Ummm, not to break up your monologue, but have you considered keeping a journal as a repository of your "team enthusiasm"? I mean if anyone really cares that much about these schedules/rankings, we know where find them. You need not retype everything here. Do you have a full-time job? Do you have unresolved issues from your high school athletic experience? Seriously, Dude...
It appears to me that j2h6 is merely doing baseball fans from around the country a favor by making this information available on this thread in this forum on this website. I, for one, come to this thread to get WCAC updates. I am grateful j2h6 is there to do this. Otherwise, I have to search outside of the HS Baseball Web to find these updates (I can find alot of other VA baseball threads on this site so it is convenient to have j2h6's updates). Additionally, j2h6 knows the WCAC better than anyone else on this website. He clearly knows the teams, the players, the coaches--and he is a gentleman and a good sportsman. I am sure he has a job, but he must also have an interest in HS baseball generally and WCAC baseball in particular.
quote:Originally posted by j2h6:
The final week of the regular season for the WCAC is this coming week. The majority of teams will have three games remaining in their regular season schedules and prepare for the play offs the following week. There's still plenty of opportunities for teams to make some moves over this last week for better positioning for the play offs. The current standings are below it should be an exciting final week to the regular season for the WCAC.
WCAC Baseball
SCHOOL - OVERALL / CONFERENCE
Paul VI 21-1 / 12-1 in coference
St. John's 16-6 / 10-3 in conference
DeMatha 10-9 / 7-4 in conference
Gonzaga 10-11 / 7-6 in conference
Good Counsel 10-11 / 6-7 in conference
O'Connell 10-9 / 5-7 in conference
Ireton 9-10 / 5-7 in conference
St. Mary's Ryken 7-15 / 2-10 in conference
McNamara 4-13 / 1-10 in conference
j2h6- Just noticed a loss has marred Paul VI's perfect season....no report on that game? Who was the team lucky enough to have knocked off the powerful Panthers? Any details?
quote:2h6- Just noticed a loss has marred Paul VI's perfect season....no report on that game? Who was the team lucky enough to have knocked off the powerful Panthers? Any details?
j2h6 -- I found that interesting too. PVIs been on a heck of a run - and you are very congratulatory to Coach Emerson. Plug the team that beat them! otherwise looks like you are a pvi supporter - not necessarily a wcac supporter!
Bishop Ireton beat Paul VI 6-4 Saturday afternoon. Big win for the Ireton program.
first and foremost.....let me make it clear, I am very much so a Pvi supporter, especially since I have a player on the team. Indeed, it was one heck of a run but unfortunately all good things must come to an end, the perfect season for Paul VI did just that this past weekend.
Paul VI played Bishop Ireton in what normally would have been a routine day but Ireton had different plans. The game started out bad w/ an error, a walk and/or hit batter and then some timely hitting and before you knew it Ireton took the lead in the top of the 1st 2-0. Going in to the bottom of the first Pvi loaded the bases by walks and things were looking up, only to have Ireton change pitchers in the bottom of the first and we simply managed to score 1 run to bring the score after 1 complete inning 2-1, Ireton.
Ireton would continue to force the issue, being very disciplined at the plate and then once again a couple errors followed by timely hitting and before you knew it Paul VI was losing 6-1 after 3 innings, having changed pitchers themselves to stop the bleeding.
The day would belong to Ireton as O'Keefe pitched a gem and never allowed the hitters from Paul VI to find their timing at the plate. It was the best game by far I've ever seen O'Keefe throw. They say timing is everything and on this day O'keefe would dictate the outcome.
Paul VI countered w/ Greg Weigand for an 1 1/3 innings and held Ireton in check and then Paul VI's closer Peter Verdin would come in and pitch the last 3 innings and he did his job giving up zero runs. The Panthers would outscore Ireton from the 4th inning on by a score of 3-0 but in the end the Panthers simply could not get enough back to back hits to mount a comeback and lose their first game of the season by a score of 4-6 to the Cardinals of Bishop Ireton.
I'm a true baseball fan and though I was disappointed by the loss, there was something neat about watching Ireton celebrate as if they had just won the seventh game of the World Series. It was definately a huge win for the team and their program and I congratulate them on a job well done.
I've played and coached this game for many years and know just how difficult it is to go undefeated for an entire season in any sport. This loss does not take anything away from Paul VI, the players, or the coaches except a perfect season ! They're still in the driver's seat and they control their own destiny. Paul VI baseball will be just fine, they shouldn't be embarrassed, I'm certainly not, it was just a great day of baseball where Ireton showed up and made a few more plays than Pvi did on the field to get the W. There is not one baseball team on this planet that should feel anything but PRIDE in a 21-1 start to the season. Go Panthers !
Paul VI played Bishop Ireton in what normally would have been a routine day but Ireton had different plans. The game started out bad w/ an error, a walk and/or hit batter and then some timely hitting and before you knew it Ireton took the lead in the top of the 1st 2-0. Going in to the bottom of the first Pvi loaded the bases by walks and things were looking up, only to have Ireton change pitchers in the bottom of the first and we simply managed to score 1 run to bring the score after 1 complete inning 2-1, Ireton.
Ireton would continue to force the issue, being very disciplined at the plate and then once again a couple errors followed by timely hitting and before you knew it Paul VI was losing 6-1 after 3 innings, having changed pitchers themselves to stop the bleeding.
The day would belong to Ireton as O'Keefe pitched a gem and never allowed the hitters from Paul VI to find their timing at the plate. It was the best game by far I've ever seen O'Keefe throw. They say timing is everything and on this day O'keefe would dictate the outcome.
Paul VI countered w/ Greg Weigand for an 1 1/3 innings and held Ireton in check and then Paul VI's closer Peter Verdin would come in and pitch the last 3 innings and he did his job giving up zero runs. The Panthers would outscore Ireton from the 4th inning on by a score of 3-0 but in the end the Panthers simply could not get enough back to back hits to mount a comeback and lose their first game of the season by a score of 4-6 to the Cardinals of Bishop Ireton.
I'm a true baseball fan and though I was disappointed by the loss, there was something neat about watching Ireton celebrate as if they had just won the seventh game of the World Series. It was definately a huge win for the team and their program and I congratulate them on a job well done.
I've played and coached this game for many years and know just how difficult it is to go undefeated for an entire season in any sport. This loss does not take anything away from Paul VI, the players, or the coaches except a perfect season ! They're still in the driver's seat and they control their own destiny. Paul VI baseball will be just fine, they shouldn't be embarrassed, I'm certainly not, it was just a great day of baseball where Ireton showed up and made a few more plays than Pvi did on the field to get the W. There is not one baseball team on this planet that should feel anything but PRIDE in a 21-1 start to the season. Go Panthers !
Thanks for the recap and for giving the Bishop Ireton players some well deserved credit. I'm sure the victory over a nationally ranked team is the highlight of their season thus far.
Now, before anyone jumps all over j2h6 for not posting the result of the PVI vs. StJ game, let me just say that StJ won 3-2 in a great high school baseball game. 1-1 after 1 inning. Mitchell for PVI and Hoes for StJ were outstanding on the mound. Both shut down the other team hard. PVI went up by one run in the bottom of the 6th and Mitchell left for Verdin. StJ got two runs in the inning to go up 3-2. PVI had men on 1st and 2nd with two outs and Hoes got Verdin to ground out in a close play at first. Great win for StJ. These two teams are very, very good and very evenly matched. IF they face off in the WCAC Championship Game, it should be a great game.
Thank you for the update on these 2 good teams. This is the kind of reasonable, informative post members like me are looking for - not weekly game schedules & rankings, coach biographies, or page-long directions to games. I was expecting team travel itineraries next... Nothing like a few losses to put things back in perspective.
VA Sports....you're quickly becoming my #1 fan ! Paul VI was back in the saddle tonight and played a very competitive Good Counsel squad. It was all Paul VI early on but GC would battle back with a couple big home runs to take the lead after 5 innings 7-5. Pvi would get one back in the sixth to bring them with in one run. Pvi held GC in check in the bottom of the sixth. The top of the 7th Pvi would score 1 to tie it up. The bottom of the seventh GC battled back, had 2 runners in scoring position but Pvi got the third out to send the game in to extra innings. Pvi would score again in the top of the eigth just to have GC also score again in the bottom of the eigth to send it to the ninth. In the ninth Pvi strikes again getting another run and finally in the bottom of the ninth Pvi shuts the door. Paul VI (22-2) wins in nine innings by a score of 9-8 and with this win clinches the #1 seed for the WCAC play offs next week and also clinches the regular season division title.
The winning pitcher for Paul VI was Reed Bromley, Peter Verdin was 3 for 4 w/ a double, a walk, 2 SB's and scored 4 runs on the night including 2 in extra innings, Mike McMenamin was 3 for 4 and had several key, clutch at bats in the game. There were also key contributions from Reed Bromley at the plate w/ 2 run home run, Tim McCormick w/ key 2 rbi double among others.
The winning pitcher for Paul VI was Reed Bromley, Peter Verdin was 3 for 4 w/ a double, a walk, 2 SB's and scored 4 runs on the night including 2 in extra innings, Mike McMenamin was 3 for 4 and had several key, clutch at bats in the game. There were also key contributions from Reed Bromley at the plate w/ 2 run home run, Tim McCormick w/ key 2 rbi double among others.
How does PVI look for pitching going into next week's WCAC Tournament? Who will they get in the first round?
It looks as though the WCAC ended up being very evenly matched. PVI and StJ looked like the class of the conference, but StJ had trouble solving DeMatha and PVI went down to both BI and StJ (and nearly to SMR and GC). So, from the top to the bottom it looks like just about anyone can beat just about anyone. Can PVI solve SMR and BI if they see them in the tournament? Can StJ solve DeMatha?
Who would you pick as the favorite to win the WCAC Tournament?
It looks as though the WCAC ended up being very evenly matched. PVI and StJ looked like the class of the conference, but StJ had trouble solving DeMatha and PVI went down to both BI and StJ (and nearly to SMR and GC). So, from the top to the bottom it looks like just about anyone can beat just about anyone. Can PVI solve SMR and BI if they see them in the tournament? Can StJ solve DeMatha?
Who would you pick as the favorite to win the WCAC Tournament?
If you go all the way back to the beginnings of this thread I mentioned that w/ all the new coaches this year in the WCAC that the bottom tear teams would definately improve and that you would not be able to look past any one team. This year has turned out exactly as I thought and now w/ so much parity in the league it really potentially could be anyone's title run.
Ireton is definately playing some of their best baseball down the home stretch and just beat Gonzaga last night by a score of 4-3. Good Counsel's hitting has improved a lot from first half of the season to the second half of the season, DeMatha in the play offs are always dangerous, O'Connell comes off a big win over DeMatha yesterday in a game that went 9 innings staking their claim that they can compete, SMR in the end simply won't have the depth to make it and simply by far the worst team in the league is McNamara but the new coaching staff there is making their mark and will get that program on track if they continue to stay there. I'm not really sure if Gonzaga will have the depth in pitching to go far or the bats but you can't look past them and then of course that leaves us SJC and Pvi.
I still believe that SJC and Pvi are still the two top teams in the conference and I'm not waivering from that stance. I also believe that these two teams will be in the finals, but as we've already seen this year, on any given day anything can happen. My predictions? If the two eventual teams are Pvi and SJC in the finals, no shocker here....Pvi!
Ireton is definately playing some of their best baseball down the home stretch and just beat Gonzaga last night by a score of 4-3. Good Counsel's hitting has improved a lot from first half of the season to the second half of the season, DeMatha in the play offs are always dangerous, O'Connell comes off a big win over DeMatha yesterday in a game that went 9 innings staking their claim that they can compete, SMR in the end simply won't have the depth to make it and simply by far the worst team in the league is McNamara but the new coaching staff there is making their mark and will get that program on track if they continue to stay there. I'm not really sure if Gonzaga will have the depth in pitching to go far or the bats but you can't look past them and then of course that leaves us SJC and Pvi.
I still believe that SJC and Pvi are still the two top teams in the conference and I'm not waivering from that stance. I also believe that these two teams will be in the finals, but as we've already seen this year, on any given day anything can happen. My predictions? If the two eventual teams are Pvi and SJC in the finals, no shocker here....Pvi!
Looking ahead to the WCAC Tournament, will Silverstein be healthy by then--at least enough to pitch?
How are PVI's pitchers holding up in this end-of-season crunch of games?
How does the tournament work--do all teams make it in or is there a play-in system?
How are PVI's pitchers holding up in this end-of-season crunch of games?
How does the tournament work--do all teams make it in or is there a play-in system?
Way to go, BI Cardinals!
Thanks, j2h6. I wish your Panthers continued success (against all the other teams
).
Thanks, j2h6. I wish your Panthers continued success (against all the other teams
).
The WCAC play off got under way yesterday w/ the play-in game. The remaining play off schedule is below along w/ results.
5/04: WCAC Play-In Game
St. Mary’s Ryken 4 Bishop McNamara 5
5/05: WCAC Quarterfinals
(8) McNamara @ (1) Paul VI, 6:00
(7) Gonzaga @ (2) St. John’s, 4:15
(6) Good Counsel @ (3) DeMatha, 4:00
(5) Ireton @ (4) O’Connell, 4:15
5/06: WCAC Semifinals @ Shirley Povich Field
Good Counsel/DeMatha Winner vs. St. John’s/Gonzaga Winner, 4:00
McNamara/Ryken/Paul VI Winner vs. O’Connell/Ireton Winner, 7:00
5/08: WCAC Finals @ Shirley Povich Field
Championship Game, 8:00, TBA
5/04: WCAC Play-In Game
St. Mary’s Ryken 4 Bishop McNamara 5
5/05: WCAC Quarterfinals
(8) McNamara @ (1) Paul VI, 6:00
(7) Gonzaga @ (2) St. John’s, 4:15
(6) Good Counsel @ (3) DeMatha, 4:00
(5) Ireton @ (4) O’Connell, 4:15
5/06: WCAC Semifinals @ Shirley Povich Field
Good Counsel/DeMatha Winner vs. St. John’s/Gonzaga Winner, 4:00
McNamara/Ryken/Paul VI Winner vs. O’Connell/Ireton Winner, 7:00
5/08: WCAC Finals @ Shirley Povich Field
Championship Game, 8:00, TBA
Does anyone have a list of All Conference players? I heard it was out but have no idea who made it and who did not? I assume PVI and St J dominated?
The 2008 ALL-WCAC Teams
The following selections were made by the coaches in the WCAC.
2008 WCAC All-Conference Honorable Mention Selections
Catchers:
Brendan Burch, St. Mary’s-Ryken, SO
Dan Sabatano, Gonzaga, JR
First Base:
Alex Johnson, McNamara
Kevin O’Keefe, Ireton, SR
Danny Snight, St. John’s, SR
Second Base:
Greg Gadell, O’Connell, JR
Jeff Meekins, McNamara
Third Base:
Michael Katz, O’Connell, FR
Tommy Martinson, Good Counsel, JR
John Robertson, Ireton, JR
Shortstop:
Eddie Boddie, Ireton, SR
Chad Carroll, Gonzaga, FR
Chris Cook, DeMatha, JR
Outfielders:
Tyler Dupre, Ireton, SR
Ryan Harris, McNamara
Chris Kashangaki, DeMatha, JR
Colin Milon, O’Connell, JR
Mike Vanni, St. Mary’s Ryken, SR
Mike Vivian, Good Counsel, SR
Utility Player:
Marcus Flores, DeMatha, JR
Pitchers:
Cory Beahm, St. John’s, SR
Mike Bitanga, Good Counsel, JR
Sean Cabrera, O’Connell, JR
Nick Coucoules, St. Mary’s Ryken, SR
Alex Frazier, Gonzaga, JR
Paul Graves, Good Counsel, JR
Craig Miller, St. John’s, SR
Royce Nichols, O’Connell, JR
Luke Rabiej, Ireton, JR
Nick Routt, St. John’s, SR
Nikolay Uherck, DeMatha, FR
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2008 WCAC All-Conference Third Team Selections
Catcher:
Mike McMenamin, Paul VI, SR
First Base:
Jake Taylor, Good Counsel, SO
Second Base:
Brock McCallister, DeMatha, JR
Third Base:
Mike Perez, DeMatha, SR
Shortstop:
Brett Bowers, Paul VI, SR
Outfielders:
C.K. Craft, Ireton, JR
Eamon Hanifin, Gonzaga, SR
Lance Veeder, Paul VI, FR
Designated Hitter:
Jamie Jiron, DeMatha, SR
Utility Player:
Jimmy Belfont , Good Counsel, JR
Pitchers:
Chris Martin, Good Counsel, JR
Dan Nicoll, Ireton, JR
Drew Shaw, Paul VI, SR
Mark Williams, Gonzaga, FR
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2008 WCAC All-Conference Second Team Selections
Catcher:
Nick Rivers, DeMatha, SR
First Base:
Chad Morgan, Paul VI, JR
Second Base:
Frankie Zare, Ireton, JR
Third Base:
Matt Mack, St. John’s, SR
Shortstop:
Zach Tessier, O’Connell, JR
Outfielders:
Daniel Dragos, DeMatha, JR
Tim McCormick, Paul VI, SR
George Smith, Good Counsel, SO
Designated Hitter:
Brandon Grove, Good Counsel, SO
Utility Player:
Corey Napier, St. Mary’s Ryken, SR
Pitchers:
Hugh Adams, St. John’s, SR
Chris Casale, Gonzaga, JR
Jimmy Reed, St. John’s, JR
Santino Rosanova, DeMatha, SR
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2008 WCAC All-Conference First Team Selections
Catcher:
Danny Angle, Good Counsel, SR
First Base:
Jack Keller, Gonzaga, SR
Second Base:
Matt Murakami, Paul VI, SR
Third Base:
Reed Bromley, Paul VI, SR
Shortstop:
Jeff Flax, St. John’s, SR
Outfielders:
L. J. Hoes, St. John’s, SR
Josh Leemhuis, St. John’s, JR
Peter Verdin, Paul VI, SR
Designated Hitter:
Scott Silverstein, St. John’s, SR
Utility Player:
Mike Mitchell, Paul VI, SR
Pitchers:
Tyler Costello, Paul VI, SO
Brian Dearstine, DeMatha, SR
Brendan Lozupone, DeMatha, SR
Greg Wiegand, Paul VI, SR
Player of the Year:
L.J. Hoes, St. John’s, SR
Coach of the Year:
Mike Gallagher, Ireton
The following selections were made by the coaches in the WCAC.
2008 WCAC All-Conference Honorable Mention Selections
Catchers:
Brendan Burch, St. Mary’s-Ryken, SO
Dan Sabatano, Gonzaga, JR
First Base:
Alex Johnson, McNamara
Kevin O’Keefe, Ireton, SR
Danny Snight, St. John’s, SR
Second Base:
Greg Gadell, O’Connell, JR
Jeff Meekins, McNamara
Third Base:
Michael Katz, O’Connell, FR
Tommy Martinson, Good Counsel, JR
John Robertson, Ireton, JR
Shortstop:
Eddie Boddie, Ireton, SR
Chad Carroll, Gonzaga, FR
Chris Cook, DeMatha, JR
Outfielders:
Tyler Dupre, Ireton, SR
Ryan Harris, McNamara
Chris Kashangaki, DeMatha, JR
Colin Milon, O’Connell, JR
Mike Vanni, St. Mary’s Ryken, SR
Mike Vivian, Good Counsel, SR
Utility Player:
Marcus Flores, DeMatha, JR
Pitchers:
Cory Beahm, St. John’s, SR
Mike Bitanga, Good Counsel, JR
Sean Cabrera, O’Connell, JR
Nick Coucoules, St. Mary’s Ryken, SR
Alex Frazier, Gonzaga, JR
Paul Graves, Good Counsel, JR
Craig Miller, St. John’s, SR
Royce Nichols, O’Connell, JR
Luke Rabiej, Ireton, JR
Nick Routt, St. John’s, SR
Nikolay Uherck, DeMatha, FR
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2008 WCAC All-Conference Third Team Selections
Catcher:
Mike McMenamin, Paul VI, SR
First Base:
Jake Taylor, Good Counsel, SO
Second Base:
Brock McCallister, DeMatha, JR
Third Base:
Mike Perez, DeMatha, SR
Shortstop:
Brett Bowers, Paul VI, SR
Outfielders:
C.K. Craft, Ireton, JR
Eamon Hanifin, Gonzaga, SR
Lance Veeder, Paul VI, FR
Designated Hitter:
Jamie Jiron, DeMatha, SR
Utility Player:
Jimmy Belfont , Good Counsel, JR
Pitchers:
Chris Martin, Good Counsel, JR
Dan Nicoll, Ireton, JR
Drew Shaw, Paul VI, SR
Mark Williams, Gonzaga, FR
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2008 WCAC All-Conference Second Team Selections
Catcher:
Nick Rivers, DeMatha, SR
First Base:
Chad Morgan, Paul VI, JR
Second Base:
Frankie Zare, Ireton, JR
Third Base:
Matt Mack, St. John’s, SR
Shortstop:
Zach Tessier, O’Connell, JR
Outfielders:
Daniel Dragos, DeMatha, JR
Tim McCormick, Paul VI, SR
George Smith, Good Counsel, SO
Designated Hitter:
Brandon Grove, Good Counsel, SO
Utility Player:
Corey Napier, St. Mary’s Ryken, SR
Pitchers:
Hugh Adams, St. John’s, SR
Chris Casale, Gonzaga, JR
Jimmy Reed, St. John’s, JR
Santino Rosanova, DeMatha, SR
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2008 WCAC All-Conference First Team Selections
Catcher:
Danny Angle, Good Counsel, SR
First Base:
Jack Keller, Gonzaga, SR
Second Base:
Matt Murakami, Paul VI, SR
Third Base:
Reed Bromley, Paul VI, SR
Shortstop:
Jeff Flax, St. John’s, SR
Outfielders:
L. J. Hoes, St. John’s, SR
Josh Leemhuis, St. John’s, JR
Peter Verdin, Paul VI, SR
Designated Hitter:
Scott Silverstein, St. John’s, SR
Utility Player:
Mike Mitchell, Paul VI, SR
Pitchers:
Tyler Costello, Paul VI, SO
Brian Dearstine, DeMatha, SR
Brendan Lozupone, DeMatha, SR
Greg Wiegand, Paul VI, SR
Player of the Year:
L.J. Hoes, St. John’s, SR
Coach of the Year:
Mike Gallagher, Ireton
The WCAC play offs are in full swing and today there were 8 teams in action for the quarter-finals:
In the (1) Paul VI vs. (8) McNamara game Paul VI would strike first when Verdin scored in the bottom of the first. McNamara would strike back in the 2nd plating 2 runs to take the lead going up 2-1 after two. This would be as close as the game would ever be, Paul VI made some very strong adjustments at the plate and w/ some strong peformances by Peter Verdin (3 for 3, double, triple and HBP), Brett Bowers (2 for 4, double, home run), Tim McCormick and Matt Murakami and a strong pitching peformance by Drew Shaw (6-0)pitching a complete game, Paul VI wins 8-2 and advances to the WCAC semi-finals and will face Bishop Ireton.
(5) Bishop Ireton played vs. (4) Bishop O'Connell today and it was all O'Connell the entire game til the top of the 7th, O'Connell came in with a 2 run lead that would evaporate on a 3 run home run by O'Keefe to give Ireton the edge by one. Ireton would shut O'Connell down in the bottom of the seventh to advance to the semi's and face (1) Paul VI who they've already beat once this year.
(2) St. John's faced off against (7) Gonzaga and though Gonzaga striked first in the top of the first getting one run across the plate this game would be all St. John's as SJC defeats the Eagles by a score of 8-1 and advance to the semi-finals to face (3) DeMatha. The Stags of DeMatha has beaten St. John's twice this year, can they do it for third time?
(3) DeMatha squared off against (6)Good Counsel in a game that simply was being dominated by GC the whole game. GC took a 4-1 lead going to the bottom of the six where over the next two innings DeMatha would simply explode for 7 runs and beat Good Counsel 8-4.
The match-ups are posted below, it should be an exciting night of baseball Tuesday night:
WCAC Playoffs @ Shirley Povich (5/06)
(2) St. Johns vs. (3) DeMatha @ 3:00
(1) Paul VI vs. (5) Ireton @ 8:00
In the (1) Paul VI vs. (8) McNamara game Paul VI would strike first when Verdin scored in the bottom of the first. McNamara would strike back in the 2nd plating 2 runs to take the lead going up 2-1 after two. This would be as close as the game would ever be, Paul VI made some very strong adjustments at the plate and w/ some strong peformances by Peter Verdin (3 for 3, double, triple and HBP), Brett Bowers (2 for 4, double, home run), Tim McCormick and Matt Murakami and a strong pitching peformance by Drew Shaw (6-0)pitching a complete game, Paul VI wins 8-2 and advances to the WCAC semi-finals and will face Bishop Ireton.
(5) Bishop Ireton played vs. (4) Bishop O'Connell today and it was all O'Connell the entire game til the top of the 7th, O'Connell came in with a 2 run lead that would evaporate on a 3 run home run by O'Keefe to give Ireton the edge by one. Ireton would shut O'Connell down in the bottom of the seventh to advance to the semi's and face (1) Paul VI who they've already beat once this year.
(2) St. John's faced off against (7) Gonzaga and though Gonzaga striked first in the top of the first getting one run across the plate this game would be all St. John's as SJC defeats the Eagles by a score of 8-1 and advance to the semi-finals to face (3) DeMatha. The Stags of DeMatha has beaten St. John's twice this year, can they do it for third time?
(3) DeMatha squared off against (6)Good Counsel in a game that simply was being dominated by GC the whole game. GC took a 4-1 lead going to the bottom of the six where over the next two innings DeMatha would simply explode for 7 runs and beat Good Counsel 8-4.
The match-ups are posted below, it should be an exciting night of baseball Tuesday night:
WCAC Playoffs @ Shirley Povich (5/06)
(2) St. Johns vs. (3) DeMatha @ 3:00
(1) Paul VI vs. (5) Ireton @ 8:00
quote:Originally posted by j2h6:
(5) Bishop Ireton played vs. (4) Bishop O'Connell today and it was all O'Connell the entire game til the top of the 7th, O'Connell came in with a 2 run lead that would evaporate on a 3 run home run by O'Keefe to give Ireton the edge by one. Ireton would shut O'Connell down in the bottom of the seventh to advance to the semi's and face (1) Paul VI who they've already beat once this year.
YES! Thanks for the update, j2h6.
Go Cards!
I just saw this and am making an assumption based on a couple of clues. (Correct me if I'm wrong.)
quote:2008 WCAC All-Conference First Team Selections
Outfielders:
Peter Verdin, Paul VI, SR
just heard st johns got pounded by dematha 20 to 4! can anyone confirm?
Holy cow is right. Day of upsets for the WCAC.
Dematha over St Johns 20-6. St John's catcher goes out early in the game with some kind of compound fracture and seems that St John's can't recover. The second upset happened in the late night game when Bishop Ireton upsets PVI 3-2. Nailbiter game, right down to the last out.
Dematha over St Johns 20-6. St John's catcher goes out early in the game with some kind of compound fracture and seems that St John's can't recover. The second upset happened in the late night game when Bishop Ireton upsets PVI 3-2. Nailbiter game, right down to the last out.
This is what makes baseball so great, the best team never wins, the team that plays the best that particular day wins !
Congrats to Ireton.
Under .500 going into the playoffs yet they topped PVI twice in one week!
Where's the love, Jham?
After all, you started this thread to inform us on the "WCAC Season".
Under .500 going into the playoffs yet they topped PVI twice in one week!
Where's the love, Jham?
After all, you started this thread to inform us on the "WCAC Season".
quote:Originally posted by VA_Sportsmom:
Where's the love, Jham?
Now now. Show a little compassion, VA_Sportsmom.
He may not have recovered from the shock, yet.
Might I add a little WOO HOO!!!
The reality is both SJ & PVI are over rated. Both teams are good but not great. PVI is certainly not worthy of the national ranking it has enjoyed.
quote:This is what makes baseball so great, the best team never wins, the team that plays the best that particular day wins !
Right on. Ireton and Dematha proved that the WCAC is filled with hardworking, talented boys and coaches. Congrats to them! Every team should take a lesson from this year - it ain't over til it's over. AND Sportsmom you are right - the forum was misnamed. Would have been great to see posters celebrate the successes of other teams and players - not just promote their own team! Lesson learned!
Congrats to BI and DeMatha AND to PVI and St Johns for great seasons and victories.
From what I have heard from several NoVa friends PVI was definately overated.
vasportsmom--j2h6 started a thread about the WCAC. He generated alot of interest in the conference and gave all of us an opportunity to discuss baseball in this great conference, full of some very good teams. He took alot of grief from people who saw in his benign efforts something more or other than what was there. Why, then, come on here and be a smart aleck? j2h6 has done nothing here to denigrate any WCAC team. He has built them all up. Sure, he is a PVI fan, and with good reason, but he has posted very favorable things about the entire WCAC. Show some compassion and empathy for a great fan whose team was beaten by a team who has put together a great second half.
infidel08--I suspect that you, too, are being less than genuinely compassionate. j2h6, again, has said positive things about all WCAC teams and has only promoted the entire conference on this website. He has a history with BI and knows a ton of people there. He likes BI. Did he want to see a PVI win? Sure. But he takes nothing away from BI. BI played great and he would tell you that straight up. Don't presume that he does not congratulate BI. Thank him for his insights and support.
gamefan--j2h6 and others on here DID, in fact, celebrate the entire conference. Some, like j2h6, did so by writing positively about everyone. Others did it by writing about their team. j2h6 did not promote only PVI. Go back and read the posts--he was always supportive of all WCAC teams. But you are correct about the successes at BI and DeMatha this year. GREAT coaching and GREAT determination by the kids. BI has gone from a team that expected to lose to a team like PVI to a team that believes it can beat anyone. Wow. What a turnaround. Coach Gallagher was MOST deserving of Coach of the Year in the WCAC. I was surprised O'Keefe was not 1st team--if they gave the awards out after the tournament, he may have turned out to be POY.
coolbreeze/armor--neither StJ nor PVI is overrated. They are just like the best teams from any conference. They win most of their games but not all of their games. If you say they are overrated, then you are the ones denigrating the successes of BI and DeMatha. StJ and PVI had great seasons and deserved their rankings (each has 9 legitimate Div I players--at least). The fact that each lost in a semifinal of the WCAC Tournament says less about them not deserving a national ranking and more about how good the conference turned out to be. That said, national rankings of college teams is really hard to do; national rankings of high school teams with any accuracy is next to impossible. Based upon their play in spring tournaments, their Div I talent, their coaching, their histories, their year-in/year-out success, and their outstanding play for two months in the WCAC season, they each DESERVED, EARNED, their ranking. Don't try to take that away from them. They were clearly the two best teams in the WCAC all season long. For goodness sakes, PVI at one point was 20-0, or 21-0. Celebrate their success, as it only helps every team in the conference.
StJ and PVI are great HS baseball programs and this year were great HS baseball teams. StJ appeared to be worn out by the end of the year. PVI may have the same problem. They each played 20+ games in about a month and a half. They both took arduous spring trips. They both peaked at about the mid-way point of the WCAC season. What this tells us is that the things necessary to achieve national rankings and early season success may result in fatigue by mid to late season. In any case, StJ and PVI each have had great years. PVI's is not over, either. Indeed, they may have another crack at BI before this season is over.
Finally, we should thank j2h6 for giving his time and energy to baseball and the HS Baseball Web. He is knowledgable, positive, and generous in his posts. He promotes the WCAC and area baseball. So, thank him.
infidel08--I suspect that you, too, are being less than genuinely compassionate. j2h6, again, has said positive things about all WCAC teams and has only promoted the entire conference on this website. He has a history with BI and knows a ton of people there. He likes BI. Did he want to see a PVI win? Sure. But he takes nothing away from BI. BI played great and he would tell you that straight up. Don't presume that he does not congratulate BI. Thank him for his insights and support.
gamefan--j2h6 and others on here DID, in fact, celebrate the entire conference. Some, like j2h6, did so by writing positively about everyone. Others did it by writing about their team. j2h6 did not promote only PVI. Go back and read the posts--he was always supportive of all WCAC teams. But you are correct about the successes at BI and DeMatha this year. GREAT coaching and GREAT determination by the kids. BI has gone from a team that expected to lose to a team like PVI to a team that believes it can beat anyone. Wow. What a turnaround. Coach Gallagher was MOST deserving of Coach of the Year in the WCAC. I was surprised O'Keefe was not 1st team--if they gave the awards out after the tournament, he may have turned out to be POY.
coolbreeze/armor--neither StJ nor PVI is overrated. They are just like the best teams from any conference. They win most of their games but not all of their games. If you say they are overrated, then you are the ones denigrating the successes of BI and DeMatha. StJ and PVI had great seasons and deserved their rankings (each has 9 legitimate Div I players--at least). The fact that each lost in a semifinal of the WCAC Tournament says less about them not deserving a national ranking and more about how good the conference turned out to be. That said, national rankings of college teams is really hard to do; national rankings of high school teams with any accuracy is next to impossible. Based upon their play in spring tournaments, their Div I talent, their coaching, their histories, their year-in/year-out success, and their outstanding play for two months in the WCAC season, they each DESERVED, EARNED, their ranking. Don't try to take that away from them. They were clearly the two best teams in the WCAC all season long. For goodness sakes, PVI at one point was 20-0, or 21-0. Celebrate their success, as it only helps every team in the conference.
StJ and PVI are great HS baseball programs and this year were great HS baseball teams. StJ appeared to be worn out by the end of the year. PVI may have the same problem. They each played 20+ games in about a month and a half. They both took arduous spring trips. They both peaked at about the mid-way point of the WCAC season. What this tells us is that the things necessary to achieve national rankings and early season success may result in fatigue by mid to late season. In any case, StJ and PVI each have had great years. PVI's is not over, either. Indeed, they may have another crack at BI before this season is over.
Finally, we should thank j2h6 for giving his time and energy to baseball and the HS Baseball Web. He is knowledgable, positive, and generous in his posts. He promotes the WCAC and area baseball. So, thank him.
DESERVE the national ranking, based on what? A record does not make you deserving of anything. High quality wins (superior competition) does and PVI's schedule does not warrant the label "high quality". Additionally when it mattered most they did not come through (losing in the semi's to a sub 500 team). These are not the marks of an elite team. A top 15 (for that matter top 50) nationally ranked team is an elite team, PVI is good they are not elite.
Why the hate? These are good kids and good coaches doing good things.
Yes, they deserve, or deserved, the national ranking. They were 21-0 and had under their belts the SBC Championship in SC over spring break (beating South Carolina's defending State Champion and then #1 Hartsville). They pounded two Florida schools by mercy rule. They beat, many by mercy rule, 21 teams in a row, including Westfield, StJ, and DeMatha. There is no doubt that PVI was, and may still be, a top team nationally.
Again, there is no way to know what HS teams are actually the best. They don't play one another. Conferences range from horrible to great. Injuries can be a huge difference maker, especially at the pitcher position. But at 21-0, given the SBC Championship and the wins against StJ and DeMatha, PVI was as deserving of a ranking as any team in America.
Do they deserve to hold onto that ranking? I don't know. Probably not, as BI beat them twice in two weeks. But don't take anything away from BI and certainly take nothing away from O'Keefe (who nearly single-handedly accounted for those two wins). PVI is still a very good, if not great, HS baseball team. The VISAA State Tournament will tell. If they win that, then my view is they belong back in the national rankings. If they don't, then I agree, PVI is a very good, but probably not great, HS team.
Yes, they deserve, or deserved, the national ranking. They were 21-0 and had under their belts the SBC Championship in SC over spring break (beating South Carolina's defending State Champion and then #1 Hartsville). They pounded two Florida schools by mercy rule. They beat, many by mercy rule, 21 teams in a row, including Westfield, StJ, and DeMatha. There is no doubt that PVI was, and may still be, a top team nationally.
Again, there is no way to know what HS teams are actually the best. They don't play one another. Conferences range from horrible to great. Injuries can be a huge difference maker, especially at the pitcher position. But at 21-0, given the SBC Championship and the wins against StJ and DeMatha, PVI was as deserving of a ranking as any team in America.
Do they deserve to hold onto that ranking? I don't know. Probably not, as BI beat them twice in two weeks. But don't take anything away from BI and certainly take nothing away from O'Keefe (who nearly single-handedly accounted for those two wins). PVI is still a very good, if not great, HS baseball team. The VISAA State Tournament will tell. If they win that, then my view is they belong back in the national rankings. If they don't, then I agree, PVI is a very good, but probably not great, HS team.
IVW -- Good Show. Personally, as I have been wanting to learn more about the WCAC this year, it has been fun reading the supportive postings about all of the programs. Thanks j2h6, and everyone else. From what I can gather, the WCAC has a lot of fine schools, some tip-top baseball programs, and a lot of very strong competition on the rise. This will undoubtedly make all of the programs better in years to come. The rising tide and all.
As a WCAC outsider, who has had the opportunity to watch some very good baseball played on a national scale over the past year or so, I would suggest that PVI and StJ can play with the best of them, and earned their recognition. I guess that says a lot for the rest of the WCAC as well.
Question: The Red Sox lost last night ... so do we stop calling them Champions?
As a WCAC outsider, who has had the opportunity to watch some very good baseball played on a national scale over the past year or so, I would suggest that PVI and StJ can play with the best of them, and earned their recognition. I guess that says a lot for the rest of the WCAC as well.
Question: The Red Sox lost last night ... so do we stop calling them Champions?
Thanks, SouthpawDad. Spot on, in my book. I think you have it right about the WCAC--a rising tide lifts all boats. StJ and DeMatha carried the load in the WCAC until a few years ago when PVI and Good Counsel started coming along. PVI, in particular, has joined the conference elite. StJ, DeMatha, and PVI's nationally prominent programs, playing the best competition they can reasonably find on spring trips, is that rising tide. The boats being lifted are Good Counsel, Gonzaga, BI, and so forth. SMR has some good things going on and even McNamara has hope with its new coaching staff and their professional approach to the game.
Indeed, the rising tide lifts all boats reality is true throughout Northern Virginia. It was not that long ago that Northern Virginia was not a hotbed of baseball. In the last 10 years or so it has become a place that MLB and major college programs regularly scout and recruit. The competition level has forced players to make it a year-round commitment in many cases, and these kids are finding better summer teams, and the result is great baseball all over the place, public and private.
Thanks again, SouthpawDad.
Indeed, the rising tide lifts all boats reality is true throughout Northern Virginia. It was not that long ago that Northern Virginia was not a hotbed of baseball. In the last 10 years or so it has become a place that MLB and major college programs regularly scout and recruit. The competition level has forced players to make it a year-round commitment in many cases, and these kids are finding better summer teams, and the result is great baseball all over the place, public and private.
Thanks again, SouthpawDad.
IVW,
For the record I am a clown and most of the junk I post is just that, junk.
I read what you wrote to VA_Sportsmom and I was ready to post a
Then I went to the next paragraph and was surprised to see your suspicions about my "Now now" post. Actually I was 98% sincerely compassionate. I didn't think a hug was necessary, but I also thought that VA_Sportsmom was more poking a little fun than being harsh.
j2h6 has done a very good job on this thread and I understood any slight bias towards Pvi as probably he was closer to them and thus they got more write-ups. I had no problem whatsoever.
His absence is conspicuous and I considered calling him on it, but felt that doing so would be in bad taste since I like what he's done here. I hate mentioning it now and hope that he is absent for reasons other than what he's being kidded about. I'd be very surprised if that's not the case.
Now, I'll go back and read the rest of your post. I'm pretty sure I'll be in agreement.
For the record I am a clown and most of the junk I post is just that, junk.
I read what you wrote to VA_Sportsmom and I was ready to post a
Then I went to the next paragraph and was surprised to see your suspicions about my "Now now" post. Actually I was 98% sincerely compassionate. I didn't think a hug was necessary, but I also thought that VA_Sportsmom was more poking a little fun than being harsh.
j2h6 has done a very good job on this thread and I understood any slight bias towards Pvi as probably he was closer to them and thus they got more write-ups. I had no problem whatsoever.
His absence is conspicuous and I considered calling him on it, but felt that doing so would be in bad taste since I like what he's done here. I hate mentioning it now and hope that he is absent for reasons other than what he's being kidded about. I'd be very surprised if that's not the case.
Now, I'll go back and read the rest of your post. I'm pretty sure I'll be in agreement.
Thanks, infidel. Nice post. I suspect j2h6 will come back and post in his own good time. He was advised to "get a life" by vasportsmom and I suspect that is what he has done. He does not live on this post or for HS baseball or for PVI. But he loves HS baseball and PVI, and he loves posting here, so I think we will hear from him again on this thread.
But in any case, thanks for clarifying for me. Sometimes I don't pick up on the obvious.
But in any case, thanks for clarifying for me. Sometimes I don't pick up on the obvious.
Isa,
I would not use the two Florida schools as support to qualify the PVI schedule. j2h6 told me in SC that those two teams were terrible and the real reason the team heads to FL is to have fun (they don't go looking for top quality competition on that trip). As for beating Hartsville in the finals please consider PVI won 1 - 0 on a single HR. Hartsville rested their number 1 for a game the following week against their cross town rival. That HR most likely would not have gone up had he pitched. Personally I think your looking at what was posted the wrong way. You seem to think its folks hating on PVI. What I got out of it is PVI (in some peoples opinion) did not before or now deserve a national ranking, that's it plain and simple. That opinion does not take away the accomplishment of going undefeated most of the season. It was also noted that they felt PVI was a good team. Take a step back and consider what did happen. Had PVI lost one time against BI you could say on any given day. But two times to a sub .500 team in that span and in a critical game? No way a top 50 team has that happen to them. I know that sounds cold, it is not meant to be, it is what it is.
I would not use the two Florida schools as support to qualify the PVI schedule. j2h6 told me in SC that those two teams were terrible and the real reason the team heads to FL is to have fun (they don't go looking for top quality competition on that trip). As for beating Hartsville in the finals please consider PVI won 1 - 0 on a single HR. Hartsville rested their number 1 for a game the following week against their cross town rival. That HR most likely would not have gone up had he pitched. Personally I think your looking at what was posted the wrong way. You seem to think its folks hating on PVI. What I got out of it is PVI (in some peoples opinion) did not before or now deserve a national ranking, that's it plain and simple. That opinion does not take away the accomplishment of going undefeated most of the season. It was also noted that they felt PVI was a good team. Take a step back and consider what did happen. Had PVI lost one time against BI you could say on any given day. But two times to a sub .500 team in that span and in a critical game? No way a top 50 team has that happen to them. I know that sounds cold, it is not meant to be, it is what it is.
All my friends, I see I've been missed here, my apologies but my mother told me a long time ago that if you don't have anything nice to say then don't say it. I appreciate everyone keeping this thread moving forward in my absence and thank all of you for contributing.
In stating the obvious, things definately did not turn out as I expected they would and I personally congraulate the Cardinals and their entire coaching staff on a great game ! Indeed the stars were all aligned that day for upsets.
In that first game of the day between DeMatha and St. John's I thought it would be a slug fest of sorts but not necessarily in how it turned out. The 1st inning injury to SJC's catcher (Farber) was one you never wish upon anyone. I really felt for that kid and I'm hoping w/ him being only a sophomore that he makes a full recovery after surgery and will be back in top baseball shape for next season.
As we all know baseball is funny game and we've all seen it first hand from little league all the way up to the pro's that on any given day anything can happen. It should not be a surprise to anyone that DeMatha beat St. John's all three times this year nor should it be a surprise that BI took 2 of 3 from Paul VI this year just because of their win/loss records. Any team can beat anyone on any given day and when you enter in to an event like the WCAC Championships it's lightning in a bottle. What team can play their best baseball when it matters most and both St. John's and Pvi failed to do just that.
On the other hand DeMatha's pitcher (Louozopone) was simply fantastic and his team was tremendous behind him defensively. Ireton's O'Keefe was simply in my opinion even better than the first game and you could see the confidence this kid had on the mound. St. John's pitchers and their would be five of them on the night simply could not do anything to stop the attack from the Stags, they were team possessed and personally I've never seen them hit all year like they did in that one game. They simply slugged their way to the Championship game and how exciting that in this year's Championship game there would be not one but two first year head coaches, wow!
In the Pvi game, as good as O'Keefe was for Ireton, I thought that Tyler Costello did a great job for the Panthers. It was one of those nights for Pvi where they simply could not make the necessary adjustments either to what the pitcher was doing on the mound or in regards to how the umpire was calling the game. The two combined w/ failure to execute properly down the stretch, several mental lapses and you turn a game (for the second time this year) going in to the top of the seventh w/ a 2-1 lead and fail to slam the door shut for the victory.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but if you've truly played this game at a higher level than Little League baseball then you know that this game is a game of streaks and you hope that you have more highs than lows but in big games you need for players to step up and execute and Ireton and DeMatha did just that. Congratulations again to both 1st year Coaches and I hope it's a great Championship Game.
Those of you w/ your nice comments about the rankings and whether deserving or not, both St. John's and Paul VI were definately deserving. Any team that has 9 Division 1 early signees on their team entering the start of the season and knock off several nationally ranked opponents absolutely should be ranked, any team that starts the season 21-0, knocking of 2 defending state champions and 4 nationally ranked programs should be ranked. Those of you that want to question both of these teams down the stretch I have no problem with that, but the recognition and publicity for both St. John's and Paul VI was and still is very well deserved indeed.
The irony here is that everyone forgets when you have programs like St. John's and Paul VI in the same conference and both teams loaded w/ D1 players as they were this year, it benefits everyone in the entire conference. It brings the college coaches to scout future prospects, it brings the pro scouts to draft future pro prospects. In my eyes it's a win, win for everyone involved. Instead when a team goes 24-3 on the year having lost their 3 games by a combined total of only 4 runs everyone is quick to jump on the "they're over-rated" campaign.
It's OK though, I just happen to be a person that see's the glass half full in every aspect of my life. I also believe that regarding St. John's inability to make the Championship game this year, it will not effect their ability to draw talented players to their program. I also believe the same for Paul VI, the fact is there are a lot of things that have to go right in a season to run the table, talent alone will not win you championships, how many years have the Yankees not won the title now? There's talent, coaching, team chemistry and even luck that all plays a part in a program winning championships. In my eyes the real success story to this season is looking at all the players in the WCAC that are going on to play College baseball. This is the real championship success story !
In stating the obvious, things definately did not turn out as I expected they would and I personally congraulate the Cardinals and their entire coaching staff on a great game ! Indeed the stars were all aligned that day for upsets.
In that first game of the day between DeMatha and St. John's I thought it would be a slug fest of sorts but not necessarily in how it turned out. The 1st inning injury to SJC's catcher (Farber) was one you never wish upon anyone. I really felt for that kid and I'm hoping w/ him being only a sophomore that he makes a full recovery after surgery and will be back in top baseball shape for next season.
As we all know baseball is funny game and we've all seen it first hand from little league all the way up to the pro's that on any given day anything can happen. It should not be a surprise to anyone that DeMatha beat St. John's all three times this year nor should it be a surprise that BI took 2 of 3 from Paul VI this year just because of their win/loss records. Any team can beat anyone on any given day and when you enter in to an event like the WCAC Championships it's lightning in a bottle. What team can play their best baseball when it matters most and both St. John's and Pvi failed to do just that.
On the other hand DeMatha's pitcher (Louozopone) was simply fantastic and his team was tremendous behind him defensively. Ireton's O'Keefe was simply in my opinion even better than the first game and you could see the confidence this kid had on the mound. St. John's pitchers and their would be five of them on the night simply could not do anything to stop the attack from the Stags, they were team possessed and personally I've never seen them hit all year like they did in that one game. They simply slugged their way to the Championship game and how exciting that in this year's Championship game there would be not one but two first year head coaches, wow!
In the Pvi game, as good as O'Keefe was for Ireton, I thought that Tyler Costello did a great job for the Panthers. It was one of those nights for Pvi where they simply could not make the necessary adjustments either to what the pitcher was doing on the mound or in regards to how the umpire was calling the game. The two combined w/ failure to execute properly down the stretch, several mental lapses and you turn a game (for the second time this year) going in to the top of the seventh w/ a 2-1 lead and fail to slam the door shut for the victory.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but if you've truly played this game at a higher level than Little League baseball then you know that this game is a game of streaks and you hope that you have more highs than lows but in big games you need for players to step up and execute and Ireton and DeMatha did just that. Congratulations again to both 1st year Coaches and I hope it's a great Championship Game.
Those of you w/ your nice comments about the rankings and whether deserving or not, both St. John's and Paul VI were definately deserving. Any team that has 9 Division 1 early signees on their team entering the start of the season and knock off several nationally ranked opponents absolutely should be ranked, any team that starts the season 21-0, knocking of 2 defending state champions and 4 nationally ranked programs should be ranked. Those of you that want to question both of these teams down the stretch I have no problem with that, but the recognition and publicity for both St. John's and Paul VI was and still is very well deserved indeed.
The irony here is that everyone forgets when you have programs like St. John's and Paul VI in the same conference and both teams loaded w/ D1 players as they were this year, it benefits everyone in the entire conference. It brings the college coaches to scout future prospects, it brings the pro scouts to draft future pro prospects. In my eyes it's a win, win for everyone involved. Instead when a team goes 24-3 on the year having lost their 3 games by a combined total of only 4 runs everyone is quick to jump on the "they're over-rated" campaign.
It's OK though, I just happen to be a person that see's the glass half full in every aspect of my life. I also believe that regarding St. John's inability to make the Championship game this year, it will not effect their ability to draw talented players to their program. I also believe the same for Paul VI, the fact is there are a lot of things that have to go right in a season to run the table, talent alone will not win you championships, how many years have the Yankees not won the title now? There's talent, coaching, team chemistry and even luck that all plays a part in a program winning championships. In my eyes the real success story to this season is looking at all the players in the WCAC that are going on to play College baseball. This is the real championship success story !
Well said j2h6!
Good post jh26,
As you said, both SJC and PVI were deserving of national rankings. SJC went to the nations top high school tournament ,the Anderson Bat National Classic, and beat Bishop Amat, a 2 TIME NATIONAL CHAMPION AND PERENNIAL SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA NATIONAL POWER, and beat the #5 ranked team in the nation (at that time) Vista Murrietta from Southern California. They then lost to the #1 ranked team in California (Crespi HS) by 2 runs in their bracket championship game and ended up finishing 4th in the entire tournament. They also split a two game series with the #6 ranked team in the nation (at the time) in PVI. I'd like to know who else in this area has been to the nations top tournaments and beaten the nations best schools from Florida and Southern California? Two of the areas elite programs (Calvert Hall this year and West Springfield in 1989) went to the National Classic in Southern California and got absolutely spanked. No other program has gone to the hotbeds of high school baseball, put their reputation on the line against the powers of high school baseball and actually done well. This (combined with 15 straight 20+ win seasons) is why SJC is given a high amount of national respect by Baseball America, Collegiate Baseball and USA Today.
PVI, in my opinion, was more talented top to bottom than SJC this year. PVI had a monster lineup that possessed both power and speed. They had very good defense up the middle. Their pitching was very good and very deep. They threw strikes, hit spots and competed. They won alot of games and will continue to be an outstanding program.
In a one game, end of the year tournament anything can happen but that in no way should diminish the body of work both teams compiled during the season. Both programs will continue to be excellent and I look forward to being a spectator at more exciting games between them!
As you said, both SJC and PVI were deserving of national rankings. SJC went to the nations top high school tournament ,the Anderson Bat National Classic, and beat Bishop Amat, a 2 TIME NATIONAL CHAMPION AND PERENNIAL SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA NATIONAL POWER, and beat the #5 ranked team in the nation (at that time) Vista Murrietta from Southern California. They then lost to the #1 ranked team in California (Crespi HS) by 2 runs in their bracket championship game and ended up finishing 4th in the entire tournament. They also split a two game series with the #6 ranked team in the nation (at the time) in PVI. I'd like to know who else in this area has been to the nations top tournaments and beaten the nations best schools from Florida and Southern California? Two of the areas elite programs (Calvert Hall this year and West Springfield in 1989) went to the National Classic in Southern California and got absolutely spanked. No other program has gone to the hotbeds of high school baseball, put their reputation on the line against the powers of high school baseball and actually done well. This (combined with 15 straight 20+ win seasons) is why SJC is given a high amount of national respect by Baseball America, Collegiate Baseball and USA Today.
PVI, in my opinion, was more talented top to bottom than SJC this year. PVI had a monster lineup that possessed both power and speed. They had very good defense up the middle. Their pitching was very good and very deep. They threw strikes, hit spots and competed. They won alot of games and will continue to be an outstanding program.
In a one game, end of the year tournament anything can happen but that in no way should diminish the body of work both teams compiled during the season. Both programs will continue to be excellent and I look forward to being a spectator at more exciting games between them!
Just to close out j2h6's great WCAC '08 thread--
Congratulations to all the teams in this great athletic conference on a great baseball season. There were nationally ranked teams and nailbiter games and upsets galore. Each team has a great deal to proud of as they graduate some fabulous seniors and move underclassmen up into the ranks of the starter roles.
In particular, congratulations to DeMatha on winning the WCAC Tournament Championship. From an early season thumping at the hands of PVI to winning the Tournament--wow--great strides forward in a short time.
To Bishop Ireton for closing out the season strong and beating PVI twice. What an accomplishment! This was a moribund program last year, and even into the first part of the season. But Coach Gallagher managed to resuscitate the team and program and they not only found life, they caught fire.
To St. John's, for carrying the WCAC mantle of greatness to California and in the pages of Baseball America. The pressure placed upon you was enormous, and you did a great job of carrying it all season.
And to PVI, for carrying that same mantle of greatness so well for so long. 25-3 and still in the hunt for a State Championship! An SBC Championship. The regular season WCAC title. Congratulations on all of that.
Thanks, j2h6 for starting this provocative and interesting thread.
Good luck to all the players and coaches. Great season.
Congratulations to all the teams in this great athletic conference on a great baseball season. There were nationally ranked teams and nailbiter games and upsets galore. Each team has a great deal to proud of as they graduate some fabulous seniors and move underclassmen up into the ranks of the starter roles.
In particular, congratulations to DeMatha on winning the WCAC Tournament Championship. From an early season thumping at the hands of PVI to winning the Tournament--wow--great strides forward in a short time.
To Bishop Ireton for closing out the season strong and beating PVI twice. What an accomplishment! This was a moribund program last year, and even into the first part of the season. But Coach Gallagher managed to resuscitate the team and program and they not only found life, they caught fire.
To St. John's, for carrying the WCAC mantle of greatness to California and in the pages of Baseball America. The pressure placed upon you was enormous, and you did a great job of carrying it all season.
And to PVI, for carrying that same mantle of greatness so well for so long. 25-3 and still in the hunt for a State Championship! An SBC Championship. The regular season WCAC title. Congratulations on all of that.
Thanks, j2h6 for starting this provocative and interesting thread.
Good luck to all the players and coaches. Great season.