FL Preseason Previews: Ft. Pierce Westwood Academy, Oviedo, Orangewood Christian, Christ's Church Academy
January 9, 2020
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: Ft. Pierce Westwood Academy
2019 Record: 2-19
FHSAA Class: 6A
Head Coach: Tom Peters
Playoff Run: N/A
Returning Starters: 8
OUTLOOK
3rd year of rebuild; numbers are up, but very young; more experienced players than in past; should be more competitive, but will take lumps due to pitching needs; if the youngsters can come through and the top returners and transfers produce, people may be forced to take notice of the team's efforts to turn around the program.
Team: Oviedo
2019 Record: 17-9
FHSAA Class: 7A
Head Coach: Jason Foss
Playoff Run: District Semifinal
Returning Starters: 6
OUTLOOK
Coming into the year, there is an unknown excitement for the players and coaches. Having a number of returning position players, the players are very familiar and comfortable with playing with one another. They will be solid defensively and offensively. The pitching staff will be young and inexperienced for the most part. However, after a few position players stepped up in the fall and showed they could pitch and play multiple positions, it appears they will use a number of players in various positions. It looks to be an exciting year.
Team: Orangewood Christian
2019 Record: 20-9
FHSAA Class: 2A
Head Coach: Scott Hilinski
Playoff Run: Regional Runner up
Returning Starters: 10
OUTLOOK
Orangewood looks to remain very competitive in the 2A space. Their style of play will remain playing very aggressive and very fundamentally sound. With 20 games this year scheduled with teams in the 3A-7A space, they look to be very prepared to make a run into the postseason.
Team: Christ's Church Academy
2019 Record: 17-7
FHSAA Class: 2A
Head Coach: Kurt Dugan
Playoff Run: Lost in Region Championship
Returning Starters: 10
OUTLOOK
Defensively CCA should be solid this year. They have several key players returning. The questions will be about hitting and pitching. They have some pitchers returning that have a lot of potential. If they are able to come through, CCA should be good. Hitting will be another question mark. This season's schedule is the toughest they’ve had so hopefully seeing quality teams will help them in the playoffs.