 20 inches.

21 inches 21 inches of body type 21 inches 21 inches of body type 21 inches 21 inches of body type 21 inches 21 inches of body type 21 inches 21 inches of body type 21 inches 21 inches of body type 21 inches 21 inches of body.

22 inches 22 inches of body type 22 inches 22 inches of body type 22 inches 22 inches of body type 22 inches 22 inches of body type 22 inches 22 inches of body type 22 inches 22 inches of body type 22 inches 22 inches of body.

23 inches 23 inches of body type 23 inches 23 inches of body type 23 inches 23 inches of body type 23 inches 23 inches of body type 23 inches 23 inches of body type 23 inches 23 inches of body type 23 inches 23 inches of body.

24 inches 24 inches of body type 24 inches 24 inches of body type 24 inches 24 inches of body type 24 inches 24 inches of body type 24 inches 24 inches of body type 24 inches 24 inches of body type 24 inches 24 inches of body.

25 inches 25 inches of body type 25 inches 25 inches of body type 25 inches 25 inches of body type 25 inches 25 inches of body type 25 inches 25 inches of body type 25 inches 25 inches.

26 inches 26 inches of body type 26 inches 26 inches of body type 26 inches 26 inches of body type 26 inches 26 inches of body type 26 inches 26 inches of body type 26 inches 26 inches of body type 26 inches 26 inches of body.

27 inches 27 inches of body type 27 inches 27 inches of body type 27 inches 27 inches of body type 27 inches 27 inches of body type 27 inches 27 inches of body type 27 inches 27 inches of body type 27 inches 27 inches of body.

28 inches 28 inches of body type 28 inches 28 inches of body type 28 inches 28 inches of body type 28 inches 28 inches of body type 28 inches 28 inches of body type 28 inches 28 inches of body type 28 inches 28 inches of body.

29 inches 29 inches of body type 29 inches 29 inches of body type 29 inches 29 inches of body type 29 inches 29 inches of body type 29 inches 29 inches of body type 29 inches 29 inches of body type 29 inches 29 inches of body.

30 inches 30 inches of body type 30 inches 30 inches of body type 30 inches 30 inches of body type 30 inches 30 inches of body type 30 inches 30 inches of body type 30 inches 30 inches.

31 inches 31 inches of body type 31 inches 31 inches of body type 31 inches 31 inches of body type 31 inches 31 inches of body type 31 inches 31 inches of body type 31 inches 31 inches of body type 31 inches 31 inches of body.

32 inches 32 inches of body type 32 inches 32 inches of body type 32 inches 32 inches of body type 32 inches 32 inches of body type 32 inches 32 inches of body type 32 inches 32 inches of body type 32 inches 32 inches of body.

33 inches 33 inches of body type 33 inches 33 inches of body type 33 inches 33 inches of body type 33 inches 33 inches of body type 33 inches 33 inches of body type 33 inches 33 inches of body type

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, December 10, 2011

Power rankings

1. Packers 2. Ravens

3. 49ers 4. Saints

5. Patriots6. Steelers

Upset Special

Panthers (4-8) over Falcons (7-5)

Carolina, led by dynamic rookie quarterback Cam Newton, is coming into its own (just ask the Bucs) and will pull out a close one.

Beating up Ben

Stop me if you've seen this before: An injured Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger, struggling to pick himself off the turf, finds a way to play and pulls out a win. Roethlisberger did it again Thursday night, overcoming what he initially believed was a broken leg to lift the Steelers past the Browns. Say what you want about Roethlisberger's decision-making off the field — and that's fair game — but the guts he shows on game day is tough to top. When Roethlisberger sustained a high left ankle sprain Thursday, his leg having been trampled by a 290-pound lineman, he said it was one of the most painful things he has ever felt. As FoxSports.com's Reid Forgrave writes, "Hand Aaron Rodgers the MVP. Call Tom Brady the modern day Joe Montana. Debate until you're blue in the face whether Tim Tebow's a real winner or a gimmick that won't last. But also realize this one absolute truth: Ben Roethlisberger is the toughest quarterback in the NFL."

Times wires, the NFL, and the Detroit News contributed to this report. Joe Smith can be reached at joesmith@tampabay.com

Put up or shut up

With the Lions shooting themselves in the foot too often with personal fouls and other foolish penalties (see: Ndamukong Suh), coach Jim Schwartz delivered a heated lecture at practice last week and issued a zero-tolerance policy. The urgency has come since Detroit, having faded since starting 5-0, has a chance to make the playoffs for the first time since 1999. That is, if the Lions stop beating themselves.

"Get with the program or get shipped out," Lions linebacker Stephen Tulloch said. "It's a crucial time now. There's no time for errors."

Center Dominic Raiola also spoke up.

"You want to know what I said?" Raiola said. "'Shut the (expletive) up and play ball.' That's it, plain and simple. That's all we need to do. All the extra stuff … before the game, talking trash, this and that. Just go play football."

Tackling Tebow

The Bears get their first look at Tim Tebow mania today when the former Gators star quarterback hopes to go 7-1 since taking over for the Broncos. Needless to say, Chicago is less than thrilled about potentially becoming the next victim.

"I will be frickin' (angry if we lose)," linebacker Lance Briggs told NFL.com. "(Tebow) is one heck of a football player, and we're going to have to stop that (streak)."

We miss you, Charlie

Charlie Weis took his third job in three seasons last week in the coaching gig at Kansas. Weis spent this season as Florida's offensive coordinator after holding the same position with the Chiefs. As the Kansas City Star's Kent Babb writes, "The Chiefs, meanwhile, took a step back after Weis left, and they have not recovered. Before suffering a season-ending hand injury, (Matt) Cassel was back to his 2009 form, throwing 10 touchdown passes and nine interceptions. The rushing attack, held back by a season-ending knee injury to (Jamaal) Charles, is averaging nearly 64 yards fewer than it did a season earlier."

Ever since quarterback Vince Young dubbed the Eagles the "dream team" before the season, they were doomed to fail. No matter the free agent haul, living up to such a moniker is tough enough (just ask the Heat). • But in losing four of five, the Eagles have become a nightmare. Andy Reid, who has coached them for 13 years and to five NFC title games, has been subjected to "Fire Andy!" chants at home games. The Eagles have been called soft and quitters ("No heart Eagles have completely given up," read a headline on CSN Philly's website). • After all, who would have believed the Dolphins, who started 0-7, would have the same record as the "Dream Team" entering their matchup today? And be favored? • But the Eagles are not eliminated from playoff contention, trailing the Cowboys by three games in the NFC East. If Philadelphia, 3-1 in the division, wins out, including matchups with the Giants and Cowboys, and gets a lot of help, it can claim the division crown. • "Everybody's in," Eagles safety Kurt Coleman said. "We're going to be fighting until the end. Regardless of what happens in the division or with our record, we're going to keep fighting until the end." • Eagles thinking playoffs? Now the "Dream Team" seems more fitting.

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, December 10, 2011

5 questions D Pavel Kubina

What's it like being injured?

It's killing me.

What do you do during games?

I always watch TV in the locker room. You get replays. I like it.

Isn't it frustrating?

You just sit. There's nothing you can do. It's very frustrating.

Do you ever shout or throw stuff at the TV?

I'm going to keep that to myself.

Why not watch from the press box?

If I go upstairs, it's almost like you want to jump on the ice.

Glamorous life

Unable to find a flight from Binghamton, N.Y., that would get to New York in time, and with no Town Cars available, F Blair Jones on Thursday took a 31/2-hour cab ride to Madison Square Garden for the game against the Rangers after being called up to the Lightning from AHL Norfolk.

But it wasn't just any cab ride. The driver picked up his wife, and they blared country music.

"I don't blame him. It's a long drive back," Jones said of the driver getting his wife. About the music, "That was bad for me."

"It was all kind of funny," Jones said. "I don't think they grasped the concept of what I was going to New York for."

Jones said he got to the Garden "about a minute" before the bus pulled up with the team. His pregame meal?

"We stopped to fill up with gas, so I got a (chicken teriyaki) sandwich from Subway."

Root, root, root

When RW Adam Hall heard Michigan State's football team will play in the Jan. 2 Outback Bowl in Tampa, he checked the Lightning schedule to see if he could attend.

Hall, 31, is a 2002 graduate of the East Lansing school and said the teams there had a good relationship.

"It was great," Hall said. "We really supported each other when I was there. I remember we were in the playoffs and some of the basketball guys came to our games. It's nice to have that kind of closeness."

But with the Lightning on Jan. 2 leaving for a three-game road trip, Hall won't be going to the Outback Bowl.

Too bad, he said. "It would be kind of cool."

By Matt Baker, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, December 10, 2011

Boys Swimmer of the Year Devin McCaffrey, Jr., Mitchell

Why we picked him: McCaffrey had one of the best seasons in North Suncoast history. He won gold in the 100 butterfly (49:10) and 100 breaststroke (56:97) at the Class 2A state meet. McCaffrey also set conference records in the 200 individual medley (1:56:19) and 100 freestyle (48:26). He participated in the 200 freestyle relay and 400 freestyle relay teams that qualified for regions.

Most impressive accomplishments: He chopped almost two seconds from his state-championship breaststroke time of last year and a full second from his time in the butterfly to earn automatic All-America honors in both. He holds school records in the 50 freestyle, 100 freestyle, 200 freestyle, 100 butterfly, 100 breaststroke and 200 individual medley.

Future plans: McCaffrey participated in last week's Speed Short Course Junior National Championships for the second straight year by qualifying in the 100 fly and 100 breast. He's being recruited by Virginia Tech, LSU and Ohio State and plans to study engineering or architecture in college.

Did you know? McCaffrey comes from a swim-loving family. One of his older sisters, Caitlin, was a two-time conference champion in the 100 breaststroke. The other, Meghan, was the Times North Suncoast swimmer of the year in 2006 after winning the 50 free and 100 butterfly at state. Even then, Devin was regarded as the family's best swimmer.

First team

50 free: Cameron Hilgenberg, Jr., Land O'Lakes: 16th at 2A state meet (22:58) after placing third at region

100 fly: Devin McCaffrey, Jr., Mitchell: Won the 2A state meet (49:10) with a time good enough for automatic All-America honors

100 free: Hunter Swartsel, Sr., Gulf: Seventh at 2A state meet (47:75)

100 back: Hunter Swartsel, Sr., Gulf: Seventh at 2A state meet (54:04)

100 breast: Devin McCaffrey, Jr., Mitchell: Won the 2A state meet and qualified for automatic All-America honors (56:97)

200 free: Caleb Zeleznock, Jr., Wesley Chapel: Qualified for 2A state meet, finishing in 1:51:60

200 individual medley: Jordan Wheeler, Fr., Land O'Lakes: Qualified for 2A state meet, finishing in 2:01:96

500 free: Jordan Wheeler, Fr., Land O'Lakes: Made it to 2A state meet and finished in 4:53:22

200 free relay: Sunlake (Terence St. Onge, Daniel Sarrett, Tyler St. Onge, Austin VanVliet): Rallied from a 0.72-second deficit to edge Pasco by 0.01 seconds and claim the district title (1:36:47)

200 medley relay: Sunlake (Juan Lopez, Austin VanVliet, Daniel Sarrett, Terence St. Onge): Took third at region meet (1:44:06) and claimed the district title

400 free relay: Gulf (Jordan Dailey, Spencer Regelson, Daniel Ramech, Hunter Swartsel): Placed fifth at region (3:28:09) after winning district

Diving: Austin Wachsman, Sr., Sunlake: Finished 14th at 2A state meet

Coach of the year

Barbara Hayes, Land O'Lakes: Led a deep Gators squad to the Sunshine Athletic Conference title and the championship at the Class 2A, District 5 meet. Her Land O'Lakes team also tied Sunlake for an area-best fifth place at region.

Second team

50 free: Peter Mercadante, Jr., Pasco; 100 fly: Matt Menendez, So., Wiregrass Ranch; 100 free: Austin VanVliet, Sr., Sunlake; 100 back: Austin Wojkiewicz, Jr., River Ridge; 100 breast: Caleb Zeleznock, Jr., Wesley Chapel; 200 free: Spencer Regelson, Jr., Gulf; 200 individual medley: Austin Wojkiewicz, Jr., River Ridge; 500 free: Jordan Dailey, So., Gulf; 200 free relay: Pasco (Kenneth Graham, Tim Dombrowski, Caleb Balogh, Peter Mercadante); 200 medley relay: Gulf (Jordan Dailey, Hunter Swartsel, Spencer Regelson, Daniel Ramech); 400 free relay: Land O'Lakes (Jordan Wheeler, Spencer Phillips, Grant Pawlak, Cameron Hilgenberg); Diving: Taylor Ellis, Fr., Sunlake.

Honorable mention

Academy at the Lakes: Dillan Villavisanis (100 breast, 200 individual medley); Bishop McLaughlin: Casey Bauer (100 free); Fivay: Dominick Grilli (50 free, 100 free), Coty Dalrymple (100 breast), 200 medley relay (Jacob Atwell, Coty Dalrymple, Marcelo Ortega, Dominick Grilli), Jesse Miller (diving), Marcelo Ortega (100 fly); Hudson: Dalton Hale (100 fly); Land O'Lakes: 200 medley relay (James Adams, Alex Long, Jordan Wheeler, Spencer Phillips), Spencer Phillips (50 free), James Adams (100 fly), 200 free relay (Patrick Lawson, Grant Pawlak, Ryan Cox, Cameron Hilgenberg); Ridgewood: Emir Muratovic (200 free), 200 free relay (Anthony Hays, Moises Chacon, Emir Muratovic, Timothy Bennett); Springstead: 200 medley relay (Morgan Kiloh, Evan Monahan, Jese Guardado, Taylor Clary), Morgan Kiloh (200 free), Charlie Watson (200 individual medley), Taylor Clary (50 free, 100 free), Jese Guardado (500 free); Sunlake: 200 free relay (Austin VanVliet, Terence St. Onge, Tyler St. Onge, Daniel Sarrett), Juan Lopez (100 back); Weeki Wachee: 200 medley relay (Steven James, Matt Hanley, Zach Guerin, Jake Bence); Wesley Chapel: John Thompson (100 back, 200 free), 400 freestyle relay (Logan McMahan, Carlos Hower, John Thompson, Caleb Zeleznock); Zephyrhills: Samuel Rockhill (diving).

Girls Swimmer of the Year Mazie Siddens, Sr., Mitchell

Why we picked her: Siddens was the area's top all-around swimmer. She won the 100 butterfly (59:06) and took second in the 200 individual medley (2:12:29) at the Class 2A, Region 2 meet. She also helped the Mustangs to top-five finishes in the 200 medley relay and 200 freestyle relay at regions. Siddens set Sunshine Athletic Conference records in the 100 butterfly (58:88) and 200 medley relay (1:59:47) and was the conference's girls swimmer of the year.

Most impressive accomplishments: Siddens set school records in the 200 freestyle, 500 freestyle, 100 backstroke, 100 butterfly, 200 medley relay, 200 free relay and 400 freestyle relay. She shaved half a second off of the conference record in the 100 butterfly.

Future plans: Siddens, an Indiana native, hopes to earn a swimming scholarship at the University of Indianapolis or Milligan College (Tenn.). She plans to study special education. "I've always loved kids," Siddens said. "I feel like there's a need for teachers in that area."

Did you know? Siddens was never really into the military but joined the Navy Junior ROTC program at Mitchell. She enjoys field meets and is on the unit's push-up team. "Coach (Scott Hernon) doesn't believe me because I can hardly do like 10 pushups at swim practice," Siddens said.

First Team

50 free: Athena Cimino, Fr., Wiregrass Ranch: Seventh at 3A state meet (24:46)

100 fly: Krystin Demsher, So., Land O'Lakes: Sixth at 2A state meet (59:28)

100 free: Athena Cimino, Fr., Wiregrass Ranch: 12th at 3A state meet (53:44)

100 back: Courtney Meyer, So., Sunlake: 10th at region (1:08:12)

100 breast: Jocelyn Williams, So., Land O'Lakes: Advanced to state after taking seventh at region (1:12:26)

200 free: Monica Surrena, So., Springstead: Won district and finished fifth at region (2:04:05)

200 individual medley: Mazie Siddens, Sr., Mitchell: Took second at region (2:12:29) to qualify for state

500 free: Nicole Harder, Jr., Sunlake: Seventh at region (5:23:53)

200 free relay: Wiregrass Ranch (Chelsea Hernandez, Fern Powell, Mallory Gant, Athena Cimino): Clocked an area-best 1:45:97 at region, placing 10th

200 medley relay: Mitchell (Elaina Cancello, Taylor Anderson, Mazie Siddens, Claudia Cancello): Placed fifth at 2A-2 region meet (2:00:14) after winning district

400 free relay: Sunlake (Savannah Mattox, Nicole Harder, Courtney Meyer, Carigan Albert): Placed fourth at 2A-2 region meet (3:53.98) and second at districts.

Diving: Amanda Maser, Jr., Mitchell: Placed third at 2A state meet

Coach of the year

Robin Hilgenberg, Land O'Lakes: Her Gators had few superstars but powered their way to a conference title and a first-place finish at the Class 2A, District 5 meet. They finished eighth at regions.

Second team

50 free: Taylor Anderson, Fr., Mitchell; 100 fly: Mazie Siddens, Sr., Mitchell; 100 free: Savannah Mattox, Sr., Sunlake; 100 back: Nicole Harder, Jr., Sunlake; 100 breast: Taylor Anderson, Fr., Mitchell; 200 free: Elaina Cancello, Jr., Mitchell; 200 individual medley: Carigan Albert, So., Sunlake; 500 free: Krystin Demsher, So., Land O'Lakes; 200 free relay: Mitchell (Taylor Anderson, Elaina Cancello, Claudia Cancello, Mazie Siddens); 200 medley relay: Land O'Lakes (Jocelyn Williams, Elise Herbert, Krystin Demsher, Andrea Mapugay); 400 free relay: Land O'Lakes (Krystin Demsher, Dona McDonald, McKenzie Koth, Jocelyn Williams); Diving: Ashley Morris, So., Zephyrhills.

Honorable mention

Academy at the Lakes: Rachel Sledge (200 individual medley); Bishop McLaughlin: Jemma Cropanese (100 fly); Central: Frankie Reese (100 breast); Fivay: Rael Raskovich (100 free), 200 medley relay (Gabriella Klingensmith, Rachel Bradley, Megan Nunn, Rael Raskovich), Kylie Hullstrung (500 free); Gulf: Kelsey Magolan (200 individual medley), Sarah Bachand (200 free), Audrey Kuhns (100 breast); Hudson: Ashley Powers (50 free); Land O'Lakes: Elise Herbert (100 breast), Dana Lawson (200 free), Andrea Mapugay (50 free), Alexandria Haqq (50 free), McKenzie Koth (50 free, 100 free), Connor McKay (100 fly), Dona McDonald (100 free); Mitchell: Katherine Cancello (200 free), Kimberly Erickson (200 free), Claudia Cancello (200 individual medley); Pasco: Brittney Kahler (50 free, 100 free); Ridgewood: Ashley Michaud (200 individual medley); River Ridge: Madison Starkey (diving); Springstead: Caitlyn Hall (50 free, 100 free); 400 free relay (Caitlyn Hall, Morgan Szymanski, Rebecca Glidden, Monica Surrena); Sunlake: 200 medley relay (Nicole Harder, Courtney Meyer, Carigan Albert, Savannah Mattox), Julia Villicana (100 back); Wiregrass Ranch: Chelsea Hernandez (100 free), 200 medley relay (Paige Lenczden, Gabby Harbison, Cassie Palmer, Mallory Gant), Paige Lenczden (100 back).

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, December 10, 2011

PHILADELPHIA — The 10-game stretch leading to Thursday's game with the Rangers had been good for Steve Downie.

The Lightning right wing, whose 65 penalty minutes entered Saturday fourth in the league, had committed just one two-minute minor infraction.

Coach Guy Boucher wasn't about to criticize Downie for his part in Thursday's fracas with the Rangers' Artem Anisimov, even though GM Steve Yzerman has said Downie might be fined by the league.

"I know one thing," Boucher said, "our players acted right."

C Vinny Lecavalier, D Marc-Andre Bergeron and Downie took turns trying to get at Anisimov during the second period of Tampa Bay's 3-2 shootout victory. Anisimov held his stick like a rifle and pretended to shoot at Tampa Bay G Mathieu Garon after scoring.

Downie, coming over the boards on a line change as the confrontation began, sat on top of the boards watching until the scrum heated up, when he joined in. He was called for roughing and a 10-minute misconduct.

The league had not taken action against Downie as of Saturday's game with the Flyers.

"He's trying to keep himself on the ice," Boucher said when asked about Downie's more disciplined approach. "He's trying to stay focused. … Obviously, it's always a fight for him to make sure he's in line with that. But he's been really good about it."

CONACHER RISING: Norfolk's Cory Conacher entered Saturday leading AHL rookies in scoring with 27 points on 13 goals and 14 assists, continuing the fine play that made him one of training camp's best stories.

"His play away from the puck, his overall understanding of the system has really come together," Norfolk GM Julien BriseBois said. "He's been a really good addition to our organization, and right now he's looking like a good prospect for the NHL."

First, Conacher, 21, under a minor-league deal, must sign an NHL contract.

The Lightning owns Conacher's rights until July 1, when he can become an unrestricted free agent. BriseBois said Conacher and his agent have been told "we are planning on signing him."

"But there are timing issues," BriseBois said, so the team is "holding pat."

Because Conacher is older than 20, he will lose one of the three years in which he is exempt from waivers as soon as he plays one pro game under an NHL contract. In that sense, it would be better for Tampa Bay to sign him after the season.

"We have other players (in Norfolk) doing really well in terms of who we call up next if we need a player," BriseBois said.

MEDICAL MATTERS: RW Marty St. Louis (facial fractures) flew to Tampa after spending Friday at his Connecticut home with wife Heather. … D Pavel Kubina (lower body), on injured reserve, is eligible to play. Boucher said his return depends on his conditioning. … C Nate Thompson played after missing one game with an upper-body injury.

ODDS AND ENDS: The Lightning road power play, on a 2 for 29 skid entering Saturday, has to get back to basics, Boucher said. "It's about grinding it out and getting ugly."

Times wires
Saturday, December 10, 2011

ORLANDO — Dwight Howard wants out of Orlando, putting one of the NBA's most dominant big men on the block at the start of training camp.

Magic general manager Otis Smith confirmed Saturday that Howard has formally requested a trade. A team spokesman said earlier that the team had granted the Nets, Mavericks and Lakers permission to talk to Howard's agent, Dan Fegan, to discuss possible trades.

The All-Star is eligible to opt out of his contract in July 2012.

Smith said he would like to see Howard eventually decide to stay in Orlando, but in the meantime he would explore options that were in the best interests of the Magic.

"When you invest seven years in a player and that's what he decides, then you have to deal with that from that angle. But it's not the end of the world," Smith said. "Like I said before, the Orlando Magic franchise is what it's about. We like to make this into an individual game, but the fact of the matter is it's a team sport. And we'll continue to move forward."

TRADE REVIVED: The Hornets' three-team trade with the Lakers and Rockets that would send Chris Paul to Los Angeles was resubmitted to the league office for approval, ESPN reported. The Rockets would still send Luis Scola, Kevin Martin and a 2012 first-round pick to New Orleans and receive Pau Gasol from the Lakers. Changes to the original trade scenario were not immediately available, according to ESPN.com. Commissioner David Stern vetoed Thursday's trade in principle.

CHANDLER TO KNICKS: New York acquired Tyson Chandler from the Mavericks and sent Ronny Turiaf to the Wizards in a three-team trade. The Knicks also waived Chauncey Billups and designated him as their amnesty player. Dallas got reserve guard Andy Rautins from the Knicks.

HAWKS: The team signed 10-year veteran forward Vladimir Radmanovic, who played last season with the Warriors.

KINGS: The team signed free agents Lawrence Hill and Adrian Oliver, bringing the training camp roster to 15.

PACERS: Free-agent center Jeff Foster re-signed. Foster has been with the team his entire 12-year career.

PISTONS: The club signed veteran guard-forward Damien Wilkins.

RAPTORS: The team signed free agent Rasual Butler, a shooting guard who split last season between the Clippers and Bulls.

WARRIORS: The team signed free-agent forwards Gary Flowers and Chris Wright, filling out the training camp roster to 11 players under contract.

By Laura Keeley, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, December 10, 2011

Boys Swimmer of the Year Rasmus Skjaerpe, So., Tampa Prep

Why we picked him: Skjaerpe made a big splash last year as a freshman. And after adding about 4 inches and 25 pounds to his frame in the offseason, he turned in a dominant all-around performance at the Class A state meet in November. "Moose" was the county's top individual finisher with his second-place, automatic All-America time of 1:50.93 in the 200-yard individual medley. Skjaerpe also claimed sixth place in the 100 butterfly, the fastest heat in any state class, and was a member of Tampa Prep's fifth-place 200 medley relay.

Proudest accomplishment: There are no shortage of choices. Skjaerpe swam in the Junior National Championships in Stanford, Calif., in August and qualified for the Norwegian national team by winning two golds and four silvers at its junior nationals last month. However, Skjaerpe still says his performance at the state meet was the highlight of his year.

Did you know? Skjaerpe broke two bones last spring, the fifth metacarpal on his right hand (right pinkie knuckle, in colloquial terms) and left humerus (elbow). He broke his hand engaging in a bit of sibling revelry with his twin brother, Oscar, when a punch went awry. As a result, Skjaerpe was stuck in a cast for six weeks.

What's next? While the dream is to swim for Norway at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, Skjaerpe and coach Jason Bowes are focused on the more immediate events. In March, Skjaerpe will travel with the Norwegian national team to Flagstaff, Ariz., for a training camp then in June to a camp in Barcelona.

Boys first team

200 medley relay: Tampa Prep (Rasmus Skjaerpe, Alex Blustein, Gregory Campo, Steven House). Fifth (1:38.55) at Class A state meet.

200 free: Chad Ankers, Sr., Wharton. 12th (1:43.93) at Class 3A state meet.

200 individual medley: Rasmus Skjaerpe, So., Tampa Prep. Second, with an automatic All-America time (1:50.93), at Class A state meet.

50 free: John Nolte, Jr., Robinson. Sixth (21.47) at Class 2A state meet.

Diving: Mitch Nelson, Sr., Bloomingdale. Fourth at Class 3A state meet with 430.95 points.

100 fly: Rasmus Skjaerpe, So., Tampa Prep. Sixth, with All-America consideration (49.99), at Class A state meet.

100 free: D.J. Waite, Jr., Bloomingdale. Fifth (46.37) at Class 3A state meet.

500 free: Chris Swanson, Sr., Jesuit. Third, with All-America consideration (4:30.79), at Class 2A state meet.

200 free relay: Plant (Kyle Kimura, Matthew Kendall, GiaKomo Rosso, Jeremy Parker). Ninth (1:28.34) at 3A state meet

100 back: Gregory Campo, So., Tampa Prep. Qualified for Class A state meet (55.90).

100 breast: Collin Logan, Sr., Newsome. 12th (59.97) at Class 3A state meet.

400 free relay: Jesuit (Thompson Marston, Will Jennings, Nick Dwyer, Chris Swanson). Third (3:15.84) at 2A state meet.

Boys second team

200 medley relay: Jesuit (Thompson Marston, Austin Sellers, Chris Swanson, Will Jennings). 200 free: Jonathan Simpson, Sr., Newsome. 200 individual medley: Chris Swanson, Sr., Jesuit. 50 free: D.J. Waite, Jr., Bloomingdale. Diving: Giorgi Meyer, Sr., Steinbrenner. 100 fly: Chad Ankers, Sr., Wharton. 100 free: John Nolte, Jr., Robinson. 500 free: William Hofrichter, Sr., Brandon. 200 free relay: Berkeley Prep (Ryan Franzese, Simon Moskovitz, Keating Mosher, Adam Soliman). 100 back: Thompson Marston, Jr., Jesuit. 100 breast: Austin Sellers, Fr., Jesuit. 400 free relay: Plant (Kyle Kimura, Tyler Heath, GiaKomo Rosso, Jeremy Parker).

Boys honorable mention

Berkeley Prep: Jesse Potts, Anthony Rauft-Lomano, Graham Olney. Bloomingdale: Jesse Mazen. Jesuit: Dart Hutson. King: Eric Chao. Robinson: Alexander Sparks.

Coach of the Year

Bill Shaffer, Jesuit/Academy of the Holy Names: Shaffer wins for the second straight year. Jesuit handily won its district and region before finishing seventh with 101 points at the Class 2A state meet, the top finish for a boys team in the county. The AHN girls, meanwhile, won their district and region and finished fourth with a county-high 119 points at state. The 200 free relay won gold for the second year in a row. A county-high 16 swimmers from the two teams made this list. Only three are seniors.

Girls Swimmer of the Year Giorgie Graves, Sr., Spoto

Why we picked her: Graves already had established herself as a successful distance and mid distance swimmer but decided last summer to change her events again. After finishing ninth at the Class 2A state meet in the 100-yard butterfly and 10th in the 500 freestyle as a sophomore and 11th in the 100 butterfly and 200 freestyle as a junior, Graves switched to freestyle sprinting and achieved her top results to date. She was the only female swimmer in the county to medal in an individual event, a third-place finish in the 50 freestyle (24.22), and finished fourth in the 100 freestyle.

Proudest accomplishment: Finishing third in the 50 free might be the single performance Graves is most proud of. But her favorite memories from her high school swimming career are the weekly meets she competed in with her teammates. (Graves is homeschooled but swam for Spoto all four years.)

Did you know? Graves loves Italian food, eggplant parmesan in particular, which is fitting considering her Italian heritage. Her grandfather's last name was originally Spinetta. But his mother, Giorgie's great-grandmother, changed it to Graves after he finished sixth grade. Graves was her mother-in-law's maiden name. And she made the change to break association with her husband's brother, who had a few questionable business relationships.

What's next? Graves will swim for Gardner-Webb University in Boiling Springs, N.C., next year. Recruited for her versatility, Graves doesn't know yet what strokes and distances she will swim.

Girls first team

200 medley relay: Plant (Carter Flynn, Alexandria Donahue, Emily Clifford, Tara McGowan). Fourth (1:49.10) at Class 3A state meet.

200 free: Danielle Albright, Sr., Wharton. Fourth (1:52.29) at Class 3A state meet.

200 individual medley: Dee Sopapong, Fr., Wharton. 13th (2:10.24) at Class 3A state meet.

50 free: Giorgie Graves, Sr., Spoto. Third (24.22) at Class 2A state meet.

Diving: Sydney Power, So., Plant. 12th (377 points) at Class 3A state meet.

100 fly: Emma Siewert, Sr., Tampa Prep. Fifth (57.16) at Class A state meet.

100 free: Rebecca Werdine, Sr., Tampa Prep. Fifth (52.27), with the county's fastest time in the event, at Class A state meet.

500 free: Bailey Bowden, So., Plant City. Eighth (5:02.97) at Class 3A state meet.

200 free relay: Holy Names (Mary Green, Konner Brewer, Tori Litschgi, Clare Fleming). County's only first-place finisher (1:39.18) at Class 2A state meet.

100 back: Maddie Hess, Fr., Newsome. Ninth (57.53) at Class 3A state meet.

100 breast: Alexandria Donahue, Fr., Plant. Fifth (1:05.98) at Class 3A state meet.

400 free relay: Tampa Prep (Emma Siewert, Emily Carideo, Savannah Savitt, Rebecca Werdine). Third, with an All-America consideration time (3:31.77), at Class A state meet.

Girls second team

200 medley relay: Newsome (Maddie Hess, Mollie Billings­ley, Merrill Wilson, Sarah Neely). 200 free: Angie Gallastegui, So., Strawberry Crest. 200 individual medley: Emily Carideo, Sr., Tampa Prep. 50 free: Rebecca Werdine, Sr., Tampa Prep. Diving: Stephanie Punzak, 8th grade, Berkeley Prep. 100 fly: Emily Clifford, Jr., Plant. 100 free: Giorgie Graves, Sr., Spoto. 500 free: Amy Taylor, Sr., Newsome. 200 free relay: Tampa Prep (Emma Siewert, Carylyn Waite, Savannah Savitt, Rebecca Werdine). 100 back: Erika Birk, Fr., King. 100 breast: Emily Clifford, Jr., Plant. 400 free relay: Holy Names (Mary Green, Konner Brewer, Tori Litschgi, Clare Fleming).

Girls honorable mention

Berkeley Prep: Hannah Everson-Sagi. Hillsborough: Nirja Patel. Holy Names: Julia Cogdill, Hannah Crall, Kristen Dawson, Colleen Driscoll, Alex Nuyianes, Margret Shumake. King: Erika Birk. Newsome: Lauren Harper, Karisa Kostecki. Plant: Emma Donahue, Elle Munns. Sickles: Danielle Hunter. Tampa Catholic: Kristin Martin. Tampa Prep: Caroline Alexander, Hannah Fredlake, Rosalie Spada. Wharton: Allyson Bell, Katie Scott, Megan Smith.

Times wires
Saturday, December 10, 2011

CINCINNATI — Xavier center Kenny Frease used a white cloth to soak up the blood streaming from a gash below his eye. Coaches from both teams bear-hugged their players and tried to yank them away from the bedlam.

The latest crosstown shootout got out of control Saturday and ended early. The repercussions haven't even started.

No. 8 Xavier (8-0) beat crosstown rival Cincinnati 76-53 in a game that featured a steady stream of trash talking and was called with 9.4 seconds left when the teams got into a brawl in a corner of the court.

Words escalated into shoves and swings. Both benches cleared. Frease left the court with a stream of blood on his face after getting punched by Cincinnati's Yancy Gates then kicked as he lay on the floor.

Suspensions are expected after videotapes are reviewed.

"There's no excuse for any of them, on our side, on their side," Cincinnati coach Mick Cronin said angrily. "Guys need to grow up. There is zero excuse for that in basketball. You've got to learn how to win on one side, you've got to learn how to lose on the other side."

Xavier guard Mark Lyons exchanged words with Bearcats players as the teams headed for the locker rooms at halftime.

Then with 18.6 seconds left in the game, Xavier's Tu Holloway got open for a layup, and the players headed down court. Holloway said some things to the Cincinnati bench and got shoved, igniting the free-for-all.

During the week, Cincinnati guard Sean Kilpatrick told an interviewer that Holloway — the Atlantic 10's player of the year — wouldn't start for his team. Holloway wanted the last word as the clock ran out.

"I was just saying it's my city right here," Holloway said. "I felt disrespected for them guys to come at me and talk like that, so I let the whole staff over there and let their players know that none of them is like me. That's when it started."

Times wires
Saturday, December 10, 2011

ST. LOUIS — Quarterback Sam Bradford was back on the practice field Saturday for the Rams in preparing the Rams for Monday's game at Seattle.

Bradford, hampered by a high left ankle sprain, did not practice this past week and missed last week's game at San Francisco. He sustained the ankle injury Oct. 16 at Green Bay and missed two games.

Coach Steve Spagnuolo was not ready to name Bradford the starter. Spagnuolo will talk with trainer Reggie Scott is see how the ankle feels today.

"Now, we are treading lightly and going safe,'' Spagnuolo said. "…We'll see and be smart about it."

Bradford took less than half of the practice snaps, splitting time with Kellen Clemens, who signed Thursday after he was cut Wednesday by Houston.

Clemens split duties Friday with No. 3 quarterback Tom Brandstater, who did not take reps with the first team Saturday. Brandstater, in his second year out of Fresno State, has not played in an NFL game.

No. 2 quarterback A. J. Feeley is out with a fractured right thumb, injured last week against San Francisco.

GIANTS: Safety Kenny Phillips, a former University of Miami standout, is out for tonight's game at Dallas with a sprained MCL.

PATRIOTS: The team signed defensive lineman DL Eric Moore and promoted defensive back Malcolm Williams from the practice squad. Defensive lineman Jermaine Cunningham (hamstring) went on injured reserve and defensive back Sterling Moore was released.

Seahawks: Linebacker David Hawthorne, slowed all season by an MCL tear in his left knee, is expected to play Monday against the Rams.

By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, December 10, 2011

JACKSONVILLE — Bucs quarterback Josh Freeman said he experienced a minor setback with his right throwing shoulder Friday.

The pain was similar to what he felt following the loss at Tennessee two weeks ago and he did not finish practice.

Freeman said his arm improved a bit Saturday and he hopes to play today at the Jaguars. A game-time decision, he is listed as questionable.

"The arm is still in some pain, but it feels better than it did last week," Freeman said Saturday. "I'm hoping it feels okay to play."

If Freeman can't go, Josh Johnson will make his second straight start. Johnson, 0-5 as a starter, dislocated his left shoulder in the first quarter last week against Carolina but missed just one play after having it popped back in place.

BRADFORD PRACTICES, MIGHT PLAY: Rams quarterback Sam Bradford, who has missed two games, was back in practice in preparation for Monday's game at Seattle. Coach Steve Spagnuolo was not ready to name Bradford (left ankle sprain) the starter. Bradford took less than half of the practice snaps, splitting time with Kellen Clemens, who signed Thursday. No. 2 A. J. Feeley (thumb) is out.

GIANTS: Safety Kenny Phillips, a former Miami standout, is out for tonight's game at Dallas with a sprained MCL.

PATRIOTS: The team signed defensive lineman DL Eric Moore and promoted defensive back Malcolm Williams from the practice squad. Defensive lineman Jermaine Cunningham (hamstring) went on injured reserve.

Information from Times wires was used in this report.

By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, December 10, 2011

JACKSONVILLE — Bucs quarterback Josh Freeman said he experienced a minor setback with his right throwing shoulder Friday.

The pain was similar to what he felt following the loss at Tennessee two weeks ago and he did not finish practice.

Freeman said his arm improved a bit Saturday and he hopes to play today at the Jaguars. A game-time decision, he is listed as questionable.

"The arm is still in some pain, but it feels better than it did last week," Freeman said Saturday. "I'm hoping it feels okay to play."

If Freeman can't go, Josh Johnson will make his second straight start. Johnson, 0-5 as a starter, dislocated his left shoulder in the first quarter last week against Carolina but missed just one play after having it popped back in place.

BRADFORD PRACTICES, MIGHT PLAY: Rams quarterback Sam Bradford, who has missed two games, was back in practice in preparation for Monday's game at Seattle. Coach Steve Spagnuolo was not ready to name Bradford (left ankle sprain) the starter. Bradford took less than half of the practice snaps, splitting time with Kellen Clemens, who signed Thursday. No. 2 A. J. Feeley (thumb) is out.

GIANTS: Safety Kenny Phillips, a former Miami standout, is out for tonight's game at Dallas with a sprained MCL.

PATRIOTS: The team signed defensive lineman DL Eric Moore and promoted defensive back Malcolm Williams from the practice squad. Defensive lineman Jermaine Cunningham (hamstring) went on injured reserve.

Information from Times wires was used in this report.

By John C. Cotey, Times Sports Columnist
Saturday, December 10, 2011

You can read it, put your coffee on it to keep it warm, clip it out and use it to fry eggs on, but just don't touch it. It's hot! Every weekend, St. Petersburg Times columnist John C. Cotey brings you the Hot List, telling you what's trending in the world of high school sports.

1. Plant

2. Plant

3. Plant (Yep, here we go again)

4. Dade City football fans

They might not have a distinctive chant, but they were easy to spot in Wakulla on Friday night. Rural hometown football was alive and well last week. And I'm still not sure there's anything better, from the send-off through downtown Dade City to the line of Pirate faithful waiting to get into the game in Crawfordville — at 5:30 p.m.! Well done, folks.

5. Grant Van Field Goal

I'm so old, I remember back when the Plant football offense was sexy. But give the Panthers credit. They still show a little leg every now and then. And Friday night, it belonged to Grant Van Aman, who booted field goals of 42, 30, 45 and 47 yards to help send Plant to the title game for the fourth straight year.

6. Wakulla's Sheriff Office

If you think CSI: Miami is good, well, you don't know good. The Wakulla County boys in blue made sure there are two boys in orange as they worked swiftly, efficiently and effectively to recover items stolen from Pasco's locker room during its triple-overtime loss to the War Eagles. I'm still waiting on the five iPad 2s and three MacBook Airs I was storing in Trey Dudley-Giles' backpack. But otherwise, bravo.

7. Great Guy

Pretty sure that Jacob Guy, Pasco's record-setting quarterback who went over 40 touchdown passes on the season Friday night, is the most underappreciated, cool-under-pressure, productive, unassuming and polite kid I've ever covered.

8. The other RB

Last year, it was a last-second field goal. This year, it was Wade Edwards, who rushed for 235 yards in place of an injured Matt Jones to help send Armwood back to Orlando.

9. The WB

Wesley Bullock joined the 1,000-Yard club Friday night then joined the Run-For-100-Yards-In-Every-Playoff-Game club. That's a one-man club, by the way.

10. Janarion Grant

Is it too early to be excited about watching the Pasco standout play next year?

Have a performance or team you think should make the Hot List? Let John C. Cotey know at cotey@tampabay.com or follow him at @JohnnyHometeam on Twitter.

By Bob Putnam, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, December 10, 2011

Boys Swimmer of the Year Nick Alexiou, Sr., Clearwater

Alexiou was the overwhelming favorite to win state titles in the 200- and 500-yard freestyle due, in large part, to the graduation of Sarasota Riverview's Nicholas Caldwell, the defending champion in both events and the state record holder in the 500. With his path cleared, Alexiou seized his golden opportunity, winning what had been elusive state titles in the 200 free in 1 minute, 36.27 seconds and the 500 free in 4:24.30. He was the only county swimmer, boy or girl, to win multiple individual titles at a state meet.

Most impressive accomplishments: Alexiou not only wanted to win state titles, he wanted to break records. He came awfully close in the 200 free, falling 0.46 seconds shy of the state record of 1:35.81 set by Clay Kirkland of Jacksonville Bolles in 2000. His time in both of his signature events was fastest among boys in any classification at the state meet.

Fun fact: Two years ago, Alexiou broke a 19-year-old conference record in the 200 free and shaved 11 seconds off his time from the preliminaries to set a record in the 500 free. This year, he lowered his record-setting time in the 200 free from 1:39.31 to 1:39.09

What's next: Alexiou, who has signed with Virginia, continues to train with his club coach in order to produce top times for upcoming offseason meets, including the Olympic Trials.

First team

50 free: Jason Williams, Sr., Palm Harbor U.: Third at state

100 fly: Zach Perrotti, Sr., Palm Harbor U.: Fifth at state

100 free: Jason Williams, Sr., Palm Harbor U.: Third at state

100 back: Georgi Krastev, Jr., Northeast: State champion

100 breast: David Morgan, Sr., Palm Harbor U.: State runnerup

200 free: Nick Alexiou, Sr., Clearwater: State champion

200 individual medley: Zack Metka, Sr., Seminole: Second at state

500 free: Nick Alexiou, Sr., Clearwater: State champion

200 free relay: Palm Harbor U. (Jason Williams, Shaun VanHuyssteen, Zach Perrotti, Jason Williams): Third at state

200 medley relay: Palm Harbor U. (Ryan McRae, David Morgan, Zach Perrotti, Jason Williams): State champions

400 free relay: Countryside (Richard Willsey, Michael Lombardo, Ryan Peters, Gary Lush): Third at state

Diving: Jack Stein, Jr., Shore­crest: State champion

Coach of the year

Lisa Bitting, Palm Harbor U.: She guided the Hurricanes to conference, district and region titles then the Class 3A title. She also coached PHU to a state title in 2008, becoming the first bay area coach in 56 years to win multiple state titles.

Second team

50 free: Gary Lush, Sr., Countryside. 100 fly: Georgi Krastev, Jr., Northeast. 100 free: Ryan McRae, Jr., Palm Harbor U. 100 back: John Farese, So., Shorecrest. 100 breast: Zack Metka, Sr., Seminole. 200 free: Ryan McRae, Jr., Palm Harbor U. 200 IM: David Morgan, Sr., Palm Harbor U. 500 free: Taylor Uselis, So., Palm Harbor U. 200 free relay: Countryside (Richard Willsey, Ryan Peters, Tommy Kelly, Gary Lush). 200 medley relay: East Lake (Michael Holds­worth, Kevin Smith, Colin Hausman, Jack Pickrem). 400 free relay: Palm Harbor U. (Shaun VanHuyssteen, Manuel Barragan, Taylor Uselis, Ryan McRae). Diving: Jeffrey Burns, Jr., East Lake.

Honorable mention

Clearwater: Nicholas Yoder (diving), 200 free relay, 400 free relay. Clearwater Central Catholic: Jared Brown (50 free, 100 free). Countryside: Gary Lush (200 IM, 100 fly), Ryan Peters (100 back, 200 free), Richard Willsey (50 free, 100 free). Dunedin: Cooper Hoffman (100 back). East Lake: Kevin Smith (100 breast). Northeast: Spencer Williams (100 free). Osceola: Calvin Bryant (500 free). Palm Harbor U.: Manuel Barragan (200 IM), Zach Perrotti (100 back), Taylor Uselis (200 free). Shorecrest: Joshua Chen (200 IM), 200 medley relay, 400 free relay.

Girls Swimmer of the Year Sydney Pickrem, Fr., East Lake

Pickrem was attempting to do something no other county freshman girl had done at a state meet: win multiple individual titles. She came awfully close, winning the 100 breast in 1 minute, 2.91 seconds and finishing second in the 200 individual medley in 2:00.55. She had the top seeded times in both events entering the preliminaries. In the 200 IM, she fell behind Sarasota Riverview's Ashlee Linn and could not catch up. In the 100 breast, she built a commanding lead and finished a second off the state record. Pickrem and Tarpon Springs' Kelsey Buckley won one event and finished second in another at state. But Pickrem beat Buckley in the 200 IM to win the conference title and had a faster time in the event at state.

Most impressive accomplishments: Pickrem burst onto the scene at the conference meet by winning two individual events and swimming a leg on the winning 200 free relay.

Fun fact: For many years, Pickrem has competed against and beaten girls older than her. She already has made it to the national championships and qualified for the Olympic Trials.

What's next: Pickrem is training for big meets with her club team and preparing to win multiple state titles next season.

First team

50 free: Lauren Hall, Jr., Countryside: Third at state

100 fly: Emma Spilman, Fr., Shorecrest: County's top time

100 free: Kelsey Buckley, Sr., Tarpon Springs: State runnerup

100 back: Jessica Piper, Sr., St. Petersburg: Third at state

100 breast: Sydney Pickrem, Fr., East Lake: State champion

200 free: Michelle Turek, Fr., Palm Harbor U.: State runnerup

200 individual medley: Kelsey Buckley, Sr., Tarpon Springs: State champion

500 free: Summer Finke, Fr., Countryside: Fourth at state

200 free relay: Palm Harbor U. (Kendall McIntosh, Abbey King, Sarah Freeman, Michelle Turek): Third at state

200 medley relay: Palm Harbor U. (Mickey Hubbard, Rachael Freeman, Morgan Perrotti, Kendall McIntosh): Sixth at state.

400 free relay: Palm Harbor U. (Katherine Mayer, Abbey King, Sarah Freeman, Michelle Turek): State runnerup

Diving: Alexi Gonzalez, Jr., East Lake: Third at state

Coach of the Year

Lisa Bitting, Palm Harbor University: With a team made up primarily of underclassmen, Bitting guided the Hurricanes to conference, district and region titles and a second-place finish at the Class 3A state meet. It was the highest finish at a state meet ever for PHU's girls.

Second team

50 free: Annika Smith, Fr., East Lake. 100 fly: Sarah Gorman, So., Seminole. 100 free: Michelle Turek, Fr., Palm Harbor U. 100 back: Marissa Marckese, Jr., St. Petersburg. 100 breast: Annika Smith, Fr., East Lake. 200 free: Summer Finke, Fr., Countryside. 200 individual medley: Sydney Pickrem, Fr., East Lake. 500 free: Autumn Finke, Jr., Countryside. 200 free relay: East Lake (Sydney Pickrem, Annika Smith, Emily Jacobs, Raina Peterson). 200 medley relay: Countryside (Autumn Finke, Lauren Hall, Sarah Hughes, Courtney Grace). 400 free relay: Countryside (Summer Finke, Autumn Finke, Caroline Smythe, Lauren Hall). Diving: Hannah Stein, Sr., Shorecrest.

Honorable mention

Clearwater: 400 free relay. Countryside: Autumn Finke (200 free), Lauren Hall (100 free). East Lake: 200 medley relay. Lakewood: Rebecca Halfast (100 free, 100 back). Northeast: AJ Jones (200 IM, 100 back), 200 free relay. Northside Christian: Madelei Clarke (100 fly), 200 free relay. Osceola: Nicole Koda (100 breast), Alexandra Wittman (200 free, 500 free), 200 medley relay. Palm Harbor U.: Sarah Freeman (50 free, 100 free), Rachael Freeman (100 breast, 200 IM), Abbey King (100 free), Morgan Perrotti (100 fly, 100 back). Seminole: Jennifer Dawson (diving), Hannah Roper (200 IM, 100 breast), 400 free relay. Shorecrest: Hope Andrews (200 free), Emma Spilman (200 IM), 200 medley relay, 400 free relay. St. Petersburg: Jessica Piper (200 IM).

By Basil Spyridakos, Times Correspondent
Saturday, December 10, 2011

PINELLAS PARK — Palm Harbor University's Prince twins produced an imposing display of skill Saturday during the finals of the Jerry Mita Invitational at Pinellas Park.

The Hurricanes entered the tournament as the favorite and lived up to expectations, sending six of their wrestlers to the finals and winning with 260 points.

East Bay finished second with 194.5 followed by Sarasota, Osceola and Bradenton Southeast.

"I actually thought East Bay was the favorites coming into this," PHU coach Stan Sakevich said. "I thought we had an outside shot at having eight kids in the finals. But I'll take six. We had one that was winning and got caught in the last 10 seconds."

Freshman Conner Prince made quick work of East Bay's Matt Harkins, earning a fall in 1:26 to take the 106-pound final. Conner pinned all of his opponents.

"You've got to keep pushing and keep fighting. And you look for an opening, and you take it," Conner said. "Coach puts us through good conditioning, and we're all in good shape. And when you have a lot of good wrestlers on your team, you get better."

Jared Conner dominated the 113-pound final, nearly pinning Bradenton Lakewood Ranch's Evan Dipsiner several times before earning a 12-1 decision. Both twins are 13-1.

Osceola's Jordan Harriot won the 160-pound title and was named Outstanding Wrestler, which is voted on by the coaches.

Northeast's Chris Roane (285) won his second straight tournament title.

Other champions from the bay area were: PHU's Mike May (120), East Bay's Roel Pecina (126), East Lake's Dylan Husserl (132), Wharton's Tyler Libeartore (138), PHU's Aaron Hartman (145), East Bay's Morquez Forrest (170), Clearwater's Elisei Carcalete (182) and Tarpon Springs' Dylan Fanelli (195).

Times wires
Saturday, December 10, 2011

LANDOVER, Md. — In his last game before he goes to SEAL training, Alexander Teich absolutely, positively did not want to be a member of the Navy team that finally lost to Army.

The fullback returned kickoffs, something he hadn't done all year. He ran to the stands to fire up the Brigade of Midshipmen.

Teich and the Midshipmen made it 10 straight over the Black Knights, winning 27-21 Saturday in the 112th edition of one of sports' most passionate rivalries.

"I'm an emotional person — I don't know if you guys noticed yet," the senior captain said with a smile. "I was amped. You don't want to let that ball drop in on the senior class, and I was going to do whatever it took."

With President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden presiding over the first Army-Navy game played in the vicinity of the nation's capital — and with Obama adhering to presidential tradition by spending a half on each side of the field — the Mids (5-7) got two touchdown runs from quarterback Kriss Proctor and one from Teich at the Washington Redskins' stadium to win their 10th straight in the rivalry.

Raymond Maples and Malcolm Brown rushed for 82 yards apiece for Army (3-9).

Obama told CBS of the players: "They're smart, dedicated, tough, love their country, do an incredible job. And that's what gives this game such resonance."

fsu wr reed likely done: Florida State senior receiver Bert Reed pulled a hamstring in Friday's workout and is "probably done,'' coach Jimbo Fisher said Saturday. Reed has 28 receptions and 385 receiving yards. Running back Devonta Freeman (back) missed practice but should be okay for the Dec. 29 Champs Sports Bowl against Notre Dame.

A&M TABS SUMLIN, HOUSTON ACTS FAST: Texas A&M named as coach Kevin Sumlin, who led Houston to a 12-1 season. Sumlin comes to College Station, about 100 miles northwest of Houston, less than two weeks after the Aggies fired Mike Sherman. The Cougars named Tony Levine as coach starting with the TicketCity Bowl, Jan. 2 in Dallas.

UCLA TURNS TO MORA: Former Seahawks and Falcons coach Jim Mora, who hasn't coached in college in 27 years, agreed to a five-year, $12 million contract to replace Rick Neuheisel.

WEIS seeks turnaround: Charlie Weis, who left his job as Florida offensive coordinator to take the head coaching job at Kansas, was introduced at KU's basketball game. "We're 2-10. The other school in this state (Kansas State) is 10-2? Why?" Weis told the crowd at halftime of the Jayhawks' win over Ohio State. "My job now … is to not just figure out why, but do something about it."

MICHIGAN MIFFED: Michigan athletic director Dave Brandon said he is "struggling to understand" why the NCAA gave Ohio State a waiver to briefly exceed the limit of football coaches on staff after hiring Urban Meyer.

DIVISION I-AA: QB Jaybo Shaw ran for two TDs and threw for one to lead host Georgia Southern past visiting Maine 35-23 in the quarterfinals. Next Saturday the Eagles (11-2), seeded third, face No. 2 seed North Dakota State in the semifinals after the Bison (12-1) beat visiting Lehigh 24-0. Top seed Sam Houston State (13-0) beat Montana State 49-13 and next host Montana.

DIVISION II: Wayne State (12-3) beat host Winston-Salem State 21-14 to earn a berth in next week's title game.

DIVISION III: Host Wisconsin-Whitewater (14-0) defeated St. Thomas (Minn.) 20-0 in the semifinals and will meet Mount Union (14-0), a 28-21 winner over visiting Wesley, in next Saturday's Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl for the seventh straight year. Those two have split their six meetings.

SWAC TITLE GAME: Jacarde Carter returned a fumble 66 yards for a TD early in the fourth to give Grambling State, coached by former Buc Doug Williams, a 16-15 win over Alabama A&M in Birmingham.

The Orlando Sentinel contributed to this report.

Rod Gipson, Times Correspondent
Saturday, December 10, 2011

TAMPA — Durant's Nick Fabrizio threw for a touchdown and ran for two to lead the East squad to a 26-13 victory in the Hillsborough County All-Star Game Saturday night at Raymond James Stadium.

Fabrizio, who was named the East's MVP, had to lead a comeback.

The West scored on the first play of the game when Greg Windham hit King teammate Chris Murray for an 80-yard touchdown that started with a flea-flicker involving Carrollwood Day's Duece Gruden.

Murray, who had several key catches en route to being named the West MVP, caught the pass 20 yards downfield and sprinted down the sideline for the touchdown.

The East quickly responded, Fabrizio throwing a 21-yard touchdown to Spoto's Geronimo Allison. A missed extra point and an ensuing 48-yard field goal by Chamberlain's Neil Macinnes gave the West a 10-6 halftime lead.

But Fabrizio made more plays during the second half, capping one drive with a 2-yard touchdown run and leading another drive that ended with a 5-yard scoring dash by Wharton's Darius Page.

The West struggled offensively in the second half as the East defense clamped down.

Consecutive drives ended with a fumble and sack.

Meanwhile, Fabrizio capped his evening with a 19-yard touchdown run during the fourth.

"I just wanted to come out and be with my teammates and have some fun," said Fabrizio, who led Durant to a district crown and playoff appearance this season.

"It was great. We came out and played hard, and I just enjoyed my last high school football game."

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, December 10, 2011

PHILADELPHIA — As it turns out, the Flyers did not need to stall to beat the Lightning.

Philadelphia, which used that tactic the last time the teams met, sparking much national debate, played it straight up and beat the Lightning 5-2 Saturday night at the Wells Fargo Center.

The Flyers scored three times in the second period, including twice in 34 seconds, to overcome a 1-0 Tampa Bay lead built on Ryan Shanon's first-period goal.

Vinny Lecavalier's power-play goal 55 seconds into the third period made it 3-2. But Matt Carle's power-play goal 4:55 into the third made it 4-2, and the Lightning (12-15-2), losers of six of seven games and 10 of 14, were outshot 10-4 in the third period, 26-11 after the first and 32-19 overall.

There was some anticipation in the first period that the Flyers might use the stall tactic that sparked a ruckus when used in the Nov. 9 game in Tampa.

The Lightning played well in the first period and led 1-0 and 8-6 in shots.

Shannon scored with 8:08 left, but it was Dominic Moore's terrific pass that made the goal possible.

Moore, on the left side boards, spun and zipped the puck cross-ice to Shannon, who was in front of the net and had tons of time to shoot.

It would have been 2-0 with 37 seconds left had not goalie Ilya Bryzgalov made an outstanding save on Dana Tyrell, who lunged to get off a backhander in front of the net only to be stopped by Bryzgalov's left pad.

Tampa Bay was hurt by its erratic road power play, which went 0-for-3 with two shots before Lecavalier's tally.

It was done in by bad puck control, bad luck and four penalties in a second period in which the Flyers had a 16-7 shot advantage and took a 3-1 lead.

Philadelphia scored twice in 34 seconds with two sequences that began with turnovers.

Defenseman Bruno Gervais gave up the puck to Wayne Simmonds at the red line, leading to Danny Briere's goal. Center Nate Thompson turned the puck over to Jaromir Jagr at the red line leading to Jagr's goal for a 2-1 Flyers lead 3:12 into the period.

Both goals on Mathieu Garon were high to the glove side from in close. Briere said that is where the Flyers' scouting report said to shoot.

Tampa Bay had bad luck with 5:11 left when Simmond's backhand shot deflected in off the skate of Lightning defenseman Brett Clark.

Garon preserved the two-goal deficit with 31.8 seconds left with an outstanding save on Sean Couturier, first with his left leg and then twice with his stick as the puck kept trickling toward the net.

By Derek J. LaRiviere, Times Correspondent
Saturday, December 10, 2011

BROOKSVILLE — Hernando hosts the Kiwanis Invitational every season, but Springstead proved again Saturday why it owns the tournament.

The Eagles (302.5 points) won their seventh consecutive title at the 30th annual event, easily outpacing Nature Coast (207).

"We asked the boys to step up their intensity this weekend," Springstead coach Eric Swensen said. "And I think we saw that."

Springstead put nine in the finals. It did not include state runnerup John Dreggors (285 pounds), who missed his second straight meet due to personal issues, Swensen said.

Cody Ross (152) led the way, winning his fourth straight Kiwanis title. The senior earned a 12-3 major decision over Wesley Chapel's Nick Popolillo for the title.

"It means a lot to come out and set a precedent for Springstead," Ross said. "I feel like I am little undersized for my weight class right now, but I have to go above and beyond."

Seven other Eagles won titles. Jordan Rivera (126) and Sean Redman (145) won their second while Mike McDonald (113), Josh Herrera (132), Conor Ross (182), Thomas Gupton (195) and Joe Russo (138) won their first.

Nature Coast, whose previous high in the tournament was four finalists, got seven.

Although the Sharks failed to win one, Greg Jarque (285) was involved in one of the top matches of the tournament when he went three overtimes with Hernando's Austin Neff. In the third, Jarque believed he won when he escaped. But the decision was reversed by the head referee. Neff took advantage when the period was replayed and escaped for the win.

"I probably should have argued it more," Nature Coast coach Mike Lastra said. "But I'm proud of how we did here. Five years ago, we were blanked by Springstead in a dual. And (Saturday night), we had seven in the finals going head to head with them."

After three seasons of coming up short, Pasco senior J.P. Gamez got his first Kiwanis title by beating defending champion Forrest Swartsel of Gulf.

Times wires
Saturday, December 10, 2011

NEW YORK — Robert Griffin III beat out preseason favorite Andrew Luck for the Heisman Trophy, dazzling voters with his ability to throw, run and lead former Big 12 doormat Baylor into the national rankings.

The junior quarterback known as RG3 became the first Heisman winner from Baylor on Saturday night by a comfortable cushion over the Stanford star.

Griffin started the season on the fringe of the Heisman conversation, a talented and exciting player on a marginal team, while Luck was already being touted as a No. 1 NFL draft pick.

Draft day might very well still belong to Luck, but Griffin diverted the Heisman to Waco, Texas, to a school that never had a player finish better than fourth in the voting, 48 years ago.

When his name was announced Griffin broke into a bright smile. Then it was hugs all around, for his coaches, parents, sister and fiancee. He took a few long strides to the stage and laughed, making a joke about his Superman socks — complete with capes on the back — before going into his acceptance speech.

"This is unbelievably believable," he said. "It's unbelievable because in the moment we're all amazed when great things happen. But it's believable because great things don't happen without hard work."

Griffin received 405 first-place votes and 1,687 points.

"Everybody associated with Baylor has a reason to celebrate tonight," he said.

Luck received 247 first-place votes and 1,407 points to become the fourth player to be Heisman runnerup in consecutive seasons and first since Arkansas running back Darren McFadden in 2006 and '07.

He was also first to congratulate Griffin.

"Very much well deserved," Luck said.

Alabama running back Trent Richardson was third with 138 first-place votes and 978 points. Wisconsin running back Montee Ball (348 points) was fourth and the other finalist, LSU cornerback Tyrann Mathieu (327) was fifth.

Griffin's highlights were spectacular — his signature moment was a long, cross-field touchdown pass with 8 seconds left to beat Oklahoma — and he completed 72 percent for 3,998 yards with 36 TD passes and a nation-best 192.3 rating.

More important, he lifted Baylor (9-3) to national prominence and one of its greatest seasons. The No. 15 Bears won nine games for the first time in 25 years, beat the Sooners for the first time ever and went 4-0 in November.

Luck was the frontrunner from the moment in January he surprised many by returning to the Cardinal for one more season instead of jumping to the NFL to become a millionaire. He didn't disappoint, with 3,170 yards receiving, 35 TD passes, a completion percentage of 70 and a rating of 167.5.

But Griffin had better numbers and, essentially, out-Lucked Luck, who became a star by lifting a forlorn program at a private school out of the shadows of powerful conference rivals.

Having topped quarterback Don Trull's fourth-place finish in 1963 as Baylor's best Heisman result, Griffin must decide on whether to return for his senior year — where he could not only become the second two-time Heisman winner but the second named Griffin, following 1974-75 winner Archie (no relation) of Ohio State.