Balance Of Power?

Over the previous three seasons, Springstead High dominated the county, winning three straight Hernando County Athletic Conference titles and two consecutive Class 4A, District 8 crowns.

The 2007-08 campaign seemed to play out much the same way, with the Eagles, playing under a new coach and a far more up-tempo style, storming though the regular season at 21-4.

However one of those losses came to Nature Coast Technical, meaning those two teams split the HCAC championship. Then Hudson High upset the top-seeded Eagles in the 4A-8 semifinals.

Meanwhile, Hernando Christian Academy put together by far the best season in school history, going 20-3, capturing the District 6 title and advancing to regionals for the first time.

Even Central, despite a 7-20 mark, could boast junior guard Darryn Frazier, who repeated as the county's scoring champion.

All four of those schools have representation on the Hernando Today All-County Team. Springstead's Nehemiah Mason, Dominic Roberson and Dante Valentine join Nature Coast's Joe Silvestri and Reshad Terry. Filling the other spots are Frazier and HCA's standout senior guard Marty George.

Also, Silvestri beat out Frazier and Valentine for Player of the Year honors. HCA's Bill Brooks received the Coach of the Year nod.

Lion turnaround

Just two years ago, HCA went 2-19, continuing a less than stellar history for the small private school program.

Enter Brooks, a physical education teacher and longtime coach at Powell Middle School, who led the Lions to a respectable 13-11 mark in 2006-07.

This season, helped by the unexpected transfer of George from Tampa-Berean Academy, Brooks' squad set new benchmarks, including the school record in wins.

"That's (Coach of the Year) definitely an honor. I'm very elated to hear that," Brooks said. "I know we worked hard to try to have a successful season. Obviously we did, but it takes a lot of dedication and hard work.

"I learned early in my career that great players make great coaches."

No one was greater for the Lions than George, who provided Brooks and his staff with a pleasant surprise when he showed up at a preseason open gym.

The 6-foot guard paced the team in scoring at 20.0, averaging almost 11 more than his next closest teammate. He also served as the primary ball handler, averaging a team-best 4.2 assists to go along with 5.3 rebounds and 1.9 steals per contest.

"It (his impact) was astronomical," Brooks said. "The ability to have a point guard who could not only penetrate but dish off or score.

"His attitude was tremendous. When he would get fouled, he'd brush it off; never a bad word for anybody. He kept his composure all season."

Another Coach of the Year candidate, Dave Pisarcik moved over a seat on the Nature Coast bench to take over for Travis Priddy. Despite returning one starter (Silvestri), the Sharks went 19-8.

Silvestri and Terry, both seniors, played instrumental roles in Nature Coast's fine season. While Silvestri aptly filled the void of focal point for the team, Terry came on late, beginning the season on the bench.

His finished with averages of 8.9 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.7 steals, though those numbers rose to 16 points, 8.7 rebounds and 2.3 steals over the final six games.

"'Shaddy, he was our energy guy," Pisarcik said of Terry. "He's the first player I've ever come across with more offensive rebounds (81) than defensive rebounds (58). It means he was hustling, bringing energy, especially later in the season.

"I think he was getting to feel comfortable out there in his role. This is the first year he was playing football. By the time he caught up with us, it was the end of the season, which is the right time to peak."

New look for Eagles

With the resignation of two-time Coach of the Year Craig Swartout and the graduation of its imposing frontline, Springstead created a totally new identity for itself.

Pat Kelly, a veteran coach from Delaware, came in and installed a fast-paced game plan that fit in perfectly with the athleticism of Mason, Roberson and Valentine.

Valentine, a junior point guard, led the team at 20.0 points per game, yet a dislocated elbow ended his season prior to the district tournament.

Another junior, Roberson transferred in from Tampa-King and became a jack-of-all trades, averaging 11.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, 4.0 steals and 3.0 assists.

He often hooked up with Mason, a strong finisher on the fast break and outside shooter. The senior guard averaged 16.4 points and knocked down a team-best 36 three-pointers.

"We lost one game all year in which (Valentine) played," Kelly said. "That'd indicative of what he can do. He attacks, creates baskets off defense. He's tough going to the basket. He can hit the three. He really competes, plays hard.

"Roberson is a complete player. He's a distributor, our leading rebounder and a warrior. I think our success was related to him being on the floor.

"Nehemiah was a three-point shooter. He had big upside as far as being able to continue to improve. He was coachable. He was at every practice, always on time. They're all coachable, all good kids."

Frazier, the only repeat all-county selection, improved upon his 19.2 scoring average as a sophomore, pacing the county at 23.3 points per game. He nailed 40 three-pointers, while averaging 5.4 rebounds and 1.5 steals.

"Darryn, he brought scoring, both from the outside and inside," second-year Central Head Coach Eric Hayes said. "The team fed off that aggressiveness.

"He's doing better as far as taking care of the basketball on the offensive end and making better decisions. This year he was able to pull up and shoot a jump shot or take it in.

"He needs to continue to round out his game, become an all-around player, increase his decision-making, be the best decision maker on the court."