Sports

Rolax now the go-to Baron with Holmes graduated

By JOE SMITH
Published November 16, 2006

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ST. PETERSBURG - St. Petersburg Catholic senior guard Jock Sanders has a new name for forward Ed Rolax:

"I look at him as Aaron Holmes," Sanders said. "He just fills Aaron's spot."

Holmes, a three-time Times Player of the Year now at Florida State, is arguably one of the most complete players to ever come out of Pinellas County.

So, Rolax concedes, replacing him and winning a sixth straight district title will be more than a one-man job.

"We'll be a lot faster team," said Rolax, a versatile forward who averaged 15 points and 12 rebounds last season. "We've got a lot of guys who can contribute."

There's junior guard Tracy Parks, a transfer from Gibbs, who can flat out shoot. There's Sanders, a tough defender and slasher on offense, who has polished his offensive game. There are forwards Andrew Harris and Darin Hess, who will give the Barons much-needed depth.

And there's the team's anchor, Rolax, a 6-foot-5, 212-pound banger who has some touch from 12-15 feet.

"Ed's going to have to put up big numbers for us to win," coach Mike Moran said.

Fast facts

Predicted finish

1. St. Petersburg Catholic: Five-time defending district champs are tough again.

2. Tampa Catholic: Returns all five starters.

3. Clearwater Central Catholic: The Marauders lost Justin Morin, (Clearwater) but still have 6-5 senior forward Andrew Zbella and a couple exciting newcomers.

4. Berkeley Prep: The Bucs are young but experienced, and could surprise some teams.

5. Lennard: New school will take its lumps in a competitive district.

Games to watch

Dec. 11, CCC at Admiral Farragut: The Marauders will take on one of the more athletic opponents on their schedule.

Jan. 5, Tampa Catholic vs. SPC: First district matchup between district contenders.

Jan. 26, CCC vs SPC: The Marauders' second matchup with their big rival could help determine their playoff fate.

Players to watch

Ed Rolax, SPC: The 6-foot-5 forward will try to fill the role of three-time Times Player of the Year Aaron Holmes. Rolax is strong, explosive and has polished his mid-range jumper.

EJ Ciaccio, Tampa Catholic: The sharp-shooting senior set the program record for 3s in a game (eight) and season (88).

Paul Freedman, Clearwater Central Catholic: The 6-6, 225-pound sophomore is as good a defensive player as Al Braithwaite has ever had.

Austin Suarez, Berkeley Prep: The sophomore guard has unlimited range.

 

[Last modified November 16, 2006, 06:44:06]

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