Hit or Miss: Jen Blanco

Checking the mailbox has become a part of LaDazhia Williams’ daily routine. 

When you’re one of the nation’s top girls basketball recruits, your mailbox is constantly being flooded with letters, college brochures, pamphlets and scholarship offers. 

There’s not a day that goes by that there isn’t at least one piece of mail addressed to the Lakewood Ranch forward. More often that not, it’s an entire stack. 

Such was the case two weeks ago when Williams wandered down to the mailbox after school. Only this time there was one letter that stood out from the rest. 

It was an invitation from USA Basketball to participate in the Under-18 Team Trials May 27 through May 31, at the U.S. Olympic Training Center, in Colorado Springs. 

“I was excited and a little nervous,” Williams said. “It’s something I’ve never done before.”

During the Team Trials, Williams will participate in drills, practices and scrimmages, under the guidance of college coaches. It’s an opportunity very few girls get and one Lakewood coach Tina Hadley hopes Williams takes full advantage of while she’s there. 

“I hope that this experience will catapult her game to the next level,” Hadley said. “She has maintained a humble and hungry attitude throughout this entire process. She still has a lot of untapped potential.” 

On the final day, USA Basketball will announce its Women’s U18 National Team, which will compete in the 2016 FIBA Americas U18 Championship for Women July 13 through July 17, in Chile. 

“It would be an honor to represent USA,” Williams said. “I’m just excited and I think it’ll be a great experience.” 

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Lakewood Ranch senior Olivia Ogles is flying high. 

The Mustangs pole vaulter captured the district title in her signature event April 20, setting a new school record along the way with a mark of 11 feet, 1 inch. It was the perfect way to cap off an eventful week during which Ogles also signed a track scholarship to Florida State University. 

Ogles, who runs the 100-meter dash as well, was also recruited by George Mason and Smith College, but felt a connection to FSU and its coaching staff. 

“Both schools played off different interests of mine, but I know I have made the right choice with FSU,” Ogles said. “I’m honored to have this opportunity.” 

Although for Ogles, the college experience is about more than competing for a nationally recognized team or earning a degree. 

It’s also an opportunity to expand her taste buds. 

“I’ve heard that college food is 10 times better than high school cafeteria food,” Ogles said. 

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Tyler Dyson still thinks of himself as a shortstop first and foremost. 

It's the position he's played for the past four years. 

Although if you ask anyone around the Braden River dugout, the mound is where Dyson has made the most impact.

After spending last season as a closer, the University of Florida commit was put into the Pirates starting rotation this season and quickly became a household name. 

Dyson went 49.2 innings — an entire regular season — without allowing a run. He didn't allow a run until the third inning of the Pirates district semifinal game against Armwood April 19. It just so happened Armwood's three runs came in a win-or-go-home game where the Pirates struggled to move runner's across home plate, falling 4-2 as a result. 

The season may be over, but Dyson's pitching career is just beginning. Dyson will head to Florida as a two-way player, splitting his time between third base and pitching. 

"Pitching is really fun," Dyson said. "It's high emotion and I like the pressure you experience on the mound."