Hubert Mizell
Torrents of support stake Big E’s claim as greatest
In sports history, the only No. 3 to compare was Babe Ruth.
Devil Rays
Healthier body produces Castilla’s heathy outlook
Back from a "miserable" experience last year, the Rays third baseman says he has regained his confidence.
Vaughn intent on playing in the outfield
ST. PETERSBURG -- The competition for playing time in the Rays' crowded outfield is expected to be one of the intriguing story lines of spring training.
Infielder released after arrest for DUI
ST. PETERSBURG -- Minor-league infielder Mike Metcalfe was released by the Rays a day after being arrested on charges of driving under the influence and property damage.
Lightning
Tortorella vows to change power play’s power dive
BRANDON -- Anyone who takes a shift on the Lightning power play is officially on notice. Play hard or you may not play at all, even if your name is Vinny Lecavalier, Brad Richards or Fredrik Modin.
Baseball
Baseball briefs
Mets veterans wary of trade for Sheffield
Yanks pitchers breeze in 1st hitting session
TAMPA -- All four of the Yankees' top starters -- Roger Clemens, Andy Pettitte, Orlando "El Duque" Hernandez and Mike Mussina -- reported no problems after their initial 10-minute batting practice Thursday.
NFL
Prospects preparing for combine
Millions of dollars can be made or lost during the NFL draft, so players prepare for four days of testing with an on- and off-the-field crash course.
‘Franchise’ Dolphin: Pro Bowl end Taylor
MIAMI -- The Dolphins designated defensive end Jason Taylor their franchise player, and released receiver Tony Martin and running back Thurman Thomas.
College basketball
AD says Robinson will return to coach Seminoles next season
Although rumored to be on an increasingly hotter seat as his team has struggled for a third straight season, Florida State coach Steve Robinson will be back next season, athletic director Dave Hart said.
Women’s college basketball around the state
With 7 players, Florida handles LSU
UNC’s rebound comes at Seminoles’ expense
The No. 2 Tar Heels, coming off an embarrassing loss to last-place Clemson, win 95-67 behind 36 points from Joseph Forte.
Boxing
A straight shot in a crooked business
That is how Pete Frissina and his father/trainer look at tonight's bout in Tampa against Arthur Johnson.
Et cetera
Sports briefs
Alabama informed of probe by NCAA
Honeymoon is over; Gasparilla is here
Laura Drake loves the annual race so much, she cut short her honeymoon to compete Saturday.
Preps
Eagles in contention after strong first day
LAKELAND -- Springstead's ambitions for a state title are still intact after the first day of the state championships Thursday at the Lakeland Center.
Brandon positioned with first-round lead
LAKELAND -- Skill, aggression, endurance and hunger all played a big part in the first day of action at the Florida High School Wrestling Championships on Thursday. Only 21 Hillsborough County wrestlers remained in the winners bracket.
Ruling gives Devils title
St. Petersburg will remain champions of the city tournament after a protest by several coaches did not hold up.
Knights hold off Cobras
HUDSON -- River Ridge's Jennifer Brumbaugh fired a three-hit shutout and was handed an early lead, but never could relax Thursday in her 3-0 win over Hudson.
Lake Weir too quick for Hernando
BROOKSVILLE -- A season of over-achievement ended against a stifling press and the multitude of turnovers it forced on Thursday, as Lake Weir's defense sparked a 62-50 win over Hernando in the Class 4A, Region 2 quarterfinals.
Bears, Ryan blank Pirates
DADE CITY -- Pasco should have gotten to Central pitcher Patrick Ryan when it had the chance Thursday.
Gators’ playoff struggles continue
Countryside center Jeff Bronson keeps Land O'Lakes winless in the post-season.
Gaither’s gift: a berth in final
TAMPA -- Travis Bourguinon celebrated his 17th birthday by scoring the game-winning goal in overtime in Gaither's 2-1 win over Miami Sunset in Thursday's Class 4A state semifinal.
Warriors falter, battle back in OT
GAINESVILLE -- All signs pointed toward a collapse.
Dunnellon takes care of Pasco
The Pirates fall behind early and can't make up the deficit, losing 71-60 to the Tigers.
Cowboys fire from line to push past Riverview
TAMPA -- Coming into the Class 6A, Region 2 quarterfinals, Gaither and Sarasota Riverview matched up fairly evenly. Neither team was extremely tall, very deep or deadly from anywhere on the court.
Kathleen hits Hawks early
SEFFNER -- To Armwood coach Trent Strauch, the first eight minutes must have seemed like eight hours.
Indians hang tough, fall short
TALLAHASSEE -- Entering Thursday's Class 2A girls state semifinal you would have been hard-pressed to find one impartial person at the FSU Soccer Complex who thought East Bay had a chance to score a goal much less win the game.
Impatience puts Bulls in 4A final
TALLAHASSEE -- Throughout the playoffs, Bloomingdale coach Sue Peet has talked about her team's ability to "weather the storm."
Jesuit earns another berth in final
TAMPA -- Jesuit has made a home in the state final, reaching it in each of the past six years and winning four times.
Packers’ rally hard to forget
BRADENTON -- This was one for the off-season gatherings at the mall, for the long-distance phone calls after high school, for the class reunions down the road.
Countryside sights in on top-10 state finish
LAKELAND -- Relying on its lighter weights, Countryside took a big step toward a top-10 finish at the state wrestling tournament.
Cougars swat Land O’Lakes
LAND O'LAKES -- Hopping around the court and looking for someone to hug, Countryside forward Will Wightman couldn't contain himself and shouted out to no one in particular: "We ain't done yet."
Girls basketball regional final
Edwards’ big plays rescue Marauders in final minute
CLEARWATER -- Marcus Edwards' next loss will be his last on a prep basketball court, but Thursday he helped keep his team alive on the strength of what is taking him to a college football career.
McMillens lead IRC into semifinals
TAMPA -- It seemed liked everything Indian Rocks Christian put in the air Thursday fell through the hoop, which was almost the direct opposite for Tampa Prep.
