Baseball rankings: See the top high school teams in Bucks County area
The Bucks County area has no shortage of quality high school baseball teams.
A year ago, Central Bucks West and Dock Mennonite won District One championships, while Archbishop Wood again earned a District 12 title and North Penn joined Dock in advancing to the PIAA state semifinals.
Here's how we rank the teams this spring (in order):
Baseball top teams
1. North Penn
The defending SOL Colonial Division champion Knights, who reached the PIAA state semifinals, feature three high-level juniors in Trevor Lugara, Chase Jones and Henry Wetzel, as well as senior third-year starter Ben Farley and junior Mason Coyne. If some first-time regulars play well, North Penn could be the team to beat in the Colonial.
2. Neshaminy
With strong senior leadership, senior first-team All-SOL Patriot Division outfielders Anthony Trommer and Joel Bonner and its entire pitching staff back, Neshaminy has the makings of a fine club. And there are some young players capable of contributing right away.
3. Souderton
Mike Childs' team has depth and plenty of pitching, which is an enviable combination. Solid junior Connor Klock is taking over at catcher, while junior Tyler Lutz and seniors Chris McKenna and Zach Pollock are among Souderton's core players.
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4. Central Bucks East
The Patriots' biggest strength should be their infield, which is anchored by Clemson-bound third baseman Chase Harlan. Four-year starter Jack Mislan is the top outfielder. If the pitching, led by senior Sam Bliss, is productive, East could be near or at the top of the Colonial Division.
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5. La Salle
The Philadelphia Catholic League second-place finisher a year ago, the Explorers have numerous quality players returning. Pitching, led by Lehigh-bound senior Cole Kochanowicz and senior Logan Potter (Catholic University), might be La Salle's biggest strength. Sophomore Alabama commit Brighton Fontaine heads the list of younger players expected to assume larger roles.
6. Pennsbury
The defending SOL Patriot Division champion Falcons return six starters, including four that earned divisional honors in seniors Tyler Boraski, Jordan Czerniak, Connor McCloskey and James Schaffer. They have pitching back and plenty of depth, which means Pennsbury should be in the title hunt again.
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7. Council Rock South
The Golden Hawks have some talent coming back, highlighted by senior Penn State commit Chase Ennis and junior Johnny Mendola. CR South could be in the SOL Patriot mix.
8. Holy Ghost Prep
The Firebirds are counting on a stellar 12-player varsity sophomore class, led by outfielder Eddie Rosado, a returning starter and .300 hitter, Springside Chestnut Hill transfer Jake Keaser, who has committed to Virginia Tech, and pitcher Matt Riendeau (2.10 ERA in 27 innings as a freshman). Senior Joe Amati is solid.
9. Dock Mennonite
The eight-time defending District One champion Pioneers, who reached the Class A state semifinals in former major leaguer Erik Kratz's first year as head coach, lost some key players to graduation but there is plenty of talent coming back. Senior Deven Ross and junior Brayden Kratz are two of Dock's top players.
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10. Council Rock North
Senior infielder Leor Kedar, who had four hits in the season's first two games, and senior outfielder Will Scibona lead CR North, which lost in the first round of the District One playoffs a year ago. Junior Will Seiler is another player to watch.
This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Bucks County area high school baseball teams to watch going into season
