Nova ready for first three-game series

BY PATRICK DORSEY pdorsey@MiamiHerald.com

It might be his first year there, but Michael Broad knows all about Nova's baseball history.

The junior shortstop -- a transfer from North Broward Prep -- understands the Titans' tradition, even calling it ``huge.''

And those back-to-back 5A state championships in 2004 and 2005?

''It's brought to our attention,'' Broad said.

But . . .

''It's not forced upon us,'' he said, ``that if it doesn't happen, it's going to be a failure season.''

Joey Housey, a senior first baseman/pitcher in his third year at Nova (he transferred from Cooper City) agreed -- to a point. He said the outside pressure isn't there.

Just internal pressure.

''We've had a good year so far,'' Housey said of his 25-4 Titans, ``and if we're fortunate enough to win the series, then I feel like it would be a letdown if we didn't win the state championship.

``Because I feel we have the talent to do so.''

Either way, Pat McQuaid's program has had its success -- the Titans are in the playoffs for the 11th consecutive year -- and it's looking for more, which can be found when the Titans travel to Stuart to take on South Fork in Friday's first-ever best-of-three regional final.

And although McQuaid likes to keep things in perspective -- ''People don't realize how hard it is to get to this level, even the regional final game, because there's good baseball teams in South Florida,'' he said -- his team isn't using that as an excuse.

Why? Because McQuaid is confident in his team.

Led by a mix of seniors leaders (Housey, outfielder Alex Sanchez and utility man James Hutton) and hard hitters (such as Broad and junior Brent Zimmerman), Nova avenged its District 16-5A loss to St. Thomas Aquinas last week with a 9-5 victory to advance to the regional final.

The Titans also have brought in a few left-handed pitchers from their junior-varsity squad -- and even from around the county -- helping them prepare for South Fork's southpaws.

A new wrinkle this year, though, is that best-of-three format: a Friday doubleheader, then a game Saturday if necessary.

And because the Titans are the ones traveling, the new format -- which could turn an afternoon jaunt into a two-day road trip -- could put them at a disadvantage, McQuaid said.

Still, there are pluses to the format.

Instead of a team riding one dominant pitcher, the series will test a team's depth -- ''you might throw five or six kids in those three games,'' McQuaid said.

In the end, Broad said, ``the best will win.''

And if it's Nova, it will only add to the school's tradition.

NICK WILLIAMS

A trust fund has been created through the Bank of Florida for Cardinal Gibbons junior boys' volleyball player Thomas ''Nick'' Williams, who was severely injured in a one-car accident early Sunday morning.

Creators said the money likely will help pay for medical expenses.

According to Nick's father, Jim Williams, he sustained fractures in his elbow, foot and ankle and has undergone numerous tests since being hospitalized.

Those interested in donating should contact Susan Belt, mother of Williams' friend and teammate Austin Belt, at ajbelt@aol.com.

-- PATRICK DORSEY

HISPANIC HERITAGE

Cypress Bay senior Diego Arango earned a silver medallion in athletics at the Miami Regional Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards, announced Tuesday by the Hispanic Heritage Foundation at a ceremony at the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School.

Arango was a state qualifier at the 2008 FHSAA state swimming and diving championships.

According to a release issued by the HHF, Arango has a 3.8 GPA and will attend Columbia University next fall, majoring in economics and political science.

-- PATRICK DORSEY

SUMMER BASEBALL

The Florida Bombers Organization will be holding tryouts Saturday for players ages 15-19 to play organized summer baseball.

Any one interested can call the Bombers at 305-671-3699 or visit www.floridabombers.net.

FRIDAY'S SCHEDULE

BASEBALL

REGIONAL FINALS (Game 2 30 minutes after completion of Game 1)

Flanagan at Lake Worth Park Vista, 4 (6A)

Nova at Stuart South Fork, 4 (5A)

Chaminade-Madonna at American Heritage, 4 (3A)

Highlands Christian at Miami Christian, 1 (2A)

SOFTBALL