MD 2024 MPSSAA 1A Season Preview

Notes

1A East Region I sees no change post-realignment, as this region has always been one of the most competitive across the classification as the winner of this region has gone on to play in the state championship every year since 2018. Colonel Richardson comes off yet again another loss in the state title game, this one a heartbreaking one-run loss in extra innings. The Colonels made a splash over the offseason, bringing in one of the top prep arms in the state in junior Jordan Regulski. The rotation looks as strong as ever for Colonel Richardson, led by Regulski, followed by the likes of Daniel Hesson (Salisbury), Jack Walls, and Brayden Dadds. Offensively, the Colonels look to find new life in the lineup after the heart of their order departed following last season. The biggest threat to the Colonels is St. Michaels, who made a splash of their own, bringing back star-studded senior Jacob Seek (San Jacinto JC). The Saints will turn to a slew of depth to provide quality innings, highlighted by Will Sherwood, Anthony Massaro (Chesapeake), Jacob Bealefeld, and Bobby Fink. Offensively, look for a pair of seniors in Henry Mullikin (Salisbury) and Hunter Gottleib, along with sophomore Connor Wheeler to lead the Saints in an attempt to knock off the Colonels. North Dorchester had one of their best seasons in school history in 2023, however, they will head back to the drawing board after losing almost every starter from a year ago. Coach Morrissette does bring back senior two-way John Boyle, along with juniors Blake Bramble and Wesley Windsor who should look to lead an inexperienced and young Eagles squad. Kent County and Cambridge-South Dorchester are both extremely young programs that we believe lack the talent to compete with the top two, however, keep eyes on sophomore Tanner Coulbourne from CSD as he is primed for a breakout season.

1A East Region II also saw no changes as Snow Hill once again took home the region championship, however had a much more difficult path after Mardela and Washington gave them troubles early on. Expect coach Todd Lampman to once again have his program prepared for every possible obstacle, led by a trio of seniors on the mound in Danner Swift (CCBC Essex), Garrett Williams (Chesapeake JC), and Dominic Kuipers. Look offensively for junior Justin Shipley and sophomore J. Finn Mahoney to lead this Eagles team back to the state tournament. Washington comes off one of their better seasons in recent memory, and we expect them to have continued success. Losing Gavin McIntyre will hurt the Jaguars, however they do return a majority of their rotation, led by Doug Fischer (Northwestern Ohio), Jalen Wigfall, Cole Miles, and Evan Dryden. Expect junior standout Dawson Daniels to lead the pack alongside Miles and Wigfall as the Jaguars look to play spoiler in 2024. Mardela will look to their senior leaders on both sides of the ball, however, we expect a breakout sophomore season from Nathan Feather so the Warriors are a team to keep tabs on. Pocomoke and Crisfield have some pieces in place for 2024, however, we believe they will struggle towards the end of the year and lack the depth to make a deep run this spring.

Top 4
1. Colonel Richardson
2. St. Michaels
3. Snow Hill
4. Washington