MD 2024 MPSSAA 2A Season Preview
March 13, 2024
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Our 2024 Season Previews continue today with our preview of the MPSSAA 4A in Maryland. We will dive into key players and players to watch, as well as make our predictions on who we believe will win each region.
MIAA "A" Preseason All-Conference Team
MIAA "A" Conference Preview Part 1
MIAA "A" Conference Preview Part 2
WCAC Preview
IAC Preview
MPSSAA 4A Preview
MPSSAA 3A Preview
Let's take a look into the 2A…
2023 Recap
Last year's state championship saw Parkside defeat Patuxent in a low-scoring affair behind the stellar arm of senior Aidan Brinsfield. Brinsifeld worked a complete game, giving up just four hits and one unearned run while striking out twelve.
2024 sees some shakeup in the regions, as the MPSSAA has moved a plethora of teams' classifications throughout the state. The most notable movers that impact the 2A specifically see perennial powerhouse in Liberty move to the 1A and Chopticon move up to the 2A. Below you will find information for each team in each region, including the top 4 teams that we see leading the charge throughout the season. March 21st kickstarts the regular season across the MPSSAA, and we wish the best of luck to all teams across the Old Line State.
2024 Preview
Players to Watch
Player | High School | Year | Commitment |
Cadeyrn Ahearn | Centennial | 2024 | Lehigh |
Hunter Barnes | Middletown | 2024 | Frederick CC |
Nicholas Bilotto | Glenelg | 2025 | Delaware |
Adam Bowling | La Plata | 2024 | |
Andrew Brill | Poolesville | 2024 | |
Dom Califano | Century | 2026 | |
Thomas Cannavale | C. Milton Wright | 2024 | Goldey-Beacom |
Owen Carabello | North Caroline | 2027 | |
Dulin Clark | Queen Anne's | 2025 | |
Billy Clay | Patuxent | 2024 | Chesapeake JC |
Chris Coombs | La Plata | 2025 | |
Luke Crowl | Rising Sun | 2025 | |
Willie DeSantis | Hereford | 2025 | |
Fredy Diaz | Middletown | 2024 | |
Jamon Dick | Frederick Douglass | 2024 | Frederick CC |
Evan Dickey | Queen Anne's | 2024 | |
Chase Endres | Hammond | 2024 | |
Derek Fermaint | Wilde Lake | 2024 | Polk State |
Ethan Flaugher | North East | 2024 | Mount St. Mary's |
Kayden Fryling | Wicomico | 2024 | |
Jack Grossi | Kent Island | 2026 | |
Will Hagan | Patuxent | 2024 | Chesapeake JC |
Dylan Hannah | La Plata | 2025 | College of Southern Maryland |
Zach Harris | Centennial | 2024 | Messiah |
Logan Hastings | Huntingtown | 2024 | |
Gavin Jacker | Hereford | 2025 | |
Luke Keefer | North East | 2024 | Maryland |
Kaleb Kennedy | Elkton | 2026 | |
Collin Kight | North Harford | 2026 | |
Aiden King | Rising Sun | 2024 | Stevenson |
Jack Kinsey | Hereford | 2024 | Marietta |
Brian Koterba | Francis Scott Key | 2024 | Penn State-Greater Allegany |
Paul Kvech | Fallston | 2024 | Elizabethtown |
Zach LaFountain | Glenelg | 2024 | Salisbury |
James LaManna | Elkton | 2025 | |
Andrew Larkin | Hereford | 2024 | |
Ryan Larkin | Hereford | 2024 | |
Thomas Martin | Southern (AA) | 2024 | |
Tristan Merritt | Parkside | 2026 | |
Gavin Miller | C. Milton Wright | 2024 | Penn State-York |
Joey Nicholson | Middletown | 2024 | Gaston |
Casey Parsons | Parkside | 2024 | CCBC Essex |
Luke Pearre | Poolesville | 2024 | Rhode Island |
Logan Powell | Patuxent | 2026 | |
Cam Powers | C. Milton Wright | 2024 | West Liberty |
Arrington Price III | Frederick Douglass | 2027 | |
Logan Pusheck | Glenelg | 2024 | |
Andrew Raymond | Middletown | 2024 | George Mason |
Trevor Robbins | Huntingtown | 2025 | |
Drew Rommel | Fallston | 2024 | CCBC Essex |
Cole Roschel | Huntingtown | 2024 | Jefferson |
Andrew Seawell | Calvert | 2024 | Fairleigh |
Chase Shepherd | Parkside | 2025 | |
Austin Shifflet | Sparrows Point | 2024 | CCBC Essex |
Ivan Sypa | Patuxent | 2025 | |
Bubba Tolson | C. Milton Wright | 2026 | |
Andrew Varga | Wilde Lake | 2024 | |
Kayden Webb | St. Michaels | 2025 | Maryland |
Grey Willis | Rising Sun | 2024 | Maryland |
Preston Yost | Middletown | 2024 | McDaniel |
Ryan Zickefoose | Sparrows Point | 2024 | Notre Dame of Maryland |
Region Breakdowns
2A West
Region I | Region II |
Century | Southern (AA) |
Francis Scott Key | Centennial |
Winters Mill | Glenelg |
Middletown | Hammond |
Walkersville | Wilde Lake |
Williamsport | Poolesville |
Notes
Completely new look for 2A West Region I this season, as Liberty moves down to class 1A, and a pair of Frederick County schools enter the region. Winters Mill returns to this region with a solid core led on the bump by junior Christopher Schoonover and senior Thomas Roelke that coach Andrew Davis will rely on if the Falcons look to have a successful spring. Francis Scott Key will be led by their senior southpaw in Brian Koterba (Penn State Greater Allegheny) and Williamsport will be led by senior Brady Romsburg on both sides of the ball, however, we believe both these teams lack the depth to compete with the top two teams in this region. Middletown enters this region as the favorite, however the Knights have struggled in recent years once playoffs begin. This team is loaded with senior talent that looks to finally get over the hump in 2024, highlighted by an explosive lineup led by Andrew Raymond (George Mason), Joey Nicholson (Gaston), Fredy Diaz, and Hunter Barnes (Frederick CC). On the bump, expect a trio highlighted by seniors Preston Yost (McDaniel), Barnes, and Tyler Haupt (Frederick CC) as the Knights attempt to get out of their region for the first time since 2019. The only team we see standing in their way is the Century Knights, who have an intriguing two-way sophomore in Dominic Califano who will be one to keep eyes on throughout the spring.
2A West Region II looks to be one of the more competitive regions throughout the classification, as Centennial drops from 3A into this region in an attempt to knock off Glenelg. The Gladiators come in as the favorite in this region even after losing a solid senior class in 2023. Their pitching staff will lead them throughout the season, featuring a dominant duo in senior Zach LaFountain (Salisbury) and junior Nick Bilotto (Delaware). Offensively, expect senior Logan Pusheck to inject new life into the offense along with Bilotto and LaFountain after losing many vital pieces following last season. Centennial joins the region with a dominating duo of their own on the bump, led by Cadeyrn Ahearn (Lehigh) and Zach Harris (Messiah), however, they look to find life throughout the lineup after losing nine seniors last season that has created a massive void offensively. Poolesville also brings an arm of its own into this region with star-studded senior southpaw Luke Pearre (Rhode Island), as we expect the offense to be jump-started by senior Andrew Brill. Wilde Lake will be led on both sides of the ball by senior two-way Derek Fermaint (Polk State), and we expect Hammond to also be led by their senior standout in Chase Endres (Stevenson), however, we believe both these teams lack the overall depth to compete with the top two teams in this region. Southern is another team that has question marks coming into the season, especially on the mound, however, return senior Thomas Martin to attempt to ignite this Bulldogs offense headed into the spring.
Top 4
1. Middletown
2. Glenelg
3. Century
4. Poolesville
2A North
Region I | Region II |
Chesapeake (Balt Co.) | Hereford |
Eastern Tech | New Town |
Patapsco | Owings Mills |
Sparrows Point | Randallstown |
Dunbar | Carver Vo-Tech |
Notes
We expect 2A North Region I to once again be dominated by Sparrows Point as they have brought home the last three region titles. The depth on the mound will be something to watch as the Pointers look to return to the state playoffs, led by seniors Ryan Zicklefoose (Notre Dame of MD) and Austin Griffith (CCBC Essex). Offensively, they return a core group of bats as they mix experience with some underclassman firepower. Overall, the Pointers should be a team not taken lightly as they have shown they know what it takes to win when getting to the state playoffs.
2A North Region II had one of the more shocking endings in 2023, as overwhelming favorite Hereford lost in a one-run contest to Randallstown. We expect a bounce back from Hereford in 2024 as we believe they will get over the hump this year, led by a slew of depth on the bump this spring, headlined by a trio of seniors in Andrew Larkin, Ryan Larkin, Jack Kinsey (Marietta), and an intriguing junior southpaw in Gavin Jacker. Offensively, a decent mix of power and speed will be showcased with juniors Willie DeSantis and Leighton Alsip leading the charge. If there’s any team that will give the Bulls some problems, we look towards Randallstown, who has continuously given them problems in the past few years. Antuan Oliver looks to work off a breakout season for the Rams last spring with another solid year on the mound. New Town, Carver Vo-Tech, and Owings Mills we think lack the depth and top-tier talent to compete with the two programs atop the region.
Top 3
1. Hereford
2. Sparrows Point
3. Randallstown
2A South
Region I | Region II |
Lackey | Calvert |
Crossland | Huntingtown |
Fairmont Heights | Patuxent |
Frederick Douglass (PG) | La Plata |
Gwynn Park | McDonough |
Potomac | Thomas Stone |
Westlake |
Notes
2A South Region I has a different look in 2024, as Lackey enters a region surrounded by PG county schools. Frederick Douglass is a team to keep eyes on this spring, as they are headlined by a star-studded senior arm in Jamon Dick (Frederick CC). Offensively, there is a lot of intrigue with freshman power hitter Arrington Price III as the Eagles will look to prevent the Yellow Jackets from making it a three-peat. Gwynn Park has taken home the title the previous two seasons, and we expect them to be right back in the mix headed into the spring. Once again, we think depth will be an issue for Crossland, Fairmont Heights, and Potomac that will hinder their ability to enforce much damage within this region.
2A South Region II has become even more competitive this spring, as the region composed of SMAC schools exits Lackey and brings in Huntingtown, who took a heartbreaking one-run loss in the 3A state semifinals last spring. The Hurricanes come off a very successful season, and we expect this squad to continue to be competitive even in a more difficult region, as they bring back one of the most experienced squads across the region. On the bump, expect a pair of seniors in standout Logan Hastings along with Cole Roschel (Jefferson College) to lead to way along with a lineup that doesn’t see much change, as we expect junior Trevor Robbins to take that next step this spring. Calvert looks to create chaos in this loaded region led by senior Andrew Seawell (Fairleigh) on the mound this spring. La Plata brings back an impressive junior two-way in Chris Coombs and senior Adam Bowling on the bump, while also returning their core offensive pieces, led by Coombs and Dylan Hannah (College of Southern Maryland). Patuxent, coming off back-to-back heartbreaking state championship defeats, will be hungry to finally get over the hump and bring home hardware in 2024. Led by a senior duo in Will Hagan (Chesapeake JC) and Billy Clay (Chesapeake JC), coach Powell will also look to rely on junior southpaw Ivan Sypa to bring stability to the bump. Offensively, look for sophomore Logan Powell to take the reigns behind the plate and have a breakout year offensively as the Panthers look to finally call themselves the kings of the SMAC.
Top 4
1. Huntingtown
2. Patuxent
3. La Plata
4. Frederick Douglass
2A East
Region I | Region II |
Elkton | North Caroline |
North East | Kent Island |
Rising Sun | Queen Anne's |
C. Milton Wright | Easton |
Fallston | Parkside |
North Harford | Wicomico |
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