South Florida News
Morehouse Named ASUN Player of the Year; Carter Earns First-Team Honors; Winston Named to Third-Team
Published
4 years agoon
By
FNN SPORTS
FORT MYERS, Fla. – The No. 24 FGCU women’s basketball team earned more awards from the ASUN Conference on Friday, as was fifth-year guard Tishara Morehouse (Milwaukee, Wis./Rufus King HS/Nebraska CC) earned the ASUN Women’s Basketball Player of the Year honor and earned a spot on the ASUN Women’s Basketball First-Team list for the third consecutive season.
Graduate guard Sha Carter (Southfield. Mich./Wylie E. Groves HS/Walsh) who was named the ASUN Women’s Basketball Scholar-Athlete of the Year earlier Friday, was also named to the ASUN Women’s Basketball First-Team All-Conference list. Junior guard Alyza Winston (Muskegon, Mich./Muskegon HS/Mississippi State) was named to the ASUN Conference Women’s Basketball Third-Team list.
“TK has been an amazing playing for all three seasons,” said FGCU head women’s basketball coach Karl Smesko. “She has made the first team all three seasons, and it’s exciting to see her win Player of the Year. She is an exceptional point guard who can distribute the ball to her teammates, and also someone who can score and always willing to put in the effort defensively. She is an amazing player and has had a special season.”
Morehouse is FGCU’s ninth ASUN Player of the Year honoree, joining Kierstan Bell (2022, 2021), Keri Jewett-Giles (2020), Nasrin Ulel (2019), Sarah Hansen (2013, 2014) and Whitney Knight (2016, 2015) on that prestigious list.
The Green & Blue now boast 25 ASUN Conference Women’s Basketball First-Team honorees: Morehouse (2023, 2022, 2021), Carter (2023), Bell (2022, 2021), Jewett-Giles (2020), Tytionia Adderly (2020), Ulel (2019), Rosemarie Julien (2018, 2017), China Dow (2018), Kaneisha Atwater (2016, 2015), Knight (2016, 2015, 2014), Hansen (2014, 2013, 2012), Brittany Kennedy (2013), Shannon Murphy (2011), Chelsea Lyles (2010, 2009), and Adrianne McNally (2009)
TK Morehose – All-ASUN First Team and ASUN Women’s Basketball Player of the Year
Morehouse has played and started in all 31 of the Eagles games this season, recording 963 minutes of playing time – the most for any Eagle this season. She has scored 520 points and averages 16.9 points per game, ranking her second in the league, and boasts a 52.8 shooting percentage.
Morehouse is the top 3-point shooter for the Eagles in 2022-23, registering 69 treys this season, and is shooting 49.5 percent from beyond the arc – which is also second in the ASUN. She also leads the Eagles with 138 assists and is fifth in the league with 4.5 assists per game.
Morehouse eclipsed the 1,000-point barrier during the Eagles first game of the 2022-23 season, scoring a game-high 24 points against Old Dominion on Nov. 7. She has led the Eagles in scoring a whopping 16 times, and hit double figures 28 times – with eight of those efforts being 20 points or higher.
The 5-foot-3 guard registered a season-best 28 points against Mercer on Dec. 21. One of her best games for the season came on Feb. 8, where she delivered 17 points and dealt 10 assists. Her performance was only the 15th time an Eagle recorded 10 or more assists in school history.
The Wisconsin native has won the ASUN Player of the Week award twice this season, the first on Nov. 21 after she averaged 16 points per game against Hawaii and San Diego. Morehouse once again won the honor Jan. 2 after averaging 17.5 points per game in FGCU’s victories against Mercer and Brown.
Coming into the season, Morehouse was tabbed ASUN Preseason Player of the Year and was recognized as a member of the John R. Wooden Award Top 50 Watch List and the 2021 Becky Hammon Mid-Major Player of the Year.
SHA CARTER – All-ASUN First Team
Carter has also been a dominant force in the league for the Eagles, playing in all 32 games with 28 starts. She is the second leading scorer for the Green & Blue, averaging 16.7 points in conference play – a total that ranks her third in the league. Carter has a 62.4 shooting percentage, which is fourth in the ASUN, and she the top rebounder on the team with 5.9 rebounds per outing. Carter has led the Eagles in scoring nine times, has scored in doubles figures 22 times and registered over 20 points seven times.
Carter eclipsed the 2,500-point barrier on Feb. 23 against Kennesaw State, and currently has 2,555 points. On Feb. 8, Carter broke the 1,000-rebounds barrie and now sits at 1,074 rebounds. Carter was named ASUN Player of the Week and Newcomer of the Week on Feb. 20 after averaging 25.5 points per game. She scored a season-best 30 points, one shy of her career best, and pulled down eight rebounds against Lipscomb on Feb. 16. Two days later, she registered her second double-double of the season – scoring 21 points and grabbing 13 rebounds against Austin Peay on Feb. 18.
The 6-foot guard first won the ASUN NOW award on Dec. 12, as she was instrumental in the Eagles’ victory against SEC powerhouse Kentucky – scoring a game-high 16 points and dealing a team-best six assists. Carter shot 50 percent from the field (6-12) with three treys. She hit a jumper at the 5:51 mark of the fourth quarter and converted the three-point play to break a tie and put FGCU in the lead for the remainder of the game.
“Sha has been incredibly productive and just one of the most efficient players in all of college basketball,” Smesko said. “She came in and embraced her role on our team, and has just been outstanding throughout the year – but she has gotten better with each game and just continues to improve.”
ALYZA WINSTON – All-ASUN Third Team
Winston has started for the Eagles in 26 games and have played in 31 – logging a total of 834 minutes of playing time this season. She is the third-leading scorer for the Eagles, averaging 13.1 points per game, and her a 43.2 percent 3-point percentage ranks her fourth in conference.
The 5-foot-8 Winston shoots a team-high 84.7 percent from the free-throw line, has scored 10-plus points 26 times and has been the Eagles top scorer six times in 2022-23. One of her best games was at the No. 3 seed Lipscomb on March 1, when she delivered a game-high 21 points that included five triples and 8-for-11 shooting from the floor. She also pulled down four rebounds, chipped in two assists and grabbed three steals in the performance.
Winston has won Newcomer of the Week a whopping four times this season, earning her latest honor Jan. 30 by averaging 16.5 points per game in FGCU’s victories against Eastern Kentucky and Bellarmine.
Winston earned her third ASUN NOW award Jan. 2 after averaging 13.5 points in the Eagles’ wins against Brown and Mercer. Her second ASUN NOW award came Dec. 26 after scoring a season-best 23 points in FGCU’s 91-81 road win against Mercer. In addition to her offensive contribution, she notched a season-high five rebounds and added a steal.
Winston won the first Newcomer of the Week award of the 2022-23 season on Nov. 14 after FGCU’s season opener against Old Dominion. She registered 22 points A few days later at C-USA member FIU, Winston would steal the show – registering a game-high 19 points to help the Eagles win 92-63.
“It great to see Alyza get recognition, she’s such a great player and have made such a great impact for us on both ends of the floor.” She is a great defender and she is an amazing shooter and it’s great to see her get recognized for outstanding play ” Smesko said.
Morehouse, Carter, Winston and the No. 24 Eagles will begin postseason play 5 p.m. Sunday in the ASUN Tournament quarterfinals, taking on the No. 9 Stetson-No. 10 Jacksonville winner – a game will take place at 3 p.m. Saturday at Alico Arena.
For complete coverage of FGCU women’s basketball, follow the Eagles on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook at @FGCU_WBB and online at www.FGCUAthletics.com. You can also sign up to have news on FGCU women’s basketball and other programs delivered directly to your inbox by visiting www.fgcuathletics.com/email.
2022-23 ASUN Conference Women’s Basketball Postseason Honors and Awards
Player of the Year: Tishara Morehouse, FGCU
Defensive Player of the Year: Skyler Gill, North Alabama
Newcomer of the Year: Antwainette Walker, Eastern Kentucky
Unanimous Sixth Player of the Year: Shamarre Hale, Austin Peay
Freshman of the Year: Gracie Merkle, Bellarmine
Coach of the Year: Karl Smesko, FGCU
ASUN First-Team All-Conference
Tishara Morehouse*^, FGCU, Sr., Milwaukee, Wis.
Antwainette Walker, Eastern Kentucky, Sr. Lisle, Ill.
Sha Carter, FGCU, Gr., Southfield, Mich.
Mya Berkman#, Liberty Sr., Marble Falls, Texas
Bella Vinson, Lipscomb So., Manchester, Tenn.
ASUN, Second-Team All-Conference
Shamarre Hale, Austin Peay, Sr., Chicago, Ill.
Gracie Merkle, Bellarmine, Fr., Mt. Washington, Ky.
Kennedy Gavin, Jacksonville State, Sr. Petal, Miss.
Jah’Che Whitfield, Kennesaw State, Sr. Sumter, S.C.
Skyler Gill#, North Alabama, So. Wichita, Kan.
ASUN Third-Team All-Conference
Mariah Adams, Austin Peay, Sr. Little Rock, Ark.
Alyza Winston, FGCU, Jr. Muskegon, Mich.
Shynia Jackson, Jacksonville, Sr., Warner Robins, Ga.
Amani Johnson^, Kennesaw State, Sr., North Versailles, Pa.
Jalyn Holcomb, Lipscomb, Sr., Murfreesboro, Tenn.
ASUN All-Freshman Team
Gracie Merkle* Bellarmine Mt. Washington, Ky.
Anala Nelson Austin Peay Columbia, S.C.
Molly Heard Lipscomb Pisgah, Ala.
Jordyn Weaver Queens San Antonio, Texas
Jaelyn Talley Stetson Fairfax, Va.
* – Denotes unanimous selection
# – Denotes a two-time selection to the All-Conference Team
^ – Denotes a three-time selection to the All-Conference Team
COACH SMESKO
FGCU head coach Karl Smesko maintains a record of 639-131 (.829) overall in his career, the third-highest winning percentage among active Division I coaches behind only UConn’s Geno Auriemma and LSU’s Kim Mulkey. He has also led the Eagles to a 249-19 (.929) mark in ASUN regular-season play and a 30-2 (.938) record in ASUN tournament play. Over the previous 11-plus seasons, he has guided FGCU to a 185-7 (.963) record in conference play with six undefeated seasons. The 12-time ASUN Coach of the Year has led the program to 12-straight 25-win seasons and 18 consecutive 20-win campaigns, including 30-plus wins in five of the last eight years. On top of all that, the Eagles are 578-104 (.847) all-time since Smesko started the program in the 2002-03 season, and the Green & Blue’s .846 all-time winning percentage is the best in NCAA Division I women’s basketball history.
E.A.G.L.E. CAMPAIGN
IT TAKES A TEAM to achieve our newest goal – a $10 million campaign to address student-athlete needs in continued academic success, life skills, mental health, nutrition, and strength and conditioning as well as departmental needs in facility expansion and improvement as well as mentoring and leadership training for coaches and staff. The name embodies our mission and the purpose of the E.A.G.L.E. Campaign – Eagle Athletics Generating Lifetime Excellence. Join Our Team and pledge your gift today to help the Eagles of tomorrow!
#FEEDFGCU
FGCU Athletics sponsors events in November and April to benefit the FGCU Campus Food Pantry (https://www.fgcu.edu/adminservices/foodpantry) and the Harry Chapin Food Bank (www.harrychapinfoodbank.org), FGCU Athletics’ charities of choice. For more information, including how to make a contribution, please visit https://www.fgcu.edu/adminservices/foodpantry and utilize the hashtag #FeedFGCU to help raise awareness.
Politics
Jim Boyd, Jay Trumbull Endorse Alex Rizo for Florida Senate District 39
Published
2 weeks agoon
September 12, 2026
Republican legislative leaders back Rizo as race develops to replace former Sen. Bryan Avila in Miami-Dade County
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. (FNN)— Florida Senate President-Designate Jim Boyd and Sen. Jay Trumbull have endorsed state Rep. Alex Rizo in the developing race for Florida Senate District 39, according to a press release announcing their support.
The endorsements add two prominent Republican senators to Rizo’s campaign as candidates position themselves to succeed former state Sen. Bryan Avila, who resigned from the Senate in August.
Florida Senate records show Avila, a Republican, resigned from District 39 on Aug. 25, leaving the Miami-Dade County seat vacant.
Boyd, Trumbull Praise Rizo’s Legislative Record
In a joint statement provided in the press release, Boyd and Trumbull pointed to Rizo’s record on education, taxes, public safety and parental rights as reasons for their endorsement.
“Alex Rizo is a leader who has championed parental rights, historic school choice expansion, tax cuts for hard working Floridians and business owners, increased funding for public schools and teacher pay, workforce and technical education, public safety, and efforts to educate future generations about the horrors and failures of communism,” Boyd and Trumbull said.
The senators said they believe Rizo would work alongside them in the Florida Senate on their shared policy priorities.
“We are proud to endorse Alex Rizo for Senate District 39 because we know he will stand with us to protect freedom and deliver common sense solutions for hard working Floridians,” they said.
Rizo Running for Open Senate Seat
Rizo, a Republican from Hialeah, announced his candidacy for the open Senate seat following Avila’s resignation. Rizo has served in the Florida House since 2020 and has represented House District 112 during the current legislative term.
The Senate District 39 race is developing following Avila’s departure from the Legislature to run for lieutenant governor.
District 39 is located in Miami-Dade County and includes heavily Hispanic communities in the northwestern portion of the county.
Special Election Date Still to Be Formally Set
Florida’s 2026 general election is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026. However, as of Sept. 11, the Florida Division of Elections had not listed a Senate District 39 special election among its scheduled 2026 special elections.
Under Florida law, a vacancy in the state Senate may require a special election. The governor, after consulting with the secretary of state, issues the order establishing the election date.
The timing of the District 39 election therefore remains subject to an official special-election order.
Business
Amazon Cargo Jet Overruns Miami Airport Runway by 1,300 Feet, Killing 5 as NTSB Investigates
Published
2 weeks agoon
September 8, 2026
Federal investigators recovered both flight recorders after the Boeing 767 operated by 21 Air for Amazon struck vehicles and traveled about 1,300 feet beyond the runway at Miami International Airport.
MIAMI, Fla. (FNN) — Federal investigators are working to determine why an Amazon cargo jet overran a runway at Miami International Airport by about 1,300 feet Sunday, struck vehicles inside and outside the airport perimeter and crashed, killing five people and injuring at least five others.
The Boeing 767, operated by 21 Air LLC for Amazon, was arriving from San Juan, Puerto Rico, when it overran the runway at about 2 p.m. Sunday. It was the aircraft’s third flight of the day, according to investigators.
National Transportation Safety Board Chair Jennifer Homendy described the crash site Monday as an area of extensive devastation and debris.
Investigators have recovered both the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder, which could provide critical information about the aircraft’s approach, touchdown, speed, braking performance and crew communications.
The NTSB has not determined the probable cause of the crash.
NTSB: Jet Struck Vehicles After Leaving Runway
The five people killed were in two vehicles struck by the aircraft after it left the runway, according to the NTSB.
Investigators said the jet first struck a 2021 white Ford Econoline van owned by Professional Ocean Service Corp., an airline cleaning contractor. Seven people were inside the van.
The aircraft then broke through an airport perimeter fence and struck a Toyota Corolla Cross outside airport property.
The jet continued through another fence near an area where Tesla robotaxis were stationed before coming to rest, according to Homendy.
The crash left a large debris field that investigators are documenting as they reconstruct the aircraft’s path.
Five Killed, At Least Five Injured
The human toll extends beyond the aviation and airport investigation.
According to the NTSB, all five fatalities were among people in the two vehicles struck during the runway overrun. At least five other people were injured.
The circumstances put particular attention on what happened after the aircraft left the paved runway and traveled beyond the airport boundary.
Investigators will examine the entire accident sequence before determining what factors contributed to the fatalities.
Flight Recorders Recovered as NTSB Investigates Cause
The central question remains unanswered: Why couldn’t the aircraft stop before reaching the end of the runway?
Homendy cautioned Monday that investigators would not determine probable cause while working at the scene.
The NTSB is examining whether the aircraft touched down too far along the runway to stop safely and whether the crew should have abandoned the landing and performed a go-around. Investigators are also expected to analyze the aircraft’s speed, braking performance, mechanical condition, weather and runway conditions.
Video of the landing is also expected to play an important role in reconstructing the sequence of events.
The flight data recorder can provide technical information about the aircraft’s speed, altitude, control inputs and systems. The cockpit voice recorder can help investigators establish crew communications and other conditions inside the cockpit during the final phase of the flight.
Investigators will combine that evidence with wreckage examinations, maintenance records, air traffic control information, weather data, surveillance video and witness interviews.
Could the Miami Crash Have Been Prevented?
It is too early to determine.
The NTSB has not concluded that pilot actions, mechanical problems, weather, runway conditions or airport infrastructure caused or contributed to the accident.
One issue under scrutiny is the protection available when an aircraft overruns a runway.
Miami International Airport does not have the type of aircraft arresting system installed at some airports, according to AP reporting. MIA instead has a 1,000-foot runway safety buffer and complies with applicable requirements.
That distinction is important: The absence of an arresting system does not establish that airport infrastructure caused the crash or fatalities.
Investigators will need to determine first why the aircraft overran the runway and then whether different safety measures could have prevented the accident or reduced its severity.
The findings could eventually lead to recommendations involving aircraft operations, runway-overrun protection, airport infrastructure or carrier procedures — but any such conclusions would come after the evidence is analyzed.
Amazon-21 Air Safety Relationship Under Review
Another significant part of the investigation will focus on the relationship between Amazon and 21 Air.
The aircraft was carrying cargo for Amazon but was operated by 21 Air.
Homendy said investigators want to understand the responsibilities of each company, including what safety provisions are contained in contracts, policies and operating arrangements.
That examination could help establish how operational and safety responsibilities were divided between the cargo customer and the airline operating the aircraft.
Amazon has said it is cooperating with the investigation.
Crash Causes Major Disruptions at Miami International Airport
The crash also caused significant disruptions at one of the nation’s busiest aviation gateways.
More than 160 flights were canceled and nearly 325 delayed by late Sunday, according to FlightAware data reported by The Associated Press.
Disruptions continued Monday as aircraft and flight crews remained out of position.
Miami International Airport reported that two of its four runways remained closed and advised passengers to contact their airlines before traveling to the airport.
The closures are especially significant because of MIA’s enormous passenger and cargo operations.
The airport handled approximately 55.3 million passengers and 3.4 million U.S. tons of freight in 2025, according to official MIA statistics. The airport has four runways and recorded nearly 499,000 commercial aircraft movements last year.
That makes prolonged runway restrictions potentially consequential for passenger travel, international commerce and South Florida’s logistics network.
What’s Next?
NTSB investigators are expected to continue documenting the wreckage, examining the aircraft and runway, interviewing witnesses and reviewing operational and maintenance records.
Analysis of the cockpit voice and flight data recorders will be particularly important in determining where the aircraft touched down, how fast it was traveling, how much runway remained and how the aircraft’s braking and other systems performed.
Investigators will also examine weather and runway conditions, flight crew actions, air traffic control communications and the Amazon-21 Air operating relationship.
The NTSB’s investigation process separates the collection of factual evidence from its eventual determination of probable cause. The agency maintains public investigation records and dockets as cases progress.
Entertainment
Regan Hutsell of Texas Crowned Miss America 2027 in West Palm Beach
Published
2 weeks agoon
September 7, 2026
The former Radio City Rockette and Birmingham Royal Ballet performer captured the national title in West Palm Beach after winning preliminary fitness and talent awards.
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (FNN) — Regan Hutsell, representing Texas, has been crowned the 99th Miss America, capturing the national title following several days of competition in West Palm Beach.
Hutsell emerged from a field of 52 delegates representing the 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Her victory makes her the fourth Miss Texas to win the Miss America title in the organization’s 105-year history, according to the Miss America Organization.
The final competition was held at the Palm Beach County Convention Center.
From Radio City Rockette to Miss America
Hutsell entered the competition with an extensive professional dance background.
At 18, she began her professional dance career as a Radio City Rockette and later performed internationally with the Birmingham Royal Ballet, traveling throughout Europe.
Her dance background proved significant during Miss America competition. Hutsell captured preliminary awards in both fitness and talent, earning the talent honor for her jazz dance performance to “Le Jazz Hot.”
Personal Journey Inspires Service Initiative
Hutsell has also publicly discussed overcoming an eating disorder and struggles involving perfectionism and body image while pursuing her professional dance career.
Those experiences became the foundation for her community service initiative, “Your Body Is Your Home.”
Through the initiative, Hutsell seeks to encourage positive self-worth, healthier internal dialogue and the message that a person’s value should not be determined by physical appearance.
Her personal experience gives the initiative a direct connection to the challenges she encountered while working in elite performing arts.
Hutsell Marks Historic Milestone
According to the Miss America Organization, Hutsell also made history as the first woman of color to win the Miss America crown while wearing her natural hair.
The milestone adds another chapter to the evolution of a competition that has increasingly emphasized education, service, leadership and professional development alongside its longstanding traditions.
Hutsell received a distinctive crown featuring red and blue stones commemorating America’s semiquincentennial, the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Nearly $90,000 in Scholarships
Education will remain a major component of Hutsell’s year as Miss America.
According to the organization, she has earned nearly $90,000 in scholarships through the Miss America Opportunity.
Hutsell is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in health sciences and plans to become a physical therapist.
“Miss America has always represented hope and inspiration,” Hutsell said in a statement.
She said she looks forward to using the title to encourage people “to walk boldly in their purpose, pursue their wildest dreams, and never give up on themselves.”
Louisiana’s Shelby Bordelon Finishes First Runner-Up
Hutsell advanced to the Top 5 alongside four finalists:
- Shelby Bordelon, Louisiana — First runner-up
- Kate Dimmett, Illinois — Second runner-up
- Sharlize True Trujillo, California — Third runner-up
- Evelyn Smith, District of Columbia — Fourth runner-up
The semifinalists were Carly Yoshida of Hawaii, Erika Dalton of Utah, Madison Oh of New York, Lindsay Jones of South Carolina, McKenzie Kerry of Iowa and Jane Granberry of Mississippi.
Celebrity Panel Selects Miss America
The final night was hosted by Jennifer Hale and Billy Gilman.
The celebrity judging panel included Kate Shindle, former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Regina Benjamin, Vicki Vlahos, Hal Rubenstein, Ubah Hassan and Ellen Latham.
The competition followed two nights of preliminary events before the field was narrowed for the final rounds.
Scholarships Remain Central to Miss America
The Miss America Organization says its national, state and local programs provide more than $5 million in tuition scholarships annually, along with an additional $35 million in in-kind scholarship opportunities.
Hutsell’s nearly $90,000 in scholarship earnings will help support her health sciences education as she works toward her goal of becoming a physical therapist.
What’s Next for the New Miss America?
As Miss America, Hutsell begins a year of appearances, community engagement and advocacy centered on the organization’s mission of “Empowering Women to Lead with Purpose.”
Her year of service is also expected to expand the reach of Your Body Is Your Home, combining her personal experience with her focus on self-worth and healthy body image.
From professional dancer to national titleholder, Hutsell now takes her message to a national audience while representing Miss America during its 105th anniversary era.
Follow Florida National News for continuing coverage from West Palm Beach and major entertainment, lifestyle and cultural events across Florida.
FNN Newsletter
Trending
Central Florida News3 days agoANNIKA Media Day Brings Melanie Green Back to Tampa Bay Ahead of Tournament Debut
Central Florida News3 days agoUSF Pulls Away From Delaware State in 59-17 Win
Business19 hours agoFNN News Expands National Event Coverage With Los Angeles, Atlanta and Las Vegas Plans
Central Florida News2 days agoBuccaneers Stunned by Browns 23-19 in Home Opener, Fall to 0-2
Business17 hours agoAddition Financial, Rosen Preschools Partner to Expand Financial Literacy for Central Florida Children
