Orange Observer: High 5 — Thursday, March 19

1. Windermere Prep Director of Sports Performance Micah Kurtz received some good news last week when he was named the Florida High School Strength Coach of the Year by the National High School Strength Coaches Association. The award — which is handed out annually to a high school strength and conditioning coach — recognizes a coach for his or her coaching achievements and love for what they do. 

2. Multiple members of the Ocoee High boys basketball team received Metro Team honors Friday, March 13. Senior shooting guard David Green was named Metro MVP, while senior small forward Kordell Brown was named to the All-Metro Team. Head coach John “Sarge” Siers also received honors by being named the Metro Coach of the Year.

3. In West Orange High boys basketball’s 4-0 blanking of Olympia Thursday, March 12, Aidan Hanson had a strong showing at the plate as he went 2-for-4 with 2 RBIs. On the mound, William Ross pitched the complete-game shutout and gave up only three hits while striking out eight. 

4. The First Academy softball team had a big afternoon against Colonial in a 10-0 win Thursday, March 12. Grace Grant dominated on the mound as she pitched a complete game with 10 strikeouts. Meanwhile, at the plate, Cate Harris went 2-for-4 with two RBIs to lead the Royals (10-2).

5. The Olympia Titans boys and girls tennis teams continued to dominate on the court in a sweep of West Orange Thursday, March 12. In the boys’ 6-1 win, Alexey Timokhine defeated Lucas Mach 8-3 in No. 1 singles. West Orange’s lone win came when Jack McGary beat Samuel Oropez 8-4 at No. 3 singles. Meanwhile, on the girls’ side, Aubrey Barnes defeated Shelly Peach 8-3 in No. 1 singles play. The Warriors were led by Riley Winslow, who beat Ella Sobek 8-5 in No. 5 singles.