By Chris Webb

Division II
Hudson Regional: Akron, Canton, Jefferson, and Struthers Districts; Private Powers and Linder Highlighted

Within the four districts that form the Hudson Regional, one can find private school powers such Walsh Jesuit, Akron Hoban and St. Vincent-St. Mary?s in the Akron District. In the Jefferson District, Mentor Lake Catholic and Cleveland Benedictine are on a collision course. In the Canton District, you can find two of the best junior pitchers from public schools. In the Struthers District, the notable private school, Youngstown Cardinal Mooney, went down leaving the field wide open.

The Akron District

Ohio?s top Division II team is present in Walsh Jesuit (18-2). Powered by Cassidy Brown (one of the top 2013 prospects), Michael Marsinek (one of the top 2012 LHPs) and senior southpaw Tim Faix (Kent State recruit), Walsh will look for their stars to shine as they face off against Akron SVSM in game one. The winner will face either Toledo-bound senior catcher Lucas Skolo and Akron Hoban (12-7), or a Kenston (19-4) team led by senior outfielder Pat Porter who will be attending Ohio State. The two semi-finals are scheduled for May 18^th at Summit Lake Park. Walsh Jesuit will take on Akron SVSM at 2 p.m. before Kenston and Hoban square off at 5 p.m. On May 19^th, the champion will be crowned at Summit Lake Park at 5 p.m.

The Canton District

Coming off an 11-strikeout, complete game shutout in a 8-0 win over Springfield, junior right-handed pitcher Tucker Linder looks to lift Tallmadge (16-5) over Alliance Marlington (15-9) in the Canton District semifinal match-up. The uncommitted junior is now 6-0 with 61 strikeouts in 38.2 innings. The other semifinal will feature another top pitcher in Canton South?s rotation is spearheaded by right-handed Logan Bowles (2012 Ohio State recruit). Louisville (15-8) will be Tallmadge?s opponent after notching a 8-2 victory over Coventry. Both semifinals will be played in Thurman Munson Stadium on May 19^th. Tallamadge-Marlington will take the field first at 2 p.m. while the 5 p.m. game will be Louisville and Canton South. The District final will be the following day at 4:30 p.m. again at Thurman Munson Stadium.

The Jefferson District

The number 6 team in Division II, Mentor Lake Catholic, is a sizeable favorite in the Jefferson District. Now 21-5, Lake Catholic will face either West Geauga or University School in one district semifinal. The other half of the draw sees Cleveland Benedictine take on Jefferson Area. Jefferson Area pulled an upset over Conneaut 7-6 in the tournament opener, before beating Notre Dame Cathedral Latin 4-0 to extend their improbable run. The Jefferson Little League Complex will be home to both the semifinals and championship. The Lake Catholic game will be the May 18 at 4:30 p.m., the same time and date the Jefferson Area-Benedictine game will be played.

The Struthers District

The Struthers District saw a recognizable name go down early as Youngstown Cardinal Mooney fell 2-0 to Struthers. After shutting down the Cardinal Mooney team with DI-bound senior outfielder Boo Vazquez (Pittsburgh recruit), Struthers will look to ride the momentum as they play a Ravenna team (13-5) who defeated cross-town rival Southeast 11-1. On the top half of the bracket, Niles defeated last year?s District champ West Branch 10-5 to move to 17-4. They will play top-seeded Canfield (13-8). That semifinal is a rematch as Canfield defeated the Dragons 3-2 earlier this year.  The two semifinals are scheduled for May 18^th with both games being played at 4:30 p.m. at Cene Park. There will be a quick turnaround as the championship will be at Cene Park once again on 19^th at 6:30 p.m.