Nearly All Of 4A-15 Fighting To Repeat As A District Champ

If one was not careful, they might think a district game in 15-4A was actually an Al Star game. With the glut of talent loaded on these rosters, it is understandable how one could make that sort of an assumption.

Five out of the six teams in this group won their respective district a season ago, with both Florida Christian and Monsignor Pace making it all the way to the state tournament at Fort Myers. Mater Lakes Academy, St. Brendan, LaSalle and Booker T. Washington al have similar aspirations this season, and certainly whatever teams are able to survive from this group will have proven they have the ability to accomplish exactly that.

“I think it’s going to be great, because even though its one of the toughest districts out there it’s going to prepare us for when the playoffs come,” said Mater Lakes Manager Cesar Temes. “It seems like every game in districts is a playoff game.”

The Bears were 12-0 in their district the past two seasons, but have accepted the likelihood that they will not remain unbeaten in district play this year as well.

First year St. Brendan Manager Luis Padron shares that sentiment.

“I’d play the Marlins if they gave me a game,” Padron said. “In order to be recognized among the best you have to play the best.”

Padron takes over the Sabres fresh off a state title with Westwood Christian.

For LaSalle, they know each game is crucial and they welcome the challenge.

“Thats a great district,” said Royal Lions Manager Oscar Benitez. “I mean great coaches, great players, and we’re honored to be in the same district as them. We know every game is going to be a playoff game.”

Florida Christian

2013 Record: 17-12
Manager: Chris Brigman
Key Returners: Michael Campos, Alex Valverde, Ruben Someillan, Michael Fernandez, Erik Montero, Chris Gandara, Jack Diaz
Newcomers to watch: Jorge Iza, Brandon Chinea
Team strengths: Hitting & Speed

During their free time on the weekends, the Florida Christian Patriots players enjoy coming together to go on fishing trips. The group heads out to go deep sea saltwater fishing for big catches like tarpon or snook. Those trips build lifetime memories and help develop a camaraderie that will translate to the baseball field when the team starts the season.

After a heartbreaking loss in the state playoffs last year, the Patriots will look to reel in the school’s third state championship in school history in 2014…[Read More]

LaSalle

2013 Record: 14-14
Manager: Oscar Benitez
Coaching Staff: Simon Hernandez, Eddie Machin, Nick Alfonso, Oscar Cedeno
Key Returners: Nick Canino, Sergio Miyares, Brandon Blanco, Anders Gutierrez, Brent Thomas, Michael Cabezas , Christian Cabezas, Julio Diaz, Francis Mijares, Jordan Vazquez
Newcomers to watch: Santi Grande
Team strengths: Offense

Coming off of last season’s heartbreaking regional loss to St. Brendan, the LaSalle Royal Lions could have easily sat back and felt sorry for themselves the whole summer. Instead they went right back to work and used it as motivation when they began their offseason workout regiments.

With a strong core of key players returning, LaSalle Manager Oscar Benitez knew he would have a solid team coming back for the 2014 season. ..[Read More]

Mater Lakes

2013 Record: 18-8-1
Manager: Cesar Temes
Key Returners: Jonathan Lorenzo, Jordan Cox, Christian Calleja, Ricky Rodriguez, Alejandro Castillo
Newcomers to watch: Isaac Delgado, Marlon Romero, Daniel Delgado, Anthony Martel, Jesus Hernandez, Chris Delgado, Peter Baldrich
Team strengths: Pitching & Defense

It might take a lot longer than usual when Mater Lakes assigns jersey numbers this season.

In his third season as manager of the Bears, Cesar Temes faces the daunting challenge of replacing 15 seniors who were key in helping the team win back-to-back district championships. The good news is that in the halls of Mater Lakes Academy, baseball is king and there waits another group of players chomping at the bit, eager to make a name for themselves this season…[Read More]

Monsignor Pace

2013 Record: 23-7-1
Manager: Tom Duffin
Coaching Staff: Chuck Lyman, Fausto Tejero, Gaby De La Vega, David Fernandez, Rolando Nunez, Ozney Guillen, Juan Cordero, Christian Gonzalez
Key Returners: Lorenzo Hampton Jr., Benji Urra, Leroy Garcia, John Merrill, Chris Basilio
Newcomers to watch: Andre Sanchez, Anthony Boix, Manny Rodriguez, Nick Fusco, Eddie Cutillas, Elliott Cutillas
Team strengths: Pitching

Introductions are in order for this year’s edition of the Monsignor Pace Spartans. The team is coming off of a storybook season in which they lost in eight innings to undefeated Ocala Trinity Catholic in the Class 4A state title game.

This season the Spartans will begin a new chapter under Manager Tom Duffin, who has helped established one of the most respected baseball programs in Miami-Dade County…[Read More]

St. Brendan

2013 Record: 16-12
Manager: Luis Padron
Key Returners: Nico Lares, Danny Sirven, Dennis Rivadineira, Christian Martin, Gaby Soto, Alex Cabrera
Newcomers to watch: Renny Tolentino, Tyler Page
Team strengths: Hitting

Just over five months ago, HSBN’s Miami-Dade County Coach of the Year Luis Padron was celebrating a state championship victory at Westwood Christian.

This season he’ll try to bring the same feeling over to the St. Brendan Sabres after taking over for HSBN District 4A-16 Coach of the Year Joe Cubas, who stepped down this offseason. The Sabres were one game away from making it to states last year. Padron is now challenging his team to perform even better on the field and in the classroom…[Read More]

Booker T. Washington

2013 Record: 0-7
Mascot: Tornadoes
Outlook: Booker T. Washington’s return to district play looks as enticing as a seat on the Titanic, but there is a lot to be said for a young program that is willing to take on the best their district could possibly offer.

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