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Sports

    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • April 25, 2012
Comment: Ranch's Berry stands tall despite injustice

It's hard enough to compete in a state tournament knowing you're surrounded by some of the state's top talent.

  • East County
  • Sports
Joslyn Chapman
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 25, 2012
Observer Team Spotlight

MISS MANATEE SOFTBALL AND LAKEWOOD RANCH LITTLE LEAGUE

  • East County
  • Sports
Braden River’s Ivo Lima, center, will play soccer at Jacksonville University. He also plans to major in business management. Photo by Jen Blanco.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • April 25, 2012
Braden River, Lakewood seniors ink college choices

Braden River High's Ivo Lima signed a national letter-of-intent to play soccer for Jacksonville University April 19, while Lakewood Ranch High golfer Hunter Sagar signed with Canisius College.

  • East County
  • Sports
Huntyre Elling pitched a complete game for the Lady Mustangs, allowing two hits and two walks while striking out 10.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • April 24, 2012
Lady Mustangs advance to regional semifinal

The Lakewood Ranch High softball team defeated Tampa Jefferson 7-0 in a Class 3A-Region quarterfinal tonight.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • April 24, 2012
SCORES: EMB teams earn victories

The East Manatee Bulldog Navy Wildcat and Navy Panther teams both earned victories April 21.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • April 24, 2012
Scores: East Manatee River Dawgs win championship

The 10U East Manatee River Dawgs captured the Play it Again Sports Championship April 21-22 in Port Charlotte.

  • East County
  • Sports
Championship players include: Chase Yniguez, Connor Krug, Camden Martin, Nicolas Hadad, Jake Krug, Caden Chamberlin, John Schroeder, Sean Vitug, Stone Frishman, Dalton Roby and Satchel Norman.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • April 24, 2012
SCORES: Meteors win Georgia-Florida Showdown

The Meteors 9U travel baseball team captured the Georgia-Florida Showdown April 20-22 in Valdosta, Ga.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • April 23, 2012
Scores: Pirate senior finishes as state runner-up

Braden River High senior Nathan Kirkman finished second in the 199-pound weight class of the Class 2A state weightlifting meet April 21, achieving his goal of earning a medal.

  • East County
  • Sports
Braden River High senior Elena Lopez is congratulated after driving in the game-winning run in the bottom of the eighth inning.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • April 21, 2012
Lady Pirates win district crown

The Braden River High softball team captured its first district championship in three years with a 5-4 extra inning victory over Sarasota in the Class 7A-District 11 championship April 20.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • April 19, 2012
Wave Runners make splash at FLAGS meet

The Lakewood Ranch YMCA Wave Runners sent four swimmers to the Florida Age Group Swimming Championships March 8-11 in Sarasota.

  • East County
  • Sports
Senior Huntyre Elling earned the victory on the mound for Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • April 18, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: District Semifinal Softball

The top-seeded Braden River and Lakewood Ranch High softball teams both cruised to district semifinal victories April 18. The Lady Mustangs defeated Dixie Hollins 17-2 in their four-inning Class 6A-District 12 semifinal while the Lady Pirates defeated Venice 10-0 in their six-inning Class 7A-District 11 semifinal. Both teams will advance to their respective district championship games April 20. Lakewood Ranch will host the winner of the other 6A-12 semifinal between Seminole Osceola and Palmetto while Braden River will host the winner of the other 7A-11 semifinal between Manatee and Sarasota. Both games will begin at 7 p.m.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • April 18, 2012
Mustangs to host youth basketball clinic

The Lakewood Ranch High boys basketball team will host a free youth basketball clinic from 9 a.m. to noon April 28 in the Mustangs gymnasium.

  • East County
  • Sports
As a freshman, Nathan Kirkman watched Braden River’s Tevin Bryant capture the school’s first state title. Now, he hopes to bring another championship home to the Pirates.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • April 18, 2012
Nathan Kirkman: Raw Determination

Nathan Kirkman will compete in the Class 2A state meet April 21, after winning the 199-pound weight class of the Class 2A state qualifier April 4. Fellow Pirates Tyler Pittman and Tyler Linde earned at-large bids.

  • East County
  • Sports
Don Purvis’ resignation came as a surprise to Braden River Athletic Director Bob Bowling, his fellow coaches and players. File photo.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • April 18, 2012
Pirates' football coach resigns

Don Purvis resigned from both his coaching and teaching positions April 5. Offensive line coach Greg Williford was named the interim head coach.

  • East County
  • Sports
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • April 18, 2012
Comment: Mustangs, Pirates ready for postseason

For the first time in three years, their paths won't cross in the district tournament.

  • East County
  • Sports
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