The Road Through 8A-9 As Tough As Ever In 2014

Spencer Stockton is expected to be Wellington's top pitcher in 2014.

This district has been one of the toughest in Palm Beach County the past few seasons, and nothing about that will change in 2014. The district winner has not even been the team to go the furthest the past two seasons, and every team in this group posted at least 14 wins a season ago.

Jupiter will have a target on its back after making their first run to the state tournament in 2013, and the Warriors have returned with renewed resolve to repeat that sort of a run this year.

The new team to the mix is Seminole Ridge, who replaces Dwyer after the realignment moved the Tigers down to Class 7A. The Hawks have always taken the field against these programs anyway, although now the stakes are even higher. The new pairings also means Palm Beach Gardens will get a chance for some payback, after Seminole Ridge knocked them out of the playoffs with a regional quarterfinal victory last year.

“What happened to us last year worked out great,” said Hawks Manager Trent Pendergast. “Hopefully we can do that again. You never know. You can have all these great plans and it just never works out how you plan it. I just try to go in with an open mind and get them ready to the best of my ability, and see what happens.”

As has always been the case, it is a mystery which of these clubs will emerge as district champion. It is a worthy group of teams who are all well coached and loaded with talent. The reward for all the baseball enthusiasts will come simply in watching it all play out.

Jupiter

2013 Record: 23-5
Manager: Andy Mook
Coaching Staff: Alex McCall, Matt Smith, Mike Pirro, Spencer Preston, Eddie Gaillard, John Ober, Vinnie Contaldi, Will Jackson
Key Returners: Lance Fry, Kevin Fry, Logan Heiser
Team strengths: Offense and Chemistry

Last year Jupiter High School did something that had never been done in the 50 year history of the program when they made it to the Final Four of the state championships.

“It was a successful season,” manager Andy Mook said. “Making the Final Four and doing something that has never been done before is something we can build on with the kids that are returning this year.”…[Read More]

Palm Beach Central

2013 Record: 15-8
Manager: Scott Benedict
Coaching Staff: Bob Bradley, Evan Stermer, Ian Schiff
Key Returners: Danny Hernandez, Shane Sawczak
Newcomers to watch: Connor Power, Kyle Giragos, Brendan Lauer
Team strengths: Pitching & Speed

Danny Hernandez and Shane Sawczak have been friends since they were toddlers. They have been starters on the Palm Beach Central varsity since they were freshmen.

Now, entering their senior season, they are the acknowledged team leaders. Together, like always.

“We’re best friends, we do everything together, on and off the field,” said Sawczak, who is expected to anchor the rotation…[Read More]

Palm Beach Gardens

2013 Record: 20-8
Manager: Joe Russo
Key Returners: J.J. Schwarz, Pavin Smith, Caleb Perez, Sendle Jean
Team strengths: Offense & Experience

For the past 20 seasons, manager Joe Russo has been at the helm at Palm Beach Gardens. Russo has put together a winning program over the years, and that continued last year as his Gators topped rival Jupiter to win another district title.

But a home loss to Seminole Ridge in the regional quarterfinals left a bitter taste in everyone’s mouth going into the offseason…[Read More]

Seminole Ridge

2013 Record: 14-13-1
Manager: Trent Pendergast
Key Returners: Kyle Farjad, Brooks Aristy, Jake Paez, Nick Martinez, Tyler Murley, David Moss, Alex Aristy
Newcomers to watch: Keaton Baird
Team strengths: Pitching

Following a banner year a season ago, Seminole Ridge is counting on a trio of sophomores to lead them in 2014.

The Hawks went 10-5-1 down the stretch en route to the Class 8A regional semifinals and finished with a 14-13-1 overall record. They upset Palm Beach Gardens in the district quarterfinals, before falling to Jupiter.

“Obviously, every coach tries to get them as hot as they can at the end of the year,” said Pendergast.[Read More]

Wellington

2013 Record: 14-12
Manager: Scott Riddle
Key Returners: Spencer Stockton, Jake Sumney, Austin Spitz, Phil Seili, Matt Morales, Tyler Dillian, Anthony Maniotis, Mitch Goldhaber, John Torchetti,
Team strengths: Defense

Wellington manager Scott Riddle is looking for one of his pitchers to step up this season.

Senior right-hander Spencer Stockton may be the answer for the Wolverines manager.

“I definitely want the ball in the big games,” said Stockton, a 6-foot-3, 210-pounder. “That’s how I’ve always wanted it. When the big district game comes, I want it. I want it every game.”..[Read More]

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