Pasco: News and notes

By DAVID MURPHY and IZZY GOULD, Times Staff Writers
Published January 29, 2008

On the Web: Dandy dozen

Lakewood vaults into the top spot in our boys basketball rankings, and St. Petersburg Catholic stays at the No. 1 spot for the girls. Sound off on our picks at highschool.tampabay.com.

Pirates-Gators game moved

Pasco's boys basketball team will play at Land O'Lakes tonight. The game was moved out of Pasco's gym because it had been reserved for another event.

The move forced Pasco to host its senior night last week before a 65-58 win over Hudson. The move also forced the Pirates to play their final four regular-season games on the road before returning home next week to host the Class 4A, District 8 tournament as the No. 2 seed.

Talk about tough stretches - after tonight's game, the Pirates will head to Wesley Chapel on Friday. The Gators and Wildcats are a combined 34-11 overall, 12-2 at home. Both teams' only home loss came against Ridgewood, which is 19-3 without a North Suncoast loss.

At least it's at home

Hudson boys soccer coach Paul Vescio was happy to have a cell phone plan with free weekend minutes. After Friday's 5-2 upset over Pasco in the Class 4A, District 8 tournament final, he has talked to family, friends, alumni and anyone tied to Hudson boys soccer wanting to congratulate the team.

Some of the calls Sunday were that of concerned players wondering how in the world they would still have to face mighty Orlando Bishop Moore in the region quarterfinal despite winning.

The Hornets have been somewhat of a North Suncoast killer in recent years. They have been to the state tournament 18 straight seasons, winning their last state title in 2000. But Bishop Moore lost to Harmony in the 4A-7 final, sending the Hornets to Hudson and Pasco on the road to Harmony.

"At least we know they're beatable," Vescio said. "That's how I put it. If they're coming (to Hudson), they lost."

Wesley Chapel lineman Charles Vanzandt has received a scholarship offer from Benedictine College in Atchison, Kan. He plans to take an official visit Feb. 18. Wesley Chapel quarterback Greg Jenkins had a visit to Florida Atlantic last week canceled, and he is exploring other options.

[Last modified January 29, 2008, 00:23:49]