Orange Observer: High 5 — Thursday, June 17

1. West Orange alumnus Doug Nikhazy had another big night for the Ole Miss baseball team in the Rebels’ 12-3 win over Arizona in the NCAA Tucson Super Regional Saturday, June 12. In the win, Nikhazy (12-2) tossed 10 strikeouts and gave up only two runs through 5.1 innings pitched to keep the Rebels’ season alive. The Rebels’ year would end, however, the following day.
 

2. The Winter Garden Squeeze picked up a dominating 10-2 win over the DeLand Suns Saturday, June 12. On the mound, Windermere native Noah Janney dominated the Suns, as he struck out seven and gave up only one run through four innings of work. At the plate, Dale Thomas led the way as he went 1-for-2 with a three-run homer, while accounting for one run.
 

3. The First Academy’s Isaac Sewell and head coach Scott Grove received some good news Friday, June 11. Following a 31-1 season during which the Royals won their first state title, Sewell was named the 2021 Florida Dairy Farmers Class 3A player of the year, while Grove was named 3A coach of the year.
 

4. The Winter Garden Little League Tournament of Champions team won big in a 16-4 victory over Dr. Phillips Little League to claim the TOC Championship Thursday, June 10.
 

5. Olympia alumnus (2012) and current Cincinnati Reds outfielder Jesse Winker has turned the long ball into an art form after hitting three home runs in the Reds’ 8-7 win over the St. Louis Cardinals Sunday, June 6. For Winker — in his fifth MLB season — it was the second time this season he had hit three home runs in a game. Against the Cardinals, Winker hit homers in the first and second innings before giving the Reds the lead — and eventual win — in the top of the ninth.