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Thursday's Prep News And Notes

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 10, 2008

Hillsborough High's Marlon Mitchell has waited patiently the last few weeks for this moment to arrive, and now that it's here he's ready to make the most of the opportunity.

Mitchell is headed to the United States' 18-under national baseball team trials, where he will try to lock up a spot on this summer's national team. Mitchell secured a spot in the trials based on his performance at the invitation-only Tournament of Stars in Cary, N.C., in June.

The fact that he is just one step away from playing for Team USA's 18-under squad isn't lost on Mitchell, who is eager for the opportunity to participate in the prestigious event.

"Now that I'm at this point, I really want to make it," Mitchell said.

Mitchell is scheduled to arrive today in Phoenix, site of this year's trials. During the next week, he will be evaluated during a series of practices, intrasquad scrimmages and exhibition games, according to a USA Baseball news release. At the conclusion of the trials, 18 players will be selected to represent the United States at the International Baseball Federation AAA World Junior Championships, scheduled for July 25-Aug. 3 in Edmonton, Alberta.

Mitchell, who will be a senior this year, is one of four catchers listed on the trials roster. Team USA is likely to carry two catchers. Mitchell knows he has his work cut out for him, but he is confident he can make the final roster, which will be announced Wednesday.

"It will be pretty good competition. I'm just going to have to give it my best," Mitchell said. "I'm definitely going to have to play real good and show everything I have, all my skills. I'm definitely going to go all-out.

"I'm just really excited, pumped up. I'm at the top of my game right now. I'm just ready to go and ready to do this."

GOLF: Plant High's Doug Letson finished as the runner-up at the Florida State Golf Association's 54th Boys Junior Golf Championship.

Letson, who will be a senior this year, fired a final-round 1-under 71 Wednesday at Interlachen Country Club in Winter Park to give him a 54-hole total of 210. Letson shot an opening 67 Monday at the Country Club of Orlando and 72 Tuesday at Interlachen.

Letson's total put him four strokes behind the winner, Lake City's Blayne Barber, in the boys 16-18 division.

It was the best finish in the Boys Junior Championship for Letson. He took ninth in the 13-15 division two years ago and missed the cut in the 16-18 division last year.

"I played good golf the past three days, and it's my best finish in the tournament ever," Letson said. "This is a big tournament, so it feels good."

Plant City's Kyle Martin (72-76-77-225) was the next-highest local finisher, tying for 21st. St. Petersburg Catholic's Devin Hernandez (81-70-79-230) and Calvary Christian's Michael Baskovich (76-74-80-230) tied for 39th, Jesuit's Jack Twomey (77-73-84-234) and Mitchell's Kenny Cavender (72-78-84-234) tied for 47th, and Jesuit's Trent Silver (74-77-WD) finished 52nd after withdrawing before the start of the third round.

TRANSFER: Former Durant High standout baseball player Carmine Giardina said Wednesday he is transferring from the University of Central Florida to the University of Tampa.

Giardina, a left-handed pitcher, said his decision was based mostly on the coaching changes at UCF, where head coach Jay Bergman was fired and the rest of his staff was not retained when new coach Terry Rooney was hired in June. Giardina said he asked for and was granted his release from UCF. He added that his transfer paperwork to UT would be completed soon.

Because Giardina is transferring from a Division I program to a Division II program, he will be eligible to play next season.

Adam Adkins

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