Allen Pettigrew

Vanguard football’s trip to Jones (Orlando) marked the second year it played for the regional championship in just as many seasons. As the game neared, the team was focused solely on the game plan and avenging its 0-2 playoff record against the hosting Tigers.

Thanksgiving break puts high school sports on hold for many teams yearly. Thankfully, basketball tournaments around the state are available to scratch your competitive itch.

There’s always a lull in the first game after Thanksgiving. Athletes and coaches eat their fill while school closures keep everyone away from the court to enjoy their lives away from the game.

The winter sports season has athletes preparing to dominate on the field and the court. The hours spent on the practice court paid off for 38 athletes, who earned Star-Banner Athlete of the Week nominations.

Toeing the starting line for a distance race is a daunting task, especially when you’re the youngest competitor in the field.

Once again, it's time to celebrate the best high school athletes in the Ocala area. Athletes just wrapped up a week of rivalry games, midseason tournaments, and several competitve performances that mark a successful season.

Later this month, teams from Central Florida, Miami, and Tampa will square off against New York, Tennessee, and Connecticut teams in a four-day basketball tournament.

If you’re anything like me, the anticipation of high-level basketball has you ready for the first day of the Kingdom of the Sun. For four days, Vanguard High School will host one of the best basketball tournaments in the state in search of a new champion.

Cross Country running is less about what is in front of you and more about race design. Whatever you put into those hours no one saw will come out on race day.

The 50th Kingdom of the Sun tournament is full of top-flight talent. Among the 16 teams taking part, Notre Dame High School (3-0) from West Haven, Connecticut, has the longest road to travel.