Young guns

Gone are the days of potent power pitchers like former Palm Harbor University star Dani Hofer. Now, from 43 feet, most hurlers left in the region playoffs are more finesse than flamethrowers; they hit their spots without overloading the radar guns. Two perfect examples could square off tonight at Seminole when the Warhawks host PHU. PHU sophomore Courtney O'Connell and Warhawks freshman Emily Crawford are big reasons why the two teams are surprise semifinalists.

By JOE SMITH
Published April 27, 2007

Emily Crawford,

Seminole freshman

Record: 12-2

Arsenal: Fastball, changeup, curveball.

Style: Throws low and inside

Skinny: Missed first few weeks with tendonitis in elbow, but her steady - and heady - pitching sparked Seminole to a 5A, District 11 championship and 10 straight wins.

Quote: "She's consistent and doesn't seem to get rattled. For a young girl not to get rattled, that's impressive." - Seminole coach Mark DeRuzzo

Courtney O'Connell,

PHU sophomore

Record: 8-2

Arsenal: Fastball, changeup, drop, drop-curve

Style: Mixes pitches well, tough late in game

Skinny: O'Connell split starts with junior Elizabeth Pages during the season, but the soft-spoken sophomore has come up clutch down the stretch - including a nine-inning gem in districts.

Quote: "Courtney has come along really well for being so young. She's been great." - PHU coach Chuck Poetter.

Fast Facts:

Class 6A

Countryside (22-5) at Melbourne Eau Gallie (21-5) 7 p.m. - Eau Gallie knocked Countryside out of last year's region playoffs - a 2-1 semifinal win - but the Cougars' bats are back on track after an eight-run eighth in Tuesday's win.

Class 5A

Palm Harbor University (22-4) at Seminole (21-3) - 7 p.m. An interesting contrast between the Hurricanes, boasting seven underclassman starters, and Seminole's senior-laden lineup. Seminole won the regular season matchup 6-0.

Class 3A

Trinity Prep (25-4) at St. Petersburg Catholic (22-1), 4 p.m. - This much anticipated matchup pits two of the top three teams in the state rankings.

Class 2A

Mount Dora Bible at Northside Christian (16-5), 4 p.m. - The Mustangs, making their first region semifinal since 2003, will go as far as sixth-grade pitcher Jess Anderson takes them.

Class A

Cambridge (11-11) at Canterbury (18-5), 4 p.m. - Canterbury makes history with each win, coming off two straight district titles.

[Last modified April 26, 2007, 22:29:13]