Sports

Columbia’s Murkail Cray splits a pair of Gainesville defenders on a layup attempt Thursday night during a summer league game. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

BOYS BASKETBALL: Tigers continue getting better, winning

JAMIE WACHTER

Friday, June 20, 2025

With just a week left in the summer league schedule, Columbia High is headed where Steve Faulkner wants them to be. Following a 50-44 win against Gainesville at home Thursday night to follow a road win at The Rock on Tuesday, the Tigers continue to win games.

Lafayette running back Dayne McCray gains a chunk of yardage against Keystone Heights during their spring jamboree on May 20. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Lafayette searching for one more game for 2025 schedule

JAMIE WACHTER

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

MAYO — Two months before the 2025 season starts, Lafayette is still short a game. If the Hornets can’t find a similar opponent that’s not a long bus ride away, it will remain that way as well.

Fort White’s football team takes the field for its spring game against Columbia on May 17. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

PREP FOOTBALL: Fort White adds three new opponents to 2025 schedule

JORDAN KROEGER

Tuesday, June 17, 2025

FORT WHITE — The 2025 schedule will look a little different for Fort White this fall.

Fort White pitcher Kadence Compton is once again the LCR’s Softball Player of the Year. (JEN CHASTEEN/Special to the Reporter)

SPRING ALL-AREA: Compton caps career as 3-time LCR Softball Player of the Year

MORGAN MCMULLEN

Saturday, June 14, 2025

FORT WHITE — The recognition wasn’t as important this season for Kadence Compton. She felt a little lighter on her feet, right from the hopeful beginning and even through the bitter ending.

Columbia guard Murkail Cray tries to get a shot off between Buchholz defenders on Thursday. (BRENT KUYKENDALL/Lake City Reporter)

BOYS BASKETBALL: Buchholz hands Columbia first loss of summer

JORDAN KROEGER

Thursday, June 12, 2025

After three straight wins to start summer league, including a 17-point road victory over Williston on Tuesday, Columbia finally fell Thursday night in a 45-41 loss to Buchholz at home.

Lafayette pitcher Hyatt Richardson is the LCR’s Baseball Player of the Year. (COURTESY)

SPRING ALL-AREA: Lafayette star Hyatt Richardson named LCR's Baseball Player of the Year

MORGAN MCMULLEN

Thursday, June 12, 2025

MAYO — Hyatt Richardson ended his senior season the same way he ended his sophomore campaign: in the quiet guts of Fort Myers’ Hammond Stadium, wondering what else he could’ve done on the mound in a state championship loss.

Columbia’s Colten Mitchell is the LCR’s Boys Tennis Player. (MANDI SLOAN/Lake City Reporter)

SPRING ALL-AREA: Columbia's Colten Mitchell named LCR's Boys Tennis Player of the Year

JORDAN KROEGER

Wednesday, June 11, 2025

A year ago, Colten Mitchell wasn’t sure if he even belonged on the tennis court. Now, after a breakout sophomore campaign, Mitchell has established himself not only as Columbia’s No. 1 player, but as a foundational piece in the team’s future.

Columbia’s Cassidy O’Neal is the LCR’s Girls Tennis Player. (MANDI SLOAN/Lake City Reporter)

SPRING ALL-AREA: Columbia's Cassidy O'Neal named LCR's Girls Tennis Player of the Year

JORDAN KROEGER

Wednesday, June 11, 2025

After three seasons of climbing Columbia’s lineup, Cassidy O’Neal made it to the top. Once she got there, she thrived. After starting her sophomore season as the No. 4 singles players and later finishing her junior year at No. 2, O’Neal took over the No.

Rick Julius led Fort White to the state Final Four in 2022, which was the first in program history. (FILE)

PREP BASEBALL: Julius resigns as Fort White coach after 12 seasons

JORDAN KROEGER

Tuesday, June 10, 2025

FORT WHITE — After a decade-plus at Fort White, Rick Julius is stepping away. Julius resigned as the Indians’ baseball coach, effective following Tuesday’s school board meeting.

Fort White state champion Lecosta Byrd is the LCR’s Boys Weightlifter of the Year. (COURTESY)

SPRING ALL-AREA: Fort White state champion Lecosta Byrd named LCR's Boys Weightlifter of the Year

JORDAN KROEGER

Saturday, June 7, 2025

FORT WHITE — Lecosta Byrd entered his senior season at Fort White with one goal — a state title. He accomplished that, and then some.