Podcast covering Hillsborough county high school sports!

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On this episode of Ballers In The Bay, we spotlight Coach Passion Hodge — the head coach leading the rise of Freedom High School Girls Basketball.A Lake Wales alum (2019), former Tallahassee Community College hooper (2021), and Florida State University graduate in Business Management (2023), Coach Hodge brings a sharp blend of experience, discipline, and modern leadership to the Patriots program.We dive into her journey into basketball, what inspired her to coach, and the mission she embraced when she took over at Freedom. Coach Hodge breaks down the misconceptions she’s determined to erase, the culture she’s building, and the non‑negotiables that define her program. She also shares how Freedom’s run to the district championship game in Year 2 reshaped expectations heading into Year 3, how she structures practices, and how she supports athletes pursuing college opportunities.If you want an inside look at a coach rebuilding a program with purpose, identity, and long‑term vision, this episode is your front‑row seat.

Coach Passion Hodge Freedom Girls Basketball

On this episode of Ballers In The Bay, we spotlight Coach Passion Hodge — the head coach leading the rise of Freedom High School Girls Basketball.  
A Lake Wales alum (2019), former Tallahassee Community College hooper (2021), and Florida State University graduate in Business Management (2023), Coach Hodge brings a sharp blend of experience, discipline, and modern leadership to the Patriots program.

We dive into her journey into basketball, what inspired her to coach, and the mission she embraced when she took over at Freedom. Coach Hodge breaks down the misconceptions she’s determined to erase, the culture she’s building, and the non‑negotiables that define her program. She also shares how Freedom’s run to the district championship game in Year 2 reshaped expectations heading into Year 3, how she structures practices, and how she supports athletes pursuing college opportunities.

If you want an inside look at a coach rebuilding a program with purpose, identity, and long‑term vision, this episode is your front‑row seat.

Beyond The Sideline: Head Coach Passion Hodge Freedom Girls Basketball

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/8/20/21/5e033fb7-e949-4159-9186-550da1a1bcff_beyondthesidelineamberjenningsgbb__1_.mp3

This week on Ballers In The Bay, I sit down with Coach Amber Jennings — former 1,500‑point Tampa Bay standout and the founder of Tampa Ignite Girls Basketball. Coach Jennings breaks down her journey from East Lake High School and Palm Harbor University to college hoops, the philosophy behind her high‑accountability coaching style, and the myths she’s determined to erase in AAU basketball. We talk player development, confidence, culture, recruitment, and the traits college coaches actually care about. If you want to understand what makes Tampa Ignite different, this episode is your front‑row seat.

Coach Amber Jennings Tampa Ignite

This week on Ballers In The Bay, I sit down with Coach Amber Jennings — former 1,500‑point Tampa Bay standout and the founder of Tampa Ignite Girls Basketball. 

Coach Jennings breaks down her journey from East Lake High School and Palm Harbor University to college hoops, the philosophy behind her high‑accountability coaching style, and the myths she’s determined to erase in AAU basketball. 

﻿We talk player development, confidence, culture, recruitment, and the traits college coaches actually care about. If you want to understand what makes Tampa Ignite different, this episode is your front‑row seat.

Beyond The Sideline Amber Jennings Tampa Ignite Girls Basketball

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Our new season of Beyond The Sideline kicks off with Kaela Crowell, the Head Coach of the East Bay High School Girl Basketball program. Coach K sits down with podcast host Tj Thompson to give details about herself and the East Bay girls basketball program. Follow Coach K @kaelatiara_ and her Lady Indians program on Instagram @eastbaylbb and

Coach Kaela Crowell East Bay Lady Indians

In this interview, Coach Kaela Crowell aka &#39;Coach K&#34; opens up about her journey from Riverview alum to East Bay’s history‑making head coach, the myths she set out to break, the habits that earn players more minutes, and the life lessons she hopes her athletes carry long after graduation. She also spotlights rising talent, shares advice for parents, and reveals exactly what fans should expect when the Indians take the court.

Beyond The Sideline Kaela Crowell Head Coach East Bay Girls Basketball

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On this episode of Beyond The Sideline I get the pleasure of interviewing Marika Starks the Varsity Head Coach of the Sumner Stingrays Girl&#39;s Basketball team. Marika Stark will be entering her 5th year as the leader of the Lady Stingrays, coming off of her first 20-win season (21-6) and the first district championship/playoff appearance in school history. In this episode, Coach Starks breaks down what it means to Coach at Sumner High School, the values of her program and much more!

Beyond The Sideline Marika Starks Sumner Stingrays Girl's Basketball Coach

On this episode of Beyond The Sideline I get the pleasure of interviewing Marika Starks the Varsity Head Coach of the Sumner Stingrays Girl&#39;s Basketball team. Marika Stark will be entering her 5th year as the leader of the Lady Stingrays, coming off of her first 20-win season (21-6) and the first district championship/playoff appearance in school history. In this episode, Coach Starks breaks down what it means to Coach at Sumner High School, the values of her program and much more!

Beyond The Sideline Marika Starks Sumner Lady Stingrays Head Basketball Coach

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2024/7/24/17/5c29151a-71b0-4ea6-9a52-ce16560be195_beyondthesidelinejoelbower_bloomingdalegbb.mp3

On this episode of Beyond The Sideline I have the pleasure of interviewing the Bloomingdale Bulls Girl&#39;s Basketball Head Coach Joel Bower. Coach Bower is coming off of his most successful season with the Lady Bulls finishing the year with a 30-1 record and state championship appreance. In this episode Coach Bower will give us information about his coaching philosophy, the work ethic of his bulls and much more!

Coach Joel Bower Bloomingdale Bulls Head Girls Basketball Coach

On this episode of Beyond The Sideline I have the pleasure of interviewing the Bloomingdale Bulls Girl&#39;s Basketball Head Coach Joel Bower. Coach Bower is coming off of his most successful season with the Lady Bulls finishing the year with a 30-1 record and state championship appreance. In this episode Coach Bower will give us information about his coaching philosophy, the work ethic of his bulls and much more!

Beyond The Sideline Joel Bower Bloomingdale Girl's Basketball Head Coach

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2023/7/18/22/a350355e-f938-4657-91e6-256b8463575a_beyondthesidelinechristianyockey.mp3

On this episode of “Beyond The Sideline” I get the pleasure of interviewing Head Football Coach Christian Yockey of the Newsome Wolves. Coach Christian Yockey is entering his 6th season as the Head Coach of the Newsome Wolves where he has accumulated a 35-19 record, winning coach of the year award in Class 8A FACA District 15, and the District Championship in 2022. In this episode, we discuss Coach Yockey’s personal background, his thoughts on what has led to the consistency of the Newsome Wolves football program, the mindset of what it takes to be a Newsome Wolf, and much more.

Christian Yockey Head Football Coach Newsome Wolves

On this episode of “Beyond The Sideline” I get the pleasure of interviewing Head Football Coach Christian Yockey of the Newsome Wolves. Coach Christian Yockey is entering his 6th season as the Head Coach of the Newsome Wolves where he has accumulated a 35-19 record, winning coach of the year award in Class 8A FACA District 15, and the District Championship in 2022. 

﻿In this episode, we discuss Coach Yockey’s personal background, his thoughts on what has led to the consistency of the Newsome Wolves football program, the mindset of what it takes to be a Newsome Wolf, and much more.

Beyond The Sideline Christian Yockey Head Football Coach Newsome Wolves

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In this episode of &#34;Beyond The Sideline&#34; I get the pleasure of interviewing Tampa Catholic Head Football Coach Jeris McIntyre. Coach Jeris McIntyre is going into his sixth season as the Head Football Coach at Tampa Catholic where he has achieved a 39-19 record, one district championship 2022-23, and two playoff appearances.Coach Jeris McIntyre is a Tampa native and was a multi-sport athlete for the Tampa Catholic Crusaders before graduating in 1999. Coach Jeris was selected in the sixth round of the NFL draft after a phenomenal career as a wide receiver at the University of Auburn.In this episode Coach Jeris McIntyre will elaborate on what inspired him to play sports, how he got into coaching, his experience as a professional athlete, the philosophy of what it takes to be a Tampa Catholic Crusader and much more.

Jeris McIntrye Head Football Coach Tampa Catholic Crusaders

In this episode of &#34;Beyond The Sideline&#34; I get the pleasure of interviewing Tampa Catholic Head Football Coach Jeris McIntyre. Coach Jeris McIntyre is going into his sixth season as the Head Football Coach at Tampa Catholic where he has achieved a 39-19 record, one district championship 2022-23, and two playoff appearances. 

Coach Jeris McIntyre is a Tampa native and was a multi-sport athlete for the Tampa Catholic Crusaders before graduating in 1999. Coach Jeris was selected in the sixth round of the NFL draft after a phenomenal career as a wide receiver at the University of Auburn. 

In this episode Coach Jeris McIntyre will elaborate on what inspired him to play sports, how he got into coaching, his experience as a professional athlete, the philosophy of what it takes to be a Tampa Catholic Crusader and much more.

Beyond The Sideline Jeris Mcintyre Head Football Coach Tampa Catholic High School

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On this episode of &#34;Beyond The Sideline&#34; I get the pleasure of interviewing Head Football Coach KB Belton of the Lennard Longhorns. Coach KB Belton is going into his first year as the new Head Coach of the Lennard Longhorns. In this episode, we discuss Coach Belton&#39;s personal background, his thoughts on what it will take to implement his imprint on the Longhorn program, his vision for the upcoming season, and much more.

KB Belton Head Football Coach Lennard Longhorns

On this episode of &#34;Beyond The Sideline&#34; I get the pleasure of interviewing Head Football Coach KB Belton of the Lennard Longhorns. Coach KB Belton is going into his first year as the new Head Coach of the Lennard Longhorns. In this episode, we discuss Coach Belton&#39;s personal background, his thoughts on what it will take to implement his imprint on the Longhorn program, his vision for the upcoming season, and much more.

Beyond The Sideline KB Belton Head Football Coach Lennard Longhorns

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On this episode of &#34;Beyond The Sideline&#34; I get the pleasure of interviewing Head Football Coach Keith Chattin of the Spoto Spartans. Coach Keith Chattin will be entering year two with the Spoto Spartans. In Coach Chattin&#39;s first season, the Spartans were able to go 4-6 tying for the most wins since 2018. In this episode, Coach Chattin will discuss his coaching experience plans for building upon last season&#39;s momentum and much more.

Keith Chattin Head Football Coach Spoto Spartans

On this episode of &#34;Beyond The Sideline&#34; I get the pleasure of interviewing Head Football Coach Keith Chattin of the Spoto Spartans. Coach Keith Chattin will be entering year two with the Spoto Spartans. In Coach Chattin&#39;s first season, the Spartans were able to go 4-6 tying for the most wins since 2018. In this episode, Coach Chattin will discuss his coaching experience plans for building upon last season&#39;s momentum and much more.

Beyond The Sideline Keith Chattin Head Football Coach Spoto High School

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2022/10/21/4/261fc2e1-6b2c-4f7f-a06b-525c9d4d46cb_ballersinthebayweek9.mp3

Welcome Back!Ballers in the Bay is back for week 9 of the 2022 football seasonTj and Bp recap the much-anticipated week 8 matchup between the Wharton Wildcats and Tampa Bay Titans that ended with a Tampa Bay Tech 28-0 win. They then go on to recap some of the week 8 district matchups.Week 9 games to watch Tampa Bay Tech v Jesuit. Steinbrenner v Plant, East Bay v Berkeley Prep plus more!If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a review on whatever platform you use for this podcast! We greatly appreciate the support!

Week 9 10-21-2022

Welcome Back!

Ballers in the Bay is back for week 9 of the 2022 football season

Tj and Bp recap the much-anticipated week 8 matchup between the Wharton Wildcats and Tampa Bay Titans that ended with a Tampa Bay Tech 28-0 win. They then go on to recap some of the week 8 district matchups.

Week 9 games to watch Tampa Bay Tech v Jesuit. Steinbrenner v Plant, East Bay v Berkeley Prep plus more!

If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a review on whatever platform you use for this podcast! We greatly appreciate the support!

Week 8 A Clearer Picture

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In this episode of Ballers In The Bay we recap our week 4 Games of the Week Sumner v Gaither and East Bay v Riverview. We preview the top games of week 5 and our game of the week Armwood Hawks v Jesuit Tigers. Players to know, top 5 plus more!Like, Review and Subscribe! Thank you for your support!

Week 5 9-23-2022

In this episode of Ballers In The Bay we recap our week 4 Games of the Week Sumner v Gaither and East Bay v Riverview. 

We preview the top games of week 5 and our game of the week Armwood Hawks v Jesuit Tigers. 

Players to know, top 5 plus more!

Like, Review and Subscribe! Thank you for your support!

Week 5 Contenders or Pretenders

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On this episode of Ballers In The Bay we recap Week 3 and our game of the week Wharton 47 Gaither 6. I preview Week 4&#39;s Game of the Week Gaither 1-1 v Sumner 3-0, East Bay 2-0 v Riverview 3-0, plus more top performers and names to know!Like, Subscribe and leave a review! Thank you for your support!

Week 4 9-16-2022

On this episode of Ballers In The Bay we recap Week 3 and our game of the week Wharton 47 Gaither 6.  I preview Week 4&#39;s Game of the Week Gaither 1-1 v Sumner 3-0, East Bay 2-0 v Riverview 3-0, plus more top performers and names to know!

Like, Subscribe and leave a review! Thank you for your support!

Week 4 Old Rivalries

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On this episode of &#34;Certified Ballers&#34; I have the privilege of interviewing 6&#39;1 ATH 2023 Georian Timmons of Lake Nona High School. In this interview we discuss what drew Georian to football, his strengths, leadership skills plus more! Like, Subscribe, Leave a Review! Thank you for your support

Georian Timmons ATH Lake Nona 2023

On this episode of &#34;Certified Ballers&#34; I have the privilege of interviewing 6&#39;1 ATH 2023 Georian Timmons of Lake Nona High School.  In this interview we discuss what drew Georian to football, his strengths, leadership skills plus more!



Like, Subscribe, Leave a Review! Thank you for your support

Certified Baller 2023 ATH Georian Timmons

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On Week 3 we recap our game of the week for week 2 Alonso (2-0) 40 Blake (1-1) 18. Alonso standout 2025 running back Josh Andrews ran for 247 yards on 30 carries with 4 touchdowns. Bp and Tj recap other week 2 games then get into week 3 matchups and more.Week 3 Game of The Week Wharton (1-1) v Gaither (1-0)Like, subscribe, leave a review! Thank you for your support!

Week 3 9-9-2022

On Week 3 we recap our game of the week for week 2 Alonso (2-0) 40 Blake (1-1) 18. Alonso standout 2025 running back Josh Andrews ran for 247 yards on 30 carries with 4 touchdowns. Bp and Tj recap other week 2 games then get into week 3 matchups and more.

Week 3 Game of The Week Wharton (1-1) v Gaither (1-0)

Like, subscribe, leave a review! Thank you for your support!

Week 3 Stepping Up

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In this episode of Ballers in The Bay your host Bp and Tj recap Week 1. Jesuit 24 - Wharton 13, the game of the week for week 2, player shout outs and more!*Correction there was a part where stats were misspoken for Steinbrenner&#39;s rush offense and we failed to acknowledge 2023 Athlete Kirby Vorhees!The correct stats are Kirby Vorhees 176 rushing yards and 42 receiving yards.

Week 2 9-2-2022

In this episode of Ballers in The Bay your host Bp and Tj recap Week 1. Jesuit 24 - Wharton 13, game of the week for week 2, player shout outs and more!

*Correction there was a part where stats were misspoken for Steinbrenner&#39;s rush offense and we failed to acknowledge 2023 Athlete Kirby Vorhees! 

The correct stats are Kirby Vorhees 176 rushing yards and 42 receiving yards.

Week 2 The Stars Were Out

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On this episode we discuss our game of the week &#34;Wharton v Jesuit.&#34;, give a recap of week 0 scores and get into other key games in Hillsborough County.

Week 1 Game Week

On this episode we discuss our game of the week &#34;Wharton v Jesuit.&#34;, give a recap of week 0 scores and get into other key games in Hillsborough County.



Friday Night Lights WEEK 1

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You are in for a treat with this episode I have a special guest Joey Jaime, Head Football Coach of The Mighty Chamberlain Chiefs. In this episode we will discuss what brought Coach Jaime into coaching, how to manage a program as a first-year Head Coach, and much more!Be sure like and subscribe to the podcast on Apple/Spotify podcast! Leave a review with a question and we will get it in one of our episodes.

Joey Jaime Head Football Coach Chamberlain High School

You are in for a treat with this episode I have a special guest Joey Jaime, Head Football Coach of The Mighty Chamberlain Chiefs. In this episode, we will discuss what brought Coach Jaime into coaching, how to manage a program as a first-year Head Coach, and much more!

Be sure like and subscribe to the podcast on Apple/Spotify podcast! Leave a review with a question and we will get it in one of our episodes.

Beyond The Sideline Joey Jaime Head Football Coach Chamberlain High School

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On this episode of Ballers in The Bay your host Bp and Tj preview some of the top matchups for Week 0 including the much anticipated Armwood Hawks v Lakeland Dreadnaughts. They go on to discuss Sumner Stingrays v East Bay Indians, Bloomingdale Bulls v Berkeley Prep Buccaneers, Sarasota Riverview v Tampa Bay Tech and Largo v Jesuit. Bp and Tj then go on to discuss their top 5 teams in the area, players to know, and more!Subscribe, Like and Leave a question in the review section if you have anything on your mind or want a topic to be featured on an upcoming episode.

Week 0 Kickoff Classics Tampa 8/19/2023

On this episode of Ballers in The Bay your host Bp and Tj preview some of the top matchups for Week 0 including the much anticipated Armwood Hawks v Lakeland Dreadnaughts.  

They go on to discuss Sumner Stingrays v East Bay Indians, Bloomingdale Bulls v Berkeley Prep Buccaneers, Sarasota Riverview v Tampa Bay Tech and Largo v Jesuit. 

Bp and Tj then go on to discuss their top 5 teams in the area, players to know, and more!

Subscribe, Like, and Leave a question in the review section if you have anything on your mind or want a topic to be featured on an upcoming episode.

Week 0 Preseason Football in the 813

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In this episode, I get the pleasure of interviewing 2x Tampa Bay Times Football Coach of The Year, 2x Regional Champion, and 2x District Champion Coach Evan Davis of Armwood High School. We discuss why he became a coach, the &#34;Armwood Way&#34;, this upcoming season, and much more!

Evan Davis Armwood Football Coach

In this episode, I get the pleasure of interviewing 2x Tampa Bay Times Football Coach of The Year, 2x Regional Champion, and 2x District Champion Coach Evan Davis of Armwood High School. We discuss why he became a coach, the &#34;Armwood Way&#34;, this upcoming season, and much more!

Beyond The Sideline Evan Davis Armwood Football Coach

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On this episode of Ballers in The Bay I get the honor to interview the next great Quarterback to come out of Armwood High School Murdolph &#34;Murt&#34; Jones IV c/o 2023. In this interview Murdolph reveals his experience as the starting quarterback for county power Armwood. Murdolph then goes into detail about how he planned to improve during Spring football.

Murdolph Jones IV QB Armwood High School 2023

On this episode of Ballers in The Bay I get the honor to interview the next great Quarterback to come out of Armwood High School Murdolph &#34;Murt&#34; Jones IV c/o 2023.  

In this interview Murdolph reveals his experience as the starting quarterback for county power Armwood. Murdolph then goes into detail about how he planned to improve during Spring football.