Archbishop Spalding, St. Mary’s and Park look to defend baseball titles
The Cavaliers are seeking a fourth consecutive title in the MIAA A Conference
March 17, 2025
While Archbishop Spalding seeks its fourth consecutive A Conference baseball crown this season, St. Mary’s and Park will be seeking to grab repeat titles in the B and C conferences, respectively.
A CONFERENCE
Archbishop Spalding has broken out of the gate quickly with five victories over rivals from Richmond, Washington and Philadelphia to begin its quest to raise a fourth straight A Conference banner this spring.
On Saturday, according to Instagram, the Cavaliers finished their non-league portion of the schedule by topping Malvern Prep, 7-2, in 11 innings.
Seniors Brayden Robinson (West Virginia), Sam Houchens (Rhode Island) and Tyler Portch, sophomore Camden Hunter and freshman Ashton Taylor, allowed just four hits while fanning 14 Friars.
Seniors Cruz Luna, Drew Emrich (Fairmont State) and Robinson paced the Spalding hitting attack in the win for coach Joe Palumbo’s squad.
Spalding followed that up by taking the first two games of a three-game A Conference-opening series against Loyola Blakefield, blanking the Dons in both instances.
Nathan Wines (East Carolina) and Peyton Mamula (Maryland) started both shutouts with Houchens and junior Arian Vargas (Alabama) finishing things off with a flourish from the bullpen.
With senior standouts like first baseman Theo Luoghlin (Davidson) and catcher John McNally also contributing to the Cavaliers' cause, thoughts of a four-peat abound.
"We've set a certain standard for ourselves," Palumbo said. "So, yeah, when you have the talent, (winning a championship) is realistic."
Calvert Hall returns all but one starter from a team talented enough to advance to the last two playoff finals, prompting coach Brooks Kerr to say that the Cardinals have “high expectations to return to the championship series.”
The senior-bolstered roster features outfielders Will Haacke (James Madison, 2024-.368 batting average) and Kaden Barmer (Goldey-Beacom College, .262), shortstop Travis Peitz (George Washington, 314), pitchers Austin Downs (Ursinus), Peter Bashore (St. Joseph’s University, 4-2) and Nathan Rogriguez (DH .353, 7-2), third baseman Tom Pilarski, (Gettysburg College, .284), second baseman Clark Mileto, (Roanoke, .306) and catcher Brayden Wolf (Catholic).
Loyola Blakefield should be able to start each A Conference’s three-game series in a position of considerable strength, considering that coach Mike Kelly can call on ace Joe Nottingham, a 6-foot-5 right-handed University of Georgia commit who Kelly says is “our Monday pitcher.”
The Dons have other talented arms as well, including junior lefties Jake Caponi and Steve Robertson.
Football QB Brad Seiss will also toe the rubber — and patrol the outfield — at some point after he returns from a knee injury.
Junior shortstop Colby Shilling will be in the leadoff spot, setting the table for senior second baseman Gavin Pope, Nottingham (when he’s playing first base or DH-ing) and Seiss’ twin, Derek, a middle-of-the-lineup hitter.
Senior Ryan Clary, who was more of a utility player last spring, has nailed down the catching job for a team that is likely to be in the hunt until the playoffs begin on May 17.
“It’s their show now,” Kelly said about the Dons. “They’re the ones who will have to make plays.”
With six members of the Maryland State Association of Baseball Coaches preseason team and some other notable players dotting its roster, John Carroll figures to be a serious contender this spring for conference laurels
Included in that group is senior center fielder Casey Carpenter (UNC Wilmington), who batted .398 with a 1.312 OPS with nine doubles, two triples, five homers and 21 RBIs last season.
He will join University of Alabama commit Will Rhine, a highly-touted middle infielder whose playing time was limited last year due to an injury. Senior catcher Dallas Brooks logged a lot of innings behind the plate in 2024 and showed some pop with a bat (4 HRs, 15 RBIs) as well.
Two other up-the-middle fielders, senior Drew Jourdan (Frostburg, 400, 4 HRs, 25 RBIs) and junior Miguel Leon (Maryland .317, 13 RBIs), should give the Patriots more heft in the field and at the plate.
Pitching will also be a strong suit with a pair of fireballers, 6-foot-6, 235-pound senior UMBC commit Brooks Mueller and junior Pierce Quinn (University of Virginia), on the mound.
Coach Darrion Siler said that his team is “locked and loaded for what promises to be an electrifying season in one of the most competitive high school baseball leagues in the region.”
With excellent pitching and a powerful lineup that also features Joey Coudon and Cam Leach, the Patriots have already gained some valuable experience while going 1-3 at the Perfect Game National High School Showdown in Hoover, Ala., a couple of weeks ago.
Siler said that the Patriots have what it takes to be a formidable squad this spring.
“This group has all the pieces to make a deep postseason run,” he said. “Now, it’s about putting it all together.”
In a season in which league rivals mostly have a ton of experience, Archbishop Curley returns just three starters to the 20-man Friars’ fold.
Owen Shaprow will lead the mound corps, sharing pitching chores with fellow senior right-hander Nathaniel Welcos.
Shaprow’s co-captain, senior Chase Bandy, will get a chance to start behind the plate while junior Nico Brownlee will patrol center field and will lead off or hit out of the two-hole.
“We’re very young,” coach Joe Gaeta said. “But our young guys are good enough. We’ll go as far as our pitching takes us.”
Mount St. Joseph has a pitching staff that coach Phil Kraska says is the best in the league.
It starts with right-hander Peyton Youngbar (Salisbury University), whose five-pitch arsenal matches that of senior lefty Collin Park (Columbia University).
Fellow senior hurler Andrew Kummer can bring low-90s heat while junior Michael Bahouth fires splitter with slightly less velocity. Junior Carson Kelm rounds out the staff when not playing first base and hitting third or cleanup.
They will throw to senior catcher Matthew Pistner, who employs his prowess as a top-notch hockey goalie to keep the pitchers’ offerings in play. St. Maria Goretti senior transfer Mike Goldsmith will share backstop duties.
Senior Colin Harrison (West Virginia University), a left-hand hitting first baseman and right fielder, will try to knock in junior leadoff hitter Evan Bodensiek, a fleet base runner and outfield anchor in center.
“I really like our chances,” Kraska said. “I think we can surprise a lot of people and we should be able to be in every game. One great thing about this team is how much they like each other more than any other team I’ve had.”
Like most teams without an ace to carry a pitching staff, creativity will be a key for Gilman this spring.
Seniors Caleb Lawson (OF), Jake Mohler (IF), Krish Rangarajan (IF) and Dylan Buchalter (RHP/Ut) will join juniors Jute Taylor (IF) and Toby Rosenband (C) as the pillars of a team that will place sophomores Henry Warnack (LHP/1B) and Zane Krikstan (IF/RHP) in some high-leverage situations.
Freshman Jack O’Sullivan (OF/RHP) was also introduced to top-notch varsity competition and the rookie responded with a two-run double in 5-4 victory over John Carroll in the A Conference debut for both schools.
"We are working with an interesting mix of veteran players and guys that are brand new to the program," assistant coach Mark Lemon said. "The pitching staff has shown the ability to be flexible with their outings — and will have to continue to be."
"We are working with an interesting mix of veteran players and guys that are brand new to the program," assistant coach Mark Lemon said. "The pitching staff has shown the ability to be flexible with their outings — and will have to continue to be."
B CONFERENCE
Although Boys' Latin has not claimed a B Conference championship since 2021, the Lakers' wait might be over this spring.
After all, BL's roster is stocked with 10 seniors giving the coach Bill Greewell's team a hefty amount of stability.
"We had a similar situation in '21," he said. "So this year, we'll try to ride our seniors and then figure things out next year."
One of those seniors, center fielder Bryce Fox, made a sudden impact in a 9-6 victory over Pittsburgh-area public school Bethel Park by smacking a grand slam after trailing, 6-1, in Myrtle Beach this week.
Senior right-handers Jonah Stockton (Coast Guard Academy) and Colton Bordick lead a pitching staff that also features junior righty Colin Barrett and junior southpaw PJ Martino.
Bordick, the reigning B Conference Offensive Player of the Year, plays third base and Stockton patrols right field when they're not on the hill.
Shortstop Mark Windle, who gives the Lakers solid fielding up the middle with senior second baseman Blake Shumate, joins Bordick and Stockton as the only members of the last title team.
Boys' Latin started the season on a high note by topping neighborhood A Conference rival, 7-4.
Things didn't go well in 2024 for Indian Creek, which was winless until the last game of the season.
“Last year we learned a lot through some struggles,” coach Bob Laffey said. “And this year, with already a win under our belt, the guys have bought into doing some things a bit differently. We have some new additions who I am excited about and a staff of coaches who are really committed to building solid young men and players who never stop competing.”
The Eagles will rely on senior shortstop Andrew Harris (St. Mary's College of Maryland), senior catcher Adam Seidleck and junior second baseman Luka Hummer to help turn things around.
Like many other of its rivals, McDonogh is hoping to take advantage of a range of older and younger players this season, with juniors Leo Antwerpen (P/1B) Max Rose (SS) and sophomore Anderson Lambert (INF/OF) leading the way.
“We have a good mix of upperclassmen and underclassmen on our team,” coach Zach Rowe said. “We are excited about our pitching staff and the athleticism on our roster. If we play good defense, we should be in most games that we play. We are excited to compete for another championship this season.”
No matter the situation, St. Paul’s is unlikely to run out of arms this spring. The Crusaders’ pitching staff is that deep.
“This year's team is filled with veteran talent, as we only graduated one senior last year and 12 of our 17 players will log innings on the mound this year, creating both quantity and quality depth,” coach AJ Barnhardt said.
Senior Evan Gebhardt (Shenandoah University) and juniors Jackson Angulo-Bartlett and Ashton Seeman will be at the top of the rotation.
Seniors Kobe Arrington (Penn St.-Altoona) and Josh Matthews join junior Eli Livingston (Maryland) and Drew Mitchell to solidify the outfield. Junior utility players Jaidyn Thornes will add to the mix.
“Overall, St. Paul's is looking to make it back into the highly competitive B conference playoffs again this year behind stellar pitching and great depth across the diamond,” Barmhardt concluded.
Severn is off to a quick start after lefty ace Caden Blanck (Richmond) fanned 16 in just six innings of work in a 4-0 shutout of St. Mary’s.
The Admirals aren’t just a one-man show, considering senior Matt Fisher produced a tidy 2.88 ERA on the hill last spring and junior Fletcher Warner can pitch, hit (.444), run (league-leading 26 SB) and field (CF) with the best the league has to offer.
Senior switch-hitter Aiden Szydlik (Coast Guard Academy) made only five errors at shortstop last season and junior catcher Brendan Szydlik hit over .300 last spring.
Coach Zak Starr said that the Admirals’ pitchers “are a foundation, along with excellent team defense in the middle of the field.”
Warren is a table-setting leadoff hitter, a perfect match with “strong contact hitters throughout the lineup and many have returned a year older and with more power and speed,” Starr said. “We should have a good defense, especially up the middle and returning starters at catcher, shortstop, second and center. Last year's team (record) jumped from 6-10 (2023) to 11-4 in conference play. With continued growth from the returners, we will have a chance to be at the top of the league.”
Look for Our Lady of Mount Carmel to reap the rewards of having some seasoned players on the diamond this spring.
Coach Mike Naunton said that his “players have gained valuable experience and learned valuable lessons at the varsity level as underclassmen.”
A pair of juniors, Andy Sosa and Chase Counts, will be the starting pitchers when not rotating at third base while sophomore Jake Vanhoy takes the closer role.
Junior outfielder Caleb Pugh and junior first baseman/DH BJ Brown will bat in the middle of a lineup that also includes junior Lance Gregory, who anchors an outfield that boasts speedy fly chasers with strong arms.
Sophomore Ethyn Street will play shortstop for the Cougars, who have scored a combined 31 runs in victories over St. Vincent Pallotti and Key School.
“Last year we learned a lot through some struggles,” coach Bob Laffey said. “And this year, with already a win under our belt, the guys have bought into doing some things a bit differently. We have some new additions who I am excited about and a staff of coaches who are really committed to building solid young men and players who never stop competing.”
The Eagles will rely on senior shortstop Andrew Harris (St. Mary's College of Maryland), senior catcher Adam Seidleck and junior second baseman Luka Hummer to help turn things around.
Like many other of its rivals, McDonogh is hoping to take advantage of a range of older and younger players this season, with juniors Leo Antwerpen (P/1B) Max Rose (SS) and sophomore Anderson Lambert (INF/OF) leading the way.
“We have a good mix of upperclassmen and underclassmen on our team,” coach Zach Rowe said. “We are excited about our pitching staff and the athleticism on our roster. If we play good defense, we should be in most games that we play. We are excited to compete for another championship this season.”
No matter the situation, St. Paul’s is unlikely to run out of arms this spring. The Crusaders’ pitching staff is that deep.
“This year's team is filled with veteran talent, as we only graduated one senior last year and 12 of our 17 players will log innings on the mound this year, creating both quantity and quality depth,” coach AJ Barnhardt said.
Senior Evan Gebhardt (Shenandoah University) and juniors Jackson Angulo-Bartlett and Ashton Seeman will be at the top of the rotation.
Seniors Kobe Arrington (Penn St.-Altoona) and Josh Matthews join junior Eli Livingston (Maryland) and Drew Mitchell to solidify the outfield. Junior utility players Jaidyn Thornes will add to the mix.
“Overall, St. Paul's is looking to make it back into the highly competitive B conference playoffs again this year behind stellar pitching and great depth across the diamond,” Barmhardt concluded.
Severn is off to a quick start after lefty ace Caden Blanck (Richmond) fanned 16 in just six innings of work in a 4-0 shutout of St. Mary’s.
The Admirals aren’t just a one-man show, considering senior Matt Fisher produced a tidy 2.88 ERA on the hill last spring and junior Fletcher Warner can pitch, hit (.444), run (league-leading 26 SB) and field (CF) with the best the league has to offer.
Senior switch-hitter Aiden Szydlik (Coast Guard Academy) made only five errors at shortstop last season and junior catcher Brendan Szydlik hit over .300 last spring.
Coach Zak Starr said that the Admirals’ pitchers “are a foundation, along with excellent team defense in the middle of the field.”
Warren is a table-setting leadoff hitter, a perfect match with “strong contact hitters throughout the lineup and many have returned a year older and with more power and speed,” Starr said. “We should have a good defense, especially up the middle and returning starters at catcher, shortstop, second and center. Last year's team (record) jumped from 6-10 (2023) to 11-4 in conference play. With continued growth from the returners, we will have a chance to be at the top of the league.”
Look for Our Lady of Mount Carmel to reap the rewards of having some seasoned players on the diamond this spring.
Coach Mike Naunton said that his “players have gained valuable experience and learned valuable lessons at the varsity level as underclassmen.”
A pair of juniors, Andy Sosa and Chase Counts, will be the starting pitchers when not rotating at third base while sophomore Jake Vanhoy takes the closer role.
Junior outfielder Caleb Pugh and junior first baseman/DH BJ Brown will bat in the middle of a lineup that also includes junior Lance Gregory, who anchors an outfield that boasts speedy fly chasers with strong arms.
Sophomore Ethyn Street will play shortstop for the Cougars, who have scored a combined 31 runs in victories over St. Vincent Pallotti and Key School.
C CONFERENCE
"If we continue to cultivate the kind of talent we have, we hope to be competitive in the B Conference," coach Chris Hagan said about the Park's aspirations beyond this season.
Six seniors are returning, yet a slew of younger talent melding with more experienced players makes the Bruins even more intriguing.
The pitching staff — senior right-hander Seth Katz, sophomores Jack Rogers, Cameron Blum and Issac Shapiro and freshman Noah Tomasino — reflects that diversity. Senior submariner Alex Mahn shares closing duties with Tomasino.
The hurlers contributed to Park's 9-6 victory over B Conference member St. Paul's last week.
That group also fills other needs, such as Katz playing shortstop when he's not on the hill, sometimes switching positions with Jack Rogers, whose senior brother, Max, is a power-hitting third baseman.
Speedy freshman center fielder Josh Downs fills the leadoff role with a good eye and even better speed.
Junior Owen Cyr works behind the plate for a team that Hagan says "won't surprise" other rivals the way it did last spring.
"We're looking to be competitive again," he said. "We're hoping to send our seniors out on a high note and to make a big splash for Park."
Key School boasts four seniors who tasted championships in 2022 and 2023 “before taking a small step backwards in 2024,” according to coach Gary Gallant.
And shortstop/pitcher Angus Lunt-Woodward (Bard College), catcher Aidan Stewart and outfielder Erhan Ortiz would like to add one more during their four-year tenure.
Junior pitcher/outfielder Wyatt Dowton will be part of a nine-man, strike-throwing pitching staff that will rely on Ortiz (LF), junior Alex Neenan (CF) and sophomore Ben Kamins (RF) to patrol the outfield.
Junior transfer John Fisher will play third base while helping at the plate from the two-hole.
“For the first time in years we know we're the underdog, and that feeling has really motivated the team to focus on strength, conditioning, and baseball fundamentals throughout the offseason,” Gallant added. “They’re working harder than ever to prove that our program’s tradition of excellence isn’t going anywhere.”
A trio of juniors, Jonathan Couser (C/SS), Jordan Mentzell, (P/INF) and Owen Feltz (1B/SS), will drive Concordia Prep this spring
“We are a young team that seeks to be in the playoff hunt,” coach Peter Couser said. “Have to replace some innings on the mound after graduating last season’s C Conference player of the year, who went 6-1 and threw over 40 innings last
year.”
Friends will be fueled by its “two-headed monster” lefty-righty sophomore pitchers, Gabe Hanes and Gavin George, according to coach Robbie Miller.
“I’m excited to see what Gavin and Gabe will do this season,” Miller said about Hanes’ southpaw slants complementing his right-handed teammates’ offerings. “Both of them can pound the stroke zone, and they have good velocity for sophomores.”
George plays shortstop when he’s not on the hill while Hanes is an outfielder/first baseman.
Seniors Connor House (OF), Adam Nicholson (3B/P) and Braeden Daniels (OF) contribute in a variety of ways on a team that is mostly sophomore driven — with junior Jack Motz being an exception.
“Jack is our best hitter,” Miller said. “He and Gabe provide the most pop.”
Even though its seniors opt out for a trip to Israel before the playoffs, Beth Tfiloh could be a strong contender for a C Conference banner.
And shortstop/pitcher Angus Lunt-Woodward (Bard College), catcher Aidan Stewart and outfielder Erhan Ortiz would like to add one more during their four-year tenure.
Junior pitcher/outfielder Wyatt Dowton will be part of a nine-man, strike-throwing pitching staff that will rely on Ortiz (LF), junior Alex Neenan (CF) and sophomore Ben Kamins (RF) to patrol the outfield.
Junior transfer John Fisher will play third base while helping at the plate from the two-hole.
“For the first time in years we know we're the underdog, and that feeling has really motivated the team to focus on strength, conditioning, and baseball fundamentals throughout the offseason,” Gallant added. “They’re working harder than ever to prove that our program’s tradition of excellence isn’t going anywhere.”
A trio of juniors, Jonathan Couser (C/SS), Jordan Mentzell, (P/INF) and Owen Feltz (1B/SS), will drive Concordia Prep this spring
“We are a young team that seeks to be in the playoff hunt,” coach Peter Couser said. “Have to replace some innings on the mound after graduating last season’s C Conference player of the year, who went 6-1 and threw over 40 innings last
year.”
Friends will be fueled by its “two-headed monster” lefty-righty sophomore pitchers, Gabe Hanes and Gavin George, according to coach Robbie Miller.
“I’m excited to see what Gavin and Gabe will do this season,” Miller said about Hanes’ southpaw slants complementing his right-handed teammates’ offerings. “Both of them can pound the stroke zone, and they have good velocity for sophomores.”
George plays shortstop when he’s not on the hill while Hanes is an outfielder/first baseman.
Seniors Connor House (OF), Adam Nicholson (3B/P) and Braeden Daniels (OF) contribute in a variety of ways on a team that is mostly sophomore driven — with junior Jack Motz being an exception.
“Jack is our best hitter,” Miller said. “He and Gabe provide the most pop.”
Even though its seniors opt out for a trip to Israel before the playoffs, Beth Tfiloh could be a strong contender for a C Conference banner.
Seniors Zach Rogers (P/SS) and Oscar Wright (P/OF/1B) should help to propel the Warriors toward the postseason before handing over the reins to juniors Rafi Sanuel (2B/OF) and Alex Kadis (CF), sophomores Ben Wahlberg (P/C/OF) and Sam Krupkin (P/iB) and freshmen Matan Kaplowitz (C) and Adam Steinberg (P/SS) and Gary Gould (INF).
"The sophomores really need to evolve," coach Don Wright said. "So do the juniors — we need all of our young guys to come through."
With a 10-7 win over Concordia Prep already under its belt, St. Frances Academy has high hopes for fun this spring.
Moreover, five freshmen entering the program are not only highly skilled but also experienced in big-game situations, Owens said.
"With the leadership of experienced seniors, a deep pitching staff, and a talented group of freshmen eager to make their mark, the Panthers are ready to make a serious run at a championship," Owens concluded.
The Panther's lone sophomore, Jeremiah Yates, is expected to be one of the top third baseman in the conference this year, bringing both stability and skill to the infield.
"It's shaping up to be one of the most exciting seasons in recent memory for the SFA baseball program," SFA coach Mike Owens says. "With a good mix of returning players and fresh talent, the Panthers are primed to make a serious push for conference success."
Anthony Mayfield III anchors the pitching staff and looks for support from a lineup that includes fellow juniors Mason Hodges and Joseph Cooper, who, Owens said, "have shown exceptional promise in the offseason and have already made their presence felt during the preseason. Both players bring a competitive edge and experience that should be invaluable as the team moves forward."
Those newcomers will join seniors Dorian Goldston and Leon Taylor Jr., two returnees "who reset their focus and renewed their efforts, they are fully committed to leading the team to a championship as their lasting legacy," Owens added.
Moreover, five freshmen entering the program are not only highly skilled but also experienced in big-game situations, Owens said.
"With the leadership of experienced seniors, a deep pitching staff, and a talented group of freshmen eager to make their mark, the Panthers are ready to make a serious run at a championship," Owens concluded.
The Panther's lone sophomore, Jeremiah Yates, is expected to be one of the top third baseman in the conference this year, bringing both stability and skill to the infield.