Boys player of the year
F Tyler Bergantino, So., Nature Coast
The most dominant player on the North Suncoast guided the Sharks through a playoff run the program had never experienced. He averaged 17.1 points and 12.6 rebounds through six district tournament games and the playoffs.
Most impressive accomplishment: The 6-foot-9, 255-pounder truly matured in the playoffs, taking his game head-to-head against Georgia signee Cady Lalanne at Orlando Oak Ridge. He scored a game-high 19 points in the 56-48 Class 4A region final loss.
Did you know? Bergantino has some musical talent. Beyond singing after wins on the bus, he can play the piano. He started when he was 4, and he likes to listen to R&B music, then play it on the piano. "I can listen to it and just play," he said. "I'm not bad."
College plans: Bergantino has drawn interest from some elite basketball schools, including ones in the Mid-American Conference, Big East, SEC and Big Ten. With two seasons remaining, the summer entering his junior year will mark a significant time in his exposure. He has offers from USF, Ohio and Buffalo.
First team
F Tyler Bergantino, So., Nature Coast: Averaged 14.3 points and 11.1 rebounds per game.
F Adam Smith, Sr., Nature Coast: Averaged 13.6 points and 9.1 rebounds per game.
F Eric Williams, Sr., Wiregrass Ranch: Averaged 15.5 points and six blocks per game.
G Charles Jones, Sr., Ridgewood: Guided the Rams, averaging 18.3 points per game.
G David Ramirez, Sr., Gulf: Led all North Suncoast scorers, averaging 27.7 points per game.
Second team
G Kyle Farrell, Sr., Zephyrhills
G Chad Jeckel, Sr., Mitchell
G Blake Lowman, So., Nature Coast
G Jacob Rauh, Sr., Ridgewood
G Chris Russo, Sr., Hudson
Honorable mention
Academy at the Lakes: Matt Grossenbach; Bishop McLaughlin: Jordan Betancourt, James Nelson; Central: Joe Lula; Hernando: Corey Thomas; Hernando Christian: Sam Kautsky; Hudson: Richard Williams, Kenny Flores; Land O'Lakes: Jackson Cannon, Max Bartels; Mitchell: Jake Driscoll, Mike Francis; Nature Coast: Jamel Byrd, Corey Emerson; Pasco: Chaise Dunn, Donald Simmons; River Ridge: Adam Childs; Springstead: Nick Steadman; Sunlake: Tyler Hisamoto; Wesley Chapel: Daniel Rivera, Tommy Roldan, Christian Parra; Wiregrass Ranch: James Tringali; Zephyrhills: Marquis Jackson
Coach of the year
Dave Pisarcik, Nature Coast
Pisarcik guided the Sharks to the program's first district title, playoff victory and region final berth. Pisarcik was able to hold the team together during some midseason turmoil punctuated by a 37-32 loss at Wiregrass Ranch. The Sharks avenged that loss in the district tournament, then proved they belonged in the playoffs after a 76-58 dismantling of Ridgewood on the road.
Izzy Gould, Times staff writer
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