Do you have a good sports scoop for us? Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.
BASEBALL
+ PCHS brings back tourney
The Plant City Preseason Classic was a hit last year, so head coach Mike Fryrear and the Raiders are gearing up for the next one.
The second annual tournament, scheduled for Friday, Feb. 6, and Saturday, Feb. 7, will pit the Raiders against the Strawberry Crest Chargers, Trinity Christian Academy Conquerors and the Wiregrass Ranch Bulls. Al Berry will throw the first pitch before the Trinity Christian-Plant City game.
Feb. 6: Wiregrass Ranch vs. Strawberry Crest, 4:30 p.m.; Trinity Christian vs. Plant City, 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 7: Trinity Christian vs. Strawberry Crest, 11:30 a.m.; Wiregrass Ranch vs. Plant City, 2 p.m.
BASKETBALL
+ Get ready for district tourneys
Regular-season basketball will come to a close tonight, meaning that the district tournaments are right around the corner.
The FHSAA has released its tournament site listings for 2015, and area hoops fans are in luck: the 7A-7 girls tournament will be held at Strawberry Crest High School.
It will also be the first of the two tournaments to take place, and plans to catch the action should be made soon. Play begins at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, with the championship game set for 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 29. It’s likely that that final game will pit Crest and Plant City against one another, and that’s a game that should not be missed.
As for the boys, their tournament will be held at East Bay High School, beginning at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3, and wrap up at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6. While East Bay has been in control of the district from day one, the Chargers have made a strong push to second place lately and could threaten the Indians in the long run.
For any basketball fans willing to travel, East Bay High School is located at 7710 Big Bend Road, Gibsonton, 33534.
CHEERLEADING
+ Crest, Durant, P.C. place at regionals
Plant City High School played host to the FHSAA Region 3 Cheerleading tournament Friday, Jan. 16.
In the Large Varsity competition, Durant finished in second place with an even 83 points, and Plant City placed seventh with 66.50 points.
In the Small Co-Ed division, Strawberry Crest ended up with a score of 84.50.
Cheerleading State Championships will be held from Jan. 30 and 31 at the Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee. Crest will compete on Friday, the first day, and competitions will be streaming online at nfhsnetwork.com/states/FL.