It’s A Youth Movement In 8A-9

This district is always one of the most competitive in Palm Beach County, and if that’s going to continue this year, it’ll have to be done largely with a youth movement among the teams.

Jupiter loses a relatively large class from the 2014 season that included several key components, but Manager Andy Mook is hoping the team can start better than it did last year.

There also will be a lot of new faces at Palm Beach Central, where a good number of players have graduated.

It’s the same story at Seminole Ridge as the Hawks lost three-quarters of their infield, two outfielders, a starting pitcher and number one catcher.

Palm Beach Gardens is hoping it can overcome its losses of key players to maintain the playoff success it has enjoyed in recent years.

It will be quite an interesting year to be sure in 8A-9. Play ball!

Jupiter
2014 Record: 15-13
Manager: Andy Mook
Coaching Staff: Alex McCall, Matt Smith, Eddie Gaillard, John Ober
Key Returners: Cody Wilson, Mack Lemieux, Brock Minich, Zach Johns, Robert Valdez

It’s not how you start but how you finish.

That sentiment rang no truer than at Jupiter High School in 2014. The dropped three of their first four games and at one point in the season were just 6-12. At that point the season could have gone one of two ways. They could have continued to go into the tank, or the team could regroup and make a playoff push.

The Warriors did the latter, winning out their remaining regular season games and entering the playoffs riding high on an eight-game winning streak. They eventually got eliminated by state final four-team Park Vista, but the way they rebounded was something that Manager Andy Mook said was the result of his team finding their offensive identity.

“The first half, we had to find what kind of offensive team we could be,” Mook said. “We were waiting for some guys that maybe thought they could take on a certain role and we had to make adjustments. The guys started believing in our offensive approach and what we needed to do and what strategy to take.”

Like in 2013, Jupiter loses a relatively large class from the 2014 season that included several key components to their playoff run last year. Catcher Logan Heiser, Lance and Kevin Fry, and Zac Hall headline a graduating class that featured 10 players off last year’s roster. Mook and his staff have been here before and they know there are enough guys that are returning that he hopes that the way 2014 started can be avoided.

“We lost a good amount of seniors last year,” Mook said. “Our biggest hole we are going to have to fill is catcher. We have been blessed with very good catching and great guys being a leader. We have a guy who is going to be a senior this year that got to learn. We have a lot of guys from last year at the end that got to learn from it so they got to see it and now we don’t have to make those last minute adjustments.”

The biggest difference between last year and this year will be the experience of some of the younger guys. The 2013 Jupiter team consisted of almost an entirely senior starting lineup, meaning that when last year started there were a lot of guys that didn’t have that much playing experience. Last year, the starting lineup was more mixed, meaning this time around, there will be a lot more returning starters.

“From the year before we lost that big class and pretty much 7 or 8 seniors were in the starting lineup so those other guys didn’t get much playing time. Last year, we got a lot of younger guys playing time so a lot more guys got the experience. It wasn’t like last year where we had a lot of guys jumping in that starter role that didn’t have that much experience. This group has had that experience.”

Just like the past two years, it will be this year’s senior class that will play a big role into how this team performs. Returning off of last year’s squad includes outfielder Cody Wilson, pitcher and first baseman Mack Lemieux, pitcher Brock Minich, third baseman Zach Johns, and catcher Robert Valdez who will take over for Heiser.

“I feel like it falls on us as seniors to lead some of the younger guys and show them the Warrior way so when we graduate they can continue the tradition,” Zach Johns said.”

If Jupiter is going to make a deep run in 2015, it won’t be because they are playing a soft schedule. Once again they will face some of the toughest teams in the state outside of the district to go along with one of the toughest districts in the area that includes Palm Beach Gardens, Palm Beach Central, Wellington and Seminole Ridge.

“With our district you never know,” Mook said. “Our first game of the Santaluces Slam is American Heritage, who’s pretty stacked. Then the second game we play Benjamin. We come right out of the gates playing tough teams. Our first game after the Slam is Park Vista. I’ve been one to make sure that we play an extremely tough schedule.”

Palm Beach Central
2014 Record: 15-10-1
Manager: Scott Benedict
Coaching Staff: Louie Todaro, Matt Oxendine, Tony Davis, Fred Manriquez
Key Returners: Connor Power, Chris Aubry, Joey Romano, Brendon Lauer, Jonathan Rosado
Newcomers: Savion Harris, Brendan Power, Cameron Lauer, Jacob Shue
Team Strengths: Pitching, Depth

The race for the 8A-9 title was as tight as any to be found in Palm Beach County in 2014. Among three teams tied for second place with a 4-4 district record was the Palm Beach Central Broncos were and they earned the third seed in the district playoffs courtesy of 15-10-1 overall mark.

That set up another district semifinal with Palm Beach Gardens, the team that had eliminated Central in that round in each of the two previous years. The third time was not a charm for the Broncos, as their rivals again got the best of them and ended their season.

The Broncos would like to push past the Gators and contend for the crown this year but Manager Scott Benedict suspects it will not be easy.

“I wouldn’t be surprised,” Benedict said when asked if he thought this year’s race would be just as intense as last year’s. “There’s no easy games in our district, that’s for sure. They’re good programs from top to bottom, and you better bring your A game every time because every time you play against them, it’s a hard-fought battle.”

After losing some significant players to graduation, Benedict says the team is not rebuilding but admits that there will be a lot of new faces in 2015.

“I like our team. I think there’s some talent, and I like their energy and their work ethic so far,” Benedict said about a roster that has only five seniors on it. “If they continue to work hard, I think they’re going to continue to improve and have a chance to contend.”

Complicating the Broncos’ ability to contend is the fact that injuries are already beginning to take a toll on the team. Starting catcher Brooks Aristy, who is a speedster that was supposed to bat at the top of the order, tore some ligaments in his thumb during the team’s first preseason game. The manager and his team are hoping for the best, but it is feared that he will need surgery, effectively knocking him out for the season.

Also temporarily disabled is Brendon Lauer, a pitcher who separated his shoulder during a scrimmage. He is expected to be back in time to help with what is considered to be the team’s strength, pitching depth. With him in the mix, Benedict claims the Broncos have eight to nine guys he is not afraid to put on the bump at any given time.

The top two spots on the staff belong to Kyle Giragos and Erik Strandberg. Giragos is a junior who logged a 2.13 ERA in about 51 innings pitched last season. Benedict thinks good things are in store for him.

“He pitched better than that and had a good summer,” Benedict said. “He’s a guy we have a lot of confidence in.”

Speed could also be a strong point for the Broncos this year. Although the loss of Aristy hurts in that department, Benedict believes he has enough quickness to complement his big bats in the middle of the order.

One such bat belongs to Connor Power, a junior third baseman who will have to move back behind the plate to fill in for Aristy. After being hampered by an injury two offseasons ago, Power was able to hit the weights this past offseason and improve his strenght. As a result, his production is expected to spike.

“He’s going to hit in the middle of the order,” Benedict said. “He’s a smart kid. He works hard on and off the field.”

Seniors Joey Romano and Chris Aubry should also have an impact at the plate. Aubry was a reserve on last year’s team who can play anywhere in the infield and is credited by his coaches as having improved immensely. Romano hit .349 as a junior and is now ready to step into a leadership role.

“We have a lot of young talent this year,” said Romano, “so it’s going to take a little bit to get into it but once we hit it, we’re going to be really good. Me and Chris (Aubry) just have to take them under our wing and show them.”

That young talent he speaks of may be the the Broncos’ weakness, according to Benedict. At the same time, he is excited about the newcomers to the team. In particular, he has high hopes for the younger brothers of two of his current stars, sophomore Cameron Lauer, who he says has a “good arm,” and freshman Brendan Power.

“He’s been a solid performer in the short time we’ve been going to him,” Benedict said about Connor’s sibling.

On top of those two, junior Savion Harris, a transfer from California who also quarterbacks the football team, adds some athleticism, and Brad Zippin, a junior, has the making of a solid infielder. At 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds, Jacob Shue, a junior who is coming up from JV, will be a big presence as the team’s new first baseman, and Jonathan Rosado is a senior returning from injury who may end up in the leadoff spot.

With so many untested players, it will be interesting to see if the Broncos can keep pace in another dogfight for the district crown.

For his part, Aubry does not want to venture a guess as to how things might play out and prefers to focus on what he and his teammates can control themselves.

“I have no idea,” said the senior when asked for a prediction on the season. “Just do what we have to do and let them worry about us.”

Palm Beach Gardens
2014 Record: 21-8
Manager: Joe Russo
Key Returners: Sendle Jean, Hunter Sanicky, Harley Sanicky, Sam Prince, Cody Gardere
Team strengths: Pitching

The Palm Beach Gardens Gators are coming off a very successful three-year run. Back-to-back district titles and deep runs into regionals highlighted their past two seasons. Throw in a state final four run in 2012, and they did just about everything shy of winning a state title. They had a core group of upperclassman that played major roles in all three of those runs and Manager Joe Russo knew that what those now departed seniors did was quite an accomplishment.

“To win our district two years in a row is an accomplishment,” Manager Joe Russo said. “Coming off a state final four in 2012, that senior class had a really solid run. Nothing to be ashamed of. Certainly proud of the senior class last year and the wins they were able to accumulate during their time here.”

Even some of the younger guys stepped up and played some bigger rolls.

“Some younger guys got some playing time and got to compete in intense playoff games and regional games,” Russo added. “You can’t put a value on experience and what the younger guys gained by going through some of those games. Hopefully it is a building block for us this year.”

Those younger players will have to step up and play even a larger role this year as this team is going to look vastly different.  The majority of that core has graduated and moved on, and while the younger players that were around are still there, the core of the team is going to have a much different look in 2015.

“We graduated some really great players last year, guys that are very difficult to replace,” Russo said. “Do I feel that we are as strong as we were last year? No, not at this point. We have some young guys that have to prove themselves at thus level and it’s going to be a challenge to replace those guys that we lost.”

Out are the likes of Nick Horvath, Caleb Perez, Tanner Hurley, J.J. Schwarz, and Pavin Smith. In are a new crop of players that include Sendle Jean, Hunter and Harley Sanicky, Sam Prince, and Cody Gardere.

“You aren’t going to replace a Pavin Smith, a J.J. Schwarz, a Nick Horvath. You can’t replace those guys, but the hope is that the younger guys can develop quickly and be successful by the end of the season.”

If Palm Beach Gardens wants to make it three district titles in a row, Russo knows that he is going to have to not only get contributions from the veterans, but some new guys as well.

“They know what to expect,” Russo said. “Going through the district schedule, playing on the road against good teams. They know what to expect at this point. You don’t have to explain it to them, they know what the deal is by this point.”

Russo will be calling on that small core of returning players to step up and play a larger role, lead by the likes of Sanicky, Jean, and pitcher Austin Wilson.

“We like to tell our seniors that when they are in 12th grade that it’s their turn,” Russo said. “Returning shortstop Hunter Sanicky we will look at to be a leader on the field. Sendle Jean who is only a junior but is a very talented player. We have a few other juniors and seniors that will be very important. Austin Wilson really did a nice job out of the bullpen and a spot start. Those are the guys. Your seniors, your returning guys, those are the guys you are going to to provide some direction for the younger guys.”

Wilson knows as a senior it’s his time to take that leadership role and he is up for the challenge.

“We need to get a good leadership going,” Wilson said. “I’m going to try my best and be a leader out here.”

As for how he sees the district playing out? He knows it is going to be a challenge as always.

“In our district, everyone has an ace, or two, or three and we are going to have to fight,” Russo said. “It’s going to be close games. We were the 3 seed last year at 5-3 so it’s going to be a battle. Pitching wise I think we have a lot good guys. Our depth is good, it comes down to whether or not we can be effective and consistent.”

Seminole Ridge
2014 Record: 18-9
Manager: Trent Pendergast
Coaching Staff: John Sullivan, Lee Hartigan, Jayson Smith, Scott Siegfried, Vinny Jenko, Brett Wilson
Key Returners: Kyle Farjad, Jason Aponte, Richie Catromano, CJ Bottliglieri, Tommy Dulin, David Moss
Newcomers: Justin Reyes
Team Strength: Pitching

“Hitting in timing. Pitching is upsetting timing.”

— Warren Spahn

Seminole Ridge is going to need to heed the Hall of Famer’s words this season.

The Hawks have improved in each of the past three seasons but lost numerous everyday players from the 18-9 team that reached the district semifinals last year. Gone are three-quarters of their infield, two outfielders, a starting pitcher and number one catcher.

“I think our pitching is good enough to keep us competitive,” said Hawks manager Trent Pendergast. “That being said, we have a lot of question marks. We’re pretty confident in our pitching. We have one great pitcher and the rest are really solid. Any time you have pitching, you have a chance.”

The staff is led by junior left-hander Kyle Farjad, who missed most of last year with a back injury. He was 2-1 with an 0.67 ERA and the 6-foot, 210-pounder, who has committed to FAU, says he is completely healthy after only pitching 21 innings as a sophomore. His fastball is consistently in the mid- to upper 80s and occasionally reaches the low 90s.

“I’ve improved my mechanics and worked on throwing more pitches,” said Farjad, who struck out 20 and walked nine last year. “I’m excited for the season. I don’t compare myself to anyone else (in the county). I just go out there and do my thing.”

Following Farjad, in no particular order yet, will be junior right-handers Richie Catromano and CJ Bottliglieri and senior Jason Aponte, a lefty. The closer will be senior right-hander Tommy Dulin, who had three saves last season and only allowed one earned run in 14 innings.

Catromano was 3-2 with 2 saves while striking out 35 and walking 12 in 40 innings last season. Aponte was also 3-2 and pitched 27 innings.

When he’s not pitching, Aponte will either play the outfield, first base or DH.

“We’re all power pitchers,” said Aponte, who also led the team with a .443 average and was second on the team with 19 RBI last season. “CJ and Richie will throw a lot of innings and won’t come out in the third inning.”

David Moss, who batted .280 while starting at third base last season, will likely move to shortstop. He might also pitch, according to Pendergast. Justin Reyes, probably the team’s fastest player, is expected to start in left field.

But Pendergast still has to find a second baseman, a catcher and another outfielder or two. Keaton Baird and Brett Fiore are among those vying for the catcher’s spot, although Moss might see time there as well.

Senior Matt Tiger, along with Anthony Elias and Brian Martin, who moved up from the junior varsity, are expected to pitch significant innings, according to Pendergast.

Farjad and Aponte believe this year’s team will be a good one.

“I think we’ll be performing at the same level (as last year), maybe a little bit better,” said Aponte. “We have better pitching.”

Pendergast knows the season is filled with possibilities even though they are young and inexperienced.

“We have many more newbies than guys with experience,” said Pendergast. “The past two years we had more experienced guys, so practice was more repetitions based. This year there’s more teaching. It’s an interesting challenge to see who can learn and absorb everything, absorb those little things that can push us over the top.”

* Wellington also in district. Report unavailable

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