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Preseason Top 25: No. 21 Tampa Catholic

January 8, 2016

By Justin Burgess
Florida Area Scout

Wrapping up the first week of the preseason top 25 teams in the state, today we will break down the 21st-ranked team and what makes them a contender for the state tournament. But first, let us recap the four teams who have been ranked so far. Olympia is ranked at number 25 and is competing in a tough 8a district while looking to seek revenge on last year’s upset in the regional finals; Plant is ranked 24th will be led by a strong group of underclassmen while looking took take advantage of being dropped down to 7a; Lake Brantley is in the same district as Olympia and will be led by a talented senior class and lethal offense; and North Florida Christian boasts one of the top pitchers in the country and will receive help from a gifted freshman and sophomore.

Coming in as the 21st-ranked team in Florida is Tampa Catholic. The Crusaders will be returning most of their key pieces from a year ago and will possess a strong pitching staff. On the mound, they return 2016 RHP and Creighton Signee Jared Cenal, 2016 LHP and Rollins Signee Roland Chacon, and 2017 RHP/1B and Florida State commit Connor Grady. Cenal is long 6-foot-5 righty who can run his fastball up to 91-92 mph and really pound the zone. Chacon, on the other hand, is a 5-foot-11 lefty who sits in the mid-80s with his fastball but seems to always shut down the opposing offense with his ability to throw an above average slider and changeup for strikes in any count. Grady’s velocity is similar to Cenal’s and he possesses a good curveball and physical 6-foot-2 frame.

Grady will also play a critical role offensively as he will likely hit in the middle of the lineup and play first base when he is not pitching. Another key position player returning for the Crusaders is 2016 C Jordan Santos. The South Florida Signee will be one of the emotional leaders of this squad and should be one of the top offensive producers for this team. Tyler and Jordan Lala are two athletic brothers who will also be major contributors at the plate for Tampa Catholic. Tyler is a junior who shows good power for his 5-foot-9, 170-pound frame and Jordan is a sophomore who can really swing the bat from the left side and wreak havoc on the base paths.

Overall, the Crusaders will be looking to improve upon an impressive 2015 season that ended in a regional final loss to Bishop Verot 1-0 on the road. This team appears to be stronger than a year ago and will certainly have their sights set on the 3a state tournament.