LRHS receives FHSAA sanctions

Lakewood Ranch High has received sanctions from the Florida High School Athletic Association for self-reported violations related to its girls basketball program. 

The school was placed on one year of administrative probation and fined for those violations. The investigation began as a result of questions stemming from the transfer of two student-athletes from Southeast High to Lakewood. 

During the investigation, the school learned that a Next Level Hoops travel basketball team organized by Lakewood girls basketball coach Tina Hadley included four middle school players that were not zoned for Lakewood. Those four students never completed the required paperwork and chose to attend Lakewood and play for the Mustangs during the 2012-13 and 2013-14 school years. In addition, the travel team held practices at Lakewood without completing the required district lease agreement, which also is a FHSAA violation. 

The FHSAA also cited Hadley for improper contact for a re-tweet on social media by another travel ball organization. 

In addition to the FHSAA actions, the Manatee County School District has cited Hadley, athletic director Shawn Trent and principal Craig Little for not following district and FHSAA policy. As a result, the district will add support and training for the Lakewood’s athletic staff to ensure no additional issues arise.