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Over the next few weeks, leading up to the beginning of the 2024 MD High School season, our staff will be releasing our Preseason Power 25. This list will be comprised of public schools across the state that we feel have a strong chance of being successful in 2024. Throughout the coming weeks, be on the lookout for our MD Public School Top 10, as well as a slew of additional preseason coverage.    

#1 Stephen Decatur Seahawks 

Decatur finds themselves atop the Preseason Power 25 as we inch closer and closer to the official start of the 2024 spring season. The expectations are certainly high, and a 3A State Title run is in sight. Balance, depth, and immense talent on both sides of the ball have Decatur poised for a very successful 2024 campaign. 

At the dish, a nice mix of speed and power is evident throughout the lineup, led by junior standout Jackson Cheung. Seniors AJ Kolb (Towson), Waylon Hobgood (Salisbury), and Caden Shockley have advanced run tools that balance the lineup, as fellow seniors Nate Berzonski (Mount St. Mary's), Eric Braica (Delaware Tech), and Ryder Swanson (Roanoke) bring some thump throughout. Two young bucks to keep eyes on are sophomores Johnny Hobgood and Brandon Nadeau who we anticipate taking that next step this spring. 

Although the loss of standout Ryan McLaughlin to graduation is a big hit, this pitching rotation is still highly talented and as deep as it has ever been. Led by seniors Nate Berzonski (Mount St. Mary's), Lukas Loring, southpaw Matthew Wright (Mars Hill), and Eric Braica (Delaware Tech), the Seahawks feature experienced seniors hungry for a state title run on the bump. Standout freshman Daylen Linton continues to impress and may be able to add some depth on the bump this spring as well. 

A hungry team poised for a deep run, is this the year Stephen Decatur conquers the 3A?  

 

Key Players to Watch