FL Preseason Previews: First Baptist Academy, Fletcher, Out-of-Door Academy, Wellington

January 13, 2020
Doug Freeman/Rocco Iervasi
Florida Executive Director/ Director of Operations

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. Prior to that, we will break down some other teams across the state and what to watch for.

Team: First Baptist Academy

2019 Record: 6-18
FHSAA Class: 2A
Head Coach: Randall Cleckler
Playoff Run: N/A
Returning Starters: 9

OUTLOOK

2020 looks to be a step in the right direction with a few more older newcomers joining, along with growth in their younger players. Looking to be more solid defensively and more competitive not only on the mound, but also at the plate.

Team: Fletcher

2019 Record: 22-4
FHSAA Class: 6A
Head Coach: Michael Grillo
Playoff Run: N/A
Returning Starters: 9

OUTLOOK

Fletcher has the pitching to make a deep playoff run. 3 power lefties, Grant Shepherd, Jake Young, and Gabe Moorer, all Div. 1 type guys hovering right around 90 mph. Plus, Carter Shall who was their best pitcher last year. If they can play enough offense to score 2-3 runs per game and enough defense to not give any games away, Fletcher will be tough to beat.

Team: Out of Door Academy

2019 Record: 23-5
FHSAA Class: 2A
Head Coach: Tim Orlosky
Playoff Run: Regional Runner-Up
Returning Starters: 12

OUTLOOK

The 2020 team will return 7 starters from last year's team. The pitching staff will feature 3 committed arms in Nick Romagnola (USF), Josh Cone (Stetson), and Aiden Rosenthall (Cornell). Romagnola features a low 90's fast ball and wipeout slider. Josh Cone will live in the corners and possesses a wide variety of off-speed pitches. Tyler Colditz will also add depth and experience to the rotation.The defense on the left side is a good as we've ever had. Aidan Marino is a top tier defender at shortstop and Tanner Fairchild locks down 3b as good as anyone. The offense will be led by senior center fielder Julien Brown (Rhodes). Julien is a sub 6.8 runner with pop to all fields. He hits the breaking ball as well as the fastball, making him a threat in any count. Fairchild, Fincher, Tribble, and Dierdorf all return to anchor down the meat of the lineup.

Team: Wellington

2019 Record: 20-8
FHSAA Class: 8A
Head Coach: Scott Riddle
Playoff Run: Lost in Regional Semi
Returning Starters: 4

OUTLOOK

Possibly new starters at all 9 positions but players are young and talented. Future looks pretty solid. They will field well and throw strikes. If they can score a few runs the immediate future looks very good.