PHCC regroups after a down season

NEW PORT RICHEY -- A state playoff berth hinged on a three-pointer in last season's Suncoast Conference semifinal against Polk Community College.

But Chris Thompson's shot with three seconds left rimmed out, leading to a 78-75 loss and ending Pasco-Hernando Community College's run of five straight state appearances.

Even worse, the Conquistadors had eight straight 20-win seasons, including a state title in 1998, snapped. Saddled with a 4-10 start, PHCC finished 13-18, 6-6 in the conference.

"It's a challenge like it is every year," Pasco-Hernando coach Bobby Bowman said of reaching the state tournament. "Last year was a sub-par year for us."

Thompson, the first freshman in the Conquistadors 11 seasons named to the all-state team, is being counted on for a return to prominence.

"He's going to be the person who's going to lead the way," Bowman said of the 6-foot-6, 230-pound forward who averaged 19.8 points and 9.7 rebounds last year.

Thompson, who scored 34 points in his first game, is more than a statistical leader. Bowman said no one practices harder.

"He's set the bar in terms of hard work and effort and what you need to do to be successful," Bowman said.

Thompson is joined up front by former Lecanto standout Chris Jackson, who averaged 9 points and 7.6 rebounds last season at Florida College in Temple Terrace.

Jackson, an All-Gulf Coast Athletic Conference and Times All-Citrus-Hernando player as a Lecanto senior, transferred in hopes of earning a scholarship to an NCAA Division I or II school.

"(Jackson) is the most physical player on the team and should be one of the team's leading rebounders and inside defensive enforcers,' Bowman said of the 6-7, 240-pound sophomore.

"He takes pride in his defense; (Jackson) throws his body around," Bowman said.

Another local player being counted on is Scott Sorensen, a sophomore who will play both guard spots.

Sorensen, who as a Wesley Chapel senior led Pasco County in scoring (26.1 ave.), averaged 3.5 points and 2 assists last season.

Judging by what he has seen in practice and Sorensen's adherence to a weightlifting program (he increased from 160 pounds to 175), Bowman expects more production.

"He's gotten a lot stronger, which is going to help him defensively," Bowman said of the former All-Sunshine Athletic Conference player.

"He's been extremely coachable and very hard working. He's definitely going to be in the mix, competing for major playing time."

Sorensen, along with Terry Bishop and Zach Ingles, who averaged 28.4 points last season as a Greenville, Mich., senior, will compete for playing time in the backcourt.

The other projected starter, forward Eddie Wilcox of state-finalist Glades Central, averaged 14 points and had 100 assists as a senior.

Chris Isidore, a sophomore transfer from East Central Mississippi CC, has been slowed by a leg injury and should compete for time at shooting guard when he returns in January.

"Our goal every year is to win the conference, and this year is not any different," Bowman said. "We're determined to get back to our winning ways."

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