Although the Durant softball team split their games this past week, senior Shannon Bell has been great in both appearances. The outfielder drove in both of the Lady Cougars’ runs in a 3-2 loss to Riverview on Feb. 11, and finished with a 18-0 rout of Spoto on Valentine’s Day, with a grand slam and […]
Continue ReadingSports
WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND: On what stays in the locker room
Has anyone heard of any football players, specifically offensive linemen, that have defended Jonathan Martin lately? Some wide receivers, like retired Pittsburgh Steeler Hines Ward and current Seattle Seahawk Doug Baldwin, have publicly supported Martin in the wake of his allegations against the Miami Dolphins. Columnists who formerly played in the NFL, such as ESPN’s […]
Continue ReadingSidelines 02.20.14
BASKETBALL + Strawberry Crest loses heartbreaker With a last-minute effort by Freedom High School, the best season in the Strawberry Crest basketball program’s history has come to an end. The Patriots were able to stave off a late Chargers rally and win, 42-39, Feb. 18, to advance to the regional finals against Bartow High School. With […]
Continue ReadingSOFTBALL: Brandon at Strawberry Crest
Were the Lady Chargers still upset on Tuesday night about the loss to Bloomingdale? It sure looked like it, since Strawberry Crest forced the mercy rule on Brandon with a 15-0 shutout in three innings. The Lady Eagles pitching staff struggled with its control all night, giving Crest plenty of free bases by walks and, […]
Continue ReadingBaseball brothers earn bid to national tourney
Brothers Robert and Bryce Foster are used to change. The only thing that has remained constant throughout their lives has been baseball, a sport that they’ve played together whenever possible. Until this summer, that is. Both boys, who live in Plant City and play for Kathleen High School, in Lakeland, were invited to participate in […]
Continue ReadingSpring training on spring break
Who would have thought Plant City would be a popular spring break destination? Come to the winter strawberry capital throughout the month of March and you’ll see thousands of college kids here visiting. For the ninth consecutive year, they’ll be here for the National Club Baseball Association and National Club Softball Association’s Spring Training Showcase, […]
Continue ReadingATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Austin Griffin
After winning the title of top seed with a coin toss, the Strawberry Crest boys took home the district title Feb. 6 with a 51-31 win against tournament host Brandon High School. Leading the charge was senior forward Austin Griffin, who finished with 16 points. Over two tournament games, he scored a total of 34 […]
Continue ReadingWHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND: Plant City looks good in spotlight
One thing I’ve noticed since I’ve been in the winter strawberry capital is that there are a bunch of big tournaments held here. I know, I know — I’ve been the sports guy here for five months now, I’ve seen a lot of what this place has to offer, and I shouldn’t be too surprised. […]
Continue ReadingSidelines 02.13.14
BASKETBALL + Lady Chargers fall in regional It had been almost a month since the Strawberry Crest girls lost a basketball game, so Steinbrenner wanted to change that on the big stage. The Lady Warriors got what they came for in a 50-38 win Tuesday night. A slow start in the first quarter, in which […]
Continue ReadingMcBride, Team USA steamroll Canada in International Bowl
Put another mark in the “win” column for Team USA. But, this one didn’t happen in Sochi, and the game wasn’t a winter sport. Spectators at the University of Texas-Arlington were treated to some good, old-fashioned American football on Feb. 7, and USA’s U19 team crushed Canada, 43-7. The rosters are filled with some of […]
Continue Reading