2024 MPSSAA 3A Season Preview

Notes

A highly competitive region I is on the horizon in the 3A West, as we see intriguing talent dispersed throughout. Manchester Valley will be led by two seniors in shortstop Hayden Askew and right-handed pitcher Gene Magin (Towson), however, lack some depth to make a serious push to get out of the region in 2024. Westminster is certainly exciting, as senior Clayton Dorsey (Frederick CC) and junior Will Mollman will lead the offense, and sophomore Brandon Barrett and junior Chase Taylor will headline the rotation. South Hagerstown brings back hard-throwing righty Isaiah Licorish (Coppin State) who is one of the more exciting arms to watch in the region, however, lacks real depth behind him. The four teams we see that have a real chance of getting out of this region are Linganore, Oakdale, Tuscarora, and North Hagerstown. Linganore returns a slew of senior arms, led by Seton Hall commit Stephen Curry with depth provided by Zach Dodson (Frostburg State), Austin Perando (Charleston WV), and Dylan Remphrey (Anne Arundel CC). The offense has some depth as well, led by Bryce Meyer (Waynesburg) and Gavin Liberto with an intriguing sophomore on the cusp of a breakout year in Chase Perry making an impact on both sides of the ball. Oakdale is interesting, as senior Britton Wildasin (Goldey-Beacom) will lead the pitching staff and can match up with just about any ace across this region. Seniors Jake McKenzie (Penn State-York), Nick Miller (Frederick CC), and Cole Swinimer (Frederick CC) will provide depth throughout the lineup and should be able to put up some runs consistently. Opposed to past years, Tuscarora will rely on their offense to provide a spark this spring, as Parker Kopp, Cameron Vachon, and Caden Spangenberg are all highly touted bats to keep eyes on. On the flip side, North Hagerstown has a slew of highly talented arms to watch, led by senior Mac Stiffler (West Virginia). Fellow senior Henry Ortiz (Towson) will also add depth to the rotation, with a highly interesting junior combo in Ian Kelley (NC State) and Henry Lewis (UMBC) that will follow suit. The big question mark will be on the offensive side for the Hubs. 

Region II looks to be a three-team race in 2024, as Magruder, Damascus, and Wootton have intriguing pieces on both sides of the ball. Magruder is led by a high-powered offense, as Hunter St Denis (Maine), Avery Grain, Terrion Pettus, Jovi Silva, and Matt Strahan are all key impact bats throughout the lineup. After Xavier Headen (Barton) and St Denis on the bump, however, Magruder may need to rely on some underclassmen to provide some key innings. Damascus may be the most balanced team in this region. Senior two-way Bryce Mitchell (Bucknell) will look to lead the Swarmin' Hornets on both sides of the ball with pitching depth provided by junior William Heyse. Offensively, look for breakout years from senior Nicholas Torres (Ursinus) and juniors Cameron Wilberding and Jake Lokos. Wootton has talent on both sides of the ball as well, led by sophomore standout, catcher Kai Schmelzer. Look for a strong junior-led pitching staff to carry the weight in Matthew Kunst and Luke Brunner. 

Top 4
1. Magruder
2. North Hagerstown
3. Linganore
4. Damascus

3A North