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TN Middle Tennessee State Univ Fires First Shot in Cold War

February 24, 2009
from Middle Tennessee University Baseball website

Exchange tickets with 45 degree guarantee

Sunday game time temperature under 45 degrees

MT Athletic Communications

Middle Tennessee baseball ticket holders who have tickets from Sunday, Feb. 22 are eligible for the 45 degree guarantee. ()

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - Middle Tennessee baseball ticket holders who have tickets from Sunday, Feb. 22 are eligible for the 45 degree guarantee.

The temperature was 34 degrees on Sunday so those ticket holders may exchange their tickets for tickets to a conference game of their choice.

Tickets may be brought by the ticket office at Floyd Stadium located at Gate 1A or by mail to MTSU Box 117 Murfreesboro, TN 37132. All tickets must be returned or postmarked by close of business on Wednesday, Feb. 25.

FL Jacksonville Previews

Top talent returns to diamond

Three area teams won state titles last year, and that could be a trend.

• By Hays Carlyon
• Story updated at 4:49 AM on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2009

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DISTRICT PREVIEWS

DISTRICT 1-6A Teams: Fletcher, Mandarin, Orange Park, Sandalwood and Gainesville Buchholz. Three to watch: Fletcher P Scott Sitz, Sr.; Sandalwood OF Dalton Dixon, Jr.; Mandarin P Tony Mollica, Jr. Outlook: This is a deep district that should produce consistent thrillers. Mandarin might be the most improved area team this year.

DISTRICT 3-5A Teams: Bartram Trail, White, Englewood, First Coast, Fleming Island, Lee, Parker and Wolfson. Three to watch: Wolfson SS/P Evan Edayan, Sr.; Parker P/OF Kyle Bright, Sr.; Fleming Island P/OF Chris Roper, Sr. Outlook: Wolfson and Parker appear to be the top two teams.

DISTRICT 3-4A Teams: Baker County, Bradford, Clay, Middleburg, Ridgeview, Alachua Santa Fe and Suwannee. Three to watch: Baker County SS Travis Tyson, Sr.; Middleburg 3B/P Tony Cannaday, Sr.; Suwannee SS Dalton Wigelsworth, Sr. Outlook: Baker County looks to make a strong push. The Wildcats welcome back infielder Chad Schroeer, who missed last season with an injury after a standout sophomore campaign.

DISTRICT 4-4A Teams: Bishop Kenny, Forrest, Jackson, Paxon, Raines and Stanton. Three to watch: Bishop Kenny P Neil McClellan, Sr.; Stanton P/C Garrett Bush, Sr.; Bishop Kenny OF Ben Gamel, Jr. Outlook: The defending state champion Crusaders are an overwhelming favorite to win the district title.

DISTRICT 5-4A Teams: Creekside, Matanzas, Menendez, Nease, Palatka, Ponte Vedra, Port Orange Atlantic and St. Augustine. Three to watch: Palatka P/INF Brandon Lee, Sr.; Nease IF Justin McKenna, Sr.; Creekside C Ladson Montgomery, Jr. Outlook: Palatka will try to recapture the chemistry of last year's final four team.

DISTRICT 4-3A Teams: Bolles, Baldwin, Bishop Snyder, Episcopal, Fernandina Beach, Trinity Christian, West Nassau and Yulee. Three to watch: Bolles OF Niko Fraser, Sr.; Fernandina Beach C Jeff Day, Sr.; Episcopal P Ryan Heinz, Sr. Outlook: Fernandina Beach, Bolles and Episcopal seem to have an edge over the field.

DISTRICT 6-2A Teams: Arlington Country Day, Hilliard, Providence, St. Joseph, St. Johns Country Day and University Christian. Three to watch: Providence P Kyle Webb, Sr.; Providence SS Bradley Goodson, Sr.; ACD SS Steve Brock, Sr. Outlook: Providence might be better than last year, when it rolled to the state crown.

DISTRICT 4-1A Teams: Eagle's View, First Coast Christian, Gainesville St. Francis and Mandarin Christian. Three to watch: Eagle's View C/P Austin Maddox, Sr.; Eagle's View IF Matt Bergquist, Sr.; Mandarin Christian P/SS Josh Tylski, Jr. Outlook: Eagle's View is the most dominant team in the state in its respective classification.

Six baseball teams in Florida won state titles last season. Jacksonville accounted for half of the total. Bishop Kenny, Providence and Eagle's View all hoisted championship trophies last year. The three squads combined to outscore their playoff opposition 165-41 in 19 games.

Will Jacksonville's strong grip on the state slip? Don't bet on it.

Bishop Kenny, the king of Class 4A, returns its top three pitchers in Neil McClellan, Weston Hoekel and Jason Jabour. The Crusaders outscored their opposition in the playoffs last season 46-12 in six games.

Providence scored 27 more runs (37-10) than its foes in seven Class 2A postseason contests. The Stallions bring back their ace in Kyle Webb, as well as sure-handed shortstop and heavy hitter Bradley Goodson.

Eagle's View romped to the Class 1A crown, outscoring its opponents 82-19 in six games. The Warriors welcome back bluechip talents in catcher/pitcher Austin Maddox and infielder Matt Bergquist.

It figures to be another banner year for each school.

"Some of the best teams in the state are right here in town," Bishop Kenny coach Tommy Edwards said.

Edwards' club will be aiming for its third state crown in eight years. The Crusaders won a state title in 2002. This season, BK seems primed to do what the '03 squad couldn't - repeat. McClellan, Hoekel and Jabour combined for 22 victories last season.

BK also brings back centerfielder Ben Gamel, who batted .475 with 23 RBI as a sophomore.

"Ben continues to get better and better," Edwards said. "That's hard to imagine after the season he had last year."

The same statement could apply to Providence's Webb. He posted a 0.80 earned-run average and had 10 victories.

"That win total is so misleading," Providence coach Mac Mackiewitz said. "There were several games where we jumped out to a big lead, and Kyle left after just a couple of innings. He wouldn't pitch long enough to qualify for the victory."

Joining Webb are returning pitchers Justin Russell and Tyler Martin, who combined to win 12 games. They'll try to pitch the Stallions to a third state championship in the past seven seasons.

Eagle's View relies on its high-powered offense. Maddox hit .511 last season with 68 RBI. Bergquist scored 50 runs and drove in 40. The duo helped Eagle's View average nearly 14 runs a game in the playoffs.

This season, the Warriors' quest will be to claim a fourth state crown in five years and pull off a three-peat.

"We're going to let our talent take us as far as it can," said first-year Eagle's View coach Terrance Freeman. "We going to see if we can three-peat."

hays.carlyon@jacksonville.com (904) 359-4377

TX Houston 5A Baseball Reports

Who will Houston send to Round Rock? 2009 Opening Day Preview

photo; Byers/H5AB "WE ARE THERE"

By RANDY BYERS ©Copyright-2009 Houston5ABaseball.com

It was an odd feeling for me, (one most certainly felt many times before by the North Texas media), when the Bellaire Cardinals season was ended by the South Lake Carroll Dragons. Usually the shoe is on the other foot in Round Rock as Houston 5A teams have dominated 5A play since it's inception in 1982. As a matter of fact, Houston

5A teams have won 16 out of 27, 5A Championships on record and played in 20 of the 27.

As proven in 2008, the North Texas teams have made tremendous strides in developing their teams and the upcoming season will be no different. With the overflowing talent in the DFW Metroplex, Houston area teams are going to have to dig deep and send a dominate team or teams to Round Rock if they are to reclaim the 5A championship.

Its opening day

And so here we are, the dawning of the 2009 season in what could be one of the best on record. Why do I say that you ask? Simply put, there isn't necessarily a dominating team out there. There are many very good teams loaded with very good players but no one team stands out as one who would, or will, totally dominate the field, thus, possibly making the 2009 season one of the most exciting on record for the Houston area.

Looking at the H5AB Pre-Season Top 10, it's almost anybody's game out there in 2009.

1. Bellaire Cardinals - The Cardinals return seven position starters (Kyle Chaskin, Alex Silver, Trace Knoblauch, Jarred Higgins, Andrew Burns, Sean Washington, Chris Minifee) and a battery of pitchers (Tyler Duffey, Toller Boardman, Kyle Chaskin) whom assisted Bellaire in the rise to the Region III Championship. But the Cardinals line-up, while every bit a team and the key word is team, doesn't necessarily scream dominating. But the Cardinals do have the talent to become dominating if everything clicks at once.

2. Klein Bearkats - Matthew Purke is the stud of the Klein Bearkats in 2009 while Tyler Boss, Patrick Stanley, Brandon Clark, and Sam Landis are returning and will have to find a way to replace Adam Smith and Kyle Roliard. Klein has the pieces to dominate when Purke is pitching but they must prove they can do the same without him on the mound.

3. The Woodlands Highlanders - The Highlanders could be a dominating team in Region II if they are able to meld together as a team like that of 2006. The pieces are there, Tyler Spurlin, Jameson Tallion, Ryan Benot, Alex Black, Ryan Eastman, Anthony Azar, and Spencer Davis could be a dominating force if they play and produce as a team.

4. Lamar Redskins - Lamar quite possibly lost more talent than any other team to graduation of 2008 but they do return a number of players with varsity experience as well as several newcomers who have proven themselves on the off-season circuit but are yet to do so in the spring. Cole Lankford, Tyler Duffie, Neal Dennison, Matt Killary, Cody Horr, Anthony Chacon, Marquis Kindle, and Michael Resnick all return with substantial varsity experience while John Williamson, David Toups, and Matthew Tindall have proven their wears on the off-season schedule but must do so in the spring varsity schedule if the Redskins are to be successful.

5. SB Memorial Mustangs - The Mustangs are in quite possibly the best position they've been in for quite some time. The 2009 squad features depth at both pitching and offense. Coach York's squads in the past have had a lopsided share of one or the other but 2009 finds him with an abundance of each. Daniel Neumann, Michael Ratterree, and DeMario Thibodeaux, will lead the Mustangs offense while Michael Bentz, Nelson Laswell, Steven Murray, and Baron Davis will provide depth on the hill. The Mustangs also feature many newcomers who will be counted on for support as the season progresses and into the play-offs. If they all click, they could be the dominate team.

6. Brazoswood Buccaneers - The Bucs stormed onto the scene in 2008 with a very young teamn lead by Jacob Gonzales, Tyler Green, Ben Coram, Colton Lindloff, Anthony McIntyre, and Andrew Garner. The Bucs field a roster full of top shelf pitching and power bats but they will have to click on both to be that dominate team. If they find a way to close out those games that they just couldn't quite close out in 2008, they could be on there way.

7. Katy Tigers - The Tigers return much of their line-up from 2008 including the power arm of Keifer Nuncio and the power bat of Andrew Stumph. The Tigers could be that dominate team if the supporting cast of Jarred Fancher, Kyle Guillory, Tyler Herr, Parker Ray, Cole Hansen, Randy Picard, and Justin Cudd all do their part and Nuncio and Stumph stay healthy and produce their usual numbers.

8. Cypress Woods Wildcats - Cy-Woods could be dominating if they are ever to gel their power pitching, finesse pitching, power bats and sure up their defense. If Jeremy Fant, Michael Hilliard, Casey Grayson, Cody Williams, Andy Lada, Chris Florack, Jared Lakind, and Michael Hayes, are ready to take the next step, they might just be that elusive dominating team in 2009.

9. Klein Oak Panthers - The Panthers might just have their best talent mix since the Glory days of Dale Westmoreland. Solid at all positions, the Panthers don't necessarily have that superstar player but rather a group of players who all play their positions at an above average ability. Klein Oak will need Chase Barnett, Ryan Hudnel, Garrett Harrison, and Ethan Carnes, to continue their development on the mound and CJ Manning, Travis Walker, Austin Jackson, and Andy Wilson will need to continue their production both in the field, and at the plate if Klein Oak is to be that team.

10. Alvin Yellow-Jackets - Just one season removed from one of their most successful seasons ever, the Jackets have the mighty task of replacing Nathan Eovaldi, Travis Jenkins, and Travis Snider. Aaron Stewart and Josh Land will be charged with the starting duties in the hill while big first baseman Andrew Gross, CF, Chris McDonald, 2B, Robert Hoffman, and 3B, Josh Taylor will have to make up for a lot of offense. C, Ricky Taylor will need to fill the huge shoes of former Alvin catcher Travis Snider. Alvin appears to have the pitching needed to continue their success but the offense will be the big question mark in 2009.

H5AB POWER PLAY

H5AB takes a look at some of the most powerful players on the mound and in the infield for the 2009 season.

 Ten Power Pitchers worth the price of admission

1. Matthew Purke, LHP, Klein; Purke is nasty on the hill regularly bringing it in the 90's with a devastating repertoire of off-speed pitches. Many scouts feel Matthew will be drafted high in the first round of the June first year player draft.

2. Cameron Coffey, LHP, Houston Christian; Cameron has picked up where he left off a year ago and added a few more mph to his heaviest of heavy fastballs. Lighting up the gun at 94-95 mph as recently as Feb 2009, Coffey's draft stock is rising by the day and Duke University may never reap the benefits of the big LHP.

3. Matthew Graham, RHP, Oak Ridge; Graham has been a household name in the power pitching department since his sophomore year and has drawn many of interest from Pro Scouts everywhere. Graham is bigger, stronger, and throws harder then ever before now in his senior year. Matthew has committed to North Carolina but may never see a college field.

4. Jameson Tallion, RHP, The Woodlands; recently named the number one prospect nationally of the class of 2010, this huge RHP, was clocked in the mid 90's in Florida a few months ago. Tallion has committed to the Rice Owls verbally in what started a fairly new trend of early verbal commitments for underclassmen in baseball.

5. Keifer Nuncio, RHP, Katy; Nuncio has been pitching in the power department since his freshman year at Katy and features a variety of off-speed pitches to go with his 92 mph fastball. An added feature of Keifer's game is his power bat which he has displayed emphatically during the scrimmage season. Signed to play at UT in 2010, Nuncio is sure to become another in a long list of top shelf power pitchers for the Longhorns.

6. Kevin Hahn, LHP, Stratford; Kevin has been on the rise since his sophomore year and now in his senior year, he could be the most underrated of all the power pitchers. Hahn has the brilliance of a fastball in the 90's and a bevy of off-speed cruelty to offer his opponents. The big left hander is signed to play for the Rice Owls in 2010 but in 2009 will be one of those power guys worth the price of admission in 5A Baseball.

7. Shawn Blackwell, RHP, Clear Creek; Shawn Blackwell sports an impressive resume in his rise to stardom in the 5A ranks. Blackwell has participated in numerous professional scout camps by invite and has been carving up quality lineups since his sophomore year. A high 80's to low 90's fastball is made even more devastating by his ++ knee buckling curve ball. Shawn has signed with Kansas University for 2010.

8. Tyler Spurlin, RHP, The Woodlands; Tyler is another high 80's to low 90's guy on the hill that sports a very good stick at home plate. Tyler has posted a 437BA, and 25RBI in 30 Varsity games played. On the mound he posted an impressive 7-1 record with a 2.96ERA as a junior. Spurlin has signed to play at Rice in 2010 but for 2009 is set to lead his Highlanders back to the play-offs.

9. Toller Boardman, LHP, Bellaire; This big lefthander is going to be something special at Bellaire High School and has already established himself as one of H5AB's up and coming power pitchers. A high 80's to low 90's guy, Boardman is sure to dazzle the scouts for the next few years as he is only a sophomore. Boardman was instrumental in Bellaire's play-off success in 2008 as a freshman and will be for years to come for the Cardinals.

10. Tyler Duffey, RHP, Bellaire; Tyler Duffey is a high 80's guy who mixes it up nicely with his off-speed. A major contributor to the Bellaire pitching staff since his sophomore year, Duffey should certainly be tabbed as the Cardinals #1 in 2009. Signed to play at Rice in 2010, Tyler will attempt to lead his Cardinals back to Round Rock where he was the Cardinals' starter in the 2008 State Semi-Final game.

Five Power Infielders worth the price of admission

1. Daniel Neumann, 3B, SB Memorial; Daniel destroyed opposing pitchers in the 2008 season posting a ridiculous line of 14HR, 46RBI, and a 383BA, and looks even more powerful for the 2009 season.

2. Andy Lada, 3B, Cy-Woods; Andy recently signed with Navarro College but definitely has the bat to perform on the Division I level. In 2008 Lada was named Varsity Newcomer of the Year by Houston 5A Baseball for compiling a line of 13HR, 36RBI, and a 361BA.

3. Michael Ratterree, SS, SB Memorial; Michael is signed to play for the Rice Owls in 2010 but in 2009 you can expect big things out of this slick fielding infielder who in 2008 produced mightily for his mustangs compiling a line of 11HR, 41RBI, and a 381BA.

4. M.P. Cokinos, C, SB Memorial; M.P. is signed with the University of Houston

for 2010 but in 2009 you can expect this big things from this big catcher. Cokinos will attempt to best his 2008 line of 8HR, 32RBI, and a 407BA.

5. Grant Clyde, 3B, Atascocita; Grant burst onto the scene a couple years ago and has improved each season. Clyde, an Angelina signee, could be one of the best power hitters in 2009 and to go with that power, Grant carries a more than respectable 365BA from 2008 to go along with 9HR, and 38RBI.

CA Southern Cal Report from Baseballresource.net

2009 Southern California's Top 20 Preseason High School Poll
1/24/2009 by Matt Slaven

Baseballresource.com

These High School list is entirely subjective. If you disagree, let us know why, and obviously, if we've missed a team that you believe should be ranked, tell us. There are more than 500 teams in the Southern, LA City, and San Diego Sections and no one is perfect. With your input you can help this site be better for our community.This poll will be updated every two weeks.

	Rank	Team	Sec.	Record	League
	1.	El Toro	SS	25-7	II - Sea View
	2.	Simi Valley	SS	25-8	I - Marmonte
	3.	Capistrano Valley	SS	20-9	I - South Coast
	4.	Norco	SS	24-4	I - Big 8
	5.	Mater Dei	SS	24-7	I - Trinity
	6.	Bishop Amat	SS	27-4	IV - Del Rey
	7.	Cathedral	SDS	27-8	Western
	8.	Northview	SS	26-4	IV - Valle Vista
	9.	Oxnard	SS	21-6	I - Pacific View
	10.	Los Alamitos	SS	26-4	I - Sunset
	11.	La Costa Canyon	SDS	22-13	Palomar
	12.	Poway	SDS	31-6	Palomar
	13.	Patriot	SS	27-3	IV - Sunkist
	14.	Royal	SS	19-9	I - Marmonte
	15.	Grossmont	SDS	29-7	Grossmont N.
	16.	Chatsworth	LA	29-5	West Valley
	17.	Lancaster	SS	17-12	III - Golden
	18.	Thousand Oaks	SS	20-10	I - Marmonte
	19.	LB Wilson	SS	28-6-1	I - Moore
	20.	Orange Lutheran	SS	23-6	I - Trinity

Bubble Teams: Marina, Notre Dame, R. Poly, Arlington, Corona Santiago, Crespi, Redlands East Valley, West Torrance, Palos Verdes, Brea, Diamond Ranch, Camarillo, Hueneme, Chino, Yucaipa, Chino Hills, Lakewood, Paramount, Cypress, Esperanza.

Key: SS: Southern Section, LA: LA City , SD: San Diego Section,

LA County Fab 5	IE Fab 5	OC Fab 5	SD Fab 5
1.Simi Valley	1. Norco	1. El Toro	1. Cathedral
2. Bishop Amat	2. Patriot	2. Capistrano Valley	2. La Costa Canyon
3. Northview	3. Redlands East Valley	3. Mater Dei	3. Poway
4. Oxnard	4. Chino	4. Los Alamitos	4. Grossmont
5. Royal	5. Yucaipa	5. Orange Lutheran	5. Rancho Bernardo

TX Houston Area Round UP

Biggio-led St.Thomas among baseball contenders

Bellaire has experience to make run at record eighth state title in 2009

By SAM KHAN JR. Copyright 2009 Houston Chronicle

Feb. 21, 2009, 11:20PM

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Karen Warren Houston Chronicle

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Bellaire's storied program was just two wins short of claiming a record eighth state title last year, and the Cardinals have the experience for another run at the record in 2009.

At St. Thomas, Astros legend Craig Biggio tries his hand at coaching the two-time defending TAPPS state champions.

Key Issues

Can a local team bring home a 5A state title?

Last season was the first since 2004 that a Houston-area team failed to make the state title game. This year, Houston could send multiple teams to the 5A tournament. Bellaire is the favorite, returning nine starters and 16 lettermen from its 39-9 state semifinalist. Klein, a regional quarterfinalist in 2008, has a chance in Region II-5A behind the arm of Matthew Purke.

What other teams are Region III-5A title contenders?

Memorial looks to have a good shot, as its Nos. 2-6 hitters return. More importantly, the Mustangs have experience on the mound. Their top four returning ptichers, led by Michael Bentz, combined for a 22-3 record. Katy returns ace Keifer Nuncio and the majority of its lineup.

How will realignment impact Region II-5A?

Now that the Cy-Fair ISD schools are in Region II, the Houston area has an even better shot to get a second 5A team to state. Cy Woods returns nine starters and 17 lettermen. Perennial district powers Langham Creek and Cy-Fair can’t be counted out. The Woodlands, already in Region II, has the talent to bounce back from last year’s first-round exit.

Who will be strongest in 4A?

Lamar Consolidated, which fell to Friendswood in the Region III-4A title series, looks poised to make another run. Their ace, Brady Rodgers returns, as do their two biggest bats. Friendswood graduated its top two pitchers, but has key returners in Alex Anastas and Kevin Thornton. Magnolia could be a factor after dropping down from 5A.

How does the private school picture look?

Houston Christian should contend for a repeat TAPPS state title behind lefthander Cameron Coffey. St. Thomas has won two consecutive TAPPS titles, but a three-peat will come under new coach and former Astro Craig Biggio, who replaces Ken Schulte.

Five players to watch:

Matthew Purke

Pitcher, Senior

Klein Bearkats

• Comment: The flame-throwing southpaw is the area’s dominant pitcher. Armed with size (6-3) and a mid-90s fastball, the TCU signee went 12-1 with a 0.37 ERA and 147 strikeouts last year. He’s projected as a top- 10 major league draft pick.

Michael Ratterree

Shortstop, Senior

Memorial Mustangs

• Comment: Memorial relied heavily on a Ratterree-led offense in 2008. The Rice signee hit .381 with 11 homers and 41 RBIs. With M.P. Cokinos, Daniel Neumann and DeMario Thibodeaux, Memorial should be among the area’s best hitting teams again.

Keifer Nuncio

Pitcher, Senior

Katy Tigers

• Comment: If it seems the hard-throwing righthander has been around the Houston area forever, it’s because he has. This marks his fourth varsity season and third as a starter. The Texas signee is 20-4 in his career and a two time, first-team all-district selection.

Jacob Gonzalez

Outfield, Senior

Brazoswood Buccaneers

• Comment: Gonzalez was one of the top hitters in the Houston area as a junior, carrying a .519 average with seven homers and 40 RBIs for a team that advanced to the third round of the playoffs. He’ll lead a Bucs squad poised to contend in Region III-5A.

Brandon Wood

Pitcher/outfield, Senior

Clements Rangers

• Comment: The Rangers will be inexperienced after graduating 16 seniors, but Wood will help ease the transition. The Texas A&M signee hit .406 with a school-record 12 homers and 40 RBIs last year. In addition to playing center field, he’s also a starting pitcher.

Area rankings:

Class 5A (with 2008 records)

1. Bellaire 39-9

2. Klein 26-6

3. Memorial 27-5

4. The Woodlands 21-9

5. Katy 26-7

6. Lamar 29-7

7. Cypress Woods 18-12

8. Brazoswood 24-14

9. Atascocita 29-5

10. Alvin 34-7

Class 4a/Others (with 2008 records)

1. Lamar Consolidated 29-9

2. Houston Christian 33-8

3. Friendswood 27-9

4. Brenham 30-10

5. Magnolia 14-15

6. Barbers Hill 24-7

7. Huntsville 21-11

8. St. Thomas 15-12

9. Manvel 5-16

10. Waller 10-12

Preseason All-Greater Houston Selections:

First Team

P Neil Dennison, Sr. Lamar

P Matthew Purke, Sr. Klein

P Keifer Nuncio, Sr. Katy

P Brady Rodgers, Sr. Lamar Con.

IF Grant Clyde Sr,. Atascocita

IF Daniel Neumann, Sr. Memorial

IF Michael Ratterree, Sr. Memorial

IF Zach Thomas, Sr. Cy-Fair

OF Jacob Gonzalez, Sr. Brazoswood

OF Randal Grichuk, Sr. Lamar Con.

OF Brandon Wood, Sr. Clements

C M.P. Cokinos, Sr. Memorial

UTL Kyle Von Tungeln, Sr. Kempner

Second Team

P Cameron Coffey, Sr. Hou. Chr.

P Tyler Duffey, Sr. Bellaire

P Jonathan Dziedzic, Sr. Atascocita

P Colton Lindloff, Sr. Brazoswood

IF Matt Adams, Sr. Cy Creek

IF Gabriel Gomez, Sr. MacArthur

IF Andy Lada, Sr. Cy Woods

IF Jake Miller, Sr. Stratford

OF Tyler Boss, Sr. Klein

OF Jarrett Higgins, Sr. Bellaire

OF Tyler Naquin, Sr. Kl. Collins

C Andrew Stumph, Sr. Katy

UTL Ryan Gunhouse, Sr. Clear Creek

sam.khan@chron.com

National....... baseballclearinghouse.net announces 2009 All-National Team

2009 All National Team has be posted.   Team is comprised of all 2009 high school graduates.

click to view list

Players selected for this honor have the ability to compete with each other on a "National Level". Meaning that if all players are placed on a field together, all would be considered as exceptional , regardless of home state.

Players selected for this team have demonstrated a level of skill to play at the highest level of college baseball and perhaps would warrant consideration for the major league free agent draft. All-National Team players are considered elite among their peers, regardless of home state. This is not a list to just identify the best players from each state., therefore the number of players from each state vary.

No preset number has been determined for this list and we will consider players as we evaluate games around the country this spring and receive feedback from pro scouts, college coaches, and high school coaches.

AL Clint Moseley Football or Baseball?

 Things have been far from settled on the Plains of Auburn University since the signing of new head football coach Gene Chiznik. Matters could become somewhat dicier if one of the state's best football players (2009 Mr. Football Award in Alabama) fore-goes his football commitment to the Tigers and ends up throwing a baseball instead. After all its his first love and Chiznik's recent signing of Texas quarterback Tyrik Rollinson has to enter into the equation. First and foremost could be the fact that he grew up yelling "Roll Tide", instead of "War Eagle".In many states it wouldn't matter much, but in Alabama children are almost christened into their football loyalties at birth. To jump ship isn't unheard of, but it is quite rare. Making matters even saltier is the fact that the 6-5/200 quarterback is a potential two way draft prospect on the mound and as a third baseman. His 88-90 mph fast ball has life and many scouts love his bulldog mound presence. He also is the prototypical pro model as a third baseman with arm strength and a power bat. Moseley in his already three seasons at Leroy High has piled up nice numbers leading the school to three consecutive state titles and a 111-21 record. This spring's 3A state baseball championship will likely have to be settled through Leroy High School and Moseley will have a lot to say about its outcome. Time will tell what the outcome will be, but Coach Chiznik may find himself in the same shoes as Nick Saban last year and lose a prize football player to the draft.

FL Mychal Givens..Land Pre Season All American Tag

Plant’s Givens Named Preseason All-American
Posted February 12, 2009 by Adam Adkins Updated Feb 12, 2009 at 02:35 PM link

Plant High baseball standout Mychal Givens has been named a Louisville Slugger Preseason High School All-American. Givens, a shortstop/right-handed pitcher who is considered one of the nation’s top high school prospects for the 2009 MLB draft, was a first-team selection as a multi-position player and was the only player from Hillsborough, Pinellas or Pasco counties selected to the team. The baseball season officially begins Monday, when Florida high school teams are permitted to play their first regular-season contest under FHSAA guidelines. Most Hillsborough County teams are scheduled to play for the first time Tuesday. To view the entire 2009 Louisville Slugger Preseason High School All-American Team, click here 

VA Pigskin Calling for Bryn Renner

Bryn Renner 6'3-185 SS(West Springfield HS/Springfield,VA) is one of the top baseball players in Virginia, the problem is he is also one of the top rated football players in the nation.  Currently 8th at QB on Scouts.com.  Bryn seems to be destined to play on a square field when he gets to Chapel Hill in the fall of 2009. 

Listen to what Bob Lichtenfels/Scout.com has to say:
"To say that Renner throws a nice deep ball would be an understatement. He shows great accuracy and touch on the deep pass. He can thread the needle when he has to. Deceptively athletic, he can get out of the pocket and hurt you. Coaches son and it shows. He is a very cerebral player. Stands tall in the pocket and is an outstanding leader."

Throws 2 TDs in All-Star Win
by Staff Report of InsideCarolina.com, December 13, 2008 at 10:05am ET

North Carolina commitment Bryn Renner passed for two touchdowns in leading the Mainland All-Stars to a 22-8 win over Hawaii/Polynesia Friday night at Aloha Stadium. Renner tossed touchdown passes of 52 and 34 yards and was 7-of-16 for 124 yards on the game.

Coach Mike Fox will keep a hopeful eye out that maybe Bryn will get the itch and stroll into Boshamer between spring football workouts.

FL South Florida Prep Preview

South Miami Cobras poised to strike

South Miami enters the season as a favorite to go to the state finals, but the competition is prepared for the Cobras this time.

Buy Photo

South Miami High School baseball players Albert Faz, left; Roly Hernandez; and Jesse Pintado are shown during practice Monday, Feb. 16, 2009.

MARSHA HALPER / MIAMI HERALD STAFF

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• Nova High School baseball is a Titan on their diamond

KEY DATES

April 6-10: Spring Break tournaments; April 20-25: GMAC tournament; April 27-May 1: Districts; May 5: Regional quarterfinals; May 8: Regional semifinals; May 15-16: Regional finals; May 20-26: State final four at Port St. Lucie

DEFENDING STATE CHAMPS

Class 6A: Altamonte Springs Lake Brantley; 5A: Dunedin; 4A: Jacksonville Bishop Kenny; 3A: Plantation American Heritage; 2A: Jacksonville Providence; 1A: Jacksonville Eagle's View

PAST DADE CHAMPS

Westminster Christian (8): 1981, 1988, 1990, 1992, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1998; Monsignor Pace (6): 1978, 1980, 1981, 1985, 1988, 2006; Brito (5): 1996, 1997, 1999, 2002, 2006; Loyola (5): 1974, 1977, 1980, 1981, 1987; Hialeah-Miami Lakes (4): 1977, 1979, 1980, 1985; Hialeah (3): 1969, 2001, 2002; Interamerican (3): 1983, 1985, 1986; Carol City (2): 1975, 1982; Edison (2): 1941, 1952; Florida Christian (2): 2004, 2005; Miami High (2): 1926, 1958; Columbus: 2003; Coral Gables: 1960; Coral Park: 1978; Gulliver: 2004; Miami Beach: 1970; Miami Christian: 1975; North Miami: 1964; St. Brendan: 1983; South Miami: 2000

TOP 10 PRESEASON POLL

1. South Miami; 2. Florida Christian; 3. Gulliver; 4. Southridge; 5. Monsignor Pace; 6. Belen; 7. Columbus; 8. Ferguson; 9. Hialeah; 10. Palmetto

TOP RETURNING PLAYERS

P Casey Delgado, Palmetto, Sr.; P Felix Roque, Florida Christian, Sr.; INF Danny Canela, Florida Christian, Sr.; INF Roly Hernandez, South Miami, Jr.; INF Stephen Perez, Gulliver, Sr.; INF Darnell Sweeney, American, Sr.; INF Luis Montesinos, Palmetto, Sr.; OF Albert Faz, South Miami, Sr.; UT Anthony Tzamtzis, La Salle, Sr.; P John Caballero, Dade Christian, Sr.

OTHERS TO WATCH

C Steven Baron, Ferguson, Sr.; P Javier Barros, Ferguson, Sr.; INF Hector Crespo, Florida Christian, Sr.; P Gus DeQuesada, Columbus, Sr.; P E.J. Encinosa, Coral Park, Sr.; LHP-1B Dayron Gomez, Hialeah, Sr.; P Mike Gonzalez, Columbus, Sr.; OF Ozney Guillen, Pace, Jr.; OF Alex Marrero, Florida Christian, Sr.; 1B Lazaro Marrero, Miami Christian, Sr.; INF Jesse Pintado, South Miami, Jr.; P Maynor Portobanco, South Miami, Sr.; P Bryan Radziewski, Florida Christian, Jr.; P Paco Rodriguez, Gulliver, Sr.; C Leo Rojas, Brito, Jr.; CF Julian Santos, Killian, Jr.; OF Eric Serra, Braddock, Jr.; RHP Dane Stone, Southridge, Sr.; P Andrew Suarez, Southwest, So.; C Chris Torres, Miami Christian, Sr.; SS Leo Vargas, Southridge, Sr.; INF David Vazquez, Pace, Jr.; P-INF Andres Wiltz, Belen, Sr.

OUTLOOKS -- CLASS 6A

1. SOUTH MIAMI (Coach Alex Hernandez, 5th year, 45-28). Last year: 18-9 (Regional quarterfinalist). Top players: RHP Maynor Portobanco, Sr.; 1B Roly Hernandez, Jr.; SS Jesse Pintado, Jr.; OF Albert Faz, Sr.

2. SOUTHRIDGE (Coach Ed Doskow, 7th year at SR; 9th overall, 142-50). Last year: 21-9 (Regional finalist). Top players: SS Leo Vargas, Sr.; 3B Mark Linfors, Sr.; RHP Dane Stone, Sr.; 2B Javier Jimenez, Sr.

3. FERGUSON (Coach Jose Novas, 2nd year at FER; 20th overall, 260-251-2). Last year: 14-11. Top players: C Steven Baron, Sr.; CF Bryan Elliott, Sr.; P Javier Barros, Sr.; P Ronald Lozada, Jr.

4. COLUMBUS (Coach Joe Weber, 14th year, 286-91). Last year: 18-6. Top players: RHP Gus DeQuesada, Sr.; RHP Mike Gonzalez, Sr.; 3B Ronnie Sucre, Sr.; OF Rueben Cabrera, Sr.

5. PALMETTO (Coach Mike Klekotka, 5th year, 94-38). Last year: 19-8 (Regional semifinalist). Top players: SS Luis Montesinos, Sr.; P Casey Delgado, Sr.; CF Kevin Karpiak, Sr.; C-3B Brian Roache, Jr.

6. AMERICAN (Coach Chris Keighley, 4th year at AM; 11th overall, 130-85). Last year: 15-9 (Regional semifinalist). Top players: SS Darnell Sweeney, Sr.; 2B Giovani Medina, Sr.; P-1B Ricky Claudio, Sr.; P Joel Gonzalez, Sr.

7. HIALEAH (Coach Carlos Marti, 8th year, 114-55). Last year: 19-8 (Regional quarterfinalist). Top players: LHP-1B Dayron Gomez, Sr.; 2B Alex Diaz, Sr.; CF Erick Yglesias, Sr.; 3B Rangel Ravelo, Jr.

8. SOUTH DADE (Coach Fred Burnside, 1st year at SD; 26th overall, 351-109). Last year: 7-16. Top players: C Robert Case, Sr.; RHP Kyle Moore, Sr.; RHP Ray Gibson, Jr.; LHP Kevin Bryant, Sr.

9. KILLIAN (Coach Angel Herrera, 3rd year at KIL, 10th overall, 81-29). Last year: 19-8. Top players: CF Julian Santos, Jr.; RHP Sam Abrams, Jr.; RHP-SS Mark Amrentros, Jr.; INF Yadala Mufdi, Sr.

10. CORAL PARK (Coach Julio Estrada, 2nd year, 7-12). Last year: 7-12. Top players: RHP E.J. Encinosa, Sr.; C P.J. Torres, Jr.; 2B Chris Gonzalez, Sr.; SS Andres Nelo, Jr.

11. CORAL REEF (Coach Dave Bisceglia, 8th year at CR, 17th overall, 237-195-1). Last year: 12-12. Top players: SS Tommy Bogaards, Sr.; CF Eros Medina, Jr.; 1B-DH Jake Bogaards, Sr.; P Taylor Berman, Sr.

12. GOLEMAN (Coach Jose Fernandez, 1st year at GOL; 9th year overall). Last year: 24-4 (State semifinalist). Top players: C Alex Pacheco, Sr.; P Jerrald Mejia, Sr.; 2B Ryan Verdecia, Sr.; SS Andy Ruiz, Sr.

13. BRADDOCK (Coach Manny Fernandez, 5th year at BR; 17th overall, 259-126). Last year: 14-12 (Regional quarterfinalist). Top players: OF Eric Serra, Jr.; P-1B Damian Rivera, Jr.; 3B Enrique Garcia, Sr.; SS Sergio Leon, So.

14. KROP (Coach Brian Larsen, 4th year, 42-33). Last year: 14-10. Top players: LHP Stephen Rozenman, Sr.; OF Harry Germeus, Sr.; OF Remmy Estevez, Sr.; 3B Emilio Arteta, Sr.

15. SUNSET (Coach Mandy Pelaez, 10th year at SUN; 14th overall). Last year: 14-8. Top players: P-DH Joey Capparelli, Sr.; P Eric Mesa, Sr.; 2B Chris Pelaez, Sr.

16. SOUTHWEST (Coach Josy Torres, 6th year, 8th overall, 68-68). Last year: 11-12. Top players: LHP Andy Suarez, So.; RHP Jose Suarez, Sr.; CF Jonathan Paz, Sr.

17. CORAL GABLES (Coach Phillip Wisser, 2nd year at CG; 5th overall, 64-39). Last year: 7-15. Top players: C-1B Zack Berger, Sr.; SS Tony Becerra, Sr.; OF Christopher Morales, Sr.; OF Yoenny Gonzalez, Jr.

18. VARELA (Coach John Barbato, 3rd year at VAR; 12th overall). Last year: 8-13. Top players: SS Brian Cruz, Jr.; P-1B John Barbato, Jr.; 3B-P Michael Rosario, Sr.

19. MIAMI SPRINGS (Coach Alfredo Coronel, 1st year at MS; 5th overall). Last year: 12-9. Top players: P-3B Pablo Gonzalez, Sr.; CF Rai Tiel, Jr.; C Yolday Leal, Jr.

20. MIAMI BEACH (Coach Skip Mart, 7th year at MB, 27th year overall, 376-144). Last year: 11-11. Top players: SS Pedro Boissalier, Sr.; OF Marcell Machado, Jr.; OF Martin Iglesia, Sr.

21. NORLAND (Coach Christopher Maine). Last year: 12-12. Top players: 1B Terrell White, Jr.; P Kenrick Francois, Sr.

22. NORTH MIAMI (Coach Ken Litman, 23rd year, 303-245). Last year: 9-11. Top players: CF Mario Figueredo, Sr.; SS Randy Bahoque, Sr.; P-1B George Ruizcalderon, So.

23. CAROL CITY (Coach Alex Smith, 18th year at CC, 28th overall, 303-287-13). Last year: 5-13-1. Top players: RHP-INF Edwin Rodriguez, So.; C-1B Chris Rodriguez, Sr.; CF-C Morris Atkins, Sr.; SS Tony Thomas, Fr.

24. NORTH MIAMI BEACH (Coach Jose Lopez, 1st year). Last year: N/A. Top players: 1B Darrell Parker, Sr.; P-SS Steven Smith, Sr.; SS-2B Mario Figueroa, Sr.; C Jonathan Cruz, Sr.

25. HOMESTEAD (Coach Nick Newbury, 8th year at HOM, 10th overall). Last year: 4-14. Top players: OF-P Roy Stewart, Sr.; C-1B Cameron Albert, Sr.; INF David Lebron, Fr.

OUTLOOKS -- CLASS 4A

1. MONSIGNOR PACE (Coach Tom Duffin, 10th year, 201-65). Last year: 21-6 (Regional quarterfinalist). Top players: INF David Vazquez, Jr.; OF Ozney Guillen, Jr.; C Luis Arrizurieta, Sr.; P Eddie Pidermann, Sr.

2. BELEN JESUIT (Coach Tony Meilan, 9th year at BEL, 13th overall). Last year: 17-7. Top players: P-1B Andres Wiltz, Sr.; OF Emilio Pastor, Sr.; C Cesar Ferreiro, Sr.; OF Marcos Calderon, Jr.

3. MATER ACADEMY (Coach Eddie Gorriz, 6th year, 55-43-2). Last year: 14-9. Top players: C Yandi Viera, Jr.; P-LF Kenner Elizade, Sr.; CF Albert Almora, Fr.; SS Jarred Mederos, So.

OUTLOOKS -- CLASS 3A

1. FLORIDA CHRISTIAN (Coach Ernie Padron, 12th year at FC, 20th overall, 393-148). Last year: 21-7 (Regional semifinalist). Top players: INF Hector Crespo, Sr.; OF Alex Marrero, Sr.; RHP Felix Roque, Sr.; C-1B Danny Canela, Sr.

2. GULLIVER (Coach Javy Rodriguez, 1st year). Last year: 17-11 (Regional quarterfinalist). Top players: SS Stephen Perez, Sr.; P Paco Rodriguez, Sr.; OF Danny Figueroa, Sr.; P Blake Holtzman, Sr.

3. DORAL (Coach Adrian Antonini, 2nd year, 7-18). Last year: 7-18. Top players: P Jean Acevedo; C Rey Echenique; 1B Chris Fabregas; P Andrew Grifol.

4. LA SALLE (Coach Oscar Benitez, 11th year, 130-135). Last year: 17-10. Top players: SS-P Anthony Tzamtzis, Sr.; 1B-P Nathan Gomez, Sr.; OF Andy Quinta, Jr.; INF Mike Fajardo, Sr.

5. ARCHBISHOP CARROLL (Coach Geo Garciga, 1st year). Last year: 11-12 (Regional quarterfinalist). Top players: OF Eric Estevez, Sr.; OF Chanz Mack, Sr.; OF Peter Valiente, Sr.

6. RANSOM EVERGLADES (Coach Steve Hodgetts, 4th year, 30-30). Last year: 8-12. Top players: P Daniel Feldman, Sr.; SS Michael Latimer, Jr.; OF Jason Novak, Sr.

OUTLOOKS -- CLASS 2A

1. MIAMI CHRISTIAN (Coach Armando Rodriguez, 3rd year, 42-21). Last year: 22-12 (Regional finalist). Top players: C Chris Torres, Sr.; 1B Lazaro Marrero, Sr.; P-OF Stefan Singh, Sr.

2. WESTMINSTER CHRISTIAN (Coach Emil Castellanos, 3rd year, 36-19). Last year: 15-13 (Regional quarterfinalist). Top players: P Michael Arostegui, Sr.; C Anthony Iglesias, Sr.; CF Carlos Saade, Sr.; SS Michael Flores, Sr.

3. DADE CHRISTIAN (Coach Abel Veulens, 2nd year, 13-12). Last year: 13-12 (Regional semifinalist). Top players: P Johnny Caballero, Sr.; P-OF Justin Machado, Jr.; C Uriak Leon, So.

4. ARCHBISHOP CURLEY (Coach Jerry Yeash, 29th year). Last year: 15-15. Top players: INF-P Hans Ottinot, Sr.; P-1B Luc Couvell, Sr.; C Chris Diaz, Jr.

5. MIAMI COUNTRY DAY (Coach Chuck Sennett, 12th year). Last year: 6-18. Top players: P-OF Sam Halpern, Sr.; P-SS Michael Sale, Sr.; P-OF John Thompson, Jr.

6. PALMER TRINITY (Coach Don Harvey, 8th year at PT; 11th overall, 96-127). Last year: 8-16. Top players: 3B-P Danny Fresco, Sr.; OF-P Mike Kjelson, Sr.; OF-P Tyler Kalbach, Jr.

OUTLOOKS -- CLASS 1A

1. BRITO (Coach Pedro Guerra, 6th year). Last year: 20-5 (State semifinalist). Top players: SS Manuel Machado, Jr.; C Leonardo Rojas, Jr.; 1B-P Daniel Bolaños, Sr.

2. HOREB CHRISTIAN -- Last year: 2-10. Top players: SS Alex Perez, 8th; 2B Danny Perez, So.; 3B Kevin Matton, 8th.

FL Jay Laurienzo form Hillsborough HS Out for Now

Hillsborough Slugger Laurienzo Out For Time Being
Posted February 17, 2009 by Adam Adkins
Updated Feb 17, 2009 at 11:45 PM link

Hillsborough’s baseball team will be without one of its top players for a while, possibly as long as a month, as senior outfielder Jay Laurienzo isn’t ready to start the season while still recovering from offseason elbow surgery.

Laurienzo, who signed with Florida Gulf Coast during November’s early signing period, was in uniform but out of the lineup for Hillsborough’s season-opening 7-5 loss to Brandon on Tuesday night at Billy Reed Field, and Terriers Coach Kenny White said after the game he anticipates being without one of the Terriers biggest bats for the near future.

“I think he’ll be out at least a month. Right now it’s where he is. It’s one of those things where some guys come back quicker than others,” said White, who added Laurienzo has resumed hitting and throwing and didn’t rule out an earlier return. “He had the surgery a couple months ago, so he’ll be fine. He’s already got his scholarship, so we’re not going to try and hurt the guy [by rushing him back]. We’re going to be smart with it, and he’ll tell us and let us know when he’s ready.”

Laurienzo has been one of Hillsborough’s top run producers in each of the last two seasons, hitting a combined .415 with seven home runs and 41 RBI during that stretch. Laurienzo was a Tribune All-Hillsborough County second team pick as a junior after leading the Terriers in every major statistical category, hitting .441 with seven doubles, three triples, four home runs, 23 RBI and 24 runs scored.

While the loss of Laurienzo certainly will impact his team, White is confident other players will rise to the occasion during Laurienzo’s absence.

“When you lose a guy that hit .440 last year, it’s really hurts the lineup,” White said. “But we’ll have some guys that will step up.”

FL SEC Lands Two from West Orange HS

Area's baseball signing list is again a long one
posted by Buddy Collings on Nov 12, 2008 2:00:33 PM
from Orlando Sentinal

link

 

   Blake Dieterich and Nolan Fontana of West Orange signed on for a college rivalry.   

   Central Florida baseball has again scored in the scholarship department. We currently have a list of  25 players who orally committed to sign with four-year schools during the NCAA’s Nov. 12-19 early signing period, including three each to UCF, Georgia, Miami and FAU.
     Georgia snagged two of the three returning players from the Sentinel’s 2008 All-Central Florida team: Oviedo’s Todd Hankins (Georgia) and West Orange’s Blake Dieterich (Georgia). Auburn landed the third, Nick Franklin of Lake Brantley.
     West Orange’s Nolan Fontana, who joined Franklin on the Team USA squad that played in the World Junior Championships last summer, signed Wednesday with Florida. That gave a little Florida-Georgia rivalry flavor to a signing ceremony held at West Orange Wednesday (see photo).
     Robbie Haben will become Pine Castle Christian’s first Division I baseball recruit when he signs a letter of intent for George Washington University during a school assembly Friday morning.

      Here is the list:

Jason Boyer; Bishop Moore; FAU
Anthony Caronia; Bishop Moore; UCF
James Mannara; Bishop Moore; Florida Tech
Chase Vergason; Bishop Moore; FAU
Mark Nelson; Dr. Phillips; FAU
Derek Bisgounis; Hagerty; Newberry College
D.J. Hearsey; Hagerty; Newberry College
Corey Quackenbush; Hagerty; Newberry College
Nick Franklin; Lake Brantley; Auburn
Eddie Keene; Lake Howell; Newberry College
Justin Taylor; Lake Howell; Newberry College
Jabari Henry; Olympia; FIU
Chris Taladay; Olympia; UCF
Malcolm Clapsaddle; Oviedo; Georgia
Todd Hankins; Oviedo; Georgia
Robbie Haben; Pine Castle Christian; George Washington
Joe Lovecchio; Daytona Beach Seabreeze; Miami
Steve Ewing; University; Miami
Brian Adkins; University; UCF
Corey Bass; University; North Florida
Nick Goody; University, Manatee Community College
Blake Dieterich; West Orange; Georgia
Nolan Fontana; West Orange; UF
Ethan Bornstein; Winter Park; Miami
Ben Nelson, Winter Springs, Navy
Matt Zettler, Winter Springs, Air Force

 

   Blake Dieterich and Nolan Fontana of West Orange signed on for a college rivalry.   

   Central Florida baseball has again scored in the scholarship department. We currently have a list of  25 players who orally committed to sign with four-year schools during the NCAA’s Nov. 12-19 early signing period, including three each to UCF, Georgia, Miami and FAU.
     Georgia snagged two of the three returning players from the Sentinel’s 2008 All-Central Florida team: Oviedo’s Todd Hankins (Georgia) and West Orange’s Blake Dieterich (Georgia). Auburn landed the third, Nick Franklin of Lake Brantley.
     West Orange’s Nolan Fontana, who joined Franklin on the Team USA squad that played in the World Junior Championships last summer, signed Wednesday with Florida. That gave a little Florida-Georgia rivalry flavor to a signing ceremony held at West Orange Wednesday (see photo).
     Robbie Haben will become Pine Castle Christian’s first Division I baseball recruit when he signs a letter of intent for George Washington University during a school assembly Friday morning.

      Here is the list:

Jason Boyer; Bishop Moore; FAU
Anthony Caronia; Bishop Moore; UCF
James Mannara; Bishop Moore; Florida Tech
Chase Vergason; Bishop Moore; FAU
Mark Nelson; Dr. Phillips; FAU
Derek Bisgounis; Hagerty; Newberry College
D.J. Hearsey; Hagerty; Newberry College
Corey Quackenbush; Hagerty; Newberry College
Nick Franklin; Lake Brantley; Auburn
Eddie Keene; Lake Howell; Newberry College
Justin Taylor; Lake Howell; Newberry College
Jabari Henry; Olympia; FIU
Chris Taladay; Olympia; UCF
Malcolm Clapsaddle; Oviedo; Georgia
Todd Hankins; Oviedo; Georgia
Robbie Haben; Pine Castle Christian; George Washington
Joe Lovecchio; Daytona Beach Seabreeze; Miami
Steve Ewing; University; Miami
Brian Adkins; University; UCF
Corey Bass; University; North Florida
Nick Goody; University, Manatee Community College
Blake Dieterich; West Orange; Georgia
Nolan Fontana; West Orange; UF
Ethan Bornstein; Winter Park; Miami
Ben Nelson, Winter Springs, Navy
Matt Zettler, Winter Springs, Air Force

FL South Florida News

American Heritage expects a repeat performance

BY MIKE PHILLIPSmphillips@MiamiHerald.com

PHIL SEARS / SPECIAL TO THE MIAMI HERALD American Heritage players celebrate after their Class 3A state boys' baseball championship game against John Carroll Tuesday, May 20, 2008 in Sarasota, Fla. The Patriots won 8-2. Nova High School baseball is a Titan on their diamond South Miami Cobras poised to strike Florida Christian eyes return to final four

It's time for the sequel at American Heritage.

What do you do after winning the national title and celebrating a season with one of the top draft picks in the country?

You do it again.

That's the idea at American Heritage, where the Patriots will try to write another baseball saga this season. Last year's script couldn't have been written any better, a 31-2 season that culminated with state and national titles and a perfect hero's send-off for Eric Hosmer, who was the third overall pick in the Major League Baseball draft.

''We have some young kids, but we've got players who were a part of a national championship,'' American Heritage coach Todd Fitz-Gerald said. ``They know how to win, and they expect to win.

``Anything less is unacceptable. They want to win the state title.''

There is something else on the line as well.

''We have a 34-game winning streak at home at stake,'' Fitz-Gerald said. ``We haven't lost a game at home in 2 ½ years. We have a title to defend, and we have a winning streak to defend. These kids take a lot of pride in both, and they expect to keep it going.''

No one could replace Hosmer, but the Patriots have enough to make another run at a state title.

And they have Deven Marrero.

Marrero, a shortstop who hit .454 with nine homers and 41 RBI for the national champs last season, already has signed with Arizona State and is projected to go as high as the second round in this year's draft.

''If the game is on the line, we want him at the plate,'' Fitz-Gerald said. ``If we need one out, we want the ball hit to him, and if it's a close game and we need someone to save it, we want him on the mound to close it.

``He's a field general out there. He runs the defense, making sure everyone is in the right place, a leader on the field. He's talking to players, a captain and a leader.''

Heritage should be able to score enough runs to compete with anyone, but Fitz-Gerald will need to find pitching. His entire staff graduated.

''We return four innings on the mound,'' he said. ``But we have some kids who can step up and get it done.''

Mike Clark, a transfer student from Ohio, will pitch and play center field, and sophomore Jimmy Nesselt is expected to emerge as the team's ace.

Heritage returns sophomore catcher Brandon Sedell, who hit .370 with eight homers and 33 RBI a year ago, to handle the staff.

''You just have to have players step up,'' Fitz-Gerald said. ``We played Douglas in a preseason game, and we put in a freshman, Nick Travieso, to close the game. He took the mound, and it was like he was saying `There's no way I'm going to lose this game.'

``That's the attitude these young kids have. They feed off the ones who were part of a national title last year. They expect to come in and win.''

VA Univ of Virginia Inks Another Strong Class

Kevin O'Conner should be excited about the recruits who will hit Charlottesville in the fall of 2009.

Recruiting Coordinator and Associate Head Coach Kevin McMullan has again lined up an outstanding selection of talent for the Cavaliers.

Robert	Amaro	William Penn Charter	PA	1B
Ryan	Briggs	Creighton Prep	NE	RHP
Stephen	Bruno	Gloucester Catholic	NJ	SS
Reed	Gragnani	Mills Godwin	VA	MIF
Branden	Kline	Governor Thomas Johnson	MD	RHP
Ryan	Levine	St. Joes Montvale	NJ	C
Whitley	Mayberry	St. Stephens/St. Agnes School	VA	RHP
Aaron	Stull	Croatan	NC	LHP
Chris	Taylor	Cox	VA	SS

National MaxPreps Reports

Baseball's Best: MaxPreps Picks Top Players
With high school baseball teams heading to the diamond, MaxPreps identifies the top player from each state for the upcoming 2009 season.
Posted on: Monday, February 16, 2009	Print     Email
[+] Enlarge Photo Max Stassi of Yuba City (Calif.) batted .471 with 15 home runs as a junior and is considered one of the top catching prospects in the nation. (Photo by Anthony Brunsman) By Kevin Askeland MaxPreps.com Pitchers and catchers have already reported to spring training in the Major Leagues, which means high school baseball is just a few weeks away. All high school baseball coaches are encouraged to obtain their username and password from MaxPreps in order to post their schedules and roster, as well as keep track of scores and stats throughout the season. Contact the coach support team at coach_support@maxpreps.com To get the season started, here’s a look at our selection for the top player in each state heading into the 2009 season. Look for our picks for the top team in each state later this week and the MaxPreps Xcellent Top 25 Baseball Preseason Rankings and preseason All-American team next week. ALABAMA Clint Moseley, Leroy Moseley will attempt to complete the double tri-fecta next year – leading Leroy to a third straight state championship in both football and baseball. He’s already done it in football, where he was named the state player of the year. Moseley is also one of the top baseball players in the state. He batted over .500 with close to 70 RBI and 12 home runs while also posting a 12-2 record last year. He was named the 2A state player of the year and was also named to the Super Team by the Alabama Sports Writers Association. ARIZONA Jake Barrett, Desert Ridge Already signed to Arizona State, Barrett was all-state last year and was named the Player of the Year by the East Valley Tribune. ALASKA Corey Mahar, Juneau-Douglas An all-tournament pick last year for the state champs, Mahar plays centerfield for the Crimson Bears. ARKANSAS D.J. Baxendale, Sylvan Hills Earned all-state honors in the 6A division in Arkansas after batting .436 and going 12-1 on the mound with a 0.67 ERA for the state champs. CALIFORNIA Max Stassi, Yuba City Named to the MaxPreps All-American second team, Stassi batted .471 with 15 home runs and 45 RBI for Yuba City. He is considered one of the top overall players in the country and one of the top two catching prospects in the nation. COLORADO Jake Stewart, Rocky Mountain Stewart batted .345 with 30 RBI, seven doubles and four home runs for the state champions. He is also one of the top receivers in the state in football. CONNECTICUT Chris Renzoni, Seymour Batted .628 last year with 49 hits, including 6 triples, 9 doubles and 8 home runs. Also had 44 RBI. On the mound, he was 7-0 with a 0.56 ERA and 61 strikeouts. DELAWARE Luke Barrientos, Indian River The third baseman earned all-state honors last year in leading Indian River to a 17-5 overall record. FLORIDA Mychal Givens, Plant (Tampa) Givens was a Florida 6A all-state selection while going 8-1 on the mound with a 1.79 ERA and 48 strikeouts in 43 innings pitched. GEORGIA Donovan Tate, Cartersville One of the top athletes in the country, Tate could eventually play football and baseball in college, assuming he doesn’t sign a minor league contract. He helped lead Cartersville to the AAA state championship. HAWAII Matt McDaniel, Mid-Pacific The only returning all-state pick in Hawaii, McDaniel was 5-1 on the mound with a 1.11 ERA and 41 strikeouts in 44 innings. IDAHO A.J. Work, Timberline Work went 10-0 during the regular season last year with a 1.08 ERA. He also batted .444 with 10 doubles and 20 RBI for the Wolves. ILLINOIS Justin Ringo, Stagg (Palos Hills) Ringo ripped 15 home runs and 14 doubles while batting .538 and earning all-state honors. INDIANA Cameron Perkins, Southport (Indianapolis) Perkins had the state’s highest batting average at .723 with 20 doubles, nine home runs and 56 RBI. He earned a spot on the MaxPreps All-American second team. KANSAS Garrett Gould, Maize Considered the most dominating pitcher in Kansas, Gould was 9-2 with a 0.61 ERA while striking out 95 batters in 57 innings. He was named the Kansas 6A pitcher of the year. KENTUCKY Luke Maile, Covington Catholic Maile was named the Cincinnati area Kentucky player of the year for the second straight season after batting .567 with 55 hits, 53 runs scored, seven home runs and 37 RBI. He was also named the region player of the year and was selected to the Kentucky all-state team. LOUISIANA Zachary Von Rosenberg, Zachary Named the 4A player of the year in Louisianna after posting a 12-1 record with a 0.48 ERA and 117 strikeouts in 82 innings pitched. MAINE Taylor Candage, Deering An all-state player as a junior, Candage led Deering to an undefeated state championship by posting a 9-0 mound record that included 88 strikeouts in 59 innings. He also batted .462 with 20 RBI. MARYLAND Jack Carey, St. Paul’s After hitting .386 with five home runs and a .739 slugging percentage last year, the third baseman could threaten the state record for hits in a career and the school record for RBI. MASSACHUSETTS Joe Flynn, Plymouth North Flynn earned state Division 2 player of the year honors after posting a 12-0 record on the mound and batting .450. He was the MVP of the Atlantic Coast League as well. MICHIGAN Torsten Boss, Lowell, IF The state player of the year in football, Boss has already signed to play baseball at Michigan State. Last year, Boss earned all-state honors by batting .567 with five home runs and 32 RBI as the Lowell shortstop. He also had a 3-0 mound record and a 1.20 ERA. He is the all-time state leader in career triples with 25. MINNESOTA David Bettenburg, Cretin Derham Hall A University of Minnesota recruit, Bettenburg has good speed and a strong arm in the outfield and can also swing a bat, as shown by his .441 average with eight home runs last season. MISSISSIPPI David Renfroe, South Panola (Batesville) Also the quarterback for the football team, Renfroe emerged over the summer as one of the nation’s top pitching prospects. He was a first team all-state selection last year and was the only junior on the all-state team. MISSOURI Jacob Turner, Westminster The tall fireballer posted a 5-2 record with a 1.45 ERA and had an incredible strikeout-walk ratio last season with 92 Ks and just nine walks in 48.1 innings pitched. Was the starting pitcher in the Aflac All-American game at Dodger Stadium in August. NEBRASKA Ty Kildow, Millard South The speedy outfielder has already been a Super State pick in Nebraska as a sophomore and a junior. Last year he batted .447 with six doubles, six triples and three home runs. He also stole 23 bases. NEVADA Jeff Malm, Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas) Malm earned MaxPreps first team All-American status after batting .564 with 69 runs, 28 doubles, and 73 RBI. He was also 8-2 as a pitcher with 75 strikeouts. NEW HAMPSHIRE Sean Lyons, Trinity A speedy outfielder for Trinity, Lyons stole 22 bases last season while batting .313 with six home runs. He also struck out 46 batters in 27 innings with a 1.56 ERA. NEW JERSEY Chris Jenkins, Westfield With a fastball clocking at nearly 96 mph, Jenkins figures to be one of the hardest throwers in the country, let alone New Jersey. He struck out 94 batters in 50.2 innings last year and had a 1.66 ERA. NEW MEXICO Max Walla, Albuquerque Academy Walla was named the New Mexico state player of the year last season after belting 16 home runs and driving in 56 with a .500 average. He also struck out 80 batters in 59.1 innings on the mound, but will likely play outfield at Oklahoma State next year. NEW YORK Marcus Stroman, Patchogue-Medford An outstanding all-around athlete, Stroman stars in basketball as well as on the diamond for Patchogue-Medford. As the team’s shortstop, Stroman was an all-state pick at shortstop and was Newsday’s Player of the Year after batting .400 with 30 stolen bases and an 8-1 record on the mound with 96 strikeouts. NORTH CAROLINA Ryan Stetson, Ardrey Kell (Charlotte) The North Carolina 4A all-state selection batted .434 with 36 RBI and had 46 basehits. NORTH DAKOTA Kyle Kingsley, Fargo South A two-sport athlete who gained all-state honors in football, Kingsley is also a top baseball player. He batted .316 last year and had 43 strikeouts in 26 innings pitched at Fargo South last year. OHIO Stetson Allie, St. Edwards The top junior shortstop in the state, Allie batted .426 with five home runs and 11 doubles while driving in 31 runs. OKLAHOMA Jacob Inbody, Bixby A member of the Spartans’ 5A state title team, Inbody was stellar at third base for Bixby, battling .469 with 48 RB and four home runs. He was the only junior on the all-state team. OREGON Matt Maurer, North Medford The top junior prospect in Oregon, Maurer was 9-2 for the Black Tornado with 95 strikeouts on the year. PENNSYLVANIA Derek Law, Seton LaSalle Law was one of the top strikeout artists in the country last year with 132 Ks in 67 innings pitched. He posted an 8-0 record with a 0.94 ERA. He also batted .418 with 22 RBI. RHODE ISLAND David D’Errico, North Kingstown Named the Division 1 South player of the year, D’Errico batted .464 with eight home runs and 36 RBI. He also pitched for the Skippers and was an all-state choice. SOUTH CAROLINA Christopher Owings, Gilbert The 2A state player of the year last season, Owings batted .520 with 27 RBI and 17 stolen bases for Gilbert, which won the state championship. TENNESSEE Curt Powell, Farragut (Knoxville) Powell led Farragut to the state championship and batted .493 with eight home runs, 56 RBI, 59 runs scored and nine doubles. He is a MaxPreps second team All-American. TEXAS Colton Cain, Waxahachie Cain helped lead Waxahachie to the 4A championship game. He was 12-1 with 131 strikeouts in 81 innings and a 0.78 ERA. He also batted .486 with 16 doubles, nine home runs and 45 RBI. He was named to the Texas 4A all-state first team. UTAH Rhett Nelson, Timpanogos (Orem) Nelson was named the state player of the year in Utah after going 10-0 on the mound with 76 strikeouts in 67.1 innings pitched. VERMONT Buddy Lamothe, Lyndon Institute The Capital League MVP last year, Lamothe was Lyndon’s ace last season with a 5-0 record and 70 strikeouts over the final month of the season. Led Lyndon to the state finals. VIRGINIA Johnny Bladel, Stone Bridge (Ashburn) Bladel was one of the top outfielders in the Washington DC area, earning Liberty County player of the year honors while batting .448 with three home runs. WASHINGTON Matt Boyd, Eastside Catholic Posted a 7-0 record last year with a 0.71 ERA and 58 strikeouts in 39.2 innings pitched. He also batted .429 with six home runs and five doubles. Committed to Oregon State. WEST VIRGINIA J.R. Bradley, Nitro Bradley made the West Virginia 3A all-state team after batting .400 with seven home runs and 47 RBI and going 9-1 on the mound. WISCONSIN Brad Schreiber, Kimberly Besides batting over .600 last year with 9 home runs, Schreiber was the team’s top pitcher with an ERA under 1.00. He was named the state player of the year by the Wisconsin Baseball Coaches Association. Note: Montana, South Dakota and Wyoming do not have high school baseball. Iowa plays baseball in the summer. More Features | Author's Biography

National Louisville Slugger Pre-Season All American Team

2009 Louisville Slugger

High School

Pre-Season All-Americans

 

TUCSON, Ariz. — An all-star lineup of high school players spotlight the 2009 Louisville Slugger Pre-Season High School All-American teams.

The players are chosen from nominations received by their high school coach and recommendations received from other coaches and scouts. For more detailed information about the players, check out the January 23, 2009 edition of Collegiate Baseball. (See details below about how to get the issue.)

For the 13^th year, Louisville Slugger is sponsoring the High School All-American teams. The staff of Collegiate Baseball newspaper selects the teams.  click to view list

FL Central Florida HS Preview

Central Florida High school baseball preview   link

Zach McCann | Sentinel Staff Writer

Monday, February 16th, 2009 - A look at the 2009 high school baseball season, which begins this week:

Lake Brantley, last season's Class 6A state champ, lost key players but should be a force. Oviedo and West Orange should be factors in 6A, and at least a half-dozen Central Florida teams are right behind them. St. Cloud looks like the team to beat in Osceola County, with Harmony and Osceola not far behind. Pine Castle Christian in 2A and Deltona Trinity Christian in 1A are other teams to watch. Star watch Oviedo's A.J. Cole is one of the best pitching prospects in the nation, and teammate Todd Hankins batted .453 last season. West Orange do-it-all senior Blake Dieterich, a Georgia commit, scored 23 runs and struck out 111 batters last season. Other standouts include Lake Brantley's Nick Franklin, University's Steve Ewing, Olympia's Chris Taladay, Orangewood Christian's Henry Varnell, St. Cloud's Kevin Boyce, West Orange's Nolan Fontana and Trinity Christian's Hunter Weaver. Up-and-coming As an extremely young team, Trinity Christian powered its way to the 1A state semifinals last season. The Eagles return most of their key guys; Weaver, Jose Garcia and Ryan Hadden are juniors. After a sub-.500 regular season, Lake Howell captured a district championship last season. The Silver Hawks are hoping to ride that momentum into this season. Don't miss it West Orange and Oviedo will meet Feb. 27 for Central Florida supremacy. March 24 brings Lake Mary at Lake Brantley, two Seminole County powers. Deltona Trinity will visit Daytona Beach Mainland on March 17. Lake Highland is hosting its annual Orlando National Baseball Classic from April 6-10. What they're saying "If we can play as a team and not individuals, we can have a special season." -- West Orange Coach Jesse Marlo . . . "Our goal is to get beyond districts and get deeper into the state playoffs." -- Lake Howell Coach Rob Frasca . . . "Our team should be greatly improved, barring injuries." -- Mainland Coach Michael Burton

NC Dirtbags Report 2011 Jason Creasy Committs to NC State

Dirtbags website has reported that 2011 Jason Creasy has verbally committed to North Carolina State University. 

Creasy a RHP 6'3-160 (Clayton HS/ Clayton NC) will compete with Andy Partin's Dirtbags in the summer of 2009.

VA Mitchell Shifflet Already Has One Ticket for Speeding

A ticket to University of Virginia and Coach Brian O'Connor's Cavalier baseball team.

Mitchell Shiflett 6'0-180 2010 OF(Cosby HS/Midlothian, VA) has verbally committed to University of Virginia.  Shifflett is one of the fastest runners in the country regularly posting times in the mid to low 6.4's

Shiflett may soon enter the rare air of players ever posting times in the 6.3's  

baseballclearinghouse.net see's Mitchell as one of the Top 3 Players in the state of Virginia in the class of 2010

AL - Summer Teammates Are Springtime Rivals

High school rivalries just aren't any bigger than Cullman verses Hartselle in the state of Alabama. Between the two program there are more than ten state championships and the winner of the north region has owned the state for the last several years. All of this means that whoever wins this series has a strong chance at becoming the next state 5A champion in the state of Alabama. The two squared off yesterday in Cullman in a season opener to measure their competition. For Chase Mallard, Austin Freeman, Ben Moore, Ryan Joy and those who followed them through the summer they already knew alot. These young men play their summers together on the Bama Bombers and knew that both programs were reloaded coming into the 2009 high school season. Each tream has enough arms to dominate opponents and the bats to score runs consistently. They had watched each other's talents all summer and knew that once spring came around the rivalry would be rekindled and the war games on. Mallard, Moore and Freeman's Cullman Bearcats came away 3-0 winners over Ryan Joy's Hartselle Tigers yesterday, but this season is long with multiple occasions to square of against each other. Each understand its all about winning the last series against each other in the state playoffs that really counts. Until then they play and measure themselves against each other with admiration for each other's talents. They also strongly believe Alabama's 2009 state championship will be determined by which one of them ends up on top. After watching them yesterday they just may be right.

VA No Gas Shortage at Menchville HS

Menchville HS in Newport News VA, will have plenty of arms with AFLAC All-American Ethan Carter 6'3-185 RHP 2009 (Menchville HS/Newport News, VA) who has committed to Ray Tanner and the South Carolina Gamecocks, taking the first spot in the rotation with a 90-92mph fb.

Joining Carter is Virginia Military Institute signee Matt Armstead 6'0-180 OF/RHP 2009 (Menchville HS/Newport News, VA) who most likley bat lead off while he takes charge in centerfield.  Armstead should also be third in line on the mound with a 87-88mph fastball.

Austin Chrismon 6'2-210 RHP 2010 (Menchville HS/Newport News) will hold down the second spot in the roation for Coach Phil Forbes.  Chrismon has made a early verbal committment to Billy Godwin's East Carolina Pirates. Chrismon round out the high velo staff with 90-92mph fb.

Menchville might not see a true challenge for 8 weeks into the season in the Eastern Regional Playoffs of the Virginia AAA State Tournament.  Menchville Monarchs have won 20+ games the last two seasons in a state that only allows 20 regular season games.

AL - Luke Bole Draws 31 Scouts in Opener

   The 2009 Alabama High School baseball season began today as scouts poured into Cullman High School to watch one of Alabama's top pitching prospects. Luke Bole didn't disappoint as he made quick work of the defending 6A Alabama State Champion Hoover High Bucs. Bole worked only three innings in his first outing on the cold Alabama day that barely broke 45 degrees, but he located well for an early outing. His fastball's velocity wasn't at its peak, but comfortably sat 85-88 mph with nice sink action.

Baseballclearinghouse.net counted 31 scouts in attendance whom many exited after Bole's performance to head to Oxford, Alabama to watch another pitching prospect in Oxford's Trey Pilkington. 

NJ Don Bosco Prep is Loaded......Again

Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey.NJ) year in and year out is a powerhouse, this year is no exception.  The New Jersey dynamo is anchored by 5 players already committed for college in the fall of 2009.

Niko Spezial (Wake Forest signee) will be counted on on the mound.  The LHP will show opponents what has Wake Forest Coach Rick Rembielak excited about seeing him on campus in the fall.  On the mound from the RH side will be Eric Stevens (Boston College signee).  Chris Picyk (Villanova signee) will anchor first base.  Scott Hansen (Lehigh University signee) and Brett Knief (UNC-Chapel Hill signee) will cover the outfield.

With a corp of young players in the wings, this program looks likes its gaining speed.

NC Brian Goodwin Making Push as Best Positional Player in State

Brian Goodwin 2009 6'1-175 OF (Rocky Mount HS/ Rocky Mount, NC) has many thinking he may be the best positonal player in the state of North Carolina.

Goodwin spent his summer with Andy Partin's Dirtbags team and also made a trip to California as a member of the AFLAC All American Team.  Tools and saavy will have Scouts eating a lot of Bar BQ in Rocky Mount.     link

CA San Ramon Valley Armed

San Ramon Valley HS has a stockpile of ammunition on the mound. Head Coach Chris deClercq will have fun using this type of firepower.

Alex Palsha 6'1-175 2010 RHP (San Ramon ValleyHS/Danville, CA) who has already committed the Cal State Fullerton will also chew up innings.

Auggie Bill 6"8 LHP (San Ramond Valley HS/ Danville, CA) will lend innings on the mound,  The LHP has several college offers, Auggie is very strong academicaly also, and has a fb that tops 87mph.

Oh by the way AFLAC All-American Scott Griggs 6'2-190 2009 RHP (San  Ramon Valley HS/Danville, CA) who has signed with UCLA will complete the trifecta.

Message to opponents......be ready.

AL Cooper Moseley's Unusual Path to Georgia

The University of Georgia has long looked into their neighboring state for football talent, but rarely for baseball. That all changed this year as they reached into Alabama for what many believe is Alabama's top prospect. The Georgia Bulldogs have a hard time recruiting football players in the state of Alabama, but University of Georgia's Coach Dave Perno came into Alabama and snagged  one of the top two way players in the nation when he signed Cooper Moseley. On the mound, Cooper's fast ball tops out at 92 and when combined with a big league breaking ball he can become dominate on the mound.  Cooper played 2nd base and was used as a closer on the hill the past two summers, while living in Marietta, GA and playing for the East Cobb Baseball Program. One of the most unusual things about Cooper is the fact that he has never played one day of regular organized high school baseball. Cooper is in a modified home-school program in Montgomery, Alabama and plays during the spring with the Evangel Family Christian Saints, a home-school baseball team in Montgomery made up of players that are predominately home schooled. During the summer, he moves to Marietta to live on the East Cobb Complex. Cooper has also been contacted by several MLB teams and is expected to go somewhere in the top 10 rounds in the upcoming draft in June of 2009.

NC Tate Parrish Committs to North Carolina

The Dirtbags website is reporting that Tate Parrish 2010- 1B/LHP(Smithfield-Selma/Smithfield,NC) has verbally committed to University of North Carolina

Parrish, 6'0-190, will be with the Andy Partin's Dirtbags for the 2009 summer/fall season        link     the Tar Heels at the University of North Carolina.

VA Stock Rising for 2010 Patrick Harrington

Patrick Harrington 5'10-170 C (Kellam HS/Virginia Beach, VA) is rising quickly as one of the premiere catchers in Virginia.

Kellam Coach St. Clair Jones may have ideas about splitting Harrington's innings between catching and outfield.  A move that could make the speed, athletic Harrington one of the best outfielders in the state. 

Harrington played with the Richmond Braves National Team this past season.

FL Bobby Borchering Could Be Best 2009 in Florida

6'4 switching hitting third baseman with 6.9 speed
 
Bobby Borchering 6'4-195 (Bishop Verot HS/Alva, FL) has been on the scouts radars for several years. Coach Tom Losaro, Bishop Verot coach, will be busy on the phone this spring.

University of Florida signee has a "pro look" and tools to match.  FYI crosscheckers, check out the Stonewood Grill in Ft. Myers on the way to SWFL Regional Airport, it is worth the trip.

AZ Arizona State Giving Magellan A Run For His Money

You'll need a compass to keep up with Arizona State when it comes to recruits.  With signees from Florida to Washington state, California to Missouri.

2007 & 2008 Pac-10 Coach of the Year Pat Murphy is not afraid of a GPS.

Arizona State has 3 out of 4 corners of the United States represented.  Don't give up on them yet, they might have a kid from Maine on the board as we speak.

Andrew	Aplin	OF	Vanden	CA
Nolan	Arenado	SS	El Toro	CA
Jake	Barrett	RHP	Desert Ridge	AZ
Tyler	Bernard	RHP	Valley Center	CA
Alex	Blackford	RHP	Cherry Creek	CO
Joey	DeMichelle	C	Arcadia	AZ
Michael	Englund	MIF	Eastside Catholic	WA
Deven	Marrero	MIF	American Heritage	FL
Ethan	Mather	RHP	Ozark	MO
Jacob	Morris	OF	Coppell	TX
James	Pazos	LHP	Highland	AZ
Brady	Rodgers	RHP	Lamar Consolidated	TX
Chad	Thompson	RHP	El Toro	CA

FL Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field Opens in Miami

With a 3.9 million dollar donation by Yankee third baseman, Alex Rodruiguez, old Mark Light Stadium has gone through a complete renovation. University of Miami has a reason the be proud.

Stadium "open house" and celebrity banquet took place Friday night.  Players worked out on the field and had a home run hitting contest as well as met fans and signed autographs.  link to gallery

SC Gamecocks hold Open House For New Carolina Stadium

Every coach is excited to get the season underway, but Coach Ray Tanner and his staff get the bonus of christening a new stadium to boot.

"Carolina Stadium" will see its first game action against Dusquesne next Saturday.  Exciting time in Gamecocks nation.

view stadium picture gallery

TX 2010 OF Jonathan Mejiah Stock Rising Quick

Jonathan Mejia 6'4-205 OF(St. Thomas/Katy,TX) is a name you will be hearing a lot more from.
The very physical right hand hitting outfielder recently put up big numbers at a baseballclearinghouse.net event in Katy, TX 

Mejia showed 93mph arm strength from right field and laid down a 6.91 sixty time.  Scouts say that the ball really jumped off the bat in bp.  Heads up Coaches, he should be a good one.

TX McCallum HS with Everett Williams Covering Coast to Coast

AFLAC All American Everett Williams, 5'10-200 OF, and his McCallum HS teammates began the season today.

Williams distinguished himself last summer with a trip the the AFLAC All American Game in California.  Williams gives scouts all the tools needed to be a strong draft candidate in June.  Still have not heard if Williams has committed to any college for next season.

NV Bishop Gorman HS Plans TO Go For 4

4 State Titles in 4 Years that is.

Bishop Gorman HS in Las Vegas will begin it trek towards if fourth state championship in a row with Jeff Malm the anchor.

Malm, 6'3-225 first baseman, left handed power hitter and a USC Trojan signee comes off a summer with USA 18u National Team and aims to complete a four year sweep before he heads to Coach Chad Krueter and Trojans in the fall of 2009. Jeff was also selected Nevada Gatorade Baseball Player of the Year for 2007 school year

FL - Niceville HS Star Danny Collins wins Alabama Homerun Derby

 When Niceville High School head coach Brad Phillips learned that awards day and few other things would cause him to cancel his Saturday practice he placed his star hitter and third baseman into his car and headed for familiar territory - Troy, Alabama. Coaching at Troy University and Charles Henderson High School helps him stay in touch with what is going on in his previous home. What brought he and Danny Collins to Troy on this day was a Home Run Derby. What Danny Collins didn't know was he would be competing against professional sluggers like of Gabe Gross, Cody Johnson and Clint Robinson. When the dust settled most everyone knew what Coach Phillips and the University of Alabama coaching staff already knew - this kid can really hit. His 16 home runs were enough to earn him the High School batting crown at the event.

There is little doubt that Coach Gaspard and Coach Norris at Alabama were smiling last Saturday. They had successfully snuck into Florida and plucked one of the state's best hitters away. Nick Saban isn't the only one able to do that for the Crimson Tide.

CA USC Signee Brooks Pounders Set To Crank Up

USC Trojans Coach Chad Krueter has a good one set to step foot on campus in the fall of 2009, until then Brooks Pounders RHP(Temecula Valley/Temecula,CA) will work on high school hitters as the Cal HS season gets underway.

Pounders, an Aflac All-American, will have a constant stream of scouts in the check out the 6'5-230 RHP.  link  

TX Texas Longhorns Signees

University of Texas recruiting coordinator, Tommy Hardin many feel has done it again.  With Coach Hardin's direction the Longhorns year in and year out rank in the top 5 nationally in strength of recruiting class.

Recent signees due on campus in fall of 2009 include.
Colton Cain – LHP/1B – Waxahachie, Texas (Waxahachie HS)
Hoby Milner – LHP – Crowley, Texas (Paschal HS)
Keifer Nuncio – RHP – Katy, Texas (Katy HS)
Josh Urban – RHP – Dripping Springs, Texas (Dripping Springs HS)
Cohl Walla – RHP/OF – Austin, Texas (Lake Travis HS)
Jonathan Walsh – C – Coppell, Texas (Coppell HS)
Jordan Weymouth – IF – Paradise Valley, Ariz. (Chaparral HS)

NC Christmas in February UNC's Boshamer Re-Opens

Baseball Back on Campus!

On Feb. 20,2009 the Tar Heels open the 2009 season with a 15-game home stand at the new Bryson Field at Boshamer Stadium.

After a year and a half of being on the road, 20 months to be exact   We mean every practice, every game.  The Tarheel's baseball team has move back into Boshamer Stadium.  The team utilized the USA National Training Center in Cary ,NC for the fall of 2007, the spring of 2008 for all of its games and again for fall practice in 2008.  The USA Complex is aprox. 25 minutes from Chapel Hill.

Thou Coach Fox would agree the setting in Cary was fabulous and the games attendance were fantastic,  there is no place like home.  And what a home it is.

view "New" Boshamer Stadium in Chapel Hill

2009 Media Day

AL - Slade Smith with Auburn Football Bloodline Goes with His Heart

 Slade Smith 6'2 RHP Ft. Payne, Alabama

Tough decisions come early to some young men. Slade Smith is one of them. Smith is the son of a former Auburn University quarterback who grew up as a two sport prospect in football and baseball. In the spring of 2008 he made a big decision that many in a football dominant state found hard to except - he quit football to focus on his passion of baseball. To some it wouldn't be a tough decision, since they may not be a legitimate two sport prospect. Slade Smith was and left many schools questioning his decision to fore-go a potential SEC football career. He went where his heart was - baseball and its paying big dividends for him.

After a stellar spring high school season in 2008 he spent the summer playing baseball for the Bama Bombers and quickly gained recognition as one of Alabama's top pitching prospects in the 2009 class. His lively arm and command of three nice pitches propelled him to the top of many charts. Smith locating his 88-92 mph fastball will catch your attention. He is polished and advanced for his age.

After offers from several SEC schools he once again followed his heart and the paths of his father to the plains of Auburn University committing in the early signing period. Auburn likely has a problem keeping him with the attention he is getting from Major League Baseball scouts. As his spring high school season approaches a lot of scouts will make their way up the mountain to Fort Payne, Alabama to watch this young man and deservedly so.

PA Coyle Brothers.. Dynamic Duo to UNC

Mike Fox-Head Coach at the University of North Carolina has to be developing a fondeness for eastern Pennsylvania.  The reason, the Coyle brothers, Tommy (2009) and Sean (2010) both have committed to UNC.

(L)Tommy Coyle 2009 - 5'10-170 MIF(Germantown Acadmey /Chalfont,PA) will be the first to hit campus and get a chance to move some dirt at the newly renovated Boshamer Stadium in the fall of 2009.

(R)Sean Coyle  2010 - 5'9-170 MIF(Germantown Academy/Chalfont, PA) will have to wait a year to join his brother. 

VA- Greenbrier Christian Academy in Top 5 in State

Greenbrier Christian Academy (Chesapeake,VA) has reason to want to get the season started.  Returning a corp of veteran players and a very good group of underclassman, former ML Veteran Coach Gary Lavelle has one of the top teams in the state, regardless of classification.  Many will remember this is the alma maters of Arizona Diamondbacks OF Justin Upton.

4 Divison 1 signees anchor this perenial private school power.  Eddie Butler-RHP(Radford Univ signee), Josh Richardson-RHP/SS(Liberty University signee), Mike Olivo-1B(Virginia Military Inst. signee) and Sammy Serafine-2B(Norfolk State Univ. signee). Underclassman Christian McDonald and Adam Tiller will add to the firepower.

Year in and year out this program produces top quality college and pro prospects and this year is no exception.

AL- Luke Bole-Best Player in the State...very possible

 Luke Bole 6'3-200 LHP (Hartselle/ Hartselle, AL) could have a case made for being the top prospect in Alabama.  The Mississippi State signee will begin his season next week.  The 6'3 LHP has all to the tools that scouts like and should be very good draft material. His fastball sits in the upper 80's and low 90's with nice run and sink action that has the Major League scouts watching with anticipation as the June draft approaches.
 

5 Georgia AFLAC All Americans ready to go

5- 2008 Alfac All Americans ready to get the season started with Georgia HS baseball set to open soon.

This group of players will definetly receive heavy scout traffic.

Zack Wheeler Donavan Tate  Luke Bailey 

Drew Steckenrider Braxton Lane

Zack Wheeler 6'4-175 RHP(East Paulding/Dallas, GA) -Kennesaw State University  link
Donavan Tate 6'3-205 OF (Cartersville/Cartersville, GA) - UNC-Chapel Hill  link
Drew Steckenrider 6'4-200 OF (Greater Atlanta Christian/Lawrenceville,GA) -Tennessee link
Braxton Lane 6'0-185 OF (Sandy Creek/Tyrone, GA)    link
Luke Bailey  6'0-190 C (Troupe Co./LaGrange, GA)  Auburn University   link

National College Committment List Tops 2500 players

Yesterday the number of college committed 2009 high school players topped 2500.

click here to view Commitment List

TX Talented 2009 HS Texan still uncommitted

JORDAN LITTLEFIELD
State of Texas

Marion        SR          P/SS

2008:  .511 Avg, 6 HR, 39 RBI; 9-1, 1.39 ERA, 125 Ks;
THSBCA 2nd Team All-State P; TSWA 1st Team All-State DH, Honorable Mention P; 26-3A MVP

College:  Uncommitted                college coaches click to view player profile

State Forums layout updated

All state forum pages have been update with a new look.  Each stat page list all the college and universities in that state with a link to each schools home page for the baseball team.

http://www.baseballclearinghouse.net/