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East County | Sports

Cooper Pote has already been a shortstop, center fielder, third baseman and pitcher this season for the Thunder. At the plate, his contributions have been second-to-none among his teammates.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • March 2, 2026
East County Athlete of the Week: Cooper Pote

The sophomore has been busy in the batter's box for The Out-of-Door Academy.

  • East County
  • Sports
Junior guard Anthony Bailey (center) was one of several players who couldn't find their offensive groove in Braden River's season-ending loss Feb. 20 to St. Petersburg.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • February 25, 2026
Season ends for Braden River boys basketball in regional semifinals

With 23 victories, the Pirates had their winningest season since 2011-12.

  • East County
  • Sports
Logan Pike was crowned the FHSAA Class 2A-District 9 champion Feb. 19 in the 190-pound weight class, marking a major milestone in his injury-riddled career.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • February 24, 2026
Braden River High junior embodies the will to wrestle

The Braden River High junior has endured multiple major injuries, but he just keeps going.

  • East County
  • Sports
Senior forward/defender Rheanne Fleming looks for a pass during the FHSAA Class 6A-Region 3 championship Feb. 17 between Lakewood Ranch and East Lake. It proved to be the Mustangs' final win of 2025-26.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • February 23, 2026
Lakewood Ranch girls soccer falls short of state final

Facing the nation's No. 5-ranked team, the Mustangs were shut out for the first time all season.

  • East County
  • Sports
After allowing four goals in regulation, Avary Shirley held her own in penalty kicks, helping the Mustangs become back-to-back regional champions.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • February 23, 2026
East County Athlete of the Week: Avary Shirley

The junior goalkeeper made the save that sent Lakewood Ranch girls soccer to the state semifinals.

  • East County
  • Sports
Lakewood Ranch girls soccer defeated East Lake in sudden-death penalty kicks Feb. 17 to win the FHSAA Class 6A-Region 3 title.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • February 18, 2026
Lakewood Ranch girls soccer advances to state semifinals

The Mustangs survived two overtime periods and two series of penalty kicks to claim the regional crown.

  • East County
  • Sports
Braden River girls weightlifting brought home the FHSAA Class 2A state championship in Olympic style Feb. 12 at Lakeland's RP Funding Center. It marks the first in program history.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • February 18, 2026
Braden River High raises the bar at girls weightlifting state championships

The Pirates captured their first team title behind Payton Mangay-Ayam's twin individual titles.

  • East County
  • Sports
Leading a wave of new additions to the Mustangs' program, Tristan Sheffield has dominated in his weight class as a freshman.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • February 17, 2026
East County Athlete of the Week: Tristan Sheffield

The freshman has piled up wins since joining Lakewood Ranch High boys wrestling.

  • East County
  • Sports
Allen Clark set records at The Out-of-Door Academy. Now, his focus has shifted to his future, and what college he'll compete for.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • February 16, 2026
Out-of-Door Academy football star navigates recruiting chaos

Allen Clark, the Thunder's record-setting running back/linebacker has 20-plus offers to play at the next level.

  • East County
  • Sports
The Lakewood Ranch Mustangs changed their name from the Manatee Admirals after 12 seasons and promptly won the Lightning High School Hockey League championship.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • February 11, 2026
LRHS claims third Lightning Cup ice hockey title in program history

However, this was the first Lightning Cup title since the team changed its name to Lakewood Ranch Mustangs.

  • East County
  • Sports
Vito Bavaro underwent knee surgery in December 2025, but despite months of pain and physical limitations, has made his signature impact on the Mustangs' stellar season.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • February 10, 2026
Knee replacement can't keep Lakewood Ranch High coach from his job

Vito Bavaro endures constant paint while his Mustangs boys soccer team make a run at a state championship.

  • East County
  • Sports
Erika Garcia joined Braden River girls weightlifting as a freshman, and now in her fourth season, has been a part of four district championship-winning teams.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • February 9, 2026
East County Athlete of the Week: Erika Garcia

The Braden River High senior is headed to the state meet with her teammates.

  • East County
  • Sports
Braden River boys basketball has clinched its first 20-win season since 2011-12, and won eight games in a row to close out the regular season.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • February 4, 2026
Braden River High boys basketball team turns the tides with teamwork

The Pirates recorded 20 wins in the regular season and hope to continue that success in the postseason.

  • East County
  • Sports
There was a time when Megan Nugent played internationally for the Republic of Ireland. Now, she's taken to the high school sidelines as a girls soccer coach.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • February 3, 2026
New coach aims for lofty heights with ODA girls soccer

Dublin, Ireland native Megan Nugent has sustained success for the Thunder in her first year.

  • East County
  • Sports
Brooke Decillis will represent Lakewood Ranch at the FHSAA Class 3A girls weightlifting state championship Feb. 11 at RP Funding Center in Lakeland.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • February 2, 2026
East County Athlete of the Week: Brooke Decillis

On a big day at regionals, the senior brought home gold and bronze for Lakewood Ranch girls weightlifting.

  • East County
  • Sports
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Latest in East County

1
Rev. Phil Woods stands in the newly renovated 10,000-square-foot sanctuary.
  • March 2, 2026
Lakewood Ranch church wraps up $7.7 million expansion
2
Cooper Pote has already been a shortstop, center fielder, third baseman and pitcher this season for the Thunder. At the plate, his contributions have been second-to-none among his teammates.
  • March 2, 2026
East County Athlete of the Week: Cooper Pote
3
Suncoast Stars Community's Jenny Audet, Julie Audet and Laurel Audet are grateful for the program that provides a wide array of activities including dance, music, fitness and nutrition, knitting, Bible study, crafts, and more.
  • March 1, 2026
Suncoast Stars Community shines bright during fundraising event
4
University Park's Marilyn Kern reacts after making the winning bid during the live auction for a Hawaiian vacation at Sisterhood for Good's Tropical Escape Feb. 27 at the Sarasota Polo Club.
  • February 28, 2026
Sisterhood for Good of Lakewood Ranch hosts Tropical Escape fundraiser
5
Woman, two children identified in Lakewood Ranch death investigation
  • February 27, 2026
Woman, two children identified in Lakewood Ranch death investigation

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