Mason Kelley from the Seattle Times and I sat down this afternoon to chat about KingCo Baseball, teams from around the state, playoff baseball and the origin of the blog. The video can be viewed below:
I'd like to thank Mason for his time this afternoon and his year-round coverage of high school sports in the area. He does a tremendous job helping get these student-athletes the credit and exposure they deserve. You can check out all of Mason's work on the Seattle Times High School Sports blog and follow him on Twitter @MasonKelley.
Friday, March 25, 2011
First Week of 4A League Play in the Books
Early leaders emerged on Thursday, with Bothell and Redmond both winning key divisional games to stay unbeaten.
4A Crest Division
Redmond 5, Skyline 3 - Senior Zach Abbruzza continued his tear through the first week of KingCo play, homering twice and driving in three runs as Redmond improved to 2-0 in KingCo with a hard-fought 5-3 win over Skyline. Abbruzza, who was 4-for-4 with 7 RBI in Tuesday's win, picked up right where he left off. A two-run blast in the first inning matched the Spartans total in the top of the frame and junior Patrick McGrath tripled home two runs in the third to put the Mustangs ahead for good. Abbruzza added his second home run of the night, providing an insurance run in the fifth inning and all but locking up KingCo 4A Player of the Week honors. Skyline was led once again by the duo of senior Nate Litka (2-for-4, double, 2 RBI) and junior Matt Sinatro (1-for-3, double). 'Stang starter T.J. Whidby recovered from a rough first inning to pick up the win, allowing just the two runs in four innings of work. Senior Michael Conforto struck out the side in the seventh to earn the save, and also had 2 of the Mustang 6 hits on the night. Redmond will take on Newport in a huge divisional clash on Monday.
Issaquah 3, Eastlake 2 - Junior right hander Andrew Kemmerer chipped in on the mound and at the plate for the Eagles, as they notched their first win of the season 3-2 over Eastlake. Kemmerer scattered three hits and three walks over 6 1/3 innings before handing the ball to junior Cole Westover, who slammed the door on the Wolves. Kemmerer also doubled and drove in one of the Eagle runs. Andrew Stull was the tough luck loser, allowing 3 runs in 5 innings. John Armour doubled and drove in both Eastlake runs, keeping his team in the game until the end.
4A Crown Division
Roosevelt 9, Garfield 8 - Junior Zach Naon's grand slam sparked a 6-run fourth inning as the Roughriders evened their KingCo record at 1-1 with a 9-8 win over Garfield. Roosevelt trailed 5-2 headed into the decisive frame where they took a lead they would not relinquish. The Bulldogs fought back to within a run with 2 runs in the top of the seventh, but Spencer Maniccia got the final two outs to save the 'Riders win. Eli Mathieu was 2-for-2 with a double and an RBI to help lead Roosevelt to victory. Zach Ward starred in defeat, finishing the day 3-for-4 with a double and 2 RBI.
Inglemoor 9, Ballard 2 - Senior Connor Savage and junior Perry Pipkin each had three hits in Inglemoor's 16-hit attack as they responded from an opening day conference loss to top the Beavers, 9-2. Senior Emmett Maki was the winning pitcher, tossing 5 shutout innings allowing just 2 hits before handing the ball to junior Lucas Wimmer for the final two frames. Seniors Peter Meuisi and Adam Mosebar each homered, with Mosebar driving in four runs on the afternoon. Ballard's Oliver Guarino provided half of his team's offense with a solo home run in the sixth.
Bothell 5, Woodinville 2 - Sam Lee and Brian McAfee each drove in two runs in a 5-run fifth inning as the Cougars took an early lead in the Crown Division with a 5-2 victory over the rival Falcons. Lee's 2 RBI came on a home run, helping the Cougars in the only inning they would score. Senior southpaw Kevin McShane was the winning pitcher, with Henry Baillargeon surviving a late Woodinville rally for the save. The Falcons loaded the bases with just one out in the final frame, but could not overcome the three-run deficit. Junior T.C. Florentine's two-run home run provided the only Woodinville offense on the day, as they dropped to 1-1 in KingCo play.
Non-League Scores
Mercer Island 10, Franklin 0
4A Crest Division
Redmond 5, Skyline 3 - Senior Zach Abbruzza continued his tear through the first week of KingCo play, homering twice and driving in three runs as Redmond improved to 2-0 in KingCo with a hard-fought 5-3 win over Skyline. Abbruzza, who was 4-for-4 with 7 RBI in Tuesday's win, picked up right where he left off. A two-run blast in the first inning matched the Spartans total in the top of the frame and junior Patrick McGrath tripled home two runs in the third to put the Mustangs ahead for good. Abbruzza added his second home run of the night, providing an insurance run in the fifth inning and all but locking up KingCo 4A Player of the Week honors. Skyline was led once again by the duo of senior Nate Litka (2-for-4, double, 2 RBI) and junior Matt Sinatro (1-for-3, double). 'Stang starter T.J. Whidby recovered from a rough first inning to pick up the win, allowing just the two runs in four innings of work. Senior Michael Conforto struck out the side in the seventh to earn the save, and also had 2 of the Mustang 6 hits on the night. Redmond will take on Newport in a huge divisional clash on Monday.
Issaquah 3, Eastlake 2 - Junior right hander Andrew Kemmerer chipped in on the mound and at the plate for the Eagles, as they notched their first win of the season 3-2 over Eastlake. Kemmerer scattered three hits and three walks over 6 1/3 innings before handing the ball to junior Cole Westover, who slammed the door on the Wolves. Kemmerer also doubled and drove in one of the Eagle runs. Andrew Stull was the tough luck loser, allowing 3 runs in 5 innings. John Armour doubled and drove in both Eastlake runs, keeping his team in the game until the end.
4A Crown Division
Roosevelt 9, Garfield 8 - Junior Zach Naon's grand slam sparked a 6-run fourth inning as the Roughriders evened their KingCo record at 1-1 with a 9-8 win over Garfield. Roosevelt trailed 5-2 headed into the decisive frame where they took a lead they would not relinquish. The Bulldogs fought back to within a run with 2 runs in the top of the seventh, but Spencer Maniccia got the final two outs to save the 'Riders win. Eli Mathieu was 2-for-2 with a double and an RBI to help lead Roosevelt to victory. Zach Ward starred in defeat, finishing the day 3-for-4 with a double and 2 RBI.
Inglemoor 9, Ballard 2 - Senior Connor Savage and junior Perry Pipkin each had three hits in Inglemoor's 16-hit attack as they responded from an opening day conference loss to top the Beavers, 9-2. Senior Emmett Maki was the winning pitcher, tossing 5 shutout innings allowing just 2 hits before handing the ball to junior Lucas Wimmer for the final two frames. Seniors Peter Meuisi and Adam Mosebar each homered, with Mosebar driving in four runs on the afternoon. Ballard's Oliver Guarino provided half of his team's offense with a solo home run in the sixth.
Bothell 5, Woodinville 2 - Sam Lee and Brian McAfee each drove in two runs in a 5-run fifth inning as the Cougars took an early lead in the Crown Division with a 5-2 victory over the rival Falcons. Lee's 2 RBI came on a home run, helping the Cougars in the only inning they would score. Senior southpaw Kevin McShane was the winning pitcher, with Henry Baillargeon surviving a late Woodinville rally for the save. The Falcons loaded the bases with just one out in the final frame, but could not overcome the three-run deficit. Junior T.C. Florentine's two-run home run provided the only Woodinville offense on the day, as they dropped to 1-1 in KingCo play.
Non-League Scores
Mercer Island 10, Franklin 0
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
KingCo 4A Opening Day
League play started on Tuesday for the 4A clubs, with 10 of the league's 11 teams opening with a conference opponent. Pitching was the theme of the day, as most clubs sent their aces to the hill to try and start the season off with a win. Four of the five league contests saw the winning team allow just one run or less, and we saw a couple dramatic finishes.
4A Crest Division
Redmond 12, Eastlake 1 - Gonzaga-bound Zach Abbruzza went off for the Mustangs, driving in 7 runs while going a perfect 4-for-4 with two triples as Redmond opened league play with a 12-1 win over the Wolves of Eastlake. Jake Levin was 3-for-4 with 2 doubles and 3 runs scored and Connor Bozman was 2-for-3 with 2 runs scored, helping pace the 12-hit attack. The Stangs scored in every inning but the fourth, with 6 different players driving in runs. Dylan Davis picked up the win, allowing just a hit and an earned run over four innings. Peyton Lutz and Thomas Crosley pitched shutout innings to close things out.
Newport 1, Issaquah 0 - Senior catcher Daniel Altchech drove in the winning run on an infield ground ball with the bases loaded in the bottom of the seventh to squeak the Knights past their rival Eagles, 1-0. The opening KingCo game for both clubs was a classic pitcher's duel, with Cole Wiper and Jared Fisher combining to keep Issaquah off the scoreboard all day. Wiper got a no-decision, allowing 2 hits and 2 walks over 5, striking out 8. He also wiggled out of a bases loaded, no out jam in the fifth inning. Fisher allowed just a hit over the final two frames and earned the win thanks to the seventh inning heroics. Ethan Kalin and Scott Boydston matched every zero of Newport's division 1 combo on the mound until the final inning. Nate Anderson was 2-for-4 for Newport, while senior second baseman Gavin Schumaker had two of Issaquah's 3 hits on the day.
4A Crown Division
Garfield 3, Ballard 1 - Junior John Trupin went the distance for the Bulldogs, scattering seven hits and allowing just one earned run as Garfield won their opener, 3-1 over Ballard. Spencer Scott's two-run single in a three-run sixth inning gave the Bulldogs the lead for good, as Trupin held off the Beavers in the seventh inning. Sophomore infielder Chandler Honican was 2-for-2 with a run scored and Trupin added a hit and an RBI for Garfield. Sophomore Ryan Kangas was 2-for-3 with a double and drove in the lone Ballard run. However, Kangas took the loss in relief, allowing all three runs in the sixth inning after starter Danny Thompson had held the 'Dogs at bay over the first four innings.
Bothell 7, Roosevelt 6 - The Cougars scored two unearned runs in the bottom of the seventh to walkoff on the Roughriders Tuesday, 7-6. Bothell used a four-run fifth inning to take a 5-2 lead into the seventh. However, Roosevelt would not quit, scoring 4 runs of their own in the top of the seventh to take a 6-5 lead. The Cougars answered the call, plating the tying and go ahead runs in the bottom half of the frame to escape with a victory. Brian McAfee, Mitchell Viydo and Brad Monson each drove in two runs for Bothell with Viydo collecting three hits on the day. The Roughriders were led by Zach Naon (3-for-4, 2 RBI), Jack Brennan (2-for-4) and Eli Mathieu (2-for-3, 2 runs). Brady Mickelson was the winning pitcher, pitching the final two-thirds of the top of the seventh with a strikeout.
Woodinville 5, Inglemoor 1 - Junior right hander Spencer Greer struck out 8 over 6 one-hit innings and senior Carl Svanevik was 2-for-2 as the Falcons got an opening day KingCo victory, 5-1 over the defending Crown division champion Vikings. Greer took a no-hitter into the fifth inning, with his only run allowed being an unearned run in the sixth. Junior Cody Bauman struck out the side in the seventh to secure the win. Senior Sean Sellers had two walks and an RBI, while sophomore Caleb Hamilton doubled and drove in a run. Junior Blake Wilson drove in the lone score for Inglemoor. Woodinville will travel to Bothell for a matchup of 1-0 teams on Thursday night.
From here on out on the blog, the focus will be on league games. With KingCo 4A play starting up yesterday and 3A soon to follow, we have plenty to keep up with. As time allows, I will list scores from non-league contests (as seen below)...
Non-League Scores
Mount Si 11, Skyline 5
Mountlake Terrace 5, Mercer Island 2
4A Crest Division
Redmond 12, Eastlake 1 - Gonzaga-bound Zach Abbruzza went off for the Mustangs, driving in 7 runs while going a perfect 4-for-4 with two triples as Redmond opened league play with a 12-1 win over the Wolves of Eastlake. Jake Levin was 3-for-4 with 2 doubles and 3 runs scored and Connor Bozman was 2-for-3 with 2 runs scored, helping pace the 12-hit attack. The Stangs scored in every inning but the fourth, with 6 different players driving in runs. Dylan Davis picked up the win, allowing just a hit and an earned run over four innings. Peyton Lutz and Thomas Crosley pitched shutout innings to close things out.
Newport 1, Issaquah 0 - Senior catcher Daniel Altchech drove in the winning run on an infield ground ball with the bases loaded in the bottom of the seventh to squeak the Knights past their rival Eagles, 1-0. The opening KingCo game for both clubs was a classic pitcher's duel, with Cole Wiper and Jared Fisher combining to keep Issaquah off the scoreboard all day. Wiper got a no-decision, allowing 2 hits and 2 walks over 5, striking out 8. He also wiggled out of a bases loaded, no out jam in the fifth inning. Fisher allowed just a hit over the final two frames and earned the win thanks to the seventh inning heroics. Ethan Kalin and Scott Boydston matched every zero of Newport's division 1 combo on the mound until the final inning. Nate Anderson was 2-for-4 for Newport, while senior second baseman Gavin Schumaker had two of Issaquah's 3 hits on the day.
4A Crown Division
Garfield 3, Ballard 1 - Junior John Trupin went the distance for the Bulldogs, scattering seven hits and allowing just one earned run as Garfield won their opener, 3-1 over Ballard. Spencer Scott's two-run single in a three-run sixth inning gave the Bulldogs the lead for good, as Trupin held off the Beavers in the seventh inning. Sophomore infielder Chandler Honican was 2-for-2 with a run scored and Trupin added a hit and an RBI for Garfield. Sophomore Ryan Kangas was 2-for-3 with a double and drove in the lone Ballard run. However, Kangas took the loss in relief, allowing all three runs in the sixth inning after starter Danny Thompson had held the 'Dogs at bay over the first four innings.
Bothell 7, Roosevelt 6 - The Cougars scored two unearned runs in the bottom of the seventh to walkoff on the Roughriders Tuesday, 7-6. Bothell used a four-run fifth inning to take a 5-2 lead into the seventh. However, Roosevelt would not quit, scoring 4 runs of their own in the top of the seventh to take a 6-5 lead. The Cougars answered the call, plating the tying and go ahead runs in the bottom half of the frame to escape with a victory. Brian McAfee, Mitchell Viydo and Brad Monson each drove in two runs for Bothell with Viydo collecting three hits on the day. The Roughriders were led by Zach Naon (3-for-4, 2 RBI), Jack Brennan (2-for-4) and Eli Mathieu (2-for-3, 2 runs). Brady Mickelson was the winning pitcher, pitching the final two-thirds of the top of the seventh with a strikeout.
Woodinville 5, Inglemoor 1 - Junior right hander Spencer Greer struck out 8 over 6 one-hit innings and senior Carl Svanevik was 2-for-2 as the Falcons got an opening day KingCo victory, 5-1 over the defending Crown division champion Vikings. Greer took a no-hitter into the fifth inning, with his only run allowed being an unearned run in the sixth. Junior Cody Bauman struck out the side in the seventh to secure the win. Senior Sean Sellers had two walks and an RBI, while sophomore Caleb Hamilton doubled and drove in a run. Junior Blake Wilson drove in the lone score for Inglemoor. Woodinville will travel to Bothell for a matchup of 1-0 teams on Thursday night.
From here on out on the blog, the focus will be on league games. With KingCo 4A play starting up yesterday and 3A soon to follow, we have plenty to keep up with. As time allows, I will list scores from non-league contests (as seen below)...
Non-League Scores
Mount Si 11, Skyline 5
Mountlake Terrace 5, Mercer Island 2
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
First State Baseball Rankings
The first Seattle Times high school baseball rankings have been released and the KingCo conference is well represented. Two teams crack the top 10 in each of the polls, with another eight "on the bubble."
At the 4A level, preseason Crest Division favorite Redmond comes in at #3, with Newport just one spot behind the Mustangs at #4. Bothell, Inglemoor, Issaquah, Skyline and Woodinville find themselves on the watch list.
For 3A, defending KingCo tournament champion Mercer Island opens the season at #5, with 2010 co-champion Mount Si three spots further down at #8. Bellevue, Lake Washington & Liberty are the next group of teams looking to crack the polls.
References: Seattle Times HS Baseball Rankings
At the 4A level, preseason Crest Division favorite Redmond comes in at #3, with Newport just one spot behind the Mustangs at #4. Bothell, Inglemoor, Issaquah, Skyline and Woodinville find themselves on the watch list.
For 3A, defending KingCo tournament champion Mercer Island opens the season at #5, with 2010 co-champion Mount Si three spots further down at #8. Bellevue, Lake Washington & Liberty are the next group of teams looking to crack the polls.
References: Seattle Times HS Baseball Rankings
Monday Non-Leagues
Just two KingCo teams were in action on Monday on the eve of KingCo 4A opening day...
Monday Results
Ballard 4, Seattle Lutheran 2 - In their final tuneup prior to league play, the Beavers used a four-run fourth inning to top Seattle Lutheran, 4-2. Sophomore Frank Airey was 2-for-3 with an RBI, while fellow soph Ryan Kangas drove in two of Ballard's four runs. Senior Parker Hanson was the winner on the bump, allowing 3 hits and 2 runs in his 4 innings of work. Ballard opens KingCo 4A play on Tuesday at Garfield HS.
Mount Si 15, Auburn Mountainview 2 - The Wildcats scored early and often, smashing 15 hits en route to a 15-2 five-inning rout of Auburn Mountainview. Seniors Max Brown, Tim Proudfoot and Nate Sinner each drove in three, with Brown and Proudfoot homering on the afternoon. Reese Karalus picked up the win to even his season record at 1-1.
KingCo 4A league play opens today with five matchups, including Newport and Issaquah renewing their long-time rivalry:
KingCo 4A Tuesday Openers
Ballard @ Garfield, 3:45 PM
Redmond @ Eastlake, 4:00 PM
Newport @ Issaquah, 4:00 PM
Roosevelt @ Bothell, 6:00 PM
Inglemoor @ Woodinville, 6:30 PM
Monday Results
Ballard 4, Seattle Lutheran 2 - In their final tuneup prior to league play, the Beavers used a four-run fourth inning to top Seattle Lutheran, 4-2. Sophomore Frank Airey was 2-for-3 with an RBI, while fellow soph Ryan Kangas drove in two of Ballard's four runs. Senior Parker Hanson was the winner on the bump, allowing 3 hits and 2 runs in his 4 innings of work. Ballard opens KingCo 4A play on Tuesday at Garfield HS.
Mount Si 15, Auburn Mountainview 2 - The Wildcats scored early and often, smashing 15 hits en route to a 15-2 five-inning rout of Auburn Mountainview. Seniors Max Brown, Tim Proudfoot and Nate Sinner each drove in three, with Brown and Proudfoot homering on the afternoon. Reese Karalus picked up the win to even his season record at 1-1.
KingCo 4A league play opens today with five matchups, including Newport and Issaquah renewing their long-time rivalry:
KingCo 4A Tuesday Openers
Ballard @ Garfield, 3:45 PM
Redmond @ Eastlake, 4:00 PM
Newport @ Issaquah, 4:00 PM
Roosevelt @ Bothell, 6:00 PM
Inglemoor @ Woodinville, 6:30 PM
Monday, March 21, 2011
KingCo 4A - Crest Division Preview
Crest Division - Pre-Season Coaches Poll
1) Redmond (3 first place votes) - 15 points
2) Newport (2) - 14 points
3) Skyline - 9 points
4) Issaquah - 8 points
5) Eastlake - 4 points
Coaches were asked to rank their division in order of projected finish, excluding their own teams. 4 points were awarded for 1st, 3 for second and so on down to 1 point for 4th. One team did not vote.
Team Capsules (listed alphabetically)
Eastlake Wolves
Head Coach: Kevin Agnew (1st year)
2010 Summary: 1-15 KingCo (5th in Crest division), 1-18 overall
Returning starters: Casey Fithian (Jr - C), Connor Hanson (Sr - IF)
Other returners: Andrew Carey (Sr - OF), Alex Chen (Jr - OF), Alex Dean (Sr - P), Robert Nolan (Jr), Ethan Potter (Sr - P/OF), Andrew Stull (Jr - P)
Top newcomers: John Armour (Jr - OF/C), Nick Kassuba (Jr - IF/P), David Stariha (Sr - IF), Michael Staudinger (Soph - OF), Ryan Tucker (Sr - P)
Season Outlook from Coach Agnew: Our kids are working very hard and are excited to compete against their Kingco competition. We have an experienced group of pitchers and a nice mix of young position players. Casey Fithian will return as our starting catcher. He provides quality leadership for our team and we look to him for production as a middle order guy. Andrew Carey will lead our outfielders. He returns after a strong junior year and he is another guy that provides leadership and will be a middle order hitter. All together our team is working hard to prepare for the upcoming season. This year our league and our division are going to be extremely tough. Our kids are looking forward to the challenge and are ready to get going.
Issaquah Eagles
Head Coach: Rob Reese (18th year, 298-123 career record)
2010 Summary: 12-4 KingCo (T-1st in Crest division), 17-6 overall; Eliminated in KingCo playoffs
Returning starters: Jake Bakamus (Jr - SS), Ben Rosellini (Sr - LF)
Other returners: Ethan Kalin (Jr - P/1B), Brandon Mahovlich (Jr- P/3B), Blake Miller (Jr - CF), Gavin Schumaker (Sr - 2B)
Top newcomers: Scott Boydston (Jr - P), Jack Gellatly (Fr - IF), Matt Gonn (Jr - P/OF), Ryan Guiberson (Soph - 1B/P), Andrew Kemmerer (Jr - P/C), David McIlvaine (Jr - IF), Trenton Nagasawa (Jr - IF), Danny Rawlings (Jr - OF/P), Justin Reynolds (Sr - 2B), Zach Walker (Soph - C), Cole Westover (Jr - P/3B)
Season Outlook from Coach Reese: Lost 13 seniors from 2010 team. Have only 3 seniors this year. Rebuilding year. Strong junior class but lack experience. Pitching depth could be a problem early.
Newport Knights
Head Coach: Hal DeBerry (2nd year)
2010 Summary: 11-5 KingCo (3rd in Crest division); Eliminated in KingCo playoffs
Returning starters: Daniel Altchech (Sr - Util), Nate Anderson (Jr - CF), Nick Clifford (Sr - 1B/OF), Jared Fisher (Sr - RHP/1B), Billy Sahlinger (Jr - SS/RHP), Cole Wiper (Sr - RHP/IF)
Other returners: Brandon Richards (Sr - C), Eric Jensen (Sr - RHP), Lee Stoops (Sr - C)
Top newcomers: Ioannis Kritsonis (Jr - IF), Curtis Kojima (Jr - OF), Matt Murray (Sr - RHP/3B), Zak Holcomb (Sr - RHP/1B), Aaron Sandefur (Jr - 3B/RHP), Mason Paul (Jr - IF), Keith Van Court (Sr - OF/1B), Joseph Victor (Sr - OF)
Season Outlook from Coach DeBerry: The Knights return a solid nucleus of players from the 2010 campaign, with six returning position players who saw significant time last season. The pitching staff will be deep and experienced, with four returners who pitched last season. Pitching and defense are the strengths of the ball club; our offensive progression will be a key in where we finish in a very tough Crest Division.
Redmond Mustangs
Head Coach: Dan Pudwill (7th year, 104-37 career record)
2010 Summary: 12-4 KingCo (T-1st in Crest division), 19-6 overall; KingCo tournament champions, eliminated in State quarterfinals
Returning starters: Zach Abbruzza (Sr - P/IF), Michael Conforto (Sr - IF), Dylan Davis (Sr - P/OF), Peter Hendron (Jr - P/OF), Patrick McGrath (Jr - IF), T.J. Whidby (Sr - P/IF)
Other returners: Jake Levin (Sr - P/IF), Colin McBride (Sr - C/OF)
Top newcomers: Conner Bozman (Jr - OF), Peter Irvin (Sr - P)
Season Outlook from Coach Pudwill: We should be able to score runs this year. The key is to maintain consistency on the mound and solidify our defense. Hopefully, if we do those things, we can find a way out of Kingco and into the state tourney.
Skyline Spartans
Head Coach: Chris Tamminen (8th year)
2010 Summary: 7-9 KingCo (4th in Crest division), 12-12 overall; KingCo tournament runner-up, eliminated in first round of State
Returning starters: Weston Blackburn (Sr - IF), Zach Liddle (Sr - IF), Nate Litka (Sr - IF), Jimmy Sinatro (Jr - C)
Top newcomers: Connor Gilchrist (Jr - P/OF), Clayton Huber (Jr - P/1B), Matt Lunde (Jr - P), Brandon Lundenberg (Sr - P), Tyler Neudorfer (Sr - IF), Connor Reinerstein (Jr - OF), Travis Snider (Sr - P/OF)
Season Outlook from Coach Tamminen: Have a good group of kids. Hope they learn quickly how they need to play at this level. A group that will get better as we go.
1) Redmond (3 first place votes) - 15 points
2) Newport (2) - 14 points
3) Skyline - 9 points
4) Issaquah - 8 points
5) Eastlake - 4 points
Coaches were asked to rank their division in order of projected finish, excluding their own teams. 4 points were awarded for 1st, 3 for second and so on down to 1 point for 4th. One team did not vote.
Team Capsules (listed alphabetically)
Eastlake Wolves
Head Coach: Kevin Agnew (1st year)
2010 Summary: 1-15 KingCo (5th in Crest division), 1-18 overall
Returning starters: Casey Fithian (Jr - C), Connor Hanson (Sr - IF)
Other returners: Andrew Carey (Sr - OF), Alex Chen (Jr - OF), Alex Dean (Sr - P), Robert Nolan (Jr), Ethan Potter (Sr - P/OF), Andrew Stull (Jr - P)
Top newcomers: John Armour (Jr - OF/C), Nick Kassuba (Jr - IF/P), David Stariha (Sr - IF), Michael Staudinger (Soph - OF), Ryan Tucker (Sr - P)
Season Outlook from Coach Agnew: Our kids are working very hard and are excited to compete against their Kingco competition. We have an experienced group of pitchers and a nice mix of young position players. Casey Fithian will return as our starting catcher. He provides quality leadership for our team and we look to him for production as a middle order guy. Andrew Carey will lead our outfielders. He returns after a strong junior year and he is another guy that provides leadership and will be a middle order hitter. All together our team is working hard to prepare for the upcoming season. This year our league and our division are going to be extremely tough. Our kids are looking forward to the challenge and are ready to get going.
Issaquah Eagles
Head Coach: Rob Reese (18th year, 298-123 career record)
2010 Summary: 12-4 KingCo (T-1st in Crest division), 17-6 overall; Eliminated in KingCo playoffs
Returning starters: Jake Bakamus (Jr - SS), Ben Rosellini (Sr - LF)
Other returners: Ethan Kalin (Jr - P/1B), Brandon Mahovlich (Jr- P/3B), Blake Miller (Jr - CF), Gavin Schumaker (Sr - 2B)
Top newcomers: Scott Boydston (Jr - P), Jack Gellatly (Fr - IF), Matt Gonn (Jr - P/OF), Ryan Guiberson (Soph - 1B/P), Andrew Kemmerer (Jr - P/C), David McIlvaine (Jr - IF), Trenton Nagasawa (Jr - IF), Danny Rawlings (Jr - OF/P), Justin Reynolds (Sr - 2B), Zach Walker (Soph - C), Cole Westover (Jr - P/3B)
Season Outlook from Coach Reese: Lost 13 seniors from 2010 team. Have only 3 seniors this year. Rebuilding year. Strong junior class but lack experience. Pitching depth could be a problem early.
Newport Knights
Head Coach: Hal DeBerry (2nd year)
2010 Summary: 11-5 KingCo (3rd in Crest division); Eliminated in KingCo playoffs
Returning starters: Daniel Altchech (Sr - Util), Nate Anderson (Jr - CF), Nick Clifford (Sr - 1B/OF), Jared Fisher (Sr - RHP/1B), Billy Sahlinger (Jr - SS/RHP), Cole Wiper (Sr - RHP/IF)
Other returners: Brandon Richards (Sr - C), Eric Jensen (Sr - RHP), Lee Stoops (Sr - C)
Top newcomers: Ioannis Kritsonis (Jr - IF), Curtis Kojima (Jr - OF), Matt Murray (Sr - RHP/3B), Zak Holcomb (Sr - RHP/1B), Aaron Sandefur (Jr - 3B/RHP), Mason Paul (Jr - IF), Keith Van Court (Sr - OF/1B), Joseph Victor (Sr - OF)
Season Outlook from Coach DeBerry: The Knights return a solid nucleus of players from the 2010 campaign, with six returning position players who saw significant time last season. The pitching staff will be deep and experienced, with four returners who pitched last season. Pitching and defense are the strengths of the ball club; our offensive progression will be a key in where we finish in a very tough Crest Division.
Redmond Mustangs
Head Coach: Dan Pudwill (7th year, 104-37 career record)
2010 Summary: 12-4 KingCo (T-1st in Crest division), 19-6 overall; KingCo tournament champions, eliminated in State quarterfinals
Returning starters: Zach Abbruzza (Sr - P/IF), Michael Conforto (Sr - IF), Dylan Davis (Sr - P/OF), Peter Hendron (Jr - P/OF), Patrick McGrath (Jr - IF), T.J. Whidby (Sr - P/IF)
Other returners: Jake Levin (Sr - P/IF), Colin McBride (Sr - C/OF)
Top newcomers: Conner Bozman (Jr - OF), Peter Irvin (Sr - P)
Season Outlook from Coach Pudwill: We should be able to score runs this year. The key is to maintain consistency on the mound and solidify our defense. Hopefully, if we do those things, we can find a way out of Kingco and into the state tourney.
Skyline Spartans
Head Coach: Chris Tamminen (8th year)
2010 Summary: 7-9 KingCo (4th in Crest division), 12-12 overall; KingCo tournament runner-up, eliminated in first round of State
Returning starters: Weston Blackburn (Sr - IF), Zach Liddle (Sr - IF), Nate Litka (Sr - IF), Jimmy Sinatro (Jr - C)
Top newcomers: Connor Gilchrist (Jr - P/OF), Clayton Huber (Jr - P/1B), Matt Lunde (Jr - P), Brandon Lundenberg (Sr - P), Tyler Neudorfer (Sr - IF), Connor Reinerstein (Jr - OF), Travis Snider (Sr - P/OF)
Season Outlook from Coach Tamminen: Have a good group of kids. Hope they learn quickly how they need to play at this level. A group that will get better as we go.
KingCo 4A - Crown Division Preview
Crown Division - Pre-Season Coaches Poll
1) Inglemoor (4 first place votes) - 24 points
2) Woodinville (1) - 20 points
3) Bothell (1) - 19 points
T-4) Ballard - 11 points
T-4) Roosevelt - 11 points
6) Garfield - 6 points
6) Garfield - 6 points
Coaches were asked to rank their division in order of projected finish, excluding their own teams. 5 points were awarded for 1st, 4 for second and so on down to 1 point for 5th.
Team Capsules (listed alphabetically)
Ballard Beavers
Head Coach: John Lamm (3rd year, 10-29 career record)
2010 Summary: 6-10 KingCo (5th in Crown division)
Returning starters: Frank Airey (Soph - C), Brendan Foor (Sr - 3B/SS), Rory Graf-Brennen (Soph - 2B), Oliver Guarino (Sr - OF), Danny Thompson (Sr - P), Steven Weber (Jr - 1B)
Other returners: Eric Frank (Sr - P), Joe Jacobson (Soph - P), Ben Welch (Soph - SS)
Top newcomers: Stuart McGeorge (Soph - OF), Alex Stamey (Soph - 2B)
Season Outlook from Coach Lamm: We are still very young; if we can find a #2 pitcher we will be all right.
Bothell Cougars
Head Coach: Paul Moody (13th year at Bothell, 28th year in KingCo, 327-271 career record)
2010 Summary: 10-6 KingCo (2nd in Crown division), 17-8 overall; Lost to Kelso in winner-to-state district game
Returning starters: Henry Baillargeon (Sr - P), Dain Gilbert (Sr - 3B), Jordan Kynaston (Sr - P), Brian McAfee (Sr - P/3B/DH), Kevin McShane (Sr - P/1B), Jon Mercer (Sr - SS), Ryan Morgan (Sr - OF), Mitchell Viydo (Sr - 2B)
Other returners: Brad Monson (Sr - OF/P)
Top newcomers: Zach Anderson (Jr - 1B), Rex Carlin (Jr - P/OF), Zach Farmer (Sr - OF), Nik Gray (Jr - OF), Eric Gregory (Sr - OF), Jordan Johnson (Sr - C), Samuel Lee (Soph - C), Brady Mickelson (Jr - 2B/P), Mark Woods (Jr - SS)
Season Outlook from Coach Moody: Bothell returns a solid group of infielders and a couple of starting pitchers from last year. We hope to compete good enough to make the Kingco playoffs and with any luck move on to the state tournament.
Garfield Bulldogs
Head Coach: Chris Moedritzer (1st year head coach after 3 years as assistant)
2010 Summary: 5-11 KingCo (5th in Crest Division), 8-11 overall
Returning starters: Hayes Gorecki (Soph - P/UTIL), Chandler Honican (Soph - IF), Ruben Palmer (Sr - CF), Spencer Scott (Sr - P/C/3B), John Trupin (Jr - P/1B), Zach Ward (Jr - P/1B/LF)
Other returners: Hank Droege (Jr - P/1B), Liam McFeely (Jr - P/IF), Ian Zapolsky (Sr - P)
Top newcomers: Grant Bronsdon (Jr - OF), Cody Browne (Jr - OF), Valentino Coleman (Sr - P/3B), Collin Evenson (Jr - P/OF), Jordan Gipson (Sr - OF), Sam Kennard (Jr - C/IF), Joe Markman (Sr - C), Ricky Nakamura (Jr - OF/P), Joe Renner (Jr - P/3B), Charlie Tarnoff (Jr - P/IF)
Season Outlook from Coach Moedritzer: The Bulldogs hope to pick up where they left off after a strong finish to the 2010 season. A strong junior class leads the way with 11 Varsity players. Garfield has more pitching depth this year than it has traditionally had in the past, as well as a solid catcher and middle infield anchoring the defense. The offense lost a few big bats to graduation, but the returners have significantly improved their hitting in the offseason. The schedule figures to be different with Garfield switching from the Crest to the Crown division, but the goal of making the Kingco 4Apostseason tournament remains the same.
Inglemoor Vikings
Head Coach: Bryan McNaghten (4th year, 47-27 career record)
2010 Summary: 14-2 KingCo (Crown division champions), 18-5 overall; eliminated in KingCo playoffs
Returning starters: Dustin Doucette (Sr - P), Mitchell Gonsolus (Sr - SS), Emmett Maki (Sr - P/1B), Peter Meuisi (Sr - 3B/OF), Conor Savage (Sr - OF), Obi Taylor (Sr - P/1B), Garrett Vandiver (Sr - OF/2B), Blake Wilson (Jr - C/OF)
Other returners: Alex Morrow (Sr - P/3B), Adam Mosebar (Sr - C)
Top newcomers: Ken Holen (Soph - OF), Sean Howard (Sr - P), Eric Rodgers (Sr - P), Lucas Wimmer (Jr - P/3B)
Season Outlook from Coach McNaghten: Senior led team untested in a couple key spots – success will be determined by ability to fill those spots. Pitching & senior leadership appears to be strengths of the Vikings.
Roosevelt Roughriders
Head Coach: Jason Bowie (4th year)
2010 Summary: 3-13 KingCo (6th in Crown division), 4-16 overall
Returning starters: Blair Davidson (Sr - C), Graylin Derke (Jr - P/3B), David Holt (Sr - P/IF), Tate Maider (Soph - C), Reid Martinez (Sr - P/IF/OF), Tim Moore (Sr - P/IF/OF), Zach Naon (Jr - OF), Cody Shaul (Jr - 1B)
Other returners: Jack Brennan (Sr - OF), Eli Mathieu (Sr - P/2B)
Top newcomers: Spencer Maniccia (Soph - P/1B), Anthony Laguardia (Soph - 2B)
Season Outlook from Coach Bowie: The Riders are welcoming back all three of their starting pitchers from last season. Those pitchers are part of the 8 of 9 overall position players returning from last year as well. Defense and pitching will be the key as the Riders try for their first playoff berth since joining the KingCo in 1997. With some senior leadership and good pitching, Roosevelt has their best chance ever to secure a playoff berth this season.
Woodinville Falcons
Head Coach: Terry Agnew (20th year)
2010 Summary: 8-8 KingCo (3rd place in Crown division), 12-8 overall
Returning Varsity players: Clarke Bader (Jr - C), Shea Donlin (Jr - SS), T.C. Florentine (Jr - OF), Spencer Greer (Jr - P), Ryland Longoni (Sr - OF), Sean Sellers (Sr - 3B), Doug Sullivan (Sr - C/1B), Carl Svanevik (Sr - OF), Beau Vintertun (Jr - 2B)
Top newcomers: Cody Bauman (Jr - P), Max Carter (Jr - OF), Caleb Hamilton (Soph - P/IF), Kalei Kover (Sr - P), Matt Laitala (Jr - IF), Marty Luckenbach (Jr - P), Stephan White (Soph - P), Nate Wilham (Jr - IF/OF)
Season Outlook from Coach Agnew: Woodinville has a good group of players returning to the team this year.
Catching Up...
Busy weekend for the blog...apologies for missing the late week action. A quick look at games played on Thursday - Saturday is below:
Thursday Results
Kentridge 8, Issaquah 0
- no highlights available
Mt. Rainier 3, Skyline 1
- Nate Litka (Skyline - Senior) - 1-for-2, double
- Brandon Lunderbert (Skyline - Senior) - 5 IP, 3 H, 3 R (1 ER), 2 BB, 4 Ks
Garfield 21, Franklin 4
- Spencer Scott (Garfield - Senior) - 4-for-5, 3 runs scored
- Ruben Palmer (Garfield - Senior) - 3-for-5, double, 4 RBI, 4 runs scored
- Chandler Honican (Garfield - Soph) - 2-for-4, 4 RBI
- Colin Evenson (Garfield - Junior) - Win, 4 IP, 4 Ks
Ballard 6, Interlake 1
- Danny Thompson (Ballard - Senior) - Win, 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 5 Ks
- Alex Stamey (Ballard - Soph) - 2-for-3
Friday Results
Inglemoor 16, Juanita 1
- Inglemoor - nine-run first inning
- Blake Wilson (Inglemoor - Junior) - 4-for-4, 2 doubles, 3 RBI
- Adam Mosebar (Inglemoor - Senior) - 3-run HR
- Garrett Vandiver (Inglemoor - Senior) - 3 runs scored
Skyline 11, Kentwood 3
- Nate Litka (Skyline - Senior) - 2-for-3, double, 2 RBI
- Matt Sinatro (Skyline - Junior) - 2-for-4, RBI
- Matt Lunde - (Skyline - Junior) - Win, 5 1/3 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 5 Ks
Mercer Island 16, Garfield 2
- Brian Higgins (MI - Soph) - 3-for-3, 4 RBI
- David Oppenheim (MI - Junior) - 2-for-2, double, 3 runs, 2 RBI
- Jordan Richartz (MI - Senior) - 2-for-3, triple, 2 runs
- Evan Thompson (MI - Senior) - 2-for-3, 2 RBI, 2 runs
- Spencer Scott (Garfield - Senior) - 2-for-3
Liberty 8, Issaquah 4
- Jacob Hofferber (Liberty - Senior) - Win, 4 IP, 2 H, 2 R
- Ryan Maio (Liberty - Senior) - 2-for-2, RBI, run
- Ben Wessel (Liberty - Junior) - 1-for-3, double, RBI
- Justin Reynolds (Issaquah - Senior) - 2-for-2, solo HR
Sammamish 4, Ballard 1
- Paul Heywood (Sammamish - Junior) - Win, 5 IP, 4 H, 1 R (0 ER)
- Joe Giacchetti (Sammamish - Freshman) - Save, 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 Ks
Saturday Results
Moses Lake 5, Roosevelt 2
- Graylin Derke (Roosevelt - Junior) - 1-for-3, HR, 2 RBI
Roosevelt 12, Graham-Kapowsin 11
- Graylin Derke (Roosevelt - Junior) - Winning Pitcher; triple, RBI
- Tim Moore (Roosevelt - Senior) - triple, 2 RBI
Kelso 10, Issaquah 4
- no highlights available
Bothell 5, O'Dea 1
- Henry Baillargeon (Bothell) - Win, 4 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 4 Ks
- Brian McAfee (Bothell) - 3-for-3, RBI, 2 runs
- Mitchell Viydo (Bothell) - 2-for-3, 2 RBI
Newport 8, Kelso 0
- Billy Sahlinger (Newport - Junior) - Win, 5 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 Ks
- Jared Fisher (Newport - Senior) - 1-for-4, double, 2 RBI
- Curtis Kojima (Newport - Junior) - 1-for-2, 2 RBI
Shorewood 3, Inglemoor 0
- Kevin Moriarty (Shorewood) - 4 IP, 1 H, 4 BB, 7 Ks
- Conner McKeever (Shorewood) - 1-for-3, RBI; Save, 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R
Southridge 20, Redmond 2
- Mike McAdie (Southridge) - 3-for-4, 4 RBI
- Matt Mendenhall (Southridge) - 3-for-4, HR, 3 RBI
- Bryce Jackson (Southridge) - 3-for-4, HR, 3 RBI
Southridge 15, Redmond 5
- Matt Mendenhall (Southridge) - Hit for the cycle, 4 RBI, 3 runs
- A.J. Henderson (Southridge) - 2-for-3, 2 doubles, 3 RBI, 3 runs
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