Prep Baseball Report has learned from multiple sources that Topsail HS is looking into the use of an ineligible player and may forfeit much of their season, losing a chance to play in next week's state playoffs.  The news was broken to parents on Wednesday in a meeting with the baseball staff. 

Topsail is looking into how the ineligible player was allowed to play and where the faulty communication occurred.  Typically, this type of violation would result in forfeiting games where the player was available to play, meaning the entire season for Topsail.  PBR has been told that Topsail found the violation and notified the appropriate people and they are hoping to appeal any decision that would cost the team a shot at the post-season.  Most feel the appeal would not be upheld.  More should be known by Monday as the pairings for the post-season are released.

Topsail plays in the Mideastern 3A/4A conference.  They are currently third in the conference with a 9-4 mark, and an overall record of 15-7.  For the 3A State Tournament, they would be recognized as the No. 2 team out of the Mideastern, behind New Hanover HS.  Ashley HS, ahead of Topsail in the conference is a 4A school. 

The Pirates have high hopes of making a run through the Eastern Bracket of the NC State Tournament.  Current seniors who have committed to play at the next level include Colby Emmertz (C, East Tennessee St), Petey Frey (C, Barton College), Alex Holland (RHP, Catawba College), and Jake Luchansky (RHP, VMI).  The 2017 Pirates made a run to the Eastern Finals, losing the best of three series in three games to eventual State Champions North Guilford HS.  There were some key players that left after that season, but this group knows how to win in the post-season.