Stories by Brian Lester
Stories by Brian Lester
L.E.A.D. Academy girls hoops team a roaring success
January 17, 2026
Bryse Burkett drills a 3-pointer early on in a showdown of state-ranked teams, the ball finding nothing but net, firing up her team and the crowd.
Burkett has a knack for hitting shots from long range. But the talented eighth grader is only one piece of the puzzle for the sixth-ranked L.E.A.D. Academy Lions, who harbor big dreams as the 1A postseason draws closer.
Burkett has a knack for hitting shots from long range. But the talented eighth grader is only one piece of the puzzle for the sixth-ranked L.E.A.D. Academy Lions, who harbor big dreams as the 1A postseason draws closer.
Weight almost over! Weightlifting postseason starts next week
January 16, 2026
Another postseason is ahead for area high school weightlifting teams.
For 3A teams, the journey begins Monday at Pace with the District 1-3A meet. The 1A meet is on Wednesday at Baker.
For 3A teams, the journey begins Monday at Pace with the District 1-3A meet. The 1A meet is on Wednesday at Baker.
‘Grit’ on display as Patriots knock off Navarre
January 15, 2026
Sydney Crow and her Pace Patriot soccer teammates displayed an extra level of determination in their District 1-6A showdown with Navarre Tuesday night.
“We came in with a strong mindset. We wanted to win,” Crow said.
“We came in with a strong mindset. We wanted to win,” Crow said.
Marcus Stokes transfers to Memphis
January 13, 2026
Former University of West Florida quarterback Marcus Stokes has transferred to Division I Memphis.
Latest look at FHSAA regional basketball rankings
January 13, 2026
With a couple of weeks remaining in the regular season, several teams in our coverage area remain among the best in the FHSAA regional rankings.
Take a look at latest FHSAA regional soccer rankings
January 13, 2026
We have reached the final week of the regular season and this set of FHSAA regional soccer rankings are the last before district tournaments begin next week.
Games to keep an eye on this week in Santa Rosa County
January 12, 2026
Another week big games is ahead, with many of them having district and regional implications riding on them.
Here’s a look at some of the top games to watch.
Here’s a look at some of the top games to watch.
Brian Out Loud
January 12, 2026
I might be the only one out there who didn’t enter the transfer portal.
I’m not serious, of course, though all kidding aside, the transfer portal might be as jam packed as ever.
I’m not serious, of course, though all kidding aside, the transfer portal might be as jam packed as ever.
Pace Patriots claim district dual wrestling crown
January 12, 2026
Pace is back on top after winning the District 1-2A team dual wrestling championship on Jan. 8 at Crestview.
Pace’s boys soccer team enjoying turnaround season
January 11, 2026
AJ Bon-Jorno is the area’s leading goal scoring threat for a reason. He simply makes plays.
But his teammates have also played a role in the success Pace’s boys soccer team has enjoyed this season.
But his teammates have also played a role in the success Pace’s boys soccer team has enjoyed this season.



