BASEBALL/SOFTBALL
+ Cougars, Raiders renew rivalry
On the boys’ side, March 4’s renewal of the Redman Rivalry was fairly close.
Durant pulled away in the fourth inning and held on for a 3-0 victory at home, thanks to strong pitching from seniors Ryan Barfield and Jacob Scolaro. Together, they gave up three hits and one walk, and starter Scolaro was awarded the win.
Raiders starter Miguel Martinez took the loss, after giving up one run in two innings of work, and PJ Almon was pulled after allowing the final two runs in one inning. Fortunately for Plant City, sophomore Billy McKay pitched the final three innings and gave up just two hits, while striking out three batters.
The Lady Cougars, on the other hand, weren’t nearly as steady on the mound. They blew a 4-1 lead midway through the game, and allowed the Lady Raiders to take home a 12-6 win.
It was a huge game for Plant City’s Kacie Booth and Avery Brown, who both finished with four RBI. Booth did it with a grand slam, going 1-for-3 on the day, while Brown went 4-for-5 and scored two runs.
FOOTBALL
+ Chase, Davis invited to Nike camp
If you follow the college recruiting scene, you’ve probably heard Tavares Chase’s name quite a bit recently.
The Plant City High School sophomore’s exposure tour has kicked into high gear since the Raiders’ season ended and, on the strength of some recent camp performances, has been invited to next week’s Nike Football Training Camp, in Orlando.
Joining him will be Kenzie Davis, a newcomer to Durant High School by way of Mulberry. Davis, a lineman, has been compared to Montel McBride.
It’s a part of Nike’s SPARQ program, which pairs some of the game’s elite trainers with high school players and uses a four-drill “test” to determine a player’s SPARQ Rating. After that, players split up for position-specific drills and competitions.
The camp will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 15, at Austin Tindall Park.
PARKS AND REC
+ Fishing, softball registration still open
Young anglers and older ballplayers might want to dust off their gear.
The Plant City Recreation and Parks Department has announced registration for both the annual Youth Fishing Derby and adult league softball is open for a few more weeks.
The fishing derby, open to children ages 5 to 15, will hold pre-registration until 5 p.m. Thursday, March 20, and will hold on-site registration from 7:30 to 8:15 a.m. the day of the event.
The derby will be held from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. March 22, behind Plant City Stadium.
As for softball, registration is open until March 28 and can be done online, atteamsideline.com/plantcity.
For more, contact Deborah Haldane at dhaldane@plantcitygov.com.