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A look at Class 4A, District 8

By JOHN C. COTEY
Published February 16, 2007

Gulf

Last year: 14-13

This year: The Bucs have nine seniors, and while having to replace a lot of their offense - namely Brandon Decker's 10 homers and 48 RBIs - don't have many holes to fill. Lefty Kyle Trouton will be the team's No. 1, with Weston Revak at No. 2. Gulf's ironman catcher Jesse Kaselitz, who caught all 27 games last year, is back, as is the middle of the infield - shortstop Nito Navarro and second baseman Tommy Pospisil. The Bucs added Mitchell transfer Matt Phillips, who can pitch, catch and play third. Leadoff hitter Chris Keeler, an outfielder who also closes, is the team's sparkplug, according to coach Shaun Wiemer.

Hudson

Last year: 4-20

This year: Coach Vince Ferlita was devastated by last season, as his senior-laden Cobras never meshed and struggled to a poor season after going 12-12 the previous year. Despite an 0-2 start this year, he thinks the future is bright. CF Sam Donataccio returns after batting .409 last year and is hitting .714 with a home run in 2007, and C/3B Josh Russell is poised for a breakout year, says Ferlita. Freshman SS Hunter Newton is promising, and sophomore SP Jared Branco hopes to hold down a Cobras pitching staff that is unproven. Ferlita says, "If we play solid baseball, we can be a very pesky little team."

Pasco

Last year: 25-4

This year: Coach Ricky Giles is closing in on 250 career wins with a team he says will be "a little green" but has more than enough talent to repeat as district champs. Aaron Brandt and Dustin Brown give the Pirates a capable 1-2 punch on the mound, and both juniors this summer got plenty of pressure-packed experience. Giles is also high on sophomore pitcher Henry Johnson, and seniors Josh Schofield, Alex Morphew (a left-handed transfer from Wesley Chapel) and Jarrod Minton. The infield is a concern, with Giles not getting the consistency he's looking for. The outfield of Quentin Jones, Trevor Harks, Johnson and Brown is good.

Zephyrhills

Last year: 16-11

This year: The Bulldogs have a lot of youth but a lot of potential as well. But a senior, Geoff Parker, will lead the way. An FSU-signee, Parker has a shutout, grand slam and six RBIs to his credit, and that's after just one game. Parker will play shortstop when he's not on the mound. He helps make up a strong infield, when they all play there, that includes Dylan Giella (.421 BA last year) at third and Mike Davis (.385) at second. All three were all-conference last season. Coach Bruce Cimorelli will be keeping his eye on the middle of the field as sophomores Josh Debyhah (C) and Kent Monbarrea (SS) play significant roles.

Nature Coast

Last year: 16-10

Hernando

Last year: 11-14

Springstead

Last year: 7-18

South Sumter

Last year: 14-15

John C. Cotey, Times staff writer

[Last modified February 16, 2007, 07:14:39]