When I did the 2014-15 high school basketball previews, I had a feeling that, as a whole, the girls might keep things more competitive than the boys. Roughly 10 games into the season, it looks like I was on to something — but I didn’t think things would be this good, this early. On Dec. […]
Continue ReadingSports
Local teams take on UYFL Championship tourney
It’s the fourth consecutive year that Plant City has hosted the United Youth Football League National Championship Tournament, and the action is going just as strong as ever. Over 100 teams from all over the United States have been grinding it out at the Otis M. Andrews Sports Complex since Sunday, Dec. 7, and there […]
Continue ReadingATHLETE OF THE WEEK: ASHLYN MYERS
It’s not often that a high school freshman starts for a varsity sports team. It’s even rarer when she makes an immediate impact. But, that’s exactly what guard Ashlyn Myers has done for the Durant Lady Cougars in 2014. Her 17.0 points per game leads the team, which has gotten off to a 4-2 start […]
Continue ReadingLongtime Durant softball assistant coach retires
Durant softball assistant coach Mike Crabb knew that he would eventually leave the game on his own terms, but didn’t always know when that would be. Now, after 25 years in the game, he has decided that it’s time to pursue other interests. “I think you have to have no doubts, when it comes time […]
Continue ReadingSidelines 12.5.14
Do you have a good sports scoop for us? Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com. SOFTBALL + Porter to step back from project On Dec. 1, longtime International Softball Federation President and CEO Don Porter made it known that he wishes to spend more time with his family and will no longer be involved with the […]
Continue ReadingStrawberry Crest fishing team opens inaugural season with win
The Strawberry Crest High School fishing team hasn’t existed for very long, but it’s already making a splash in the Florida B.A.S.S. Nation circuit. The team traveled to Tavares for the Nov. 23 Duel on Dora bass fishing tournament, and anglers Jonathan North and Russell Butler ended up winning the whole thing. It’s a performance […]
Continue ReadingMaking good on an old promise
Before I get started, I just want to say that I hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving. Over the weekend, I went back to Fort Myers to visit some friends from my days at Florida Gulf Coast University and act like a college student again — but with more than just $50 in my checking […]
Continue ReadingSuperbowl Saturday
Saturday was a big deal for youth football. Five Plant City-area teams made it to the Tri-County Youth Football and Cheerleading Conference’s annual championship tournament, the Superbowl, Nov. 22. VARSITY: IT TAKES 12 Anyone who caught the Superbowl action can say that the best was saved for last. The Turkey Creek Trojans Varsity team, just 12 […]
Continue ReadingFaith Christian grows students’ love of soccer
It’s a cold, blustery Tuesday at the Otis M. Andrews Sports Complex — the kind of weather that would make most Floridians complain and go indoors. There’s no complaining to be found on the soccer pitch, however, even from a group of kids who are running around out there, clad in yellow pinnies and playing […]
Continue ReadingWHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND? Thoughts on the ‘14 TCYFCC Superbowl
This past Saturday was the day that five of our Plant City-area youth football teams have waited all year for: the Superbowl. While most of the teams walked away with a loss, we were at least able to see two teams win championships: the Plant City Dolphins JV team and the Turkey Creek Trojans Varsity […]
Continue Reading
