Things are going to be different for the Jay Royals this coming basketball season, especially with the loss of standout scorer Ethan McDonald.
But head coach Hank Hullett is already preparing his team for what’s ahead and is confident success is in the cards based on summer workouts and the games the Royals played in June.
New Breed is a team of flag football all-stars, a dream team that one might create on a video game.
You’ve got Pace quarterback Amaya Pablo, nicknamed Little Tua and arguably one of the nation’s best quarterbacks. There’s Natalie Busch, who burst onto the scene in 2024 with a breakout season at Navarre, and is one of those receivers who catches almost anything you throw her way.
When Shawn Houston left the military in 2018, he wasn’t sure what was next for him. Those in the Pace alum’s circle encouraged him to get into coaching.
“Everyone was telling me that you love football so much, why not try coaching,” Houston said.
Lighthouse Christian College is starting football in 2024, with eight games on its schedule for the inaugural season.
The Makos are eyeing Division I recruiting coordinator Ronnie Cottrell as their head coach – details are still being worked out – and are aiming to have between 75 and 80 on their roster.
Pace softball standouts Jayden Heavener and Shelby McKenzie have earned All-American status.
The senior stars who helped lead the Patriots to their first state championship since 2007 are first-team selections.
Milton alum Manny Kimmons made quite an impression in his first to USA Weightlifting Nationals in Pittsburgh.
The former Panther standout took third nationally in snatch in his weight class (109-plus KG) and was fourth overall in his weight division.
Summer workouts for area girls basketball teams wrapped up last week, with four teams kicking off the week at Pace.
Pace, Milton, Central and West Florida Baptist Academy all competed, each playing two games as they were able to take advantage of facing live competition.
Central head coach Joe Surratt noted how his Jaguar football team got its first real look at varsity football during its spring game against Northview two months ago.
It was one of those eye-opening type of moments but served as fuel for the fire for the players going into summer workouts.
Aidan Gilroy took the junior college route at the start of his college baseball career. That’s never easy to do.
And yet, the Pace grad didn’t let the challenges he faced deter him.
