DP persevered for return trip to final
The long process of returning to Saturday night’s Class 8A football state championship game was not without its share of ups and downs for Dr. Phillips.
The Panthers suffered back-to-back losses to Wekiva and Apopka in a span of five days in September. With a roster made up of players who’ve weathered much worse in the past, DP (12-2) stayed the course and are reaping the benefits after dominating last week’s state semifinal rematch at Wekiva.
Dr. Phillips (12-2), state runners-up a year ago, faces Delray Beach Atlantic (12-1) at 8 p.m. at Camping World Stadium in Orlando.
“They’re just a little more resilient than any group I think I’ve ever had,” Dr. Phillips coach
said of his team in a conference call Monday.
Getting back to the state title game was a big goal, but it won’t be enough to quench the Panthers’ thirst.
“It’s the best feeling in the world, to get that second chance,” said senior
following the state semifinal win. “We can’t waste this opportunity.”
Gulla is one of eight DP defenders who played in last year’s 14-10 finals loss to Miami Southridge.
“We’ve had a chip on our shoulder,” said senior
“Coach has told us every day to trust the process and to stay dedicated to the weight room and finish this off.”
Coach of undefeated state champ West Orange and Bishop Moore senior earned the top Florida Dairy Farmers girls volleyball honors for 2017.
Usie, who led the Warriors to a 29-0 season and 9A state title in his seventh season as head coach, was voted Coach of the Year by a panel of his peers and state media.
Monserez, a UF signee who racked up 329 kills, 284 digs and 227 assists, became the sixth consecutive area player to be voted state player of the year. West Orange senior was fourth in that voting.
Former The First Academy boys basketball standout
was named Southern Conference Player of the Month after shooting a scalding 59-percent from threepoint range (34-of-62) and averaging 22.5 points per game for Wofford College.
The 6-foot-4 junior ranks third nationally with 4.3 three-point shots made per game heading into a home game vs. Georgia Tech tonight. He had 32 points in a 79-65 loss at California.
Wofford travels to play at North Carolina and former Lake Highland Prep guard
on Dec. 20.