2009 Loudoun Baseball Preview

By Matt Brooks (Contact)

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Briar Woods (7-14, 5-9 AA Dulles District)

Coach: Josh Mosser, third year

Key Players: P/OF Ian Hickman, Sr. (.348 BA), OF Gavin Scherer, Jr. (.419 BA, 31 hits, 15 SB, 2nd team All-District), C Logan Harris, Jr. (.335 BA, 13 RBI), P/1B Clayton Sylvester, Sr. (transferred back from Notre Dame Academy), 3B/SS Chris Wade, Sr. (.329 BA, .515 OBP, 15 RBI)

Key Loss: OF/SS Alex Munro

Outlook: The Falcons improved drastically in 2008, winning seven games after a winless 2007 campaign. This year, they come in with a more experienced group and much loftier expectations. In senior starters Ian Hickman and Clayton Sylvester, Briar Woods has one of the best one-two punches in the league. The task will be finding some reliable arms to eat innings in the bullpen and getting consistent hitting from a lineup that was up and down a year ago. Senior Chris Wade, Sylvester and Hickman make up the heart of the order while Victor Rizzardi and Kyle Haufler provide speed at the top. If the lineup can consistently produce runs and the defense continues to improve, the Falcons’ pitching staff is good enough for this team to challenge for a spot at the top of the Dulles District.

From the Dugout: "This is the best team I've had at Briar Woods in my four years of involvement with the program. Ian and Clayton provide a good one-two punch at the top of our rotation, and I like the way the lineup is panning out. The Dulles District is going to be very competitive this year, as I can think of at least 4-5 teams with an opportunity to win it. As a program, we have the District Championship as our goal, and I feel like we have the horses to make that goal a reality." - Coach Mosser

Broad Run (21-5, 12-2 AA Dulles District regular-season and tournament champions)

Coach: Pat Cassidy, thirteenth year

Key Players: SS Chris Jessop, Sr. (.280 BA, 21-21 SBs, 1st team All-District, 2nd team All-Region), OF Patrick Murphy, Sr. (.309 BA, 2nd team All-District), 1B Andrew Hathaway, Sr., SP/2B Shane Vlasic, Jr.

Key Losses: SP Cole Shain (9 wins, 1st team All-District, 1st team All-Region), OF Andrew Mann (.390 BA, 26 SB, 1st team All-District, 1st team All-Region), SP/2B Trey Brocke (.426 BA, 7 wins, 1st team All-Region, 1st team All-Region), C Tommy Meier (.435 BA, 2nd team All-District), DH Ryan Diviney (.333 BA, 1st team All-District).

Outlook: Last year the Spartans claimed the Dulles District regular-season crown, splitting the season series with runners-up Potomac Falls and then beat the Panthers in the district title game to claim the tournament championship. The team advanced to the state tournament before losing to Powhatan. They’ve lost several key cogs from that team, including starters Cole Shain and Trey Brocke but return a few talented hitters in seniors Chris Jessop and Patrick Murphy. The key for this team will be the development of an inexperienced pitching staff. In order to defend their title, they'll need the starting staff to take form early and the bats to stay hot all season.

From the Dugout: "Our goal is the same as it has been every year I have been here. We want to win the District and earn a spot in the postseason Region tournament. Our team's success this season will depend on how our many new faces compete on the pitcher's mound and in the lineup." – Coach Cassidy

Dominion (13-9, 8-6 AA Dulles District)

Coach: Jay Raines, sixth year

Key Players: SP/INF Chris Taylor, Sr. (.469 BA, 21 RBI, 4 HR; 5-3, 2 S, 64 Ks, 1st team All-District, 2nd team All-Region), OF Matt Sherrill, Sr. (.369 BA, 11 steals, 1st team All-District), C/SP Anthony Bartolotti, Sr. (.323 BA, 17 RBI, 2 HR)

Key Losses: SP Geoff McCowat (4-2, 67 Ks)

Outlook: The Titans, who finished fourth in the Dulles District a year ago, return nine seniors and the nucleus of last season's team. Their one major loss was pitcher Geoff McCowat, but they return one of the top hurlers and hitters in the league in senior Chris Taylor. Consistency, particularly behind Taylor in the rotation and defensively, will be key for the Titans, but with one of the most experienced teams in the district, they should be able to challenge for their first district title in 2009.

From the Dugout: "We should be in the mix at the top. I think the District is competitive and shows good balance with a number of teams also trying to step in to the top end of the district. Execution is crucial for any good team and makes the difference from 1st or 2nd to 4th and 5th in the district. There are goals for the Titans this season, but more importantly they have their own goals and visions." – Coach Raines

Freedom (3-18, 1-13 AA Dulles District)

Coach: Chris Bourassa, fourth year

Key Players: CF Jeremy Rilko, Sr. (.357 BA, 52 straight successful stolen bases, 2nd team All-District); 1B Kyle Severns, Sr. (.466 BA, 2nd team All-District), 2B/P Anthony Perez, Jr. (3.08 ERA, 2nd team All-District); C Matt Murphy, So (.303 BA, 50 percent of base runners thrown out as a freshmen)

Key Losses: None

Outlook: The Eagles return 8 of 9, including four 4-year starters, from last year's team that lost 3-1 to district champion Broad Run in the Dulles District quarterfinals. Senior SS Kyle Groome's return to health from back problems in 2008 solidifies the defense up the middle and completes an experienced and talented lineup with Jeremy Rilko, Anthony Perez, Matt Murphy and Kyle Severns at the top of the order. Offense shouldn’t be a problem for the Eagles who have already pounded out 47 runs in their first two games. The key will be the improvement of Perez and senior Ali Moosvi at the top of their starting rotation. There's no doubt the Eagles will be a much improved team from a year ago.

From the Dugout: "If our pitchers can stay healthy and pitch effectively, we can be a surprise team in the Dulles District. While we are still young overall we have a number of players that have been with the program since the first season and by the end of this year they will have started over 85 varsity games. That experience should allow us to compete with any team on our schedule. I am also especially excited about our freshmen class which has a lot of very talented kids who have been playing baseball together since they were very young. As a result I look forward to a strong JV season and bright future at the varsity level." - Coach Bourassa

Heritage (8-13, 7-7 AA Dulles District)

Coach: Ryan Price, fourth year

Key Players: SS Brenton Peters, Sr., (.381 BA, 4 3B, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 4 SB, 2nd team All-District), CF Nick Clayton, Jr., (.316 BA, 3 2B, 2 3B, HR, 18 RBI, 11 SB, 2nd team All-District), SP/OF Andy Zarobila, Jr., (4-2 2.33 ERA, 35 Ks, 39 IP), SP/3B Trey Reed, Sr., (0-2 2.26 ERA, 18 Ks, 21 2/3 IP)

Key Losses: 1B John Rogerson (.397 BA, 4 2B, 22 runs, 16 RBI, 7 SB, 1st team All-District, 2nd team All-Region), RP Tyler Lewkovich (2 W, 28 1/3 IP)

Outlook: The Pride were right in the middle of the district in 2008, scoring victories over Park View and Dominion while getting swept by Broad Run and Potomac Falls and dropping a game to last-place Freedom. The 2009 roster is still young but includes two second-team All-District players in shortstop Brenton Peters and pitcher/outfielder Andy Zarobila. Peters is a menace at the top of the order with a good mix of speed and power and Zarobila will be counted on to provide consistent starts. Heritage let several games slip away a year ago with defensive miscues, something they’re looking to limit this spring. They're focused on finishing in the top half of the league and hosting a tournament game and if they play to their potential, this could be the year that the Pride turns the corner.

From the Dugout: "This team we have this year is young, but they can play ball. We have a good group of returning players who should give us leadership and carry our team on the field." – Coach Price

Loudoun County (4-17, 4-10 AA Dulles)

Coach: Tom Lucero, 13th year

Key Players: OF Andrew Walzack, Sr., (1st team All-District), 2B Matt Cunningham, Jr., (2nd team All-District), CF Kyle Pratt, Sr., INF Chris DeMarco, Sr., 1B Nick Veschi, Jr., P/OF Taylor Cokeley, So., 3B Kris Pratt, So.

Key Losses: P/DH Conor Courtney (2nd team All-District), OF Brett Tagg (season-ending injury)

Outlook: The Raiders really struggled in 2008, starting the season off with a string of losses and falling out of the district race early on. The loss of senior outfielder Brett Tagg to a season-ending leg injury is devastating, but County still returns several key components from last year’s team, including first team All-District outfielder Andrew Walzack and second team second baseman Matt Cunningham. The Raiders will need to establish their rotation in the early going, which could mean a lot of work for sophomore Taylor Cokeley and a relatively inexperienced staff.

From the Dugout: "The quicker our young players develop, the more competitive we will be in our district and have a shot at winning a district championship. Our seniors, Kyle Pratt, Chris DeMarco and Danny Covell, will need to lead the team in the right direction." – Coach Lucero

Loudoun Valley (9-11, 5-9 AAA Cedar Run)

Coach: Wayne Todd, 13th year

Key Players: 1B Alex Owens, Jr., (.433 BA, 7 2B, 2 HR, 19 RBI, 1st team All-District), C Wes Walker, Sr., (.351 BA, 2nd team All-District), P/OF Adam Reed, Sr., (.278 BA, 19 RBI), SS Beattie Southerland, Sr., (.286 BA)

Key Losses: None

Outlook: With nearly all of their starters back from last year's team, and some newcomers from a strong JV team, the Vikings hope to compete in the Cedar Run District. With last year's youth now having a year of varsity experience, the Vikings should be a solid defensive team. The pitching staff of Adam Reed, Kevin Rinek, Daniel Burke and TJ Daeschner will need to have a strong year for the Vikings. They all have a year of varsity experience under their belts that should translate to a better finish in the always challenging Cedar Run.

From the Dugout: "If this team can withstand a strong non district schedule early in the season they could gel and make some noise in the Cedar Run District. Defense and pitching will be the keys to the Vikings season." – Coach Todd

Park View (13-9, 8-6 AA Dulles District)

Coach: Mickey Leap, eighth year

Key Players: SP/OF Johnny Mason (.460 BA, 1st team All-District, 1st team All-Region, Hon. Mention All-State), P/3B/SS Ben Rosado, Sr.

Key Losses: C Dylan Smith (.508 BA, Dulles District and Region II Player of the Year, All-State), SP Jimmy Kerby (2nd team All-District)

Outlook: The Patriots struggled out of the gates last year but turned it on toward the end of the regular season, claiming the third spot in the district and advancing to the tournament semifinals. They lost seven seniors from that team, including Region II Player of the Year Dylan Smith, but return several key contributors and underclassmen with potential. Johnny Mason saw some action on the mound in 2008 and will be expected to provide consistency there and at the plate while senior Ben Rosado helps anchor the lineup. Park View can’t afford to fall behind in the standings early again this year. If they get off to a good start, they have the talent to be at or around the top of the table in May.

From the Dugout: "With four starters returning, we should be competitive in every game and be in the mix at the end of the season." – Coach Leap

Potomac Falls (17-8, 11-3 AA Dulles)

Coach: Joe Terango, 12th year

Key Players: SS Rob Malan (.424 BA, 1st team All-District, 1st team All-Region), SP Jake Kline (1st team All-District, 2nd team All-Region), OF Chad McMichael, Sr. (2nd team All-District), SP Michael Detaranto, Sr., C Michael Spring, Sr.

Key Losses: 1B Aaron Sweger (.474 BA, 1st team All-District, 1st team All-Region), DH Patrick Nightingale (2nd team All-District)

Outlook: With seven players back from last year’s regional semifinalists, the Panthers have to be the odds-on favorite to win the Dulles District. In senior pitchers Jake Kline and Michael DeTaranto, they have arguably the best pitcher in the league and a second with plenty of starting experience. All-Region third baseman Rob Malan moves to shortstop where he and senior catcher Michael Spring anchor a lineup with a great combination of power and speed. If they stay healthy and get some innings from Eric Dimsey out of the bullpen, they could make another run toward a Dulles District crown and a Region II title.

From the Dugout: "We've got a lot of experience on the varsity diamond and you'd like to believe that winning is contagious. Kline and Malan are now in their fourth year of varsity baseball and we hope our success the last few years carries over into this one." – Coach Terango

Stone Bridge (20-4, 12-2 AAA Liberty District regular season and tournament champions)

Coach: Sam Plank, ninth year

Key Players: OF/RHP Johnny Bladel, Sr., (.471 BA, 6 2B, 2 3B, 3 HR, 27 RBI, 22 runs, 11 SB, Liberty District Player of the Year, 1st team All-Region, honorable mention All-State), OF Michael Prince, Sr., (.299 BA, 5 2B, 16 RBI, 21 runs, 10 SB)1B Patrick Thompson, Sr., (.359 BA, 4 HR, 24 RBI, 15 runs, 5 SB), SS Pat Piccolo, Sr., (.273 BA, 4 SB), RHP Nick Fialdini, Sr., (1-2, 4.30 ERA, 14 2/3 IP, 15 Ks), RHP/3B Taylor Lambke, Jr.(Transfer from Notre Dame Academy)

Key Loss: SS Mike Stancik (.382 BA, 10 2B, 14 RBI, 17 SB, 1st team All-District), 3B/RHP Tyler Basso (8-1, 0.84 ERA, 58 IP, 70 Ks;.333 BA, 7 RBI, Liberty District and Northern Region Player of the Year, 1st team All-Met, 1st team All-State), RHP Ty Weaver (8-1, 2.11 ERA, 59 2/3 IP, 47 Ks, 1st team All-District, All-Region, honorable mention All-State), C Brian Wheaton, CP Mike Palmer (2-0, 5 S, 1.29 ERA, 21 2/3 IP, 27 Ks), 2B Collin Pearson (.284 BA, 10 RBI, 8 SB), CF Matt Irwin (.299 BA, 12 RBI, 10 SB)

Outlook: The Bulldogs advanced to the AAA Northern Region quarterfinals last season before falling to Oakton, 7-4. They'll rely heavily on 2008 Liberty District Player of the Year John Bladel and senior first baseman Patrick Thompson to lead the offense and senior hurler Nick Fialdini to anchor the rotation. They lost a great deal from last year’s district champions, including the best pitching duo in the league in Tyler Basso and Ty Weaver. But with eleven seniors back, the 2009 Bulldogs have the experience to challenge for a title in a very competitive Liberty District.

From the Dugout: "If this team can stay healthy and our pitchers can mature quickly I think we can have a special season. We have eleven seniors who have been in the program and are very committed. We have to play very well in district play to beat the likes of Madison, McLean and Langley. The Liberty district is very talented and you have to show up every night." - Coach Plank

Extra Points

By Paul Tenorio and Matt Brooks