2024 Conference Preview: Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC)
February 27, 2024
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The 2024 spring baseball season is right around the corner, with both private schools and public schools getting ramped up across the Old Line State. Today, we will highlight the 4 programs across MD in the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) and break down key players to watch throughout the high school season.
Bishop McNamara 2024 SEASON PREVIEW
Head Coach: Kennard Jones
Top Pitchers
Antonio Fleites (Soph.) RHP
Joshua Young (Sr.) LHP
Top Position Players
Antonio Fleites (Soph.) 1B/RHP
Jayden Brown (Jr.) INF
Rocco Gilbert (Sr.) C
Isaiah Morris (Sr.) OF
David Shieh (Sr.) C/UTL
Joshua Young (Sr.) OF/LHP
Key Losses
Marcellus Brown
Eric Griffin
Anthony Mammano
Ayden Wescott
Players Committed To College
Rocco Gilbert (2024) - Alabama State University
Joshua Young (2024) - Gardner-Webb University
Season Outlook
First year head coach Kennard Jones looks to bring excitement and a winning culture back to Bishop McNamara in 2024. The loss of four high impact players from last years squad won't make it easy, and competing in the very talented WCAC makes it even tougher yet, however a roster that is led by experienced senior leaders that are hungry for a successful 2024 campaign should be something that coach Jones can shine a light on.
If the Mustangs want to find consistent success this spring, look for breakout years from Rocco Gilbert, David Shieh and Joshua Young, as well as the underclassmen group to build some experience as the season rolls on.
DeMatha Catholic 2024 SEASON PREVIEW
Head Coach: Steve Miller
Top Pitchers
John DiMarsico (Sr.) LHP
Wesley Hall (Sr.) RHP
Niko Long (Sr.) RHP
Charley Magoulick (Jr.) LHP
Bryce Palms (Jr.) LHP
Top Position Players
Michael Candy (Jr.) C/UTL
Johnathan Coombs (Jr.) OF
Jayden Dennis (Jr.) C
Tommy Dietrich (Sr.) C
Manny Hall (Sr.) OF
Brooks Franklin (Jr.) SS
Jalen Jackson (Sr.) OF
Charley Magoulick (Sr.) 1B
Key Losses
Cole Carter
Michael Cureton
Cayden Curry
Christian Gamez
Jonny Hughes
Matthew Perlin
Dallas Vaughan
Players Committed To College
Tommy Dietrich (2024) - Washington & Jefferson College
John DiMarsico (2024) - US Coast Guard Academy
Brooks Franklin (2025) - Naval Academy
Manny Hall (2024) - Frostburg State University
Jalen Jackson (2024) - John Carroll University
Niko Long (2024) - Southern Wesleyan University
Season Outlook
Despite not winning the WCAC title in 2023, the season can be summed up as a successful one for tenured head coach Steve Miller. Turn the page to 2024, and coach Miller returns a plethora of highly talented and experienced players on both sides of the ball.
A senior heavy group, led by the likes of Tommy Dietrich, John DiMarsico, Manny Hall, Wesley Hall and Niko Long all look to lead the charge for the Stags this spring. A duo of star-studded juniors in Johnathan Coombs and Brooks Franklin are joined this year by transfers Michael Candy and Jayden Dennis that look to provide talented depth throughout the lineup.
Coach Miller always holds his team to a high standard and this years roster has plenty of intrigue to it. An uber-talented conference never makes anything easy, however the Stags, on paper, should make for a highly interesting spring across the WCAC.
Good Counsel 2024 SEASON PREVIEW
Head Coach: Steve Ballance
Top Pitchers
Ethan Bell (Sr.) RHP
Alex Bergen (Sr.) RHP
Brandon Davis (Sr.) RHP
Jake Plainte (Sr.) LHP
Top Position Players
Alex Bergen (Sr.) INF
Jackson Inman (Sr.) INF
Parker Jones (Sr.) OF
Danny Montero (Sr.) INF
Jack Morin (Jr.) INF
Jake Plainte (Sr.) OF
Key Losses
Demetre Georgopoulis
Angelo Rodriguez
Aidan Smith
Mason Smith
Ryan Woolery
Players Committed To College
Ethan Bell (2024) - Mount St. Mary's University
Alex Bergen (2024) - Gettysburg College
Jackson Inman (2024) - Salisbury University
Jake Plainte (2024) - Brown University
Season Outlook
Coach Ballance is back in 2024 and the upperclassmen talent is certainly something to be excited about. Good Counsel features plenty of depth on both sides of the ball and the experienced seniors are hungry for added success this spring.
The Falcons return four highly talented seniors on the bump and will be led by a high-octane lefty in Jake Plainte, who looks to take over the "ace" role on the staff. Look for key innings to be logged by returning starter Alex Bergen and the WCAC saves leader in Ethan Bell.
Highly touted left-handed hitting shortstop Jackson Inman looks to lead the offensive onslaught with depth provided by Plainte, Danny Montero and Parker Jones. Standout freshman catcher Ryan Noll is one of the top players in the class and may provide coach Ballance with some energy and key at-bats this spring as well.
St. Mary's Ryken 2024 Season Preview
Head Coach: Tony Stefko
Top Pitchers
Colby Brown (Sr.) RHP
Cole Kingsbury (Sr.) RHP
Top Position Players
Samuel Canady (Sr.) INF
Jason Gregory (Jr.) OF
Cole Kingsbury (Sr.) MIF
Austin Michael (Soph.) MIF
Dylan Rice (Jr.) OF
Lucas Sigafoose (Soph.) OF
Key Losses
Josh Jones
Trent Gerhardt
Gabe Moltumyr
Dawson Wetherald
Season Outlook
There's a new look to the Knights in 2024, as Tony Stefko takes over and looks to bring success and a new attitude to the St. Mary's Ryken baseball program. Coach Stefko has some intriguing pieces at his disposal, led by senior two-way Cole Kingsbury and senior infielder Samuel Canady who look to take leadership throughout the program. Juniors Dylan Rice and Jason Gregory, as well as the emergence of sophomores Austin Michael and Lucas Sigafoose are all highly talented bats that will look to provide some thump throughout the lineup.