There are many players that are deserving of recognition. Here are some that stood out to Hernando Sun sports reporter Andy Villamarzo during the 2018-2019 season.
by ANDY VILLAMARZO
HERNANDO SUN SPORTS WRITER
photos by Cheryl Clanton
Hernando Sun All-County Boys Basketball Team
Guard- Sincere Torain, Springstead, SR: The senior guard was the leading scorer for the Eagles in the 2018-2019 campaign, averaging 18.7 points per game. Torain’s average was good enough when facing any opponent and teamed up with his brother, Unique, the two gave Springstead a solid duo.
Guard- Robert Gomez, Nature Coast, SR: One player that will be sorely missed at Nature Coast is combo guard Robert Gomez. The senior guard was the primary ball handler for the Sharks and usually was the go-to-guy in clutch situations. Gomez averaged over 15 points per game and showcased his abilities throughout the Class 6A playoffs.
Guard- Talon Bergantino, Central, SO: The sophomore guard helped lead the Bears to a respectable 12-15 record during the 2018-2019 season. Bergantino averaged a team-high 11.1 points per game and the 6-foot-1 guard will have two more years under his belt over at Central.
Forward- Orien Adams, Nature Coast, JR: The 6-foot-5, 200-pound forward was the high flyer for the Sharks throughout the season. Adams averaged around 15 points per game and was crucial in helping the Sharks reach the Class 6A state semifinals.
Forward- Jacob Batten, Hernando, SR: Batten, who also played on the football team last fall, became the Leopards’ top player this past season. Batten averaged a team-high 17.8 points for the 12-15 Leopards. At 6-foot-4, Batten provided ideal size in the post area for Hernando.
Utility- Unique Torain, Springstead, SO: The sophomore sensation was just that. A sensation. In just his second season of play, Torain averaged 17.4 points and 5.2 rebounds. Paired with his brother Sincere, the two provided the Eagles with a solid tandem.
Hernando Sun All-County Girls Basketball Team
Guard- Nakayla Roberts, Hernando, SR: Forget that the Leopards weren’t able to clinch a postseason spot. Remember that Roberts was one of the county’s most prolific scorers on the court. The quick 5-foot-6 combo guard averaged a county-high 20.2 points per game and helped lead Hernando to a record of 11-11.
Guard- Amelia Jackson, Hernando Christian, SR: The Lions went 22-4 this past season and a lot of that success went on the shoulders of the senior class at Hernando Christian. Jackson was one of the leaders for the small school that had one of the best seasons of recent memory. Jackson led the team with 13.4 points per game, leading HCA to the region semifinals.
Forward- Mykenna Corbett, Weeki Wachee, SR: The 5-foot-10 forward was the leading scorer for Weeki Wachee’s best girls basketball team in program history. Corbett averaged 15.0 points per game and hit a team-high 83 3-pointers during the season.
Forward- Seytia Hill, Weeki Wachee, SR: Hill ended her prep basketball career at Weeki Wachee having over 1,000-plus points and 1,000-plus rebounds. The motor that ran high always helped grab key rebounds game in and game out. Hill averaged 13.0 points and 10.8 rebounds for the Hornets.
Forward- Shayleese Vazquez, Weeki Wachee, SR: Vazquez was another player for the Hornets that was able to notch over 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds. Vazquez finished off the season with averages of 12.5 points and 10.1 rebounds per game.
Utility- Sydney Sauto, Springstead, SR: Despite the Eagles sporting a record of 5-22 on the court, Sauto was still able to put together a solid senior season regardless. The senior averaged a team-high 13.9 points per game and helped keep the Eagles competitive throughout the campaign.
Andy Villamarzo can be reached at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @avillamarzo.
