ESPN RISE

Boys' Soccer - Tampa Prep

Championships are becoming downright commonplace for Tampa Prep. The Terrapins have won three of the last four Class 2A state titles and are looking to make it four of five. "We've set a standard in the program now that we won't be satisfied with anything but a state championship," first-year head coach Doug Smith says. "At the same time, we're realistic about what it takes to get there."What it will take is replacing graduates Ryan Griffin and Brad Sienkiewicz, two of the best players in the state the past three years. Luckily, the Terps return several experienced starters from last year's state champion squad. Wes Sever is a speedy, high-scoring junior forward who will carry much of the offensive burden this season. "There's some things you just can't coach and can't teach, and he just has a nose for the goal," Smith says. "When he's in front of the goal he's deadly." Captain Alex Tuch, who is 5-foot-6 but "plays like a giant," is a Penn-bound senior midfielder. Junior Anthony Baumann had 30 assists at right mid last season but "might find himself in the center a little more," according to Smith. "What sets him apart is his speed with the ball," Smith says of Baumann. "He's got a pretty wicked shot, too."Travis Simmons is a three-year defensive starter who will be relied upon to lead the back line in his senior season, while senior goalie Drew Goldsberry will play his own game rather than trying to emulate Sienkiewicz, perhaps the state's best keeper last year.

Girls' Golf - Lake Mary

A year after taking home the Class 2A state title, the Lake Mary girls' golf team had another impressive season but had to settle for second this fall. The team was led by junior Jessica Schall, whose two-day total of 153 (+9) was sixth in Class 2A and first among non-seniors. Senior Nicole Agnello, who finished third in 2007, was 12th at state this year. Senior Melody Williams, junior Caitlin Winters and sophomore Brittany Abel rounded out the squad.

Boys' Basketball - Florida Air Academy

Florida Air fell to perennial power Arlington Country Day in the Class 2A regional finals last year after capturing a 3A state title in 2006-07. This season, the Falcons are poised to soar toward another championship. Leading the way is Ben Eblen, a 6-foot lefty combo guard and South Carolina native who can both shoot and defend. Joining him is Ty Armstrong, a 6-foot-9 junior post player who is being recruited by several D-I schools, and senior shooting guard Jason West, who can light up the scoreboard.

Girls' Basketball - Orlando Freedom

Freedom is out to prove its run to the Class 6A state title game last season  which included a win over heavily favored Lake Mary  was no fluke. The Patriots return Amanda Schultz, a Lynn-bound senior forward who averaged 13.2 points and 5.8 rebounds per game last year. Mel Itajany, a 5-foot-8 senior guard, led the team in scoring with 14 points per game and added 4.6 rebounds and 3.1 steals per contest. Her sister, Lianna, chipped in 7.5 points, two assists, two rebounds and two steals a game.

BREAK OUT TEAMS

BOYS' BASKETBALL  NORTH PORT
Senior Shaun Noriega and sophomore Kasey Wilson lead a revamped ball club.

GIRLS' SOCCER  WINTER HAVEN
Last year's regional semifinalists return seven seniors.

WRESTLING  DUNEDIN
Eighth-place finishers feature senior Antonio Talley, who took third at state last season.

GIRLS' BASKETBALL  SARASOTA BOOKER
Senior guard Kay Larkins leads last year's regional finalists.