MD 2024 MPSSAA 2A Season Preview

Notes

2A East Region I is once again composed of teams from the UCBAC, however, sees one major change as 3A State finalist C. Milton Wright replaces Harford Tech. With this change, expect this region to be as competitive as ever, as we believe there are multiple teams in contention for a region title. Fallston took the title home in 2023, as they try to make it two in a row as their leader on the bump returns in senior Paul Kvech (Elizabethtown). This pitching staff rounded out by senior Drew Rommel (CCBC Essex) and junior Noah Bark will make the Cougars every bit of competitive in 2024. North East will once again be led by their explosive senior duo in Luke Keefer (Maryland) and Ethan Flaugher (Mount St. Mary’s) on the offensive side, along with speedster Evan England. On the bump, look for Keefer to also provide extremely vital innings for the Indians heading into the spring. C. Milton Wright joins 2A as they come off a heartbreaking 1-0 loss in the 3A state championship, however, they still return their top arm in senior Thomas Cannavale (Goldey-Beacom), as he will look to lead the Mustangs staff in 2024, backed by another senior in Gavin Miller. Offensively, look for sophomore Bubba Tolson to have a breakout season alongside senior Cam Powers and junior Tyler Adamo. Rising Sun features two standout arms in senior Grey Willis (Maryland) and junior Luke Crowl who had an eye-opening preseason, as we expect these southpaws to lead the Tigers’ staff in 2024. Offensively, they return a slew of senior pieces, however, lack depth towards the bottom of the lineup. North Harford will showcase an intriguing two-way in sophomore Collin Kight, however, we believe they may struggle to compete with the top teams in the region. Finally, we have an Elkton squad that has a bunch of intriguing pieces, led by exciting two-way James LaManna. Expect a massive breakout year from incoming transfer Kaleb Kennedy as he tries to cement himself as one of the best corner infielders across the UCBAC.

We head to the Eastern Shore to look at 2A East Region II, as this region holds the defending 2A State Champions and has always been a difficult region to escape, as it has not seen a repeat winner since 2017. The Parkside Rams come off their first title in school history, however they will turn to new leadership on the bump after losing Aidan Brinsfield. The Rams may not have the top-tier arm this year, however, they still have depth throughout the rotation, led by Casey Parsons (CCBC Essex), Storm Hartman, Chase Shepherd, Tristan Merritt, and Dillon Bratten. Offensively, look for Parsons to lead the Rams alongside fellow CCBC Essex commit Connor Bailey, as Parkside looks to repeat last year’s success. Queen Anne’s has been consistently competitive in this region for a while now and we don’t see that changing much in 2024. The Lions will be led by senior Evan Dickey on both sides as Dulin Clark returns behind the backstop alongside a lineup capable of doing damage, highlighted by Dalton Brown and Colin Siwald. Kent Island is desperate to finally get over the hump as they’ve lost three straight region final games. They return first-team all-Bayside middle infielder Jack Grossi alongside Aiden Bonds (Notre Dame of MD) as they look to provide an offensive spark for the Bucs. North Caroline should make a jump this year, led by multiple seniors in Jordan Kelley and Nathan D’Orlando. Look for freshman Owen Caraballo to get key innings this spring as the Bulldogs look to make significant improvements in 2024. Easton will always be in the thick of the playoffs, led by their junior two-way standout in Kayden Webb (Maryland) who can win any matchup, and finally, expect another impressive season from senior Kayden Fryling (Allegany College of MD) for the Wicomico Indians.

Top 4
1. North East
2. Fallston
3. Parkside
4. C. Milton Wright