FL Preseason Previews: Port St. Joe, Chiefland, Dr. Phillips, Berkeley Prep.

January 14, 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: Port St Joe

2019 Record: 17-11
FHSAA Class: 1A
Head Coach: Ashley Summerlin
Playoff Run: Lost in First Round
Returning Starters: 6

OUTLOOK

This years team will lean heavily on its defense and offense until its pitching rotation finds solid footing. With a good group of core players returning and solid leadership, the 2020 sharks have a chance to compete for a third straight playoff appearance. Offensively, and Sharks have 4 returning players in their line up (Caden Turrell, Kelvin Griffin, John Austin Gee, and Jacob Hopper). It will up to newcomers Andre Hornsby, Kevin Lacivita, Davien Welch, and Josh Odom to pick up where last years seniors left off. Defensively, with four starters graduating, the Sharks have some holes to fill in the outfield, shortstop, and 3rd base. The outfield will be anchored by 3 year starter Caden Turrell who can cover most of the ground because of his 6.7 speed. The infield will look to John Austin Gee (1B) and Jacob Hopper (2B) for stability. The good news is that all the players asked to fill those holes have game experience. St. Joe most inexperienced part of the 2020 team is the pitching staff. They will look to John Austin Gee, Carter Dorsch, Jacob Hopper, and Kelvin Griffin to fill that void. Gee and Dorsch were called upon at the end of the year to pitch the biggest games in the playoffs. This year they will have to handle must win games.

Team: Chiefland

2019 Record: 14-11
FHSAA Class: 1A
Head Coach: Chad Brock
Playoff Run: State Runner Up
Returning Starters: 2

OUTLOOK

This season will be all new. Coach Brock is the new head coach coming from Dixie County who won the district last year. They are very young and will be rebuilding. Playing a very tough schedule and looking to carry some momentum from the 2019 season where the seniors led the team to a 3rd state runner up title.

Team: Dr. Phillips

2019 Record: 20-7
FHSAA Class: 7A
Head Coach: Ray Evans
Playoff Run: Regional Quarterfinalist
Returning Starters: 6

OUTLOOK

Dr. Phillips looks to carry the momentum that brought them to the regional quarterfinals last year. They expect to be a team to try and put pressure on the defense. Will try to pound the zone on the mound and rely on making the routine plays defensively. Team will only go as far as the pitching and defense will take them.

Team: Berkeley Prep

2019 Record: 19-9
FHSAA Class: 3A
Head Coach: Richie Warren
Playoff Run: Regional Semifinals
Returning Starters: 13

OUTLOOK

Veteran group with a handful of really talented underclassmen such as freshman Cade Kurland (Florida) and sophomore Gunnett Carlson (Florida State). 13 seniors on this year’s roster that will help mentor the young guys. Pitching will be an asset. Lineup returns 7 starters from last year that average just over 6 runs scored a game.