The crack of bats and snap of gloves echo across North Pinellas as teams prepare for another promising baseball season. While there’s been significant roster turnover for some programs, several squads return enough talent to make serious playoff pushes.

Calvary Christian

Coming off a 24-5 campaign that ended in the region semifinals, Calvary Christian enters 2024 with championship aspirations fueled by pitching depth and team speed.

The Warriors return a strong core led by Grayson Gibson, Cameron Uzzillia, Darian Collins, Max Mayes, Maddox Bozeman, Gabe Campos, and Brett Garcy.

The roster is bolstered by key additions Jake Henderson, Matthew Bowser, Jase Traina, and Chase Brady, who have transitioned from last year’s JV squad or supporting roles.

With a deep pitching staff and aggressive baserunning approach, the Warriors aim to build upon last season’s success and make a deeper postseason run.

Clearwater Central Catholic

The Marauders enter this season looking to bounce back from a 12-14 campaign, though they’ll face the challenge of significant roster turnover, particularly on offense.

The lineup will need to find new sources of production after losing four of their top five hitters to graduation.

On the mound, Cooper Riley returns after posting a solid 2.91 ERA last season. His experience and ability to keep the Marauders competitive in games will be crucial as the team works to develop its offensive identity.

While this shapes up as a potential rebuilding year with so many key departures, CCC’s track record of developing talent suggests they could surprise teams if their younger players can mature quickly into their expanded roles.

Countryside

After a steady 14-13 campaign last season, the Cougars enter this year with high expectations, particularly on the mound where they return a trio of proven arms.

The pitching staff looks to be the cornerstone of the team’s success, featuring a formidable rotation led by Braeden Callahan, Trent King, and Cody Hollenbeck.

All three posted impressive ERAs last season – Callahan and King both recorded 1.54 marks, while Hollenbeck wasn’t far behind at 1.80. This depth in the rotation gives Countryside the ability to remain competitive in any series and provides multiple reliable options for key matchups.

The offense brings back some key contributors as well. Trent King, who doubles as a threat on the bases with 15 runs scored last season, returns to spark the lineup. Luke Neubauer, who hit at a strong .306 clip last year, will be counted on to drive in runs from the heart of the order.

With such a strong pitching foundation and proven bats returning, the Cougars will look to improve upon last year’s record and make a push into the postseason. If the offense can provide consistent run support behind their talented arms, Countryside could be a team to watch this season.

Dunedin

Fresh off a 17-7 season that included a region quarterfinal appearance, the Falcons enter a new classification with proven talent and rising prospects.

Dunedin is anchored by Daytona State commit Colton Beard (Sr., RHP) and Piedmont College signee Demetris Tsesmelis (Sr., OF).

A strong junior class features shortstop Aiden Sherifi, outfielder Madden James, and right-hander Cian Roche, while sophomores Armando Monday (UT), Griffin Ross (LHP), and Coul Rehm (RHP) add promising depth.

The Falcons face one of Tampa Bay’s most challenging schedules, embracing daily competition as they aim to prove themselves in their new playoff structure.

East Lake

The Eagles enter this season looking to build upon an impressive 25-4 campaign that saw them advance to the region semifinals.

Despite some key losses on the mound, the Eagles return a potent offense that should keep them among the area’s elite programs.

The lineup remains stacked with talent, headlined by the return of their top two hitters from last season. Andrew Sheffield (.366) and Camden Boehm (.362) form one of the most formidable offensive duos in the area.

The Eagles’ batting order runs deep, with Kai Verma (.333) and Eli Millian (.286) providing additional firepower. Boehm, who earned selection to the USA Baseball 15-under team, brings national-level experience to the roster.

Pitching will see some new faces step into prominent roles following the graduation of Brady Wright and Jackson Krukonis, who combined for a remarkable 15-1 record as starters last season. Boehm, who posted a stellar 1.91 ERA, will be counted on to anchor the staff as the Eagles look to develop new arms to complement him in the rotation.

With their offensive firepower intact and Boehm’s dual-threat capability, East Lake has the pieces to make another deep playoff run, even as they reshape their pitching staff. The Eagles’ ability to replace their graduated arms will likely determine just how far they can advance this season.

Largo

Coming off a historic 16-11 campaign that set a school record for wins and included a trip to the region quarterfinals, Largo enters 2024 with momentum and experience.

Chemistry also fuels their aspirations this season, with 11 seniors forming the core of a tight-knit 17-player roster. The senior class has developed together over four years, establishing a culture built on work ethic and team cohesion.

The Packers return several key contributors, including senior left-handed pitcher/outfielder Brady Ahlers, senior Carson Jones who brings versatility at first base, third base, and on the mound, and senior left-handed pitcher/outfielder Josh Jackson-Valverde.

Adding international flair to the roster is junior Victor Martinez-Morales, a Venezuelan transfer who will bolster both the outfield and pitching staff.

With seasoned leadership and a proven foundation of teamwork, Largo aims to leverage their veteran presence and established culture into building upon last season’s breakthrough success.

Palm Harbor University

The Hurricanes look to build on last season’s playoff run, where they went 17-9 and reached the region semifinals. With a strong core of returning players and a formidable pitching rotation, PHU appears poised for another successful campaign.

The offense brings back significant firepower, with three of their top four hitters from last year returning to the lineup.

Smith Wortham (.309) provides consistency at the plate, while Sebbie Silva (.288) and Kasey Mink (.271) give the Hurricanes a solid foundation in the batting order.

Where the Hurricanes truly shine is on the mound. The pitching staff is anchored by the dynamic duo of Smith Wortham (2-0, 0.31 ERA) and Brandon Dees (4-0, 0.54 ERA).

With this blend of proven offensive performers and dominant pitching, the Hurricanes have the pieces in place to potentially advance even further than last year’s semifinal appearance.

Tarpon Springs

Coming off its best season in over a decade, a 17-11 campaign that reached the region semifinals under former MLB pitcher Seth McClung, Tarpon Springs enters year two of its rebuild with increased depth and measured expectations.

The pitching staff is anchored by junior Alex Finch and senior Danny Scott, though early injuries will test their expanded roster of arms.

The offense features returning starters Carson Tibbetts (Sr.), Kyzer Campbell (Jr.), and Derek Tyler (So.), while Palm Harbor transfers Aaron Unbehagen and Anthony Dorsett bolster both the lineup and pitching depth.

Despite losing Mount Olive commit Kole Hopkins and West Virginia Wesleyan signee Davis Weppler, the Spongers’ expanded 24-man roster (up from 15) and defensive prowess provide optimism.

Freshman Asa Merrills has emerged as a defensive standout in early practices.

Facing an upgraded schedule, Tarpon Springs aims to build on last year’s breakthrough while continuing their program’s methodical turnaround.