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Rutgers commit Johnathan Lewis, Texas A&M commit Connor Blumrick reach Elite 11 Finals

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The last two quarterbacks were selected Monday for next weekend’s Elite 11 Finals in Los Angeles.

Organizers revealed the final choices on Twitter, adding Rutgers quarterback commit Johnathan Lewis from St. Peter’s Prep (Jersey City, N.J.) and Texas A&M commit Connor Blumrick from Pearland (Texas).

Lewis is ranked as the No. 17 dual threat quarterback in the 247Sports Composite. Blumrick is the No. 44 pro style QB.

Our friends at Scout.com broke down the 24 quarterbacks invited.

 


Crystal Dangerfield, Lauren Cox among five ALL-USA players to make U18 women's team

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Crystal Dangerfield during trials for the women's U18 team (Photo: USA Basketball)

Crystal Dangerfield during trials for the women’s U18 team (Photo: USA Basketball)

Crystal Dangerfield already has two gold medals as a member of USA Basketball championship teams at the FIBA U19 World Championship and 2013 FIBA Americas U16 Championship.

Now, the UConn-bound point guard from Blackman (Murfreesboro, Tenn.) is after another. Dangerfield was among 12 players named to the Women’s U18 National Team that will compete at the FIBA Americas U18 Championship from July 13 to 17 in Valdivia, Chile.

“I came back hungry to win another gold medal,” Dangerfield said after the roster was named.

“This is a physical group. I think that’s going to help us, because international play is very physical. We’re very talented, and I’m ready to see how it goes.”

Given her experience and her role as the point guard, Dangerfield is expected to be among the team’s leaders.

“I feel like it’s just a presence-type thing,” she said. “I think the others are going to ask us questions and go off our lead. … It’s going to be a really special summer.”

Dangerfield, a McDonald’s and Jordan Brand All American, was named to the American Family Insurance ALL-USA first team this season.

RELATED: 2015-16 ALL-USA Girls Basketball Teams

Another veteran on the roster is fellow ALL-USA first-teamer Lauren Cox from Flower Mound, Texas, who will be aiming for her fourth gold medal with USA Basketball. Cox, considered the No. 1 player in the Class of 2016, is heading to Baylor.

“It’s always fun playing with her,” Cox said of Dangerfield. “She makes me a better player, so I’m excited.”

Here is the full roster:

  • Jeannie Boehm (New Trier/Winnetka, Ill.);
  • Rellah Boothe (IMG Academy/Ocala, Fla.);
  • Chennedy Carter (Timberview/Mansfield, Texas);
  • Sidney Cooks (Saint Joseph/Kenosha, Wis.);
  • Lauren Cox (Flower Mound, Texas);
  • Crystal Dangerfield (Blackman/Murfreesboro, Tenn.);
  • Tyasha Harris (Heritage Christian School/Noblesville, Ind.);
  • Ruthy Hebard (West Valley/Fairbanks, Alaska);
  • Valerie Higgins (Chaminade College Prep/Granada Hills, Calif.);
  • Amber Ramirez (Karen Wagner/San Antonio);
  • Megan Walker (Monacan/Chesterfield, Va.);
  • Evina Westbrook (South Salem H.S./Salem, Ore.)

Boothe, Harris and Walker all were named to the ALL-USA third team.

“I came here my freshman year, and I got cut and I kind of took that as a lesson to learn from,” said Harris, ranked No. 28 by ESPNw HoopGurlz and a South Carolina signee. “And then I came back this year and tried my hardest and tried to do the little things well, and now I finally made it. So hard work does pay off. It’s amazing. It’s an amazing feeling.”

Boothe appeared to be among the most surprised that she was selected.

“I just came here to watch (the announcement), honestly,” she said. “I didn’t think they were going to call my name for this team. I’m really excited now.”

EYBL: Who's in and who to watch in Peach Jam?

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Michael Porter, Jr. (1), of Tolton Catholic High School in Columbia, Missouri, drives the ball up court during action. Basketball players participated in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League recruiting basketball showcase at Grand Park's Jonathan Byrd Fieldhouse in Westfield Saturday, April 23, 2016.

Michael Porter, Jr. is the No. 2 scorer in the EYBL (Photo: Indianapolis Star)

Four teams finished 14-2 in the first four stops on the Nike EYBL circuit and lead the 20 automatic qualifiers for the Peach Jam, July 6-10 in North Augusta, S.C.

Four additional teams will be added as wild cards.

As usual, the event will attract a who’s who of college coaches to watch the elite players.

Seven players averaged at least 20 points per game thus far and five of them are moving on to Peach Jam, at least thus far. Southern Stampede, with EYBL leading scorer Collin Sexton (31.7 points per game), has not advanced.

RELATED: Collin Sexton’s 44-point explosion highlights this week’s awards

RELATED: Wendell Carter Jr. may have to decide between hoops and acting

Mokan Elite’s Michael Porter Jr. (22.8) and Trae Young (21.3), Howard Pulley’s Gary Trent Jr. (22.2), Pheonix Phamily’s Marvin Bagley III (20.9), Team Takeover’s Chris Lykes (19.9) and E1TI’s Kevin Knox (19.6) are among the names to know along with top rebounder PSA’s Mohamed Bamba (13.9 per game) and No. 3 rebounds DeAndre Ayton (11.3) of Cal Supreme.

RELATED: Trae Young isn’t OK with being No. 2 PG, he wants it all

Here are the five teams in each division to advance along with their records:

Division A

Team CP3, North Carolina (14-2)

Team Takeover, Washington, D.C. (10-6)

California Supreme (10-6)

Albany City Rocks, New York (9-7)

Meanstreets, Illinois (9-7)

Division B

Howard Pulley, Minnesota (14-2)

E1T1, Florida (11-5)

CIA Bounce, Canada (9-7)

Pro Skills, Texas (8-8)

Nike South Beach, Florida (8-8)

Division C

PSA Cardinals, New York City (14-2)

Expressions, Massachusetts (9-7)

BABC, Massachusetts (9-7)

The Rens, New York (8-8)

Phoenix Phamily, Arizona (7-9)

Division D

Team Penny, Tennessee (14-2)

Mokan Elite, Kansas (13-3)

NJ Playaz, New Jersey (11-5)

St. Louis Eagles, Missouri (11-5)

Team Final, Pennsylvania (10-6)

ALL-USA Watch: Virginia's Kate Murphy impresses with triple on the track

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Kate Murphy added to her legend on the track with a starring performance in the Virginia Group 6A North Region Championships over the weekend.

Murphy, a junior at Lake Braddock (Burke), ran a 2:06 split to anchor the team to victory in the 4×800 in 8:57.61, according to MileSplit.com.

Murphy was a member of the American Family Insurance ALL-USA Preseason Girls Track Team.

The time is the fastest in the United States this year and No. 2 all-time in the state of Virginia. The state record belongs to Western Branch (8:52.38) at the New Balance Outdoor Nationals in 2014.

Individually, Murphy won the 800 meters in a time of 2:10.08, edging Reagan Bustamonte, who ran 2:10.2, and took home the 1,600 meters in a time of 4:48.22. Rachel McArthur of Patriot was second in 4:48.81.

Earlier this spring, Murphy and Lake Braddock won the Distance Medley Relay Championship of America at the Penn Relays with the fourth-fastest time in the history of the 122-year-old meet (11:36.52). That followed an impressive indoor season.

5 California teams in top 11 of Super 25 Computer baseball rankings

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Five California teams are in the top 11 of the latest Super 25 Computer rankings for baseball, led by No. 1 Buchanan (Clovis).

Buchanan faces neighbor Clovis North on Tuesday in the CIF Central Section Division I finals. Buchanan won both games of a home-and-home series — 7-1 and 5-0 — in mid-May.

MORE: Full Super 25 Computer baseball rankings, searchable by state

JSerra (San Juan Capistrano) is ranked No. 3, De La Salle (Concord) is No. 5, Redondo (Redondo Beach) is No. 10 and El Toro (Lake Forest) is No. 11.

Following Buchanan at the top of the rankings is No. 2 Bryant (Ark.). Archbishop McCarthy (Sothwest Ranches, Fla.) comes in at No. 4 after JSerra.

After De La Salle, North Davidson (Lexington, N.C.) is No. 6, followed by Walton (Marietta, Ga.), Coppell (Texas) and Brother Rice (Chicago).

Tulsa Union remains No. 1 but Top 5 shuffles in Super 25 spring girls soccer rankings

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Union (Tulsa, Okla.) remains in the top spot of the USA TODAY High School Sports/National Soccer Coaches Association of America Super 25 spring girls soccer rankings, but the remainder of the top 5 has been shuffled.

MORE: Full Super 25 Girls Spring Soccer Rankings

Forest Hills Central (Grand Rapids, Mich.) moves up from No. 4 to No. 2; Padua Academy (Wilmington, Del.) remains at No. 3; Lexington (S.C.) goes from No. 5 to No. 4; and Davis (Calif.) drops from No. 2 to No. 5.

Union won the 6A state title and completed at 19-0 season, its second consecutive unbeaten season.

RELATED: Super 25 Regional Boys Soccer Rankings

RELATED: Super 25 Regional Girls Soccer Rankings

The big mover this week was Weddington (Matthews, N.C.), which jumped from No. 11 to No. 6 on the heels of winning the North Carolina 3A title. Weddington beat Jacksonville 2-1 in the state final.

Five teams enter the rankings after being unranked, including Providence (Charlotte, N.C.) at No. 12. At one point this season, Providence was among the top 5. Also new: No. 16 Eisenhower (Utica, Mich.), No. 17 Oakton (Vienna, Va.), No. 19 St. Joseph Academy (St. Louis) and No. 20 Mountain View (Highlands Ranch, Colo.).

Super 25 Regional Girls Spring Soccer Rankings - Week 7

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Each week USA TODAY High School Sports and National Soccer Coaches Association of America will release Super 25 Regional Girls Spring Soccer Rankings. Rankings are based on results from the 2015-16 season, quality of players and strength of schedule. Regions are determined by the NCSAA.

MORE: Boys Soccer Spring Rankings

MORE: Girls Soccer Spring Rankings

REGION I (Delaware, North Carolina, Virginia)

Rank School W-L-T
1 Padua Academy (Wilmington, Del.) 16-0-0
2 Weddington (Matthews, N.C.) 24-0-1
3 Providence (Charlotte, N.C.) 25-1-1
4 Oakton (Vienna, Va.) 16-1-0
5 Battlefield (Haymarket, Va.) 17-2-1
6 Carrboro (Carrboro, N.C.) 20-1-2
7 T.C. Williams (Alexandria, Va.) 18-2-0
8 Charlotte Latin School (Charlotte, N.C.) 19-2-4
9 Caesar Rodney (Camden, N.J.) 15-1-0
10 First Colonial (Alexandria, Va.) 14-1-1

REGION II (Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina)

Rank School W-L-T
1 Lexington (Lexington, S.C.) 25-0-2
2 Lassiter (Marietta, Ga.) 20-1-0
3 Westminster Schools (Atlanta, Ga.) 21-1-1
4 Vestavia Hills (Vestavia Hills, Ala.) 23-2-0
5 McIntosh (Peachtree City, Ga.) 20-2-0
6 J.L. Mann (Greenville, S.C.) 25-3-0
7 Oak Mountain (Birmingham, Ala.) 22-4-1
8 St. Pius X (Atlanta, Ga.) 17-4-2
9 Marist School (Atlanta, Ga.) 21-1-1
10 Auburn (Auburn, Ala.) 24-2-3

REGION III (Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Wisconsin)

Rank School W-L-T
1 Forest Hills Central (Grand Rapids, Mich.) 17-0-0
2 Naperville North (Naperville, Ill.) 21-1-1
3 Barrington (Barrington, Ill.) 19-2-1
4 Eisenhower (Utica, Mich.) 18-0-0
5 John F. Kennedy (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) 16-0-0
6 Brookfield Central (Brookfield, Wis.) 13-0-2
7 Centennial (Ankeny, Iowa) 16-1-0
8 St. Charles North (St. Charles, Ill.) 20-3-1
9 Grandville (Grandville, Mich.) 15-1-1
10 Collinsville (Collinsville, Ill.) 20-1-2

REGION IV (Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Oklahoma)

Rank School W-L-T
1 Union (Tulsa, Okla.) 19-0-0
2 Rockwood Summit (Fenton, Mo.) 24-1-1
3 Lee’s Summit (Lee’s Summit, Mo.) 21-1-0
4 St. Joseph Academy (St. Louis, Mo.) 18-2-1
5 Shawnee Mission Northwest (Overland Park, Kan.) 17-0-1
6 Skutt Catholic (Omaha, Neb.) 17-2-0
7 Owasso (Owasso, Okla.) 17-2-0
8 Incarnate Word Academy (St. Louis, Mo.) 18-5-1
9 St. Teresa’s Academy (Kansas City, Mo.) 18-4-0
10 Gretna (Gretna, Neb.) 17-2-0

REGION V (Alaska, California, Colorado, Wyoming)

Rank School W-L-T
1 Davis (Davis, Calif.) 21-0-2
2 Grandview (Aurora, Colo.) 18-0-1
3 Rocklin (Rocklin, Calif.) 15-1-5
4 Mountain Vista (Highlands Ranch, Colo.) 15-4-1
5 Del Oro (Loomis, Colo.) 14-1-5
6 Columbine (Littleton, Colo.) 15-2-2
7 Broomfield (Broomfield, Colo.) 15-3-1
8 Thunder Ridge (Highlands Ranch, Colo.) 13-4-1
9 Dimond (Anchorage, Alaska) 18-0-0
10 Laramie (Laramie, Wyo.) 18-4-1

 

Eight newcomers highlight Super 25 spring boys soccer rankings

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Oak Mountain (Birmingham, Ala.) and River Bluff (Lexington, S.C.) remain the top two teams in the latest USA TODAY High School Sports/National Soccer Coaches Association of America Super 25 spring boys soccer rankings, but there are a bevy of newcomers in this week’s poll.

MORE: See the full Super 25 spring boys soccer rankings

Two teams not in the previous rankings, Mercer Island (Wash.) and Omaha South, are in the top 10 at Nos. 6 & 9, respectively. Omaha South won the Nebraska state title. Wando (Mt. Pleasant, S.C.) jumped from No. 8 to No. 4, while Iowa City—one of two unbeaten and untied team in the rankings along with No. 3 Heritage Hall (Oklahoma City)—moved from No. 7 to No. 5.

RELATED: Super 25 Regional Boys Soccer Rankings

RELATED: Super 25 Regional Girls Soccer Rankings

Aside from Mercer Island and Omaha South, six other teams entered the rankings this week: Bearden (Knoxville, Tenn.), Valley (West Des Moines, Iowa), Battlefield (Haymarket, Va.), Maple Mountain (Spanish Fort, Ut.), Jackson Hole (Wyo.), and Tahoma (Covington, Wash.).


Super 25 Regional Boys Spring Soccer Rankings - Week 7

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Each week USA TODAY High School Sports and National Soccer Coaches Association of America will release Super 25 Regional Boys Spring Soccer Rankings. Rankings are based on results from the 2015-16 season, quality of players and strength of schedule. Regions are determined by the NCSAA.

MORE: Boys Soccer Spring Rankings

MORE: Girls Soccer Spring Rankings

REGION I (South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia)

Rank School W-L-T
1 River Bluff (Lexington, S.C.) 24-1-0
2 Wando (Mount Pleasant, S.C.) 26-1-0
3 Washington-Lee (Vienna, Va.) 14-1-2
4 Bearden (Knoxville, Tenn.) 19-3-0
5 Battlefield (Haymarket, Va.) 18-1-1
6 Chapin (Chapin, S.C.) 21-3-0
7 Christian Brothers (Memphis, Tenn.) 12-4-3
8 Langley (Langley, Va.) 13-1-3
9 Christian Academy of Knoxville (Knoxville, Tenn.) 20-2-1
10 Broad Run (Ashburn, Va.) 12-3-2

REGION II (Alabama, Georgia)

Rank School W-L-T
1 Oak Mountain (Birmingham, Ala.) 28-0-2
2 Parkview (Lilburn, Ga.) 19-4-0
3 Riverwood (Atlanta, Ga.) 17-3-2
4 Chattahoochee (Johns Creek, Ga.) 18-1-0
5 Milton (Milton, Ga.) 16-4-1
6 Lakeside (Atlanta, Ga.) 20-1-0
7 McIntosh (Peachtree City, Ga.) 19-2-0
8 Northgate (Newnan, Ga.) 18-2-1
9 Cullman (Cullman, Ala.) 24-4-2
10 St. Pius X (Atlanta, Ga.) 17-5-0
10 Johnson-Gainesville (Gainesville, Ga.) 20-1-1
10 Wesleyan School (Norcross, Ga.) 22-0-1

REGION III (Iowa, Nebraska, Utah, Wyoming)

Rank School W-L-T
1 Iowa CIty (Iowa City, Iowa) 16-0-0
2 Omaha South (Omaha, Neb.) 21-2-0
3 Valley (West Des Moines, Iowa) 17-1-0
4 Creighton Prep (Omaha, Neb.) 20-2-0
5 Maple Mountain (Spanish Fork, Utah) 19-1-0
6 Jackson Hole (Jackson, Wyo.) 16-1-0
7 Iowa City West (Iowa City, Iowa) 13-2-0
8 Viewmont (Bountiful, Utah) 13-3-3
9 Westside (Omaha, Neb.) 19-3-0
10 Laramie (Laramie, Wyo.) 15-5-0

REGION IV (Arkansas, Oklahoma)

Rank School W-L-T
1 Heritage Hall (Oklahoma City, Okla.) 17-0-0
2 Edmond North (Edmond, Okla.) 16-3-0
3 Union (Tulsa, Okla.) 17-2-0
4 Deer Creek (Edmond, Okla.) 15-2-0
5 East Central (Tulsa, Okla.) 16-2-0
6 Stillwater (Stillwater, Okla.) 15-2-0
7 Bentonville (Bentonville, Ark.) 17-4-1
8 Bishop McGuinness (Oklahoma City, Okla.) 13-4-1
9 Springdale (Springdale, Ark.) 19-5-0
10 Santa Fe (Edmond, Okla.) 14-3-0

REGION V (Alaska, California, Washington)

Rank School W-L-T
1 Mercer Island (Mercer Island, Wash.) 18-2-1
2 Tahoma (Covington, Wash.) 18-5-0
3 Central Valley (Spokane Valley, Wash.) 18-4-0
4 Snohomish (Snohomish, Wash.) 16-3-4
5 Archbishop Murphy (Everett, Wash.) 21-1-0
6 Lakeside (Seattle, Wash.) 16-5-1
7 Camas (Camas, Wash.) 17-2-0
7 Kentwood (Covington, Wash.) 15-2-1
9 Skyline (Sammamish, Wash.) 13-2-2
10 Bellarmine Prep (Tacoma, Wash.) 14-2-1
10 South Anchorage (Anchorage, Alaska) 18-1-3

 

Top 2017 QB Tate Martell announces top seven; no longer considering Texas A&M

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Former Texas A&M commit Tate Martell tweeted his top seven schools Tuesday, and the Aggies didn’t make the cut.

Martell, widely considered the top quarterback in the class of 2017, decommitted from A&M earlier this month, setting off a bit of a firestorm.

The Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas) QB has gotten loads of attention this offseason, including overtures from Ohio State commits. He spoke recently about which schools interested him most after his decommitment from Texas A&M, and what he looks for specifically in a school.

Martell plans to take all five of his official visits, and he says he’s not expecting to make a decision before this fall.

Nick Saban: Football is 'one sport that the high school coach still matters'

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Alabama coach Nick Saban went off on the subject of satellite camps Tuesday during the SEC’s annual spring meetings in Destin, Fla.

As noted by our friends at For The Win, Saban vehemently expressed concern for the future of the sport turning into something similar to AAU basketball. He called it the “Wild Wild West,” highlighting the potential compliance, regulation and organizational issues as to why these camps are bad for the game.

Interestingly, Saban noted how the satellite camps — often run by third-party outlets that charge players to participate — represent a decreasing role by high school coaches, something that football has largely been able to hold off compared to other sports.

“We are the one sport that the high school coach still matters,” Saban said, according to CoachingSearch.com. “Until this satellite issue came up, you still had to go to the high school, go through the high school coach, the players came to your campus if they were interested in learning and developing or interested from a recruiting standpoint.

“By doing what we’re doing now, we’re doing what we’ve done in every other sport that we complain about every day — AAU basketball and all this — because that’s what’s happening out there.”

Alabama is expected to participate in a few satellite camps this summer, including the Sound Mind Sound Body Football Academy from June 9-10 in Detroit. The camp will feature more than 100 college coaches.

Nebraska linebacker commit takes Twitter shot at LSU star Leonard Fournette

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Well, this is an interesting approach:

Avery Roberts, a four-star Nebraska linebacker commit from Concord (Wilmington, Del.), saw this tweet about LSU running back and Heisman Trophy contender Leonard Fournette:

The response is a tweet that was later smartly deleted but captured by LSU 247Sports site TigerDroppings.

“Same thing I would do to anyone else….Tell him good night and put him to sleep!”

LSU and Nebraska haven’t played since the Sugar Bowl in 1986, but the number of people whom Fournette has left in his wake suggests this was pretty bold for a high school linebacker.

UCLA legacy Charles O'Bannon Jr. has Bruins among eight finalists

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Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas) five-star Chuck O’Bannon has announced his final eight schools.

O’Bannon, the son of UCLA great Charles O’Bannon Sr. and the nephew of Ed O’Bannon, has UCLA among his final eight. Washington also made the cut and has a connection in that coach Lorenzo Romar was a Bruins assistant when his father and uncle played.

Arizona, Kansas, North Carolina State, Oregon, Texas and UNLV also made the list.

The 247Sports Composite ranks the 6-5 O’Bannon as the No. 6 shooting guard in the Class of 2017 and the No. 25 player in the nation.

MLB Network analyst keeps word, schedules barnstorming game against disqualified Torrance (Calif.) High

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When MLB Network analyst and former big leaguer Eric Byrnes learned that the Torrance (Calif.) baseball team was disqualified from the CIF Southern Section playoffs for a batting practice violation, he was incensed.

He called it a shame, said it was disgusting, but also vowed to do something to help “make it right” for the players involved.

“I want to give these kids something baseball related that can be a great experience,” he told USA TODAY High School Sports last week. “I want them to have something memorable for years to come that they can tell their kids about so they don’t have to remember the game they had to forfeit. It’s not fair. …

“I’d love for them to come (to the studios), but if not, we’ll try to make something happen in LA. I’d love to give them another game, even if I have to put together a barnstorming team, and I’m not kidding. I want to see this made right.”

Well, true, to his word, Byrnes has put together what he calls a “very entertaining and eclectic barnstorming team” that will visit Torrance on Thursday afternoon.

“We think this should be a fun day for the kids,” he said.

Byrnes began naming his lineup via Twitter Wednesday:

Star QB recruit Kellen Mond decommits from Baylor

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Kellen Mond (Photo: Brian Perroni, 247Sports)

Kellen Mond (Photo: Brian Perroni, 247Sports)

And the biggest domino in the unraveling of the Baylor football recruiting class following coach Art Briles’ firing has fallen.

Four-star quarterback Kellen Mond announced his decommitment on Twitter on Wednesday.

Mond is a Texas native who is playing his senior season at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla.

RELATED: Who’s hot, who’s not in recruiting for 2017

Even before Briles was fired last week, Mond was evaluating his options. He visited Ohio State in April and took in the Buckeyes’ spring game and also received a visit at IMG from Buckeyes quarterback coach Tim Beck. Mond also made two visits to Auburn and the Tigers and Buckeyes could be the top two programs vying for Mond with Texas A&M also in the mix.

Mond is ranked as the No. 103 overall prospect, No. 4 dual-threat quarterback, and No. 21 in Florida, according to the 247Sports Composite. ESPN.com ranks Mond as the No. 2 dual-threat QB and the No. 48 prospect overall.

The recruiting exodus has been ongoing since Briles’ firing with the decommitment of five of the six members of the 2017 class. The lone remaining publicly committed player is three-star safety Jalen Pitre of Stafford, Texas.


Florida Softball POY: Katie Chronister

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The Gatorade State Softball Players of the Year were selected based on athletic production and impact in the 2015-16 season. Each winner also demonstrated high academic achievement and exemplary personal character, including volunteerism, sportsmanship and community leadership.

For a list of the other Gatorade State Softball Players of the Year winners, click here.

THE WINNER: Katie Chronister

THE BASICS

School: Gainesville (Fla.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Left-handed pitcher
Height: 5-foot-9

Athletic achievement: She led the Hurricanes to a 28-2 record and the Class 7A state championship this past season. Chronister was 28-2 in the circle with a 0.53 ERA, striking out 273 batters in 186.1 innings pitched. She allowed just 92 hits and 36 walks while throwing 12 shutouts. The 2016 Class 7A State Pitcher of the Year and the 2015 Class 6A Pitcher of the Year, she batted .457 with 33 runs scored, 29 RBI and a .666 slugging percentage.

Academic excellence: Chronister has maintained a weighted 4.5 GPA.

Exemplary character: The secretary of the Gainesville High student body and the president of her class as a junior, Chronister was named her school’s Student Volunteer of the Year. She has volunteered locally delivering Thanksgiving baskets to families in need and as part of multiple community-service initiatives through the Santa Fe Recreation Center.

THE PRAISE

“Katie is the absolute definition of a leader on and off the field,” said Andrea Magura, head coach of P.K. Yonge High. “What makes her so special is that she isn’t satisfied being just an absolutely dominant pitcher. She’s a terror on the bases and will deliver crushing hits to lead her team to victory.”

THE FUTURE: Chronister has signed a National Letter of Intent to play softball on an athletic scholarship at the University of Florida beginning this fall.

Utah Softball POY: Taylei Williams

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The Gatorade State Softball Players of the Year were selected based on athletic production and impact in the 2015-16 season. Each winner also demonstrated high academic achievement and exemplary personal character, including volunteerism, sportsmanship and community leadership.

For a list of the other Gatorade State Softball Players of the Year winners, click here.

THE WINNER: Taylei Williams

THE BASICS

School: Juab (Nephi, Utah)
Grade: Junior
Position: Right-handed pitcher and center fielder
Height: 5-foot-6

Athletic achievement: She posted a 17-3 record along with a 0.77 ERA this past season, leading the Wasps (25-3) to a runner-up finish in the Class 3A state tournament. Williams struck out 223 batters in 119 innings pitched, allowing just 37 hits and issuing only 27 walks. The 2015 Class 3A First Team All-State selection also batted .641 with 12 home runs, 14 doubles, 44 runs scored, 65 RBI and a 1.462 slugging percentage.

Academic excellence: Williams has maintained a 4.0 GPA and is ranked No. 1 in her class.

Exemplary character: The winner of a Sewing and Fashion Review contest at the Juab County Fair, she is the owner of a nail design and painting business. She has volunteered locally as an elementary-school aide and as a youth softball and volleyball instructor.

THE PRAISE

“Taylei Williams is a very dangerous hitter that is tough to get out,” said Tyler Bailey, head coach of North Sanpete High. “She is also the most dominant pitcher in Class 3A. Juab had much success this year thanks in large part to Taylei.”

THE FUTURE: Williams has made a verbal commitment to play softball on an athletic scholarship at Southern Utah University beginning in the fall of 2017.

Minnesota Softball POY: Carlie Brandt

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The Gatorade State Softball Players of the Year were selected based on athletic production and impact in the 2015-16 season. Each winner also demonstrated high academic achievement and exemplary personal character, including volunteerism, sportsmanship and community leadership.

For a list of the other Gatorade State Softball Players of the Year winners, click here.

THE WINNER: Carlie Brandt

THE BASICS

School: Le Sueur-Henderson (Le Sueur, Minn.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Right-handed pitcher and shortstop
Height: 5-foot-7

Athletic achievement: She led the Giants to a 20-3 record and a berth in the Class AA sectional finals, scheduled for June 2. A returning Class AA First Team All-State selection as named by the Minnesota Fastpitch Coaches Association, Brandt owned a 20-1 record at the time of her selection with a 0.47 ERA and 278 strikeouts, issuing just 14 walks in 134 innings pitched. Brandt batted .493 with five home runs, 14 runs scored and 18 RBI through 23 games. She led Le Sueur-Henderson to the program’s first-ever state tournament appearances in 2014 and 2015, capturing Class AA All-Tournament Team honors as a sophomore and junior.

Academic excellence: Also a basketball and tennis standout, Brandt has maintained a 3.80 GPA and served on her school’s student council.

Exemplary character: In addition to donating her time as a youth softball instructor, she has volunteered locally on behalf of the National Honor Society and her school’s Target Group service organization.

THE PRAISE

“Carlie might be the best high school female athlete that I’ve ever coached against,” said Phil Murry, head coach at rival Tri-City United. “She has a level of competitiveness that others just don’t have. I’ve gotten to know her very well over the years, as I coach against her in both softball and tennis. Her skill level is superb, and she’s always the hardest working player. She’s what you hope all your athletes will become, as far as character. I use her as an example of what we want to be in our program all the time.”

THE FUTURE: Brandt has signed a National Letter of Intent to play softball on scholarship at the University of Minnesota this fall.

Ohio Softball POY: Madi Huck

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The Gatorade State Softball Players of the Year were selected based on athletic production and impact in the 2015-16 season. Each winner also demonstrated high academic achievement and exemplary personal character, including volunteerism, sportsmanship and community leadership.

For a list of the other Gatorade State Softball Players of the Year winners, click here.

THE WINNER: Madi Huck

THE BASICS

School: Hayes (Delaware, Ohio)
Grade: Senior
Position: Right-handed pitcher
Height: 5-foot-9

Athletic achievement: The posted a 23-1 record in the circle with a 0.50 ERA, 230 strikeouts and just 27 walks in 140 innings, leading the Pacers (23-1) to the Division I district semifinals this past season. A First Team All-State selection, she hurled six no hitters and batted .556 with 13 home runs and 51 RBI at the plate.

Academic excellence: Huck has maintained a 4.01 GPA.

Exemplary character: A member of the yearbook staff, she has been a contributing writer for her school newspaper and has volunteered locally as a tutor for students with special needs in addition to donating her time as a youth softball coach.

THE PRAISE

“Madi Huck is an outstanding pitcher and has been the primary reason behind her team’s success over the last four years,” said Jeff Hatfield, head coach at Big Walnut High. “Her competitiveness, sportsmanship and leadership qualities have made her an excellent ambassador for Ohio high school softball.”

THE FUTURE: Huck has signed a National Letter of Intent to play softball on scholarship at Kent State University this fall.

Tennessee Softball POY: Brooklin Lee

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The Gatorade State Softball Players of the Year were selected based on athletic production and impact in the 2015-16 season. Each winner also demonstrated high academic achievement and exemplary personal character, including volunteerism, sportsmanship and community leadership.

For a list of the other Gatorade State Softball Players of the Year winners, click here.

THE WINNER: Brooklin Lee

THE BASICS

School: Dickson County (Dickson, Tenn.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Right-handed pitcher and third baseman
Height: 5-foot-8

Athletic achievement: The state’s returning Gatorade Softball Player of the Year, Lee led the Cougars to a 41-7-1 record and a second Class AAA state championship in three years this past season. She posted a 28-6 record with a 0.85 ERA and 289 strikeouts against 43 walks in 197.1 innings pitched.  Lee batted .388 with five home runs, 37 runs scored and 38 RBI. A three-time returning Class AAA First Team All-State selection as named by the Tennessee Sports Writers Association, Lee worked 20 walks, stole 20 bases and belted 18 extra-base hits, compiling a 1.132 OPS. She led Dickson County to the Class AAA state title game each of the past four seasons.

Academic excellence: Lee has maintained a 3.83 GPA.

Exemplary character: A member of her school’s award-winning Health Occupations Students of America program, she has also donated her time as a youth softball instructor.

THE PRAISE

“I have thoroughly enjoyed watching Brooklin play and coaching against her,” said Melissa Weiland, head coach of rival Independence High. “She’s a game-changer on the mound, really good with the bat and—most importantly—a team player. She’s a great leader. You don’t see pitchers like her very often. Someone of that character is definitely deserving of Gatorade Player of the Year.”

THE FUTURE: Lee has signed a National Letter of Intent to play softball on scholarship at Belmont University this fall.

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