Top Teams in the MD, DC, and NOVA Area

I put my money on the Riverdale program. It's a first class program with first class players.

Dematha is awesome. In my opinion the best team in the Metro area. Cecil and Campbell are probably the two best RHP and LHP in the state of Maryland. Palumbo, Russell, Beamer, Walther and the others provide some of the best bats in the WCAC. I think theyll repeat as WCAC champs. I was really impressed with them over the summer with Greenbelt. They play hard and most importantly, THEY PLAY AS A TEAM.

QO from what Ive heard has returned the majority of its team intact. I know they turned alot of heads last year with the younger guys who managed to step it up, and get the respect they deserve. Having Johnson still in the lineup is also a bonus. I liked there pitching staff from this previous year, and I think they'll win some big games for the Cougars. I wish them the best.

You can't count out a team like Arundel. I know lately they haven't had the talent there accustomed to in recent years, but they still manage to win games. I think they have a young lefty, and a big righty who can chuck the ball. Offensively, I don;t think theyll blow anyone away, but theyll win alot of games with the smarts Bernie teaches.

My public school fav is Stone. They had a few heartbreakers especially against Northern. Only had 4 losses for the entire year (16-4), and never lost by more than 3 runs. LHP Tim Thompson (MSABC south, 82-85), Justin Armiger (All-Confernce, 80-82) and Jr. John Kale all throw over 80. Kale hits 87 with awesome movement. Also returning are All-Conference DH Tony Gagliano, All-County catcher Aaron Jenkins, and outfielders Nate Hays and Mark McGill. They gave current A level RHP Daryl Thompson all they could, only losing 2-1 in the Semis. The game winning runner tripped and was gunned down at the plate and they lost in extras. One more thing...you better believe theyre hungry to put an 04 on that outfield fence. Stone is now in the 4A East so we'll see what happens in playoffs.

As for public high school, in the NOVA area, folks need to keep an eye on Westfield High School and Mr. Synder.

In the IAC-
Georgetown Prep returns as a favorite in the league. Jason Kitchen has transferred here, and supposedly has a nasty curveball to compliment his Mid-80s fastball. Saint-Stevens/Saint Agnes had one noticable player. A RHP about 6'4 210, threw in the mid to high 80s. Bullis graduated lots of seniors, and will come this year with a young team. Travis Lay(6'4 RHP, basketball prospect) and Jose Avila will be the leaders of the team. Landon has 2 underclassmen that I noticed as well. Jake Kaden(spelling?) playing middle infield and Will Hanlin LHP.

My thoughts

Don't worry I know STA is always a threat to the league. Unfortunately Bullis couldn't take advantage of its talent last year. Tighe Holden, Ryan Hannegan, and Brendan Holden. We will be pretty young this year, probably 4-5 sophmores playing.

EDIT: Was Will Krasne pitching for JV last year? I faintly remember facing a pretty fast pitcher who threw a curve from STA. If I remember correctly he is inconsistent in his pitch location

I like G-Prep also with Kantakavich and Tidball on the mound. Jason Kitchen went to Riverdale versus G-Prep, but I still think they will be one of the top teams.

do you know if Marcus Jones has signed with a college

Its not how good you are; its how well you play - scout

Heard that he has an 'advisor'; and WWBA has noted him as a top prospect for the '05 class. Wouldn't be surprised if he gets drafted

Speaking of talent; Notre Dame will have some future stars with a freshmen transfer topping out at 86 last summer.

What are the stats on this kid? Height Weight? I am a sophmore but am contemplating staying back a year. My birthday (10/1/88) sure makes me eligible to be a freshman.

asnyder, your info is a little off. I know your transfer's dad personally. His speed was more like 82-83. He can pitch no doubt but he has history of elbow problems. I think he had some type of surgery last summer. Good luck this year.

Coach 45, just going by what I heard. No doubt the kid will be a plus to have this year. MWR-VA, looks like not attending those perfect game showcases has moved me back 6 spots.

asnyder, I havn't had the pleasure of seeing play but if half of what I've heard about you is true I wouldn't be concerned about 6 spots. Keep working hard, stay with the intensity and you will do fine!

a team to look out for is Govenor Thomas Johnson, it was only 2 years ago that we won the 4A state Title, and we are back into form with great bunch of seniors. i kno we didnt go far in play offs last year but we won the CMCs.