Compiled by Rod Gipson
MaxPreps.com
BASEBALL
1. Tampa Plant (15-1) – The Panthers suffered their first loss of the season Friday night, 2-1 to Tampa Jesuit. But the setback appears to only be a minor distraction. The Panthers have scored 133 runs in their last nine games and have two pitchers, Mychal Givens and David Bergen, with 5-0 records.
2. Seminole (13-0) – The remaining unbeaten baseball team in the Tampa Bay area, the Warhawks have received outstanding pitching from Craig Smith (2-0, 0.80 ERA), Nash Reling (4-0, 0.91) and Patrick Eckelberger (3-0, 1.36). Already the frontrunner for the Class 5A, District 11 tournament top seed.
3. Clearwater Central Catholic (15-1) – The Marauders are on a 13-game winning streak after their early-season loss. And after a three-game road trip to south Florida, CCC will get a chance to avenge that one loss, hosting Bradenton Pendleton School on April 14.
4. Tampa Jesuit (12-2) – The Tigers have adjusted to their jump to Class 5A from 3A. Jesuit continues to be paced by Jimmy Falla (.380 batting average, 3 home runs and 17 RBI) and Joe Hudson (.512, 1 HR and 15 RBI). Jesuit hosts its Spring Wooden Bat tournament this week with teams coming in from Seattle, New York City and Washington D.C.
5. Dade City Pasco (11-1) – The Pirates continue to play well, despite six games squeezed in over nine days. Pasco has won eight straight, posting three shutouts and scoring nine runs or more in each one of those games. An upcoming stretch of five district contests will be a tough test.
Honorable Mention – Tampa Alonso (9-1), Lithia Newsome (9-3), Dunedin (11-2), Clearwater (9-2), Land O’Lakes (8-1).
SOFTBALL
1. Tampa Chamberlain (13-0) – The trio of Samantha Holle, Stephanie Medina and Mary Kate Smith, each hitting above .485, has a combined 47 RBI and have helped Chiefs outscore their opponents 150-23 this season. Junior pitcher Alexandra Hartshorn has been untouchable with a 7-0 start to go with her 0.45 ERA and 56 strikeouts. Chamberlain has a showdown with No. 3 Gaither this week before heading off to the Kissimee spring tournament.
2. Clearwater Countryside (13-2) – Freshman pitcher Alyssa Bache helped the Cougars gain some revenge against Class 6A, District 7 rival Gaither during last week’s 4-3 win. Bache’s line on the season is 7-0 with a 0.54 ERA and 40 strikeouts. But somehow, someway, the Cougars followed that performance with a 4-1 loss to a .500 Tampa Sickles squad.
3. Tampa Gaither (14-3) – The Cowboys slip out of the top spot after the tough loss to No. 2 Countryside. Despite seeing their nine-game winning streak come to an end, the Cowboys could still be the team to beat in 5A-7. Pitcher Morgan Grove (6-1) is back from an abdominal injury and heating up just in time for the showdown this week with no. 1 Chamberlain.
4. Land O’ Lakes (10-0) – The Gators have used stellar pitching and a deep lineup of bats to stay the only other unbeaten team in the Tampa Bay area. Michelle Bradley has an area-best six homers plus she’s 3-0 as the Gators’ no. 2 pitcher with 32 strikeouts and a 1.75 ERA. Alexis Aubuchon (.542 BA) has been strong at the plate while no. 1 pitcher Kasey Murray has been outstanding (6-0 with 47 strikeouts).
5. Tampa Plant (13-2) – The Panthers rebounded from its 5-4 loss to No. 1 Chamberlain with blowout wins, 12-2 against Tampa Middleton and 12-5 against Tampa Jefferson. Plant has five players batting .500 or better and is poised to make a run for the postseason. Their only problem? District rival Chamberlain.
Honorable Mention – Plant City Durant (14-5), New Port Richey River Ridge (10-1), Tarpon Springs East Lake (10-5), Lithia Newsome (11-5), Dade City Pasco (12-2).