HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL SEASON SHOULD BE EXCITING IN SOUTH CHARLOTTE

PLAY BALL!  The high school baseball season is underway in the South Charlotte community.  Long regarded as a hot-bed of baseball talent, our area will be once again be the topic of conversation among college and pro baseball coaches in search of new talent.  Butler High School led the way last season among area teams.  A series matchup with South Caldwell High School and Major League first round draft choice Madison Bumgarner kept the Bulldogs from claiming a state championship.  What school will make the run for a state championship this season?  Amazingly three or four teams in the area have the talent to win a championship.

The Southwestern 4A Conference is considered the top baseball conference in North Carolina.  Rightfully so, each team has its share of college bound baseball players that have traveled the country playing in showcase tournaments.

So who will the conference champion be this season?

Could it be the Knights of Ardrey Kell?  In only their second season of play the Knights are a popular choice among many observers and area coaches.  Led by successful coach Hal Bagwell, the Knights can deliver a one-two punch from the pitching mound unmatched by most teams.  Jordan Darnell, an Elon University signee, may be the top pitcher in the area.  Teammate Alex Wood brings a wealth of talent to the mound to back up Darnell.  The Knights also have the ability to score lots of runs with the bats of Kyle Stetson, Ryan Stetson, Zico Pasut, Johny Eaker and Darnell.  

Providence will be a major roadblock for the Knights.  Head Coach Danny Hignight has once again assembled a very powerful team.  Led by Richie Shaffer, the Greater Charlotte Hot Stove League Player of the Year, the Panthers will also contend for a conference and state championship.  Will Helms, Eric Semeniuk, Tyler Zupcic, CA Clayton and Greg Lawson are also among the best players in the area.  Steven Baker and Kurt Semeniuk will round out a strong pitching staff with Shaffer and Helms. A majority of the Panthers roster will one day play college baseball.

Weddington may have lost a group of players to Marvin Ridge, but the Warriors still have enough talent to create noise in the Southwestern 4A Conference.  Tyler Pilkington, a UNCC signee and finalist for the Greater Charlotte Area Hot Stove League Player of the Year is ranked as the number one combination (pitcher/hitter) player in the state.  Brent Watkins, Chris Fogleman , Danny Yelverton and Anthony Boone will lead the Warriors to a state playoff berth.  The Warriors received a bonus when talented ninth grader Peter Hendle moved in from Florida.

Butler and South Meck will also create trouble inside the Southwestern 4A Conference.  Butler lost a majority of its top players to graduation, but Tyler Tewell remains in the Bulldog lineup and will be joined by a talented group of teammates.  South Meck has regrouped after losing some of their top talent when Ardrey Kell opened the doors last season.  The Sabres will be led by Joseph Shealy, Caleb Cunningham, Spencer Shuey and Deuce Wright.

South Charlotte is also home to many top teams outside the Southwestern 4A conference. 

Charlotte Christian continues to produce talented baseball players.  Luke Bard will carry on the tradition of excellence his older brothers have built at Christian.   Adam Hill, Mason Bradley, Jake Watson and Trey Laney should help the team contend for a state championship.  Charlotte Catholic will lean on the senior leadership of Christian Culicerto as they aim for a Queen City 3A/4A Championship. Danny Vliet and ninth grader Alex Jensen will also provide steady defense and timely hits for the Cougars.

Charlotte Latin with head coach Sammy Serrano will provide a tough challenge for many teams.  Cameron Foster, Greg Mitl, Hunter Matthews, Scotty Thompson and Rick Sassano are among the top players for Latin.  The Hawks also expect to see two ninth graders contributing in big ways this season; Scott McGinnis and Chris Borin. It’s important to note the unique pledge the Latin baseball family has made this season.  The team will donate money to the Miracle League of Charlotte for every single, double, triple, home run, RBI and win the Hawks achieve this season!

Marvin Ridge High School may be new, but their team has the ability to make a run in the state playoffs.  Justin Setzer and Shane Basen are two of the top baseball players in the state.  They are backed up by Scott Shipman, Seth Boyce, Byron Haag and Tyler Smith.  The Mavericks should celebrate often this season.

If you are a fan of high school baseball, consider yourself fortunate to live in an area so full of talent.  Grab your seat cushion or folding chair and make your way out to the ball field.  Teams will play two-three games each week and schedules are available on each schools website.

It’s going to be a season to remember!