Archbishop McCarthy star third baseman Nick Castellanos signed with the University of Miami on Wednesday.

Castellanos, a Miami Herald All-Broward first team selection, led the Mavericks to their first region title and state final four appearance last season.

``This is definitely huge, one of the biggest days I've had in baseball,'' Castellanos said. ``It's starting a new chapter in my life, but I'm just going to go out and play baseball, focusing on Miami after I graduate.''

Castellanos can then also focus on the June Major League Draft, which is another option. During the summer, he played for the Team USA 18-and-under team, helping them win their first gold medal at the Pan American Games in Venezuela. He made the All Tournament team, batting clean-up.

Mavericks coach Rich Bielski said: ``We're very proud of Nick, and his individual accomplishments. He was an integral part of our success last season, and we look forward to him being another major contributor this season.''

Alex Fernandez, who pitched for UM and the Florida Marlins, also coaches at Archbishop McCarthy.

``It's gratifying to me -- being a Canes alum, a big part of that program -- to have one of my players getting the chance to play at the University of Miami,'' he said. DILLARD TRIO SIGNS

Among smiles and tears, three Dillard girls' basketball stars signed letters of intent before coaches, teammates and family members.

Emotions ran high inside the Dillard gymnasium as Dawnn Maye, the lefty point guard ranked No. 32 by ESPN HoopGurlz, signed with Georgia Tech; Kianna Conner, a prolific shooter, with Delaware State; and 6-2 Candace Parson with Tennessee Tech.

The trio will lead a Panthers team that will enter the season ranked No. 20 in the ESPN HoopGurlz Top 25 and No. 7 in the South Region.

``Signing the paper made me realize what I was going to do after high school,'' said Maye, who will major in Music Technology. ``It was the reality of leaving for college and the rest of my life. I want to give my maximum effort the rest of the way with my GPA and start working toward winning a state championship.''

Dillard coach Marcia Pinder lauded their work in the classroom and on the court.

``If you ask any parent, their biggest goal is to help their child get to that next level,'' Pinder said. ``For the ring or championship you only remember that for a moment and then it's gone. With a scholarship that is something that helps you prepare for life.''

Leroy and Pam Maye beamed as their daughter used the same left hand known for delivering flashy passes to sign.

``I am very proud of Dawnn,'' said Pam Maye. ``Dawnn has worked so hard and accomplished so much since she has been here at Dillard. It's good to see that all the hard work has paid off.''

-- FABIAN LYON

OTHER SIGNINGS

• UM also signed a Broward star in girls' basketball. South Broward guard Krystal Saunders, who averaged 17 points, five rebounds and 4.5 assists her junior season, signed with the Hurricanes. Saunders is ranked No. 40 nationally among guards by Hoopgurlz.com.

• Calvary Christian baseball player Luke Jackson also signed with UM, and Eagles volleyball player Kaylee Groeneveld signed with NCAA Division I Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va.

Groeneveld, a middle hitter, and Jackson, a pitcher, are the first Calvary student athletes to sign with Division I programs in their respective sport.

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