Baseball 954 Magazine

Plantation American Heritage and Archbishop McCarthy both advanced to Friday’s state championship games behind the arms of Shaun Anderson and Nick Travieso.  Heritage started the action on Thursday against the nation’s top ranked Tampa Jesuit and came away with a dramatic extra inning 3-0 win as senior, Brandon Diaz delivered a 3-run homer in the top of the 8th inning to advance the Patriots to the Class 5A title game on Friday at 7:00pm in Port Read more »

Archbishop McCarthy headlines four Broward teams in their bid to make next week’s state tournament.  The Mavericks have been to the state final four tournament three years in a row and winning the last two championships. Joining ABM in the Regional Finals are Sheridan Hills Christian (2A), Nova Titans (7A), American Heritage Patriots (5A) and West Broward Bobcats(8A).  Sheridan Hills starts the action at 4pm on Friday, May 11th with all other games under the lights.

NOTE: Our predictions for the Regional Semi-Finals finished 4-2.  We correctly called West Broward’s big upset over Flanagan. Overall our 2012 playoffs picks now stand at 42-9.

Regional Finals, Friday May 11th:

(2A) Sheridan Hills Christian vs Miami Westwood Christian @ Miami 4pm

BASEBALL 954 PREDICTION: Miami Westwood 10 Sheridan Hills 2

Read more »

The heavens, Zion Lutheran and St. Thomas all shed tears on Tuesday as stormy weather on and off the field made headlines.  Only one game was played as spring showers halted Regional Semi-final action across Broward County setting the plate for “Makeup Wednesday“. Sheridan Hills Christian, behind senior pitcher, Chris Meyer shocked heavily favored Zion Lutheran 6-3.  Playing on the road against a team they had lost to three Read more »

Six more Broward high schools advanced to the Regional Semi-finals next week to join their four brethren who already secured a place on Wednesday.  West Broward upset Coral Springs 3-1 and will play district nemesis Flanagan, a  6-1 winner over Douglas.  It will mark the fourth time the two will play this year with Flanagan winning all three prior games.  Also, advancing is Archbishop McCarthy after defeating Miami Hialeah Lakes 7-0, Coral Springs Charter who beat Miami Archbishop Carroll 3-0,  Zion Lutheran 5-1 winner over Miami Mater Academy, and Sheridan Hills Christian who upset Miami Champagnat 7-0.   In head to head match-ups with Palm Beach County and Dade County, Broward has represented well.  The 954 is 2-2 against Palm Beach and 4-2 against Dade for a combined 6-4 South Florida record.  Baseball 954 Magazine finished 9-5 in its quarterfinal predictions. Overall, we remain the top South Florida online publication with a 38-7 prognostication record so far in the 2012 playoffs.

The 2012 Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) baseball playoffs are scheduled to begin May 2^nd and 3^rd.  The Regional Quarterfinal action begins with 18 teams from Broward County hoping to advance to the finals to be played in Port Saint Lucie, Florida May 17^th thru May 24^th.  Broward high schools hosting regional games include:  8A- Coral Springs and Flanagan, 7A- Monarch and Nova, 6A- Archbishop McCarthy, 5A- American Heritage, 4A- Coral Springs Charter, 3A- Coral Springs Christian, and 2A- Zion Lutheran.  Last year, two Broward schools (North Broward Prep and Archbishop McCarthy) advanced to the final four with only Archbishop McCarthy being crowned state champion.  This year projects to be a much better year for the 954 with pitching rich schools positioning title runs. Read more »

In the world of high school baseball, a strong argument can be made that the best playing area in the United States is Broward County.  With 50 public and private teams playing varsity schedules, Broward has accomplished a dramatic increase in state and national recognition in the past 10 years.  Since 2002, Broward teams have won 9 state championships and three national titles, pretty impressive considering prior to 2002 Broward had won only 1 state championship in 50 years.  The forecast for Broward County high school baseball in 2012 looks promising despite budget cuts and its effect on high school programs. Baseball 954 Magazine  spring high school preview looks closer at district changes, possible finishes, and notable players to watch. Read more »

Northeast lefty, Scott Green

The 2012 high school baseball season for Broward County begins February 13^th.  We continue to look at the changes and potential outcomes for the spring.

District 15 – 7A

District 15 has the least amount of teams of all the newly formed districts.  Last year, Monarch found itself in one of Florida’s toughest districts (10-6A), having to face the power teams found in north Broward.  Today, Monarch stands as the favorite in a district made up of only four teams located primarily on the east side of Broward.  Under fifth year coach, Joe Franco, the Knights have the experience and pitching to hoist the district trophy for the first time in school history. Don’t expect Northeast to back down from challenging Monarch for the top spot as the Hurricanes graduated three starters from Read more »

Maverick 3 Peat?

Baseball 954Magazine spotlights District 15- 6A.  Led by defending national champion, Archbishop McCarthy, the district includes two teams (Pembroke Pines Charter and Ft. Lauderdale) who could press the Mavericks in 2012.  Ultimately, District 15 remains in Archbishop’s control but the race for the second seat will create some drama.

District 15 – 6A

Southwest Ranches, Florida is nestled on the western edge of Broward County and is home to America’s reigning top high school baseball team, Archbishop McCarthy.  The Mavericks picked up the title in 2011 along with its second consecutive state championship.  Heading into 2012, the Mavs return a solid pitching nucleus and defensive experience to challenge for a three-peat.  Led by senior pitchers, Andre Martinez and Nick Travieso, Read more »

Heading into 2012, District 13 – 4A promises to be the top 4A district in the state of Florida.  The district’s seven teams combined to win 100 games in 2011, and should surpass that mark this year.

District 13- 4A

Mike Moss returns to lead Chaminade Madonna after spending the past three years establishing West Broward High School.  Moss’ last game with the Lions in 2008 was a playoff loss to eventual national champion American Heritage. Heading into 2012, the Lions hope to pick up where they left off in 2008 and find themselves with the talent to win a district crown.  Read more »

Baseball 954 Magazine’s spring preview continues with District 13-2A, where three teams battle for elusive titles and respect: Deerfield Beach Zion Lutheran, Hollywood Sheridan Hills, and Posnack Hebrew.

District 13-2A

Last year, Sheridan Hills relied upon the Myer brothers, Ron and Chris to carry the weight on the mound and they didn’t disappoint by helping the Sharks record 12 wins. Graduation left only the younger Chris in place to improve from 2011.  But Coach Tim Talpesh believes Myer along with Thomas Davis and Jed Wilson are poised to take Sheridan Hills to their first title as the Read more »

1. American Heritage (6-1)…Have outscored opponents 44-3 in the past 4 games.
2. Archbishop McCarthy (4-1)…Tough loss to Miami Columbus. 4-0 Flying L’s are next.
3. Nova (4-0)…Have given up 1 run while scoring 43 in 4 wins.  Tests begin in March.
4. Flanagan (4-1)…4 game winning streak including outscoring foes 28-1 last week.
5. Coral Springs (3-1)…Close games in two wins last week vs teams with combined 3-6 record. Read more »

CS Charter hitter Ashton Martinez takes a swing

Led by solid pitching and timely hitting, Coral Springs Charter beat Sagemont   5-1 to move to 4 wins against two losses on the season.  Led by Sophomore hitting sensation, Christian Kawly’s two hits and three stolen bases, the Panthers scored early to post an advantage over the home Lions.   Read more »

WEEK 4

1. Nova  (6-0)…The Titans take over top spot because of the best pitching staff in Broward.  Nova has allowed only 2 runs through 6 games. Big test on Tuesday (3/6) against rival St.Thomas.
2. Flanagan (5-1)…Falcons have outscored opponents 41-2 in their last 4 games. Jose Mesa’s 18 strikeout-no hitter versus Cypress Bay stands as one of the most dominant performances in Broward HS history.
3. American Heritage (7-2)…Living on the edge caught up with the Patriots in their 5-2 loss versus Orlando West Orange. Next 3 opponents have a combined 5-15 record.
4. Archbishop McCarthy (7-2)…Tough loss to West Palm’s Summit Christian marks second loss to Broward neighbors. Tough games with Dade Pace and Goleman this week.
5. Coral Springs (5-1)…Colts recorded two easy district wins last week. Not counting present company, District 11 teams have a combined 10-24 record in 2012. Year of Colts in doubt. Read more »

Miami Westminster Christian pitcher, Marc Sanchez out dueled Archbishop McCarthy ace, Nick Travieso 2-1 in the Selective Recruiting Invitational Tournament played at Nova Southeast University.  Westminster Christian catcher, Daniel Sanchez’ first inning homerun looked to be all the Dade County Warriors needed behind the 1 hit pitching of Sanchez through 6 innings. Read more »

WEEK 5

1.  Nova (10-0)… Titans continue to roll and remain the last undefeated team in the 954.   The green and gold’s Titan Classic win over West Broward in the championship game marks Pat McQuaid’s 801st win.  Road trip to North Carolina in April will test perfection.

2.  Archbishop McCarthy (9-3-1)… Mavericks are 2-2-1 over their last 5 games, but have played top competition including a tough 2-1 loss against Miami Westminster Christian.  ABM’s pitching is keeping them in games but the bats have to be better.

3.  Coral Springs ( 8-2)…The Colts seven game win streak was snapped in a close call with Miami Southwest. Still, Alan Sharkey and company have answered some questions with a strong showing in the Selective Invitational.

4.  American Heritage (10-3)… AH looked to repeat as Selective Invitational champs until Douglas upset the Patriots 3-2 in an emotional homecoming for Douglas coach, Fitzgerald.  Big game ahead on the 24th versus Miami Gulliver, should solidify post season hopes.

5. Flanagan (8-3)…Back to back losses in the Sarasota Classic drop the Falcons to fifth in the county.  Jose Mesa Jr. showed he was human after all by losing to Venice.  But, the big righty has only allowed 2 hits in the last 20 innings, and will push Flanagan into serious contention when its all said and done.

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Flanagan's Jose Mesa Jr. after collecting one of his four hits

Flanagan High School used a nine run first inning as a spring board to crush district rival Cypress Bay High School in a mercy rule shortened game played in Weston. The once proud Cypress Bay program generated 1 hit on the night, which was 1 more hit the previous time the Lightning played against the more powerful Falcons.  Flanagan ace Jose Mesa Jr. pitched the no hitter on March 2nd as the “Big Green” won 5-0, this time around Mesa delivered with his bat as the senior went 4-5 with two doubles to lead the winners.  Cypress Bay drops to 7-7 on the year while the Falcons improve to 11-4.

WEEK 7

1.  Nova (11-1)… Don’t read too much into Nova’s one run loss to St. Thomas, a game which saw Titan ace, Troy Massaro, in the  field and not on the mound.  Opponents average 1.5 runs per game against the green and gold, which is always the calling card of great teams.

2.  Archbishop McCarthy (12-3-1)… Mavericks are on a roll since losing to Dade power, Westminster Christian 2-1 on 3/12. The bats have accounted for 44 runs during their five game win streak.  Showdown on 3/29 with district rival Pembroke Pines Charter and their lefty ace Alijandro Khan.

3. American Heritage (13-3)…The Patriots came up big against Miami Gulliver in a prime time game at Florida International University. A tough road trip to North Carolina should prepare AH for the post season.

4.  Coral Springs ( 11-3)…Upset loss to Coral Glades keeps the Colts from moving up but don’t expect another district loss the rest of the way.  Springs defense and pitching have to be more consistent heading down the stretch.

5. Flanagan (11-4)…The Falcons have rebounded after being swept during their west coast tournament.  Jose Mesa Jr.  continues to put this team on his back on the mound and at the plate, as he  makes a strong case for “Player of  the Year”.  Since returning to Broward, Flanagan has scored 44 runs while allowing 0 during their 3 game win streak.  Second showdown with West Broward on 4/5. Read more »

Nova SE University's A.J. Regoli

Nova Southeast University senior centerfielder, Areo (A.J.) Regoli continues his torrid home run pace with 14 round trippers through 27 games.  Regoli’s batting average is an impressive .383 with a club leading 34 runs batted in.  The Homestead, Florida native is leading the college nation with his home runs per game average of .54 and is tied for eleventh in Division II with a 1.31 rbi’s per game average.  The all time record for home runs per game was set in 1981 by Bill Packer of Sacred Heart with a .73 clip. Regoli is a big part of why Nova S.E. is having a successful season with a 21-6 record half way through the season. You can catch the future big leaguer this weekend at the Nova complex as they host conference opponent Saint Leo Lions in a twin bill on Saturday.

If you haven’t had a chance to see the future stars of Broward baseball in action, check out a local park in one of our county’s 31 municipalities and see the best youngsters in the country compete. Of course you can always  go to the  Florida Premier website at Read more »

Broward PPO Bengals 11U

A controversial call with 2 out in the last inning cost the 11u PPO Bengals a chance to win the USSSA Super NIT tournament held in Lantana, Florida.  Instead, the Bengals lost the championship game to the Tampa Titans 10-9 in action played April 15th.  The Bengals were led by Devin Roche who set a tournament record of 5 home runs while recording 14 hits in 20 at bats.  Despite the runner up trophy, the Bengals qualified for the national Super NIT later this summer where the top 32 teams in America battle it out for top 11u champion.

The Broward County Athletic Association (BCAA) announced its district high school basaeball tournament schedule beginning April 23rd through April 27th.  The action begins with a 4pm contest between 16-7A Cooper City and  South Broward at Nova High next Monday.

District 5A-16          at Pompano Beach HS (Pompano Beach Com.Park)

Game 1                       4/25               6:30pm                       (3) Dillard vs (2) Pom.Bch.

Championship           4/27            6:30pm                       Gm.1 Winner vs (1) Amer. Heritage Read more »

Regular Season Final Ranking

1. Nova (19-1)…Coach Pat McQuaid’s 2012 team exemplifies the Titan formula for success – pitching, defense, and discipline.  The Titans reeled off 8 straight wins to finish the regular season with Broward’s highest winning percentage…950.
2. Flanagan (15-4)…The Falcons have been impressive since their spring break debacle in Sarasota by winning seven in a row.  “Gang Green” have outscored their opponents 71-9 during their streak behind the hitting of Andres Sanchez (.455) and Rick Sanchez (.400).
3. Archbishop McCarthy ( 20-4-1)…ABM got a huge mental boost from pitching ace Nick Travieso’s no-hitter against Dade County power, Gulliver Prep.  The Mavericks have allowed only 3 runs in the last 7 games and are beginning to resemble last year’s national champion team. Read more »

District 16-7A Action

Broward high school baseball fans have witnessed exciting district playoff action this week with a few upsets and big steps for the favorites.  District 13-4A has lived up to its billing as the most balanced district in the 954 with the average run difference through five games has been 2.  The last two standing are Pine Crest and Coral Springs Charter, the #3 and #1 seeds respectfully. In District 11-8A, Douglas has regained respect with a convincing 10-0 win against rival and #2 seed Coral Glades. The Eagles face Coral Springs in a rematch of an old finals rivalry after Coral Springs disposed of Piper 10-0.  Other district championship rematches from 2011 include District 14-3A where Coral Springs Christian takes on Calvary Christian.  CS Christian’s Dany Toussant is a force Calvary Christian will have to neutralize if they hope to avoid last year’s loss.    District 16-7A might be a new district but the two finalists will be old foes St.Thomas and Nova. They each won their semi’s with solid outings, St.Thomas beat Plantation 8-2 while Nova shutout Cooper City 6-0.  Archbishop McCarthy will play host to Pembroke Pines Charter for the District 15-6A crown and home field advantage next week.  Zion Lutheran plays for its first District 13-2A title Thursday afternoon against Sheridan Hills and its ace Chris Myers.  The only two district championships not scheduled for Thursday is District 16-5A where American Heritage and Pompano Beach will clash Friday night in Pompano. And District 12-8A will see Flanagan and West Broward repeat their exciting championship game from last year as Jose Mesa Jr. looks to throw a third no-hitter against the Bobcats in 2012.

For the record, Baseball 954 Magazine has been perfect in its district final predictions.  Our overall crystal ball record stands at 20-2! To view our predictions, click this link: Read more »

Baseball 954 Magazine was a perfect 7 for 7 in predicting Broward Championship Thursday!  Our overall prediction record for the 2012 playoffs stands at 27-2. That’s a .931 batting average for all the statisticians keeping track.

West Broward High School finally made a dent in the Rolls Royce that had left tire marks on their collective backs all year. But in the end the Bobcats finished 1 run shy in their bid for District 12-8A‘s crown.  Flanagan’s Jose Mesa Jr. had previously no-hit West Broward twice during the regular season but the third try proved more difficult as the senior gave up 3 runs in the Falcons 4-3 win at Cypress Bay High School.  In Pompano, American Heritage pitchers allowed only 1 hit to Pompano Beach bats in their 7-0 win to capture District 16-5A. Alex Seibold registered the win pitching 5 innings for the Patriots.

Baseball 954 Magazine’s district playoffs predictions finished a perfect 9-9 in championship round play and 29-2 overall for a batting average of .935!