Pinellas: News and Notes

By BOB PUTNAM
Published January 12, 2008

Calvary Christian guard Valentin Rogatkin's hardship case was denied by the Florida High School Athletic Association during Friday's hearing in Bartow.

Rogatkin, a 6-foot-6 senior from Kazakhstan, was ruled ineligible two months ago by the FHSAA because he had exhausted his eligibility.

In Kazakhstan, Calvary Christian coach Dave Bintz said, high school only goes through 11th grade.

"The FHSAA went by the letter of the ruling," Bintz said. "We're disappointed because he'll never get to play high school basketball in America."

Rogatkin can appeal the ruling on Jan. 25. Bintz said he'll leave that decision to Rogatkin and his host family.

Johnson visiting Ohio State

Boca Ciega quarterback/defensive back Orhian Johnson is in Columbus, Ohio, to visit the Buckeyes. Ohio State is recruiting Johnson as a defensive back.

"The (Ohio State) coaches were up front with me and said I would be in the secondary," Johnson said. "They said in time I could line for a few plays on offense."

Up next for Johnson is a trip to USF on Jan. 18. The Bulls want him as a quarterback. Johnson already has visited Indiana and will schedule a trip to Tennessee.

"Right now, I plan on making a decision on national signing day," Johnson said. "But if a school feels right, I'll make a decision before that."

[Last modified January 11, 2008, 22:12:01]