High schools notebook: Florida Christian’s Prieto, Doral’s Ray having stellar seasons
Whether it’s smashing a tennis serve or sinking a golf putt, Doral Academy’s Valeria Ray and Florida Christian’s Nicholas Prieto are accomplishing major things.
Earlier this month, Ray competed in her first junior grand slam, the U.S. Open in New York. Unseeded, Ray battled No. 6 Aysegul Mert of Turkey before losing, 7-6, 7-5, in the first round of qualifying. Ray actually led 4-3 in the second set.
In addition, Ray and Sarasota’s Ava Krug lost in the first round of main-draw doubles, 6-3, 6-4.
“Wow, my first junior slam was something I had dreamed of since I was a little girl,” said Ray, a 17-year-old senior who is committed to play for Vanderbilt University next year. “Being in the same locker room as the pros was an incredible experience.”
Ray earned her trip to the U.S. Open by being ranked 91st among juniors, and several of her family members/friends were in New York to support her. That list included her mother, Maria Ray; her coach, Jose Manuel Garcia; and two close friends, Estefania Gonzalez and Isabella Rojas.
“Having them there was super special,” Ray said.
Prieto, also a 17-year-old senior, has committed to play next year for the University of South Florida.
His biggest accomplishment so far has been winning the 2022 Junior Orange Bowl championship in January. He trailed by six strokes before shooting a final-day 66 and winning by two shots.
Prieto, ranked 45th in the nation by the American Junior Golf Association, finished tied for 10th earlier this month at the Junior Players Championship. That event was held at the famed TPC stadium course in Ponte Vedra.
“He was competing against more than 70 of the top junior players in the world,” Florida Christian golf coach Eric Estape said.
On Tuesday, Prieto will try to win the annual Dade County Youth Fair tournament, held at Country Club East of Miami.
Last year, he won that event in a playoff and went on to finish fifth at the state Class 1A tournament.
This year, he has won three straight dual meets, beating Miami Belen, Miami Ransom Everglades and Miami Westminster Christian.
“He hits it straight down the middle off the tee, but his short game really separates him,” Estape said. “He spends hours at Doral working on chip shots and putts. He is meticulous, and that’s why he hasn’t had a bogey yet in high school competition this year.”
THIS AND THAT
▪ Southwester Ranches Archbishop McCarthy volleyball player Celimar Hoyos, a 5-7 senior libero, has committed to sign with Illinois-Chicago in November.
▪ Miami Gulliver Prep Baseball player George Lombard Jr., a shortstop who has committed to Vanderbilt, is the No. 77 draft prospect for the 2023 MLB Draft, according to Baseball America.
▪ Parkland Stoneman Douglas right-hander Christian Rodriguez, who also plays the outfield, is the No. 100 prospect. A Florida Gators recruit, Rodriguez has a fastball up to 95 mph and a curve that serves as his out pitch.
▪ Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons senior cross-country runner Gregory Di loia, 17, completed his private pilot’s license in July. “The requirement is 35 hours,” he said. “I flew 100 hours, and my goal is to be a pilot for a major airline.” He will study aviation at Broward College.
This story was originally published September 19, 2022 at 9:00 AM.