Boys basketball: Hawks' leading man

Armwood senior Adam Sollazzo, one of the bay area's top guards, likes to do a little acting.

By JOE SMITH
Published December 14, 2007

SEFFNER - It appears Armwood senior Adam Sollazzo plays a leading role on and off the basketball court.

The 6-foot-6 point guard acted in and helped produce several movies and music videos during the school's broadcasting class.

The most interesting? Sollazzo and buddy Jared Paul donned wigs and torn camouflage in the Thonotosassa woods for a satirical look at the TV show Lost.

"He's pretty good at acting," said Paul, Sollazzo's lifelong friend and a Hawks shooting guard. "But (sticking to basketball) is probably a good idea."

Sollazzo has become one of the bay area's top point guards, averaging 25 points and five assists per game as the Hawks (4-6) prepare to host district rival Wharton tonight.

He can post up. He can slash to the hoop. And he can come through in the clutch.

Just ask Freedom. On Nov. 26, the Patriots led Armwood by 15 with just more than two minutes to go before Sollazzo stole the show. The senior scored 15 of his game-high 39 in the final eight minutes.

"He flat out took over the game," coach Jeff Pafunda said.

As for whether Sollazzo takes his film career to the next level, it's up for debate. He'll likely play basketball in college (Wyoming, USF, Elon and Saint Leo have shown interest) before working on his broadcast career calling basketball games.

"I like to be in control," Sollazzo said. "(TV) could be fun."

Recruiting update

Jesuit senior guard Jake Seymour has committed to Washington University in St. Louis, a strong Division III program, Tigers coach Neal Goldman said Thursday. ... Plant junior guard Sheldon Cooley, one of the county's top scorers, picked up his first scholarship offer Wednesday (Tennessee Tech).

Sound bite

"He plays very similar to a Larry Bird. He's not fast or quick, but he can score in every way. He beat us all by himself." - Armwood coach Jeff Pafunda on Bloomingdale's 6-6 junior Callum Townsend (26.3), right, one of the county's top scorers.

Super seven

1. Berkeley Prep (5-0): Posted double-digit wins over Calvary Christian and Oldsmar Christian.

2. Plant (9-0): Impressive wins over Chamberlain and Middleton.

3. Brandon (6-1): Four starters in double figures, including sharp-shooting Blake Allen (19.8 ppg). Key game tonight vs. Newsome.

4. Sickles (8-1)*: Juniors Darian Connor (14.3) and Kelvin Daniels (12.8) and sophomore Jordan Davis (10.8) lead the charge.

5. Chamberlain (6-2): Dontavis Adkins and Mike Plummer make for one of county's top backcourts.

6. Middleton (8-2): Defending district champs, led by senior forwards Khiry Anfield and Corey Thomas, will be dangerous again.

7. Newsome (7-1): Posted wins over Bloomingdale and King. True test tonight vs. Brandon.

*Record through Wednesday.

[Last modified December 13, 2007, 23:58:34]