With losing three seniors from his 2009 squad, Coach Maples had some big shoes to fill and important questions to answer. Centerfielder Cory Stafford and Mitchell Anderson anchored the club up the middle and pitcher Kyle Burkett had two big wins down the stretch on the way to the crown in '09. But, with the emergence of transfer, short stop Chino Vega and 9 seniors who will contribute, the Eagles are locked and loaded for another run for State Championship glory. Vega has big shoes to fill as Cory Stafford did a great job making the routine plays and keeping Coach Maples at ease on the bench in '09.
"Chino can make more than the routine plays. He is very athletic. But, we need him to be steady up the middle for us to repeat." Maples said.
Vega, who is headed to play college baseball at Long Island State University next fall, will not have to carry the load on his own my any means. This is a balanced ball club whose offense is led by leadoff man and offensive sparkplug - leftfielder Matt Wisnieuski.
"Matt Wisnieuski is the best high school hitter I have ever seen" remarked Coach Maples. Quite an observation from the former Deltona High standout and college player at Bethune Cookman University.
"This kid can flat out hit. He has gap power, plate coverage, and strike zone discipline. He works counts and is a tough out. He is everything you look for in 3 hole hitter but we are going to lead him off."
On the bump, Evan Lynch will be the number one starter for the Eagles. The 6'7" right hander is attacking attention from major college programs across the state. His fastball is 86-91 with a slider and change up. Only a junior, this young man has time to develop his already good stuff.
"We have the talent to repeat, no doubt. But we have to stay mentally focused. We have a tough schedule. Our guys need to lock in mentally every game."
"I fully expect our baseball team to be in the State Final Four again in 2010," said Director of Athletics, Brian Soukup. I could tell that Mr. Soukup was not speaking with a bragging tongue but an overwhelming confidence in Coach Maples and the Eagle players.
The Eagles have there work cut out for them in 2010. There is not a tougher 1A schedule in the state. But with a new flashy glove up the middle, senior leadership, championship experience, a lead off hitter that is a menace, and hard throwing 6'7" right hander...I like their chances!
The FLHS Baseball Report mistakenly posted a picture of Trinity Christian Academy in Deltona with a recent article of detailing the probation of Trinity Lake Worth. The article has been removed and our sincerest apologies go out to the State Championship Eagles. Best of luck in 2010! To learn more about Trinity Christian Academy visit them on the web at http://trinitychristianacademy.com/ |
