Players of the week

By JOHN C. COTEY
Published March 9, 2007

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Softball

Courtney Stager, Mitchell

Going, going, gone.

And gone. And gone again.

The FSU-bound junior took three balls out of the park last Friday against Ridgewood, giving her six homers on the year. Eight homers are believed to be the county record, but we're not sure and it's not going to matter once Courtney or sister Ashley or Zephyrhills' Jessica Davis sets the mark this year.

Baseball

Trevor Hobbs, Pasco After limited action to start the season due to an arm injury, the speedy centerfielder returned with a splash. Against archrival Zephyrhills, he was 4-for-4 with two steals and scored the winning run. Against Land O'Lakes, he added two hits, including a homer to center. Hobbs is hitting .409, not bad for a No. 9 batter.

Boys track

Dontarrius Thomas, Land O'Lakes

Thomas made it clear in the first big meet of the year he's the guy to catch in the 100, besting the field at the Chasco Invitational in 11.16. The Gators senior also won the high jump (6-2) and long jump (20-9).

Girls track

Patience Shackley, Wesley Chapel

When it came to setting personal bests, Shackley didn't show much patience, tying the school record in the high jump (5-2) and winning the 300 hurdles in 49.9 seconds, her best ever. "I didn't expect to be breaking 50 already," she said.

Want to nominate someone for athlete of the week? E-mail johncotey@gmail.com or call (727) 869-6261.