Thursday's high school roundup: Four Trenton softball stars sign Division I scholarships
TRENTON — The most successful softball class in Trenton High School history is setting another record. Thursday night at the Trenton Womens’ Club, seniors Adrian and Darian Ingram, Lillian Wilkerson and Keeli Zingaro all signed Division I college softball scholarships — the first time four Tigers from one class signed to play at the highest level of collegiate competition.
The four Tigers teamed up to complete an undefeated 2019 season, culminating with a Class 1A state championship. They’ve guided Trenton to a 37-game undefeated streak, dating back to a 2-1 state championship loss in 2018.
Wilkerson, a catcher with great instincts and a powerful arm, signed with Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers. The program and unique atmosphere made it an attractive landing spot.
“The program is really good, and I like the area, too,” Wilkerson said. “And the dorms are right on the beach. It’s really nice.”
The Ingram sisters, twins, are fittingly taking identical paths to the next level at Florida Atlantic University. Darian, a dominant pitcher, won Florida’s Class 1A Player of the Year honors in 2019. Adrian, a defensive star at second base, has committed just seven errors in four years of varsity play.
“We went down and visited and loved it, and felt it was the right place for us,” explained Adrian.
“We’ve always had different interests,” said Darian, regarding the likelihood of the twins going to the same college on athletic scholarships. “But it just worked out that way for us.”
Zingaro will attend Stetson, where her offensive production and dangerous bat will be valued immediately.
“It’s basically a home away from home,” said Zingaro. “Trenton is a small town, and at Stetson, I love the atmosphere, the coaches and the program. It’s just an all-around beautiful place.”
Trenton coach Todd Bryant says the success of the girls is a direct testament to their dedication to the game, and their support systems.
“It says a lot about their families for supporting them for so long and shows how committed they were, having given up so much over the years to chase their dreams,” Bryant said.
“We’re all hard-working individuals and it just goes to show that the hard work and dedication has paid off,” added Zingaro. “Even small 1A schools can produce the best of the best.”
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Columbia 65, Countryside Christian 23: At Lake City, junior super-scorer Na’Haviya Paxton posted a game-high 17 points, and became the first Tiger to eclipse the 1,000-career point mark, as Columbia cruised to victory. Paxton finished with a triple-double of 17, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Anzarria Jerkins had 16 points, six assists and four steals, while Camille Perry and Ashley Nelson tallied 12 and 10 points, respectively. Columbia is 12-3.
Scores: Gainesville 51, North Florida Educational Institute 50
BOYS BASKETBALL
Saint Francis Catholic Academy 67, Oak Hall 58: At Oak Hall, both the Wolves and Eagles drained 10 3-pointers, but Saint Francis pulled away behind 20 points apiece from Aidan Newman and Omarion Littles. Trailing by 21 with a minute left in the third quarter, Oak Hall senior Matthew McKinney’s offensive outburst brought the Eagles to within six with two minutes to play. But Ashton Lovett made a pair of free throws down the stretch, two of his 18 points, to ice it for the Wolves (7-12). McKinney led the Eagles (4-5) with 19 points, while Andrew Powell tossed in 16, and Andrew Pickens had 10.
Buchholz: The Buchholz at Mount Dora boys basketball game scheduled for Thursday was canceled due to COVID-19 protocols/issues with Mount Dora.
GIRLS SOCCER
Gainesville 4, Columbia 0: At Gainesville, senior Marley Block got the scoring going early in the first minute of action off an assist from fellow senior Emma Van Riper. Senior Julia Ostebo tacked on two more goals after half, one assisted by Block. Junior Lexi Elliott scored the final goal of the night when she bullied her way through two defenders to put the ball into the back of the net. Sophomore goalie Danielle Glocksman registered her seventh shutout of the season. GHS improves to 8-2-2.
Oak Hall 8, Saint Francis Catholic Academy 0: At Oak Hall, senior Lindsay Jenkins recorded a hat trick in the first half — part of a six-goal opening frame for the Eagles —leading Oak Hall to a decisive victory. Ayesha Khuddus, Maggie Fogler and Rose Bosshardt also tallied first-half goals. Audrey Clark and Kelly Gill added second-half markers. Jenkins, whose third goal was the 100th of her high school career, also pitched in with two assists. The Eagles ascend to 8-4-2 overall.
BOYS SOCCER
Scores: Gainesville 1, Stanton Prep 1
GIRLS WEIGHTLIFING
Gainesville High finished third at the district meet, as nine lifters advance to regionals next week. Top finishes in their respective divisions: Brianna Boggs (first), Deborah Lee (2nd), Sabrina Stephens (2nd), Kya Hudson (3rd), Dalia Johnson (4th) and Rianna Griffith (5th).