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Preseason Top 25: No. 14 Benjamin

January 19, 2016

By Justin Burgess
Florida Area Scout

Coming in at number 14 in the preseason top 25 is another deep 3A program who surely will not settle for anything less than reaching the state tournament. The Benjamin Buccaneers, located in Palm Beach Gardens, will be looking to avenge a regional final loss to last year’s eventual 3A state champion, Westminster Christian.

The Buccaneers will be returning a well-rounded group that will give them depth at the plate and on the mound. They will also not only be seeking assistance from their seniors, but from a couple of the top underclassmen in Florida. To start with the seniors, Benjamin’s infield will be led by a sure-handed SS in Matt Ellmyer. The Wofford Signee possesses soft hands and shows off advanced actions that allows him to be one of the top defenders in the Palm Beach area. Another senior who will be an asset for them is 6-foot-3, 195-pound Kieran Casey. With the ability to run his fastball up to 91-92 mph and consistently drive the ball with authority, Casey will not only be one of Benjamin’s top arms who thwarts opposing offenses, but he will likely be one of their top run-producers as well.

As for their underclassmen, the Buccaneers will actually boast two of the top sophomores in the state. Kristopher Armstrong is the top 2018 pitcher in Florida and is ranked as the third overall prospect. He plays for team USA during the summer and he is already committed to Florida. Accolades aside, Armstrong will likely be the ace for this unit as he has proven to be able to shut down some of the top 2016 hitters with a clean delivery, excellent command, and advanced off speed. His fastball sits 87-89 mph and he touches 90-91 mph. His performance in Jupiter this fall should give him supreme confidence heading into this spring. Another 2018 standout for Benjamin is OF Isaiah Thomas. Thomas, a Vanderbilt commit, is one of the top outfielders in the state (for 2018) and the 27th-ranked overall prospect. He possesses a lean, athletic, and projectable frame at 6-foot-3 and he regularly runs a 6.7 in the 60 yard dash. Thomas also shows an advanced approach at the plate with some power for his age. Look for both Armstrong and Thomas to be the face of this program over the next couple of years.

As mentioned earlier, Benjamin is also included in the infamous Class 3A of 2016. The Buccaneers appear to be the clear-cut favorite in their district but when it comes to getting out of their region, they will have to face teams such as Florida Christian and Westminster Christian. That being said, Benjamin may be the early favorite to take home the 3A state title.