Doral has been the #1 team in the HSBN Miami Power Rankings for the entire season. The Firebirds are loaded with D1 talent, and have easily navigated their season to the tune of a 24-3 record, coming into a regional quarterfinal Tuesday night against South Broward. The Bulldogs have been one of Broward’s hottest teams the past few weeks, winning their district title last week for the first time in 14 years. When the teams took the field, Doral came in as one of the favorites to win a 6A state championship. They left, with their season ended at the hands of the Bulldogs. South Broward received a strong pitching performance from Johnny Luechauer, a two-run home run from Keniel Merrero, and a three-run shot by Thomas Giltner, to stun Doral 8-6, and advance to the regional semifinals.

“Obviously we knew coming in we had our hands full with one of the top teams in the state,” said Bulldogs Manager Antonino Schembari. “Our guys came in ready to go, and they just found their groove early on. It is a huge win for our program to stack on top of winning districts last week.”

The magnitude of the win cannot be understated, as South Broward is led by Schembari, a former Bulldog alum. Schembari took over the program this year from longtime Manager Darin Koch, and the program is now thriving in Schembari’s first season. Last week, the Bulldogs defeated Nova in a thrilling district final, to win their first district title in 14 years, and now the program is just two games away from their first state final four in decades. “You never know what the buy-in will be in your first year, and these guys have done everything I have asked of them,” said Schembari. “We are playing well in all areas of the game, the pitching has been outstanding, we have been getting timely hits, and playing good defense. That is what it takes to knock off some of these highly ranked teams.” The Bulldogs actually fell behind twice to Doral, 1-0 in the first inning, and 2-1 in the second. In the third, however, South Broward would score four runs, and take a lead they would never relinquish. The big blow of the inning would come from Giltner, who launched a three-run home run to center. Taking a 5-2 lead into the fourth, the Bulldogs would add on three more runs, with Merrero delivering a two-run homer to center. “Those two hits were huge. Big at bats from both Tommy and Keniel. Really, we had a bunch of good at-bats from our lineup in thise two innings,” said Schembari.” While the offense was doing their thing, it was Luechauer and Shaun Shapiro that did the mound work on the night. Luechauer went the first 4.1 innings, allowing only two unearned runs. Shapiro did the heavy lifting late in the game, going the final 2.2 innings. In the seventh, Doral appeared ready to stop the upset dream, when they scored three runs, and actually had the tying runs on base, but Shapiro got one of the Firebirds biggest bats this season, Sebastian Berrios, to ground out to second to end the game and complete the upset win. The Bulldogs will now go on the road Friday in a regional semifinal against West Boca.

“We have to prepare the rest of the week,” said Schembari. “We haven’t seen West Boca in a few years, but we know they are a good team, and are going to give us a run for our money. We just have to keep doing the things that have made us successful the past few weeks, and we are expecting a real competitive game.”

Jason Wachs drove in four runs with a homer and a triple while JP Querales fired a complete-game shutout in West Broward’s 10-0 win over visiting Taravella in a region quarterfinals playoff game on Tuesday. Wachs broke up a scoreless battle in the fourth inning on a triple that scored Adran Bermudez, who opened the inning with a single and scored three times in the game. Wachs scored on a single by Alejandro Sardinas, who stole second and scored on an error. The Bobcats (22-5-1), ranked #4 in Broward, extended their 3-0 lead with three more runs in the fifth. Ethan Lindor, who led the Bobcats with three of their nine hits (2 RBIs, 2 runs), belted a solo home run and Ivan Sabater delivered a two-out, two-run single that plated both Wachs and Michael Manocchio. Wachs (2-3, 4 RBIs, 3 runs) ended the game in the bottom of the sixth inning with a three-run homer after Lindor’s RBI-single that drove in Reggie Rodriguez. It was more than enough offensive firepower for Querales, who scattered six hits and struck out three over six innings. He did not walk a batter, throwing 52 strikes over his 69-pitch outing. J.C. Martinez led Travella with two hits and a stolen base. E.J. Burns, Anthony Quigley, Jake Miller, and Peyton Morgan added one hit apiece for the Trojans (15-12).

In 2023, HSBN launched its HSBN South Florida Hall Of Fame, and inducted 23 members into its inaugural class. The 2024 induction ceremony will be held this October, at a lavish ceremony. Douglas Manager Todd Fitz-Gerald, a 2023 Hall of Fame member, will serve as the Master of Ceremonies on this magical night. The night before, HSBN will hold the annual HSBN Hall Of Fame game to kick off the HoF ceremonies. Over the weekend, HSBN called 16 new members, that will part of its 2024 Class. We now present the 2024 HSBN South Florida Hall Of Fame Class, along with their reactions to finding out they are now Hall of Fame members. Enjoy! 2024 HSBN South Florida Hall Of fame Inductees (In Alphabetical Order): Bill Harvey
Bill Harvey Hall Of Fame Announcement Video
Bobby Lawson
No Video Available
Brian Campbell
Brian Campbell Hall Of Fame Announcement Video
Carm Mazza
Carm Mazza Hall Of Fame Announcement Video
Doug Ferguson
Doug Ferguson Hall Of Fame Announcement Video
Jerry Albert
Jerry Albert Hall Of Fame Announcement Video
Joe Russo
Joe Russo Hall Of Fame Announcement Video
Larry Greenstein
Larry Greenstein Hall Of Fame Announcement Video
Miguel Cuello
Miguel Cuello Hall Of Fame Announcement Video
Oddibe McDowell
Oddibe McDowell Hall Of Fame Announcement Video
Paul Barrios
Paul Barrios Hall Of Fame Announcement Video
Paul Herfurth
Paul Herfurth Hall Of Fame Announcement Video
Pepe Ortega
No Video Available
Russ Milliken Scott Benedict
Scott Benedict Hall Of Fame Announcement Video
Scott Riddle
Scott Riddle Hall Of Fame Announcement Video

Sometimes, storybook endings write themselves. That was the case on Thursday night with South Broward and Nova facing off for the 6A-15 title. Former Bulldogs player Antonino Schembari returned to his alma mater as an assistant a couple seasons ago, and this year, he took over as the manager at South Broward. On Thursday, his Bulldogs delivered the first school district title since 2010, defeating Nova 6-5.

“For these guys to go out and accomplish the first district title in 14 years, in year one, is really special,” said Schembari. “It is really a testament to how hard these guys have worked and how they have bought in to the system and culture we are trying to build. It lays a great foundation for the future.”

Early on it looked like this was going to be a wild, high scoring affair. The Titans, who have been playing better baseball down the stretch of the season, scored three runs in the top of the first. In their half of the inning, South Broward answered right back. A hit by pitch, a Cristian Brennan single, and a two-rbi double by Keniel Marrero cut the lead to 3-2. After tying the game, Francisco Gomez gave the Bulldogs the lead with a two-run single. In the top of the third, Nova struck again. A couple of walks, a fielders choice ground ball, and a Ricky Relyea RBI single cut the lead to 6-5. That would be as close as Nova would get, as the pitchers settled in for both teams, not allowing a run over the final four innings of play. “It was a great baseball game tonight,” said Nova Manager Brian Luebkert. “Both teams fought hard. We just didn’t hit enough. South Broward is a scrappy group of kids, and they came back after we went up 3-0 and answered our runs in that first inning. That was a big momentum swing. Overall, it was just a well-played game.” Schembari agreed.

“Both times played like they wanted to win a district championship tonight. We were lucky enough to come out on top in a game that could have went either way. It was a big building step game for us, and we are looking forward to playing next week and competing again, in regionals.”

Despite the loss, Nova also held their heads high as their season came to an end. “It was a good season for us,” said Luebkert. “We had to battle through a lot of injuries through the year, and we played hard right until the last out tonight, we just couldnt get that big hit.”

Few teams in South Florida have been as dominant over the past four seasons, as North Broward Prep. Over the past four years, they have won two state titles, a regional title, and this year have compiled a 22-3 record. On Thursday night, the eagles started their annual state run, with their fourth straight district title, a 9-1 win over St. John Paul.

“I’m really proud of this group,” said Eagles Manager Brian Campbell. “These seniors capped off their careers in district play with their fourth straight district championship. It was a team win, up and down the roster, everyone contributed. I am really happy for this group of guys.”

St. John Paul sophomore starter Jack Wilhoit held the Eagles offense scoreless through two. In the third, NBP’s offense woke up. The Eagles had five hits in the inning, including an RBI single from Riley Luft. The big blow in the inning was a bases-loaded, three-run double, that put NBP up 7-0. In the fourth, the Eagles put the game away with a sacrifice fly off the bat of Luft, and a Gian De Castro RBI single. On the mound for the four-time district champs, it was a committee approach. Nik Koorse started and went three innings, allowing only one hit, while striking out four. Luft pitched the middle two innings, striking out three. Nate Hernandez and Kiernan O’Neill closed out the game with an inning each. It has been a season of long winning streaks for the experienced Eagles squad. After losing the HSBN First Pitch Elite Tournament championship game in the season’s first week, NBP rolled off eight wins, before a loss to Pine Crest. They followed that loss up with seven wins, before falling to Douglas 6-5. The Eagles will now take a six game winning streak into regional play, starting next week. “We were happy to get the district title tonight, and now it’s time to get back to work, get some things cleaned up, and be prepared to try and go defend our regional title, starting next week.” As for Thursday night, NBP had hits from seven of their nine batters in the lineup, including two each from TJ Gramesty and Uderitz.

“We are proud of how it was a group effort tonight,” said Campbell. “If we are going to get where we want to go over the next few weeks, we are going to have to have contributions from everybody, and tonight was a good start to that.”

Cardinal Gibbons starting pitcher Brenden Trujillo drove in a first-inning run and combined with Jack Campbell on a one-hitter to lift the Chiefs to a 2-1 win over Jensen Beach in the finals of the 4A District 13 Tournament on Thursday in Pompano.

“The district championship means a lot to our school,” said Cardinal Gibbons manager Jason Hamilton. “We have a proud tradition of winning championships and being successful in our baseball program. So, it really meant a lot to our seniors.

The Chiefs (20-4-2) enter regionals ranked #6 in Broward, “Our journey is not done yet. It’s really just begun and we look forward to opening up regional play next week.” Trujillo came up with a clutch two-out RBI-single, scoring Randy Petron, in the Chiefs’ two-run first inning. Vynn Buerosse followed with an RBI-single, plating Nick Ragusa, a courtesy runner for Trujillo, and the Chiefs led, 2-0. “Just as we’ve done all year long, we are opportunistic offensively and took advantage of our opportunity by coming through with two two-out base hits,” Hamilton said. It proved to be enough firepower to lift the Chiefs to victory because Trujillo and Campbell were money on the mound. Trujillo worked the first 5.2 innings, striking out five while allowing just one hit and three walks. Campbell put out a bases-loaded fire in the sixth inning and then finished up with a final inning to record the save. “Brendon had control of the strike zone the entire day,” Hamilton said. “Kept the guys off balance.” In addition to singles by Trujillo, Petron and Buerosse, the Chiefs got one hit apiece from Bryce Faison, Jason Vazquez, and Eddie Marshall. But Jensen Beach’s Vincent Cooke was also outstanding on the mound. The junior tossed a complete game, striking out six while walking just two and scattering six hits over six innings.

“Their starting pitcher threw very well for them,” Hamilton said. “We had him on the ropes in the third inning and again in the fourth inning but couldn’t knock him out. He was a bulldog and threw very well for them and kept them in the game.”

Ty Velardo (1-2) had a hit and walked to lead Jensen Beach on offense. The Falcons (16-12) rallied in the sixth inning to make it a one-run game. Walks to Jake Figman, Will Rader, and Velardo put the Falcons in business. A balk plated the lone Falcons’ run as they came one clutch hit away from a big inning. “We played a really well-coached team today,” said Hamilton.

The rosters have now been released, and the details for the 13th annual HSBN Broward vs. Miami Senior All-Star Games and Awards Event have arrived! Follow this link to see what deserving seniors made the all-star teams for the Broward Private School vs. Miami Private School game, and the Broward Public school vs. Miami Public school game. HSBN Senior All-Star Game Broward Rosters And follow this link for all the details of what will be an incredible day and night of sending these seniors out in style! HSBN Broward vs. Miami Senior All-Star Game & Awards Event Details

Sunday Morning Chat: Fort Lauderdale Manager Terry Portice As the 2024 season comes to an end, HSBN had the honor of sitting down with one of the best to ever step foot in a Broward dugout. Fort Lauderdale Manager Terry Portice announced earlier this year, that after several decades, he will be stepping down from managing the Flying L’s at the end of the season. HSBN’s Anthony Uttariello spent some time with Portice this past week, allowing the Fort Lauderdale manager to reflect on his long career, his relationships he has built along the way, and his experience this past October being inducted into the HSBN South Florida Hall of Fame. Portice has been a longtime supporter of HSBN, and has been a true role model for many other coaches around the county with how he has run his program. We want to thank Coach Portice, and wish him happiness as he exits the Flying L’s dugout. Enjoy this exclusive Sunday Morning Chat to finish off the 2024 season. Here is what some of his peers had to say to Portice, in speaking about his retirement.

“Terry stayed with Fort Lauderdale through many different phases of the program. There were years when they were terrific, and years where they were rebuilding. Terry coached his teams in either scenario like they were state contenders. He is a first class professional who dedicated his entire career to developing his players in the right manner.” – West Boca Manager Jerry Albert

“Terry Portice was one of the finest gentleman to ever coach high school baseball in Broward County. He is a forever friend, and will always be remembered in the county as a great coach and person.” – Former Coral Springs Manager Frank Bumbales

“Congratulations from the McArthur coaching staff. We appreciate all that you have instilled into your student athletes through the years. may your days be filled with joy, while you await the freedom you desire. God bless.” – McArthur Manager Oddibe McDowell

“Terry has been a coach and mentor to thousands of players through the years and is a Broward County icon. He did it the right way, and Fort Lauderdale High School is a much better place for having had a man like him on board steering the ship. Enjoy your next chapter coach.” – Posnack Athletic Director Wayne Stofsky

“Terry has had a great career and has done things the right way for 28 years. His dedication to his players was second to none, as he not only taught the game of baseball, but important life lessons to his players.” – Coral Glades Manager Joe Franco

“Thank you for helping make South Florida High School Baseball some of the best in the country. Broward will have some big shoes to fill in 2025, with you not being in the dugout.” – Taravella Manager Joe Giummule

In October, HSBN inducted the first class into the HSBN South Florida Hall of Fame, at a lavish ceremony held at NSU University School AutoNation Center for the Arts. The ceremony included the inaugural class of 23 inductees. Today, we unveil for the first time, the Hall of Fame Page. Take a look at all of these legends that were honored in the first class! Enjoy! HSBN South Florida Hall Of Fame The 2024 Class will be revealed soon!!!

It is truly amazing what opportunities the game of baseball can create. On April 15th, the Viera Hawks served host to a unique opponent that had traveled a bit farther than most others for the chance to play at USSSA Space Coast Stadium, as the Ketchikan Kings came from Ketchikan, Alaska. This element changed the entire dynamic of the competition, with the intrigue of two teams from so far apart enjoying seeing how each plays the game, and the Kings soaking in the environment just as much as the action. Viera finished with an 8-0 victory, and afterwards the hosts fed both teams, who dined together in the stands. Save for the uniforms, you could not tell the kids apart so much any more. All kids love pizza, no matter where they come from.

“We were lucky enough for Viera High School to accommodate us, and even more fortunate to be able to play that game in such a beautiful complex. The complex treated us well, the host team was extremely hospitable and even fed us after the game,” Ketchikan manager Andy Berntson said. “This is my third time taking my team to Florida, each time attending the Jackie Robinson Training Complex in Vero Beach. The cost of the trip is high, and can be prohibitive. This year the affordable rates coincided with the end of the spring program, causing us to reach out and seek an extra game.”

Ketchikan, Alaska is a smaller island community in the southernmost part of Southeast Alaska. The city has approximately 15,000 people and the high school generally sits at about 475 students. The baseball team flies to all of its regional contests, which include going to the communities of Juneau, Sitka, and Petersburg, Alaska. The state tournament is generally in Anchorage, and takes the Kings approximately seven to eight hours to reach it via plane. Their season begins March 1st, but they generally don’t get outside to practice until around the first of April. Their games usually start mid-April and run through the first week of June, when the state tournament is played. “Our kids play the bulk of their games on a coarse surface closer to gravel than traditional baseball dirt, as our climate does not allow for the growing of field grass due to excessive rain and a lack of soil,” Coach Berntson said. “You would laugh if you saw pictures of our field, especially the historical ones. The quality of the facility was something our kids have rarely been in, let alone played in.” Baseball is a difficult sport in Alaska. The experience is handcuffed by the calendar and the climate. The Kings have been practicing inside the high school gym and in the batting cage, and their first on-field practice of the season actually came in Vero Beach on April 11th. They at least were able to get in some scrimmages the weekend before they left, playing in Sitka, Alaska. Ketchikan played those games in 38 degree weather, with snow. So the climate shock traveling to Florida was real.

“I make these trips for multiple reasons,” Coach Berntson said. “Often, such as this year, it is our first chance to get outside and practice on a field. Secondly, there are few opportunities in Alaska to add games in Alaska outside of conference play due to the cost and the calendar. But also, honestly, I truly believe that anyone that loves baseball deserves a chance to play on real and awesome baseball fields in real baseball weather. Even if it is just for a few days. While the talent and facility can be overwhelming, and left us wishing that we had performed closer to our abilities, we accomplished what we needed to on the trip, which was to simply play baseball.”

The Kings played a total of four baseball games while on their trip, which also included a game at Vero Beach on April 11th. The Indians earned a 16-0 win in that action, while the Kayhi played their first game of the season. “Our kids truly love the experience of traveling to Florida to play in the sun,” Coach Berntson said. “They always play hard, with predictable and mixed results due to the challenges that we face each season. But the experience is always worth it. As the adult in charge, it is honestly completely exhausting, but so worth it to see the kids get to experience it.”

The magic and beauty of high school baseball was on display at Nova Southeastern on Wednesday evening. The storylines were plenty, from the University Sharks winning their 20th game of the year, to the team honoring the legendary former St. Thomas Manager, and current assistant, Ed Waters before the game. The game ended in a 4-1 Sharks win, but the pageantry was on display long before the game even began. Let’s start at the beginning of this story. University School is led by manager Dan Rovetto, who for years was on the Nova side of one of the most intense high school baseball rivalries between the Titans and St. Thomas Aquinas. The Sharks athletic director, Paul Herfurth, is a former Raider, having coached for St. Thomas. That backdrop led to Wednesday night, when Rovetto, Herfurth, and the University program honored Waters in a pregame ceremony.

“Tonight was a special night,” said Rovetto. “Great environment, as we were able to honor Coach Waters with a plaque for his service to the community here in South Florida. He has been a staple in the development of student-athletes down here, and we just wanted to show our appreciation for everything he has done.”

Once the game started, it was a match up of two of the top teams in Broward County this year. University School came in ranked 6th in the HSBN Broward Power Rankings, and St. Thomas 7th. The night on the field belonged to Landon Petty. The Sharks junior threw a complete game, allowing only four hits, while striking out five. “Competitor. That’s my word for Landon,” said Rovetto. “Efficient. Threw only 69 pitches, and went the whole way. he really put us in position to win the game tonight.” Even with Petty throwing a gem, the Raiders had the lead 1-0 heading into the bottom of the fourth. St. Thomas ace Anthony Ciscar was matching Petty pitch for pitch. In the fourth, University’s Devin Mila gave the Sharks the lead with a two-run triple. Dylan Rex then put the Sharks up 3-1 with an RBI single. In the fifth, the Sharks added another run, and then turned it over to Petty to finish out the 4-1 win. The win improves the Sharks to 20-3, and its safe to say that their underdog role coming into the season, has now changed to a team that will be hunted down the stretch and into the playoffs.

“Quality win, and a major step in the right direction for us,” said Rovetto. “We have had some big wins this year, games that we may have lost last year, but we are showing a lot of growth, and seeing us get better as we head down the stretch is always a good sign.”

Both teams will have expectations of advancing to states when the playoffs start in just over 10 days. Down the stretch, University school has Mater Lakes Academy, before finishing their season in a match up with Rovetto’s alma mater, Nova. The Raiders have a busy week and a half, with a game against Coral Springs Charter Thursday, before ending the season with a three game week, highlighted by their annual match up with rival Nova.

Box Score The Deerfield Beach Bucks are amidst a season for the ages. Wednesday night’s 3-2 victory over the Monarch Knights is just the latest chapter in this historic run, as the Bucks won their tenth straight game to extend an unprecedented winning streak, becoming the best kept secret in Broward this season. While the team had a tough start to the season, that now seems a distant memory after the way it has turned things around. Since last taking a loss to Pompano Beach on March 15th, the Bucks have gained momentum with every victory. That confidence proved vital in Wednesday’s tight contest that came right down to the wire, as the Knights (5-7) made their final rally in the seventh.

“They are just a very resilient bunch that come to practice and work and just want to get better, and they’re finally getting the results they deserve,” Bucks Manager Drew Phillips said. “We started out 2-and-8, and just have ran off ten in-a-row. Guys are stepping up. Our pitching has really stepped up, and we’ve had timely hitting. The streak has been great.”

Junior Joseph Yastine was the difference-maker, as the right-hander made the start and never gave the ball back to go the distance for the win. Yastine mowed through the Monarch lineup to record 13 strikeouts, while scattering six hits over his seven full innings of work. “It was a huge game tonight from Joseph Yastine,” Coach Phillips said. “He had a complete game, with 13 strikeouts. I mean, it was just a masterful performance.” Senior Conner Phillips paced the offense by going 2-for-3 and drove in the two winnings run. After Monarch took the early lead when Diego Rojas scored on an error in the top of the first, the Bucks (12-8) answered back in the second when Thomas Robinson singled and later stole home. It remained tied until the fifth, when Easton Viveros reached on an error and Javi Sierra walked to bring Conner to the plate with two ducks on the pond. He jumped on the first pitch and lined it into left field to send in both base runners and keep the magic alive. The twelve wins are a significant mark. It matches the win total from each of the past two seasons, as last year’s team finished 12-8 and the 2022 squad went 12-10. With only three games remaining in the regular season, it also assures the club of finishing with a winning record heading into the district playoffs. Although the full history of the storied Deerfield Beach baseball program precludes High School Baseball Network, it is a fact that the 2024 Deerfield Beach baseball team is the most successful in HSBN history. Since the launch of browardhighschoolbaseball.com in 2011, no Bucks team has ever surpassed 12 wins in a season. Should the streak reach eleven games and subsequently thirteen wins, it will solidify these claims. So a tip of the cap to you, Bucks, and we wish you good luck.

Niko Benestad belted a walk-off two-run homer to lift Stoneman Douglas to a dramatic 6-5 comeback victory over visiting North Broward Prep on Tuesday. In a battle of Broward’s top two teams, it was the #2 Stoneman Douglas Eagles (16-5) that rallied from a 4-0 deficit to topple the #1 North Broward Prep Eagles (17-3). Benestad crushed a 1-1 pitch to center field with one out in the seventh inning, scoring Rylan Lugo (2-4, RBI, run), who singled one batter earlier. Stoneman Douglas erased a four-run deficit with three runs in the fourth and the tying run in the fifth inning.

“It was good to see the guys show some resiliency and stay the course the entire game,” said Douglas manager Todd Fitz-Gerald. “It was competitive, clean and fun to be a part of.”

The comeback began with an RBI-double by Gavin Gargiulo that scored Bennett Gary, who opened the fourth inning with a single. Ethan Askin lifted a sacrifice fly, plating Nick Diaz, who also singled, and Erick Torres made it 4-3 with an RBI-single that chased home Gargiulo. Lugo tied the game an inning later with a single that brought in Alex Rodriguez, who reached on an error. North Broward Prep regained the lead in the sixth inning on a solo home run by TJ Gramesty III. They had seemingly built a comfortable lead with a run in the second, two more in the third, and another in the fourth inning. A two-run single by Nik Koorse highlighted the early fireworks. Gian De Castro and Riley Luft scored on the play. Kiernan O’Neall tripled and scored on a wild pitch an inning later and North Broward Prep had things going their way. But Stoneman Douglas rallied and snapped the opposing Eagles’ seven-game win streak.

“Hats off to Stoneman Douglas,” said North Broward Prep manager Brian Campbell. “They played a great game. I’m proud of our guys, and games like this will make us better for the playoffs.”

Breylynn Courtney pitched well in relief for Stoneman Dougals, recording four outs, all on strikeouts. Jaden Dubanewicz got the win in relief. The senior right-hander threw two innings, allowing just two hits and one run. He walked three and struck out three. Max Burkholz delivered two of North Broward Prep’s eight hits, and scored a run. Stoneman Douglas faces another top-ranked team next on its schedule. The Eagles visit Miami-Dade #1 Doral Academy for a 4 p.m. game Friday. North Broward Prep looks to get back into the win column when it hosts Pembroke Pines Charter at 6:30 p.m. Thursday.

It’s not very often that there is reason to celebrate even despite taking a tough loss. But Thursday’s baseball action between the visiting Spruce Creek Hawks and the host Taravella Trojans provided an occasion to leave the field happy no matter which team you root for. Taravella officially unveiled the newly-completed grand entrance to Jason Stein Field, proudly displaying the namesake of the late coach and athletic director who passed away from COVID in 2020. The baseball program also announced its inaugural Hall of Fame class, as these 12 members became the first honorees recognized with individual plaques on the team’s newly-constructed Wall of Fame. Spruce Creek played spoilers on the field, with a 5-1 decision. Garrett Grant was a force on the mound, going five-and-a-third innings with 11 strikeouts to lead the Hawks (15-5) to victory.

“It was nice to recognize so many great players of the past tonight with the Hall of Fame ceremony,” Taravella Manager Joe Giummule said. “I was thankful for the generous donations from the Class of 1984 to finish the Jason Stein Field entrance that was started four years ago, and a special thanks to Cohen & Sons Wealth Management for making tonight happen. Unfortunately, we didn’t play well and lost in a rain-shortened game.”

Before the runs against and rain came, there was plenty to cheer. The majestic look and name impact of the field entrance helped everyone fondly recall memories of the late Coach Stein, who is remembered as being one of Taravella’s most rambunctious and jovial leaders. Stein spent 17 years at Taravella, first as the baseball coach and then as the Athletic Director. He is also one of the 12 inaugural members of the Hall of Fame. Along with Coach Jason Stein, Taravella honored 11 other former Trojans on Thursday. Individual plaques were unveiled for the 1984 District Champion Team, John Toale (Class of 1983), Coach Larry Napp (1982-1993), Coach Sal DeSantis (1983-1994), Matt Ford (Class of 1999), Steven “Scooby” Morgan (Class of 1992), Coach Mike Moss (1993-2003), Robbie Widlansky (Class of 2003), Alex Froloff (Class of 2001), Todd Ozias (Class of 1994) and Eric Genden (Class of 1993). Occasions and instances like this are examples of greatness through the game of baseball. Today’s era of transfer portals and travel programs has lessened the bond that communities have with their local sports programs. As the ceremony unfolded, it cannot be overlooked the impact it had on the players just to interact and know some of their former peers who donned the same navy and gray once before. Something like that brings the names on the plaques to life, and hopefully adds further inspiration to today’s team to someday achieve such greatness themselves that they may also find their name on that wall some time in the years ahead. Thursday’s action certainly provided a glimpse at some of those ballot-potential guys. After falling behind by giving up three runs in the top of the second inning, Taravella (14-6) answered back with its only run in the third. Jonathan Lopez jumped on the first pitch he saw and stroked a double deep to left with one out, and he quickly rounded third and came around to score thanks to a single to right from Anthony Quigley. Quigley stole third to keep the pressure on, but the Hawks responded by inducing an infield ground out that ended that threat and preserved the lead. Taravella managed only one more base runner the rest of the way, a walk to Jake Miller in the sixth.

Two big innings propelled Somerset Academy to a 15-5 win at Pine Crest in a battle of Panthers on Tuesday afternoon. The Somerset Panthers broke a scoreless tie with six runs in the third inning, then put the game out of reach with an eight-run sixth after the Pine Crest Panthers had clawed back to within 7-4 after five innings.

“The boys came out to swing the bat,” Somerset Academy manager Juan Mora said.

Eight different Somerset players scored runs, paced by Panthers’ lead-off hitter Jon Mora. The Somerset center fielder crossed the dish three times. Jorge Gonzalez, Tristan Sierra, Alan Sanchez, Eric Vasquez, Jr., and Jayden Ramirez each scored twice. Jeandro Perez led a nine-hit attack by going 3 for 3 at the plate with two RBI. Ramirez added two hits and drove in a run. Brandon Mon highlighted the sixth-inning outburst with a two-run homer. Gonzalez and Sanchez also drove in two runs apiece. Kevin Martinez pitched well in relief of Somerset starter Liam DeCicco. Martinez threw 1.1 innings allowing just one unearned run while striking out one.

“It was just a complete ballgame,” said Juan Mora. “Our pitchers came in and threw strikes.”

Pine Crest made a game of it with three runs in the fourth. The rally began with two outs and Cooper Obst delivered a two-run single, scoring both Cole Kaplan, who started it all with a two-out single, and Troy Ceritelli. Ian Hurt also added an RBI-single in the frame, chasing home Michael Marber. They added another run in the fifth on a sacrifice fly by Jake Milton. Rian Greenberg tagged and scored to make it a 7-4 game. Somerset Academy (9-10) visits Monsignor Pace for a 7 p.m. Wednesday game. Pine Crest (8-6) returns to action on Thursday with a 6:30 p.m. game at Highlands Christian.

Box Score Watching a young team develop and improve over the course of the season is one of the more rewarding feelings for most high school baseball managers. Each turn of the corner marks a step in the player’s growth, each successful experience a tool to recall for future challenges. Friday night marked just such an occasion, as the young Coral Glades Jaguars celebrated a season highlight with a no-hit victory over the Seminole Ridge Hawks.

“I’m really proud of this group of student-athletes for how they’ve been playing all year,” Coral Glades Manager Joe Franco said. “We normally have four to six rookies in the lineup mixed in with a few guys with varsity experience. I’m even more proud of how classy they are and how great of teammates they are to one another.”

Freshman Jason Lincoln and junior Kyle Fernandes combined to hold the Hawks hitless for a 10-0 home win. Lincoln picked up the win with four shutout innings, as he struck out five and walked two. The veteran Fernandes then came on to close things out with two clean frames that included four strikeouts. The Jaguars (9-6) got plenty of offense to support the efforts on the mound. Glades jumped right out in front in the top of the first inning and led the entire way, while also scoring in every inning. Three different players all had two hits each to lead the offense. Senior Aydan Gonzalez was 2-for-4 with a double, an RBI and a run, while junior Brayden Hoskins went 2-for-2 with an RBI and a run and junior Tyler Villanueva was 2-for-2 with an RBI. Freshman Cloevens Challenger delivered three RBI and sophomore Shawn Whoriskey scored three times. The defense also did its part in turning in a clean line for the night. After committing nine errors over its last four games, the Jaguar defense did not have any errors on Friday.

J.C. Hernandez homered, doubled, scored three runs and drove in two more while Westminster Academy reliever Ryan Dejnak threw three hitless innings to preserve the Lions’ 9-4 upset win over Miami-Dade #3 Southwest in the HSBN Spring Break title game on Thursday.

“Thank you to the High School Baseball Network for putting together a nice local event to allow more high school baseball,” said Westminster Academy manager Ernie Gonzalez. “The staff is always very organized and flexible with all the conflicts always taking place down here in South, Fl. Both teams were happy to get their final championship game in and play some more baseball.”

Hernandez broke a 4-4 tie with a lead-off home run in the fifth inning to give the Lions the lead for good after blowing a 4-0 advantage. He scored again in a big 4-run seventh inning that put the game out of reach. That’s because Dejnak was unhittable over the last three innings on the mound. The freshman struck out three and allowed just one baserunner, a walk, while the Lions rebuilt their lead. “It was a great team win,” said Gonzalez. “We have been playing better and better since getting a good taste of reality early in the season. Our freshmen and rookies are starting to understand their roles and play more consistent.” A four-run first inning gave the Lions an early cushion before the hosting Eagles battled back. Julian Irizarry and Luke Dennestedt delivered two hits apiece in the Lions’ 10-hit attack and Nico Ramos drove in two runs. Calvin Martin and Jesus Garcia each scored two runs. “Our seniors and veterans are leading more both on and off the field,” Gonzalez said. “We don’t make excuses and fight all seven innings. There’s no quit in this baseball program.” Southwest chipped away at the Lions’ lead with a run in the third and then tied it with a three-run fourth. Michael Cabrera started the rally with a single and later scored before Tyler Duarte doubled home a run and Joel Cabrera singled home Ajay Perez with the tying run on clutch two-out hits.

“Hats off to (Southwest manager) Mandy Paleaz and the solid and scrappy Southwest team he has,” Gonzalez said. “The are very disciplined at the plate and play great defense. They will go far this season.”

Duarte, Albert Bell and Michael Cabrera collected two hits each and Kevin Alonso drove in a run for the Eagles, who saw their six-game win streak snapped. The 13-3 Eagles, winners in eight of their last 10 games, will host Coral Gables at 6 p.m. Friday. Westminster Academy, now 11-5 after extending its winning streak to five games, and victorious in seven of its last eight, will host Archbishop McCarthy at 6 p.m. Friday. “It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish,” Gonzalez said. “We are not done. We still have some tough games ahead.”

Zachary Stephens fired a two-hit shutout and the top of the Sagemont lineup did the damage in a 7-0 win over Cooper City on Wednesday.

“It was a great team win,” said Sagemont manager Jason Stettner. “The boys are on a roll right now, finding their true identity as a team and playing good team baseball.”

Stephens struck out seven and walked four in his complete-game gem, throwing 63 strikes over his 103-pitch outing. “Their lefty was mixing it up really well, throwing his breaking ball for strikes on the outside part of the plate and we weren’t willing to make adjustments,” said Cooper City manager Chad Rose. “My hat’s off to their guy on the mound.” Stephens got run support from the top of the Lions’ lineup. The first five batters in the order combined for nine hits in 16 official trips to the plate. Joshua Agriesti led the way with three hits, including a double, and drove in two runs. Lions’ lead-off hitter Chris Alfonsecca delivered a pair of hits, and the Sagemont center fielder scored a run. David Perez also contributed two hits, scored a run and drove in another. Dylan Rubenstein and Justin Torres each slapped doubles and drove in a run apiece. Rubenstein also scored a pair of runs while Anthony Hernandez added a hit and Gio Molina drove in a run for the Lions, who improved to 9-6 for the season. Sagemont visits ABF Academy Hialeah at 7 p.m. Friday. “They’re a tough opponent,” Stettner said. “The boys and looking forward to it and the second half of the season, playing for each other.” Sagemont jumped on Cooper City for four runs in the first inning on Wednesday and never looked back.

“It was a tough night for the Cowboys,” Rose said. “We just didn’t make adjustments at the plate like I thought we should have.”

Cooper City starter Devin Heithaus shook off the first-inning to finish with six solid frames, recording six strikeouts. “(Heithaus) got beat up a little early but he really settled in and gave us some solid innings on the mound,” Rose said. Braeden Farris and Brandon Borrego had a hit apiece for the Cowboys, who fell to 5-7 for the season. They look to turn things around when they host Coral Springs Charter at 6:30 p.m. Friday, April 12. “So, I think going down the road, we make our adjustments earlier and stay confident within ourselves, I think we’re going to make a run at it late,” Rose said.

Jimmy Huard and Ryan Schaefer combined on a two-hitter while Geovani Escandon doubled and scored what proved to be the winning run as the Western Wildcats upset visiting HSBN Broward #9 McArthur, 3-2, on Tuesday. Huard worked the first four innings for the Wildcats, now 11-7 on the season and 7-1 at home. The sophomore right-hander allowed just one run on one hit and struck out four in picking up the win. Schaefer finished up with three innings of one-hit relief, striking out three, to earn the save and help the Wildcats extend their win streak to three games. Escandon delivered a one-out double in the fifth inning and scored on a Tyler Jenkins single to extend the Wildcats’ lead to 3-1. Escandon got the Wildcats on the scoreboard early with a first-inning run, answering McArthur’s opening-inning tally, to tie the game, 1-1. The senior infielder drew a one-out walk, advanced to second on a wild pitch, then stole third and raced home on an error. The Wildcats broke the tie and took the lead for good with a run in the second inning. Bryce Huffman singled, moved to second when Danny Ortega was hit by a pitch, and was bunted to third by Miguel Tapia before scoring on a wild pitch. McArthur jumped in front in the top of the first. The Mustangs, now 11-4 for the season, led 1-0 after Raymond Gonzalez walked and stole a base before scoring the Mustangs’ initial run. Gonzalez and Argenis Gil collected a hit apiece for the Mustangs, who saw their win streak snapped at four games. A sixth-inning rally fell just short for McArthur. Garvey Person walked and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt from Gonzalez. Person went to third on an error and then scored on a sacrifice fly by Tyler Smith to make it a one-run game. The Mustangs also got outstanding pitching performances from both starter Devin Grazzal and reliever Troy Smith. Grazzsal worked the first four innings, allowing just two hits while striking out six. Smith threw two innings of two-hit ball. He struck out one and did not walk a batter. McArthur looks to get back to its winning ways when it hosts the Ft. Lauderdale Flying L’s at 6:30 p.m. Thursday. Winners in five of the last six games, Western will host Cardinal Gibbons at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Box Score The Taravella Trojans continue to be centered around pitching and defense. But Tuesday night it was the offense that made the difference, as the Trojans rallied late for a 9-3 comeback victory over the visiting Gulf Coast Sharks. Taravella scored three runs in the bottom of the fifth to gain the lead, and then added five runs in the sixth to extend the margin. Taravella (7-3) has now won four straight, this last coming against a dangerous Sharks team that also stands at 7-3 on the season.

“It wasn’t pretty but it’s my type of baseball,” Trojans Manager Joe Giummule said. “It was a grind-it-out type of game, putting pressure on the other team, doing the little things offensively and making plays when it matters.”

The Trojans got offensive contributions from everyone, as sophomore Jake Miller was the only Trojan to collect multiple hits by going 2-for-2 with a pair of RBI. Senior Javier Miranda also had two RBI. The turning point for the Trojans came after they had rallied to erase a two-run deficit and even things up at 3-3 in the fifth. Gulf Coast made a pitching change to a left-hander with runners on the corners, and Giummule gave his guys the green light to attempt to steal home. Sophomore Marcus Crespo executed the play so perfectly that he swiped home without a throw. By the time the reliever stepped off the mound to address the runner off first Crespo had already scored. Giummule has a deep bag of plays for most every baseball situation, and most times his guys respond well when they get to use one. That was again the case this time, as Taravella carried that momentum back to the plate in the sixth and piled on five more runs that effectively sealed the victory. Crespo walked to again provide his presence on the base paths and Mikael Ghann then reached on a bunt single. Crespo was erased on a fielder’s choice that put Tyler Morgan at first, as Colton Dishman then came on to run for Morgan. Ghann came home on a passed ball, A.J. Perry drew an RBI walk and an infield error opened up the flood gates to allow two more runs to score. Miranda then also worked a bases-loaded walk to drive in their final run.

“We were missing four starters tonight in the lineup and other guys got opportunities and made the most of them. Two guys came into the game without having an at bat on the year, so I’m proud of them for stepping up,” Giummule said.

Gulf Coast drew first blood by taking a 1-0 lead on an error that allowed John Kacinas to score in the third. After Taravella answered back to even it up thanks to an RBI single from Miranda in the bottom of the frame, the Sharks answered back with two runs in the fourth that put them back on top. With two outs, Kacinas got it going with a base hit to center, and Will Kramer followed with a single to left.Louis Marsala then delivered an RBI single on a liner to third, and Payton Hale pushed across another run with an RBI knock to left. But the Trojans continued to grind, and only allowed three more base runners the rest of the way. A.J. Perry picked up the win in relief, going two-and-a-third scoreless innings. He allowed a hit and two walks, and had two strikeouts. Like the rest of the Trojans, he did his part. “We were selfish early in the season, but are starting to buy in,” Giummule said.

University School must have been paying real attention in the offseason to the teams that defeated them in 2023. The Sharks served up their first dose of their Redemption 2024 tour last month when they defeated West Boca, a team that beat them last season. On Wednesday night, it was Gulliver Prep’s turn to feel the wrath of the Sharks. Landon Petty, who was the losing pitcher in last years regional quarterfinal loss to the Raiders, was back on the hill Wednesday, and he delivered a masterful performance in a 3-1 University win.

“This was just another huge game for us,” said Sharks Manager Dan Rovetto. “Them beating us in regionals last year, and then for Landon to come back today and throw a gem. That was special.”

Petty went the distance, scattering seven hits, and allowing only one earned run, while striking out five. Offensively, it was Rocco Rovetto who led the way, with three hits. The big hit came in the fifth inning, when Rovetto lined a single to left-field, driving in Griffin Pomper, who also had a double in the inning. “Rocco was outstanding today, and that hit in the fifth inning gave us some breathing room in what was a really tight game to that point,” said the elder Rovetto. “Different parts of our offense clicked today, and it was enough with how Landon pitched, and how we played defensively.” Gulliver Prep had their own strong mound performance, with starter Nico Ribera going five innings, allowing only two earned runs. Ronin Robles also contributed two shutout innings. The Raiders have taken a bit of a step back in the early past of the season, as Wednesday’s loss ran their overall record to 3-5. The team advanced all the way to the state semifinals last season ,losing a heartbreaking game to at the time, two-time defending state champion North Broward Prep. This year’s version of the Raiders is younger than the team that went to states, and growing pains are to be expected throughout the year. As for the Sharks, their growing pain year was last year, and they appear like a team that is going to be a serious contender in 3A come May. “This year has just been about doing all the things we have to do to get the program back to being an every year contender,” said Rovetto. “We are taking all the steps necessary, and winning on the road against quality teams is one of those steps.” He went on.

“Gulliver is not an easy place to play. So for us to go down there and beat them after losing to them in the regional last year, I am very proud of how my boys responded today, and how they came out and played with the focus needed for us to continue to grow and be a good team.”

The Sharks are now 7-1, and sitting at #9 in the HSBN Broward Power Rankings. The schedule doesn’t get any easier the rest of this week. They host Dr, Krop Thursday, before a huge match up with Broward #10 Taravella on Saturday afternoon.