2025 Power25 Countdown: No. 7 Venice
January 24, 2025
Leading up to the start of the high school season, we will count down the Top 25 preseason teams every day as part of our comprehensive season coverage:
Team: Venice
Preseason Rank: 7
2024 Record: 26-4
Playoff Run: Regional Finals
FHSAA Class: 7A
Head Coach: Craig Faulkner
TOP PLAYERS
Name, Position, Class (College Commitment)
David Dubrule - SS, 2025 (Army)
Graham Houston - 2B, 2027
Jackson Lucas - P/1B - 2025 (Troy)
Carter Cox - P/CF - 2026
Nic Dunn - LF - 2025
Jonathan Mauro - C/DH, 2027
August Backman - 2027, RF
Eddie Zaun 3B - 2025 (Miami)
Mateu Dalmau - P/1B - 2026 (Navy)
Ben Todd - 3B - 2027
Cole Wetherington - 1B/DH - 2026
X-FACTOR
Eddie Zaun
OUTLOOK
Coach Faulkner and Shambora - "We compare this team to the 2018 or 2019 team that won the programs 5th and 6th State Championships and ended with a final National Ranking of #2.
Returning is David Dubrule signed with West Point who is a great leader for this team. Graham Houston returns who is a possible top round draft pick in two years and is a standout for the Canes National Summer Ball team. Eddie Zaun joins the team as a high power number guy that is getting looked at in the draft and is committed to Miami. He can throw 90+ off the mound as well, a key addition to the bullpen. Jackson Lucas who is committed to Troy and has been the number 1 pitcher for the team for the past two seasons returns for his Senior year to anchor a deep pitching staff. Carter Cox maintains his standing in Center Field and will make a big jump on the mound this year as a strong starting rotation for the Indians, and Mateu Dalmau who is committed to Navy will join the pitching staff from the left side. Venice will have the core of its lineup back in Johnathan Mauro who is a sophomore with power to leave the ball park and Nic Dunn who has been in the lineup for three years now. August Backman rounds out our team as a 6'2 Sophomore up to 88 on the mound with great command. He gives the pitching staff some depth and has center field speed and the attention of college coaches across the country.
The Indians will once again play one of the toughest schedules in the state with matchups against the states best. They will then finish the season off in the National High School Invitational Tournament hosted by USA Baseball against some of the nations best. This team will be battle tested and ready for a deep playoff run."
Upcoming Events
Showcase | State | Date | Location |
Super 60 Pro Showcase | NATIONAL | 02/02 | The MAX - McCook, IL |
Tampa Rising Stars Games | FL | 04/19 | Berkeley Prep - Tampa, FL |