FL Preseason Previews: Winter Springs, Tampa Catholic, Buchholz, Pine Forest

January 22, 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: Winter Springs

2019 Record: 10-16
FHSAA Class: 6A
Head Coach: Mike Bradley
Playoff Run: District Semifinals
Returning Starters: 10

OUTLOOK

Winter Springs returns a good group of players along with some talented younger guys who are super competitive and know how to play the game. They return their top 4 arms from last season who have a lot of experience. Their defense will be solid with a mixture of seasoned veterans and a few younger guys. Offensively, Winter Springs will be scrappy. With their team speed, they anticipate playing some small ball, however will be aggressive on the bases while relying on their middle of the order bats to produce.

Team: Tampa Catholic

2019 Record: 7-15
FHSAA Class: 3A
Head Coach: Ty Griffin
Playoff Run: District Semifinals
Returning Starters: 8

OUTLOOK

Tampa Catholic will be filled with speed and very good defensive players who must dominate the plate through discipline and bat control. The team should be among the top schools in stolen bases and be very solid on defense. The pitching duties will be filled on an as needed basis and will have to have someone step up to pitch in big games.

Team: Buchholz

2019 Record: 17-9
FHSAA Class: 6A
Head Coach: Ron Brooks
Playoff Run: Lost in Districts
Returning Starters: 10

OUTLOOK

Strong senior leadership. Athletic lineup led by center fielder Corbin Grantham, Mississippi St signee. Return 4 arms from last year's team led by 6-6 left handed Ole Miss signee Luke Baker. Left handed junior Caden Kresak will be used in a lot of different roles off the mound. Looking for big innings from junior right hander Jackson Peters. Junior catcher (2 year starter) Dario Astudillo will add valuable experience behind the plate. Excited about infielder senior Austin Akey who can play a variety of positions and will bat 3rd in the lineup. Senior Parker Green saves a lot of runs at 1st and came on strong during his junior year. Will need junior Brett Blair to come in and play ss after being injured last year. Very athletic player.

Team: Pine Forest

2019 Record: 22-5
FHSAA Class: 5A
Head Coach: Brett McCullough
Playoff Run: Regional Finals
Returning Starters: 11

OUTLOOK

Pine Forest will return all of their pitchers from last year's strong rotation, led by Troy commit Tekoah Roby. They will also return 6 of 9 defenders from a solid defensive club. Expect offense to continue to grow. Pine Forest expects to carry on their momentum that led them to the Regional Finals last year.