Sports

Fort White pitcher Kadence Compton celebrates on her way to third base after hitting a home run against Union County during last season’s Region 3-1A championship. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

Fort White pitcher Kadence Compton celebrates on her way to third base after hitting a home run against Union County during last season’s Region 3-1A championship. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

SOFTBALL PREVIEW: 5 players to watch in 2023, plus a look at all 5 area teams

JORDAN KROEGER
Friday, February 17, 2023
The high school softball season gets underway on Monday. Here are five players to watch this season, as well as a look at all five teams in the area.
Suwannee’s wrestling team won the District 2-1A IBT title on Thursday. (COURTESY)

Suwannee’s wrestling team won the District 2-1A IBT title on Thursday. (COURTESY)

PREP WRESTLING: Suwannee wins district IBT title, Columbia qualifies 7 for regionals

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, February 17, 2023
When the finals began Thursday at Wakulla, Suwannee wrestling coach John Wainwright had an inkling the district title was going to be decided at 170 pounds. So Wainwright turned to senior Dustin Wood and told him that his match was going to decide the title and he needed to deliver with a pin.
Columbia guard Jerome Carter is fouled in transition by Pine Forest during Thursday’s Region 1-5A quarterfinal. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia guard Jerome Carter is fouled in transition by Pine Forest during Thursday’s Region 1-5A quarterfinal. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

BOYS BASKETBALL: Columbia doesn't get 'punked' by Pine Forest, pulls away in Region 1-5A quarterfinals

JORDAN KROEGER
Thursday, February 16, 2023
Pine Forest tried to bully Columbia. The Eagles threw elbows, swung forearms, got a technical foul for taunting, and even started a scrum amongst all 10 players on the court that took both coaching staffs and the officials to break up. But you don’t bully the Tigers.
FGC guard Jeremiah Barze goes up for a shot while being defended by Palm Beach State College guard Ryan Moore on Wednesday at the Howard Center. (COURTESY OF FGC)

FGC guard Jeremiah Barze goes up for a shot while being defended by Palm Beach State College guard Ryan Moore on Wednesday at the Howard Center. (COURTESY OF FGC)

MEN'S COLLEGE BASKETBALL: FGC holds off late rally by Palm Beach State

NEWS STAFF
Thursday, February 16, 2023
Eric Canavan had a double-double with 18 points and 14 rebounds, while Antewan Webber scored 18 more points off the bench to help Florida Gateway College hold off a late rally by Palm Beach State College for a 78-74 win Wednesday night at the Howard Center.
Columbia guard Isaac Broxey flies to the basket for a shot against Rickards during the District 2-5A championship last Friday. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia guard Isaac Broxey flies to the basket for a shot against Rickards during the District 2-5A championship last Friday. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

BOYS BASKETBALL: Pine Forest rolls in to face Columbia in Region 1-5A quarterfinals

JORDAN KROEGER
Wednesday, February 15, 2023
Pine Forest isn’t your typical sixth seed. The Eagles are armed with two athletic guards, the experience of a Final Four trip last season, and are fresh off a district title while playing their best basketball of the season.