Hillsborough: News and Notes

By JOE SMITH AND KEITH NIEBUHR
Published January 4, 2008

When Hillsborough replaced girls basketball coach Chris Brazzle with Yolanda Whitehead during the winter break, amid a 10-3 start, it didn't sit right with all the Terriers - specifically junior guard Shalisia Hall (20 ppg), one of the county's top players, who said Brazzle's departure may lead to hers after the season.

"It just doesn't feel the same without (Brazzle)," Hall said. "I might transfer if Brazzle doesn't come back."

Brazzle said he was replaced due to philosophical differences with administration over his coaching style, perceived as too aggressive. He said "too many people wanted to coach."

Athletic director Bertha Baker couldn't be reached for comment.

"I'm not happy about it at all," said Hall's mother, Carlene. "I never once had a problem with Coach Brazzle - never."

Brazzle said a couple of Terriers told him they wanted to quit, but he said: "Don't quit cause of me. I told them to finish the season."

Bulls football coach setting staff

To new Bloomingdale football coach Jason Stokes, this "has been the longest break ever." The former Riverview assistant, hired by Bloomingdale on Dec. 21, is eager to meet with his team and start the offseason conditioning program.

Stokes said he plans to retain a couple of former Bulls assistants, including Kevin Knox and Kenny Simmons. Others he plans to add are James Grant (Riverview) and Greg Wickford (a former Brandon assistant). Stokes said another potential assistant is former Florida and Tampa Bay Storm lineman Thaddeus Bullard.

The Bulls, who finished 2-8 last year, have yet to have a winning season in 21 years of football. Stokes said he hopes to finalize the staff this month and meet with players and parents in the next two weeks as he tries to implement his offseason program.

[Last modified January 3, 2008, 19:32:19]