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SPECIAL OLYMPICS
+Plant City ballers win gold at nationals
The Plant City Unified basketball team has been together for five years now, and all their years of their hard work finally paid off last week.
By defeating teams from Michigan, New Jersey and Tennessee — which Plant City beat twice — the boys were able to win the gold medal at the 2014 Special Olympics National Games in New Jersey.
It was the cherry on top of a successful run by Hillsborough athletes, who also won three gold medals in cycling, one in track and field, and one silver apiece in track and golf.
BASKETBALL
+P.C. Vipers to host tryouts
Any boys in the area who have summer hoop dreams will have a chance to take them somewhere on Saturday.
The Plant City Vipers travel basketball team will hold tryouts for the upcoming 2014-15 season at 11 a.m. June 28, at Mike E. Sansone Community Park, 1702 N. Park Road, Plant City.
“We’re going to continue to develop as an organization to where we may have multiple teams — a ninth- and 10th-grade team, and an 11th- and 12th-grade team,” President Reggie Rivers says. “We encourage boys who are interested in playing competitive basketball to try out.”
Tryouts will be open to boys ages 14 to 18, with age eligibility determined by birthdate. The total registration cost, which includes a uniform and other registration fees, is $200.
For more, contact Rivers at (813) 763-2390 or vpbaplantcity@aol.com.
BASEBALL & SOFTBALL
+ Little Leaguers begin summer play
As of Monday, district tournament action for Plant City Little League softball and baseball is underway. Although the 9/10 softball team has been eliminated, 9/10 and 10/11 baseball are still alive and kicking.
Monday’s scores:
9/10 Softball: Lake Wales 20, Plant City 0
9/10 Baseball: Plant City B 9, North Lakeland A 5
Tuesday’s scores:
9/10 Softball: Lake Wales 8, Plant City 5 (Plant City eliminated).
9/10 Baseball: Plant City A 12, North Lakeland B 2.
9/10 Baseball: Auburndale A 11, Plant City B 6
10/11 Baseball: Lake Wales 10, Plant City 8
Wednesday’s scores were not available for press time.