Bensalem made history by winning its first conference crown more than 20 years, and Scott Huff previews all the District One Tournament games featuring SOL teams.
Bensalem captures first conference title in more than two decades
Harry Daut isn’t sure when Bensalem last captured a conference title in baseball. The Owls’ coach knows it happened only once, and his best guess is it was the in the mid 90s.
The bottom line is it hasn’t happened often, making the accomplishments of this year’s squad – which won the SOL National Conference title – even sweeter.
“The school’s excited, we’re excited, the whole team’s excited,” Daut said. “I don’t even know if the kids really know what they’ve accomplished, but it’s a great accomplishment.”
While the Owls entered the season with high expectations, they might well have exceeded even those with their 16-3 record and two-game advantage in the final conference standings over second place Council Rock North.
“I knew we had a big senior class coming through, and they’ve been with us for quite a long time,” Daut said. “I knew we had really outstanding pitching to do it.”
Anchoring the Owls are the team’s nine seniors: Ed Aldrich, Stephen Aldrich, Nick Fossile, Greg Janowski, Nickolas Kiesling, Keith Parrish, Jon Revell, Scott Rooney and Brian Swentkowski.
“They’ve been there – all of them have been varsity players for three years,” Daut said. “They knew they were good, but 16-3 – I don’t think they thought they were going to be this good.”
Monmouth University-bound Stephen Aldrich has been the ace of an outstanding pitching staff. In 40-plus innings on the mound, he has 65 strikeouts.
“He’s having an outstanding year,” Daut said. “His stats are unreal. He has a 0.70 ERA. It’s just crazy.”
Parrish anchors the Owls’ outfield in center field.
“He’s had a remarkable year,” Daut said. “He’s a team leader and a go-to guy.”
Junior Nick Dean, a University of Maryland recruit, has also been lights out on the mound and is the team’s top hitter.
The only blemishes on the Owls’ conference record are a pair of losses to their nemesis – Council Rock South.
“That’s a credit to them because they’re a really good team,” Daut said of Rock South. “Ted Kirner is an awesome coach. He’s one of the best in the area.”
Daut – with his sights set on the big picture – has stressed taking one game at a time.
“I kept saying to them, ‘Let’s not celebrate yet, let’s get to the next game,’ but I think they need to celebrate,” Daut said. “They earned something pretty special.”
The Owls were 11-8 in each of the last three years, serving notice that they were a team to watch.
“It’s really been coming on,” Daut said. “The last four or five years we’ve been playing over .500 ball.
“I don’t think many people know that we’ve been over .500, and it’s this class. Most of this senior class has been on my varsity team since they were freshmen and sophomores. It is this group that’s really been carrying it.”
Bensalem is the fifth seed in the 20-team District One 6A Tournament. After an opening round bye on Monday, the Owls will take on a familiar opponent in Wednesday’s second round in 12th-seeded Central Bucks South. The two teams played twice in the regular season in crossover games that counted toward the district power rankings. They split the two games.
“Obviously, the kids are really looking forward to districts,” Daut said. “We’ll see what they can do.”
District One Baseball Preview
By Scott Huff
The 2018 District One baseball season has been a weather disaster for most of the season, however, the regular season is finally over, and district play will now begin.
The one sure thing is that there will be a new District One 6A baseball champion (& 6A state champion as well) as Pennsbury did not make the 20-team playoff field.
The defending D-1 and state champion Falcons were one of just two teams from the Suburban One League National Conference that did not qualify for districts. The Black & Orange had the 22nd best record in the district with a 6-8 record that counted toward district qualification.
The SOL National Conference will be represented in the 6A District One tournament by conference champion Bensalem (#5 seed), Council Rock North (#11), Truman (#17), Council Rock South (#19), and Neshaminy (#20).
The SOL Continental Conference will be represented in the 6A District One tournament by conference champion North Penn (#1 seed), Central Bucks South (#12), and Souderton (# 13).
The SOL American Conference will be represented in the 6A District One tournament by conference champion Quakertown (#4 seed), and Plymouth Whitemarsh (#18).
The SOL American Conference will be represented in the 5A District One tournament by Wissahickon (#7 seed), while the SOL American Conference will be represented in the 4A District One tournament by Springfield (#2).
The journey through the 6A playoffs is a meandering one,
Teams seeded #1-#12 received a first round bye and will automatically advance to the second-round games on Wednesday (5/13/18).
Teams seeded #13-#20 must win opening round games on Monday (5/21/18) to advance to that second round on Wednesday (5/13/18).
Please take note of dates when taking a look at the preview snapshots below.
Hoping for sunny skies and warm temperatures.
Let the games begin!
PIAA 6A District One Playoffs
Monday – May 21, 2018
# 17 Truman Tigers (8-6) @ # 16 Conestoga Pioneers (10-6)
4 pm.
Season Resume:
Truman finished the regular season as the third-place finisher in the Suburban One League National Conference.
Conestoga finished the regular season as the second-place finisher in the Central League.
Hot or Not?
Truman entered the district playoffs on a three-game winning streak. The Tigers defeated Pennsbury (3-2), Neshaminy (2-1), and Abington (6-0) to gain a playoff invitation.
Conestoga entered the district playoffs on a three-game winning streak. The Pioneers defeated Lower Merion (5-3), Upper Darby (7-1), and Haverford (8-2) to gain a playoff invitation.
Players To Watch:
Truman showcases the talents of TJ Brasier (Sr., C), Evan Profy (Soph., OF), Cam Culver (Sr., P), and Dylan Jackson (Jr., OF).
Conestoga features the talents of Max Anastascio, Owen Margolis, and Ryan Buck.
Winner Gets:
The winner of the Truman/Conestoga game will play # 1 seed North Penn on Wednesday – May 23, 2018.
# 17 HST vs. # 16 Conestoga winner@ # 1 North Penn. (13-1)
Wednesday – May 23, 2018
4 pm
Season Resume:
North Pennfinished the regular season as the champion of the Suburban One League Continental Conference.
Hot or Not?
North Penn entered the district playoffs winning two of its last three games. The Knights defeated Pennridge (7-2) and Central Bucks South (6-2) but lost to Council Rock South (3-2).
Players To Watch:
North Penn showcases the talents of Danny Kirwin (Sr., P), Tyler Siddal (Sr., 3B), Joe Picozzi (Sr., OF), Hunter Hamlin (Sr., DH), and Joe Valenti (Jr., LHP).
Winner Gets:
The winner of this second-round game will play the winner of the bracket that features # 8 Boyertown & # 9 Methacton on Friday – May 25th in a quarterfinal game.
Monday – May 21, 2018
# 20 Neshaminy (7-7) @ #13 Souderton (9-5)
4 pm
Season Resume:
Neshaminy finished the regular season as the fourth-place finisher in the Suburban One League National Conference.
Souderton finished the regular season tied for second place in the Suburban One League Continental Conference.
Hot or Not?
Neshaminy entered the district playoffs winning one of its last three games. The Redskins defeated Council Rock South (5-1) but suffered losses to both Truman (2-1) and Council Rock North (7-0).
Souderton entered the district playoffs winning two of its last three games. The Indians defeated both William Tennent (8-3) and Central Bucks West (4-3) but lost to North Penn (13-3).
Players To Watch:
Neshaminy showcases the talents of Brian Nicholas (Sr., 2B), Cory Joyce (Jr., SS), Dalton Turner (Soph., OF), Joe Kaleck (Jr., OF), Gus Natale (Jr., OF), and Jake Fehrle (Jr., P)
Souderton features the talents of Blaise Sclafani (Sr., P/1B), Jordan Morales (Jr., P), Luke Barnum (Sr., OF), Aaron Groller (Jr., P).
Winner Gets:
The winner of the Neshaminy-Souderton game will play at # 4 Quakertown on Wednesday – May 23, 2018.
#20 Neshaminy/# 13 Souderton winner@ Quakertown (12-2)
Wednesday – May 23, 2018
4 pm
Season Resume:
Quakertown finished the regular season as the champion of the Suburban One League American Conference.
Hot or Not?
Quakertown entered the district playoffs winning two of its final three games. The Panthers defeated both Plymouth Whitemarsh (8-0) and Upper Moreland (5-3) but lost to Springfield (1-0).
Players to Watch:
Quakertown showcases the talents of Justin Guidos (Sr., P/Utility), JJ Paul (Sr., P/1B), Dennis Pierce (Jr., 3B/P), and Brian Robison (Sr., SS).
Winner Gets:
The winner of the second-round game between the Neshaminy/Souderton winner and Quakertown will play a quarterfinal game against the winner of # 5 Bensalem and # 12 Central Bucks South on Friday – May 25, 2018.
Monday – May 21, 2018
# 18 Plymouth Whitemarsh (8-6) @ # 15 Avon Grove (11-6)
4 pm
Season Resume:
Plymouth Whitemarsh finished the regular season as the fourth-place finisher in the Suburban One League American Conference.
Avon Grove finished the regular season as the fifth-place finisher in the Ches-Mont National Conference.
Hot or Not?
Plymouth Whitemarsh entered the district playoffs winning two of its last three games. The Colonials defeated Cheltenham (7-0) and Hatboro-Horsham (10-0) but lost to Quakertown (8-0).
Avon Grove entered the district playoffs losing two of its final three games. The Red Devils defeated Unionville (9-2) but lost to both West Chester Henderson (5-2) and Bishop Shanahan (2-1).
Players To Watch:
Plymouth Whitemarsh features the talents of Ben Mascio (Soph., LHP), Jacob Nunez (Jr., 2B), Stephen Longo (Sr., SS), Kevin Reilly (Soph., C)
Avon Grove showcases the talents of Ryan Gerenser, Andrew Brady, and Riley Davis.
Winner Gets:
The winner of the Plymouth Whitemarsh/Avon Grove game will play at # 2 Spring-Ford in a second-round game on Wednesday – May 23, 2018.
Monday – May 21, 2018
#19 Council Rock South (6-8) @ # 14 Perkiomen Valley (10-6)
4 pm
Season Resume:
Council Rock South finished the regular season as the fifth-place finisher in the Suburban One League National Conference.
Perkiomen Valley finished the regular season as the fourth-place finisher in the Pioneer Athletic Conference.
Hot or Not?
Council Rock South entered the district playoffs winning two of its final three games. The Golden Hawks soared to wins over both North Penn (3-2) and Bensalem (5-3) and lost to Neshaminy 5-1.
Perkiomen Valley won two of its last three games. The Vikings defeated Methacton (4-3) and Pope John Paul II (9-2) but lost to Avon Grove (3-2).
Players To Watch:
Council Rock South showcases the talents of Evan Fisher (Sr., DH/C), Nick Gallo (Jr., 1B), and Brendan Carter (Sr., P).
Perkiomen Valley features the talents of Brock Helverson, Evan Hackett, and Joe Gorla.
Winner Gets:
The winner of the CR South/Perkiomen Valley game will advance to a second-round game against # 3 Downingtown West on Wednesday – May 23, 2018.
Wednesday – May 23, 2018
# 12 Central Bucks South (9-5) @ # 5 Bensalem (11-3)
4 pm
Season Resume:
Central Bucks South finished the regular season tied for second place in the Suburban One League Continental Conference.
Bensalem finished the regular season as the champion of the Suburban One League National Conference.
Hot or Not?
Central Bucks South entered the district playoffs winning one of its final three games. The Titans defeated Central Bucks East (4-0) but lost games to Bensalem (4-3) and North Penn (6-2).
Bensalem entered the district playoffs winning its final three games of the season. The Owls soared to wins over William Tennent (10-0), Abington (11-1) and Central Bucks South (4-3).
Players To Watch:
Central Bucks South showcases the talents of Ben Berger (Sr., CF), Joey Loynd (Jr., SS), Ryan Rieber (Jr., P), and Brock Veit (Jr., P)
Bensalem features the talents of Stephen Aldrich, Keith Parrish, Nick Dean, and Jon Revell.
Winner Gets:
The winner of the CB South/Bensalem game will advance to the district quarterfinals. Opponent will come from the bracket that includes # 4 Quakertown, # 13 Souderton, and # 20 Neshaminy.
Wednesday – May 23, 2018
# 11 Council Rock North (10-4) @ # 6 Oxford (16-3)
4 pm
Season Resume:
Council Rock North finished the regular season as the second-place finisher in the Suburban One League National Conference.
Oxford finished the regular season as the champion of the Ches-Mont League American Conference.
Hot or Not?
Council Rock North entered the district playoffs winning two of its last three games. The Indians defeated Central Bucks West (17-7) and Neshaminy (7-0) but lost to Pennsbury (3-0).
Oxford entered the district playoffs winning its final three games. The Hornets defeated Coatesville (4-3), Bayard Rustin (2-1) and Sun Valley (15-0).
Players To Watch:
Council Rock North showcases Cavan Tully (Sr., SS), Eric Hoefer (Sr., P), Ryan Stalker (Jr., P/OF), and Carson Shane (Sr., C).
Oxford features the talents of Hunter Hall, Jay Morton, and Jimmy Yunker.
Winner Gets:
The winner of the CR North/Oxford game will play the survivor of the bracket that includes # 3 Downingtown West, # 14 Perkiomen Valley, and # 19 Council Rock South.
PIAA District One 5 A Playoffs
Monday – May 21, 2018
#10 Harriton (9-7) @ #7 Wissahickon (10-3)
Season Resume:
Harritonfinished the regular season as the fifth-place finisher in the Central League.
Wissahickon finished the regular season as the second-place finisher in the Suburban One League American Conference.
Hot or Not?
Harriton entered the playoffs winning two of its final three games. The Rams defeated Penncrest (6-2) and Springfield-Delco (13-3) but lost to Marple Newtown (2-0).
Wissahickon entered the playoffs winning one of its final three games. The Trojans defeated Upper Moreland (2-1) but lost to Phoenixville (13-1) and Cheltenham (5-4).
Players To Watch:
Harriton showcases the talents of Alex Chang, Eddie May, and Jack Kochanowicz.
Wissahickon features the talents of Quinn Rovner (Jr., P), Mike Gorman (Soph., P), Steve Loden (Jr., IF), Michael Steitz (Sr., IF). Andrew Booth (Soph., OF), Brian Hynes (Soph., P/IF), and Brian Menhardt (Soph., OF)
Winner Gets:
The winner of the Harriton/Wissahickon game will advance to the 5A quarterfinals against the winner of the game between Interboro (#2) and Academy Park (#15) to be played on Wednesday – May 23, 2018.
PIAA District One 4A Playoffs
Tuesday – May 22, 2018
# 3 New Hope (10-6) @ # 2 Springfield (9-4)
Season Resume:
New Hopefinished the regular season as the fourth-place finisher in the Bicentennial League.
Springfield finished the regular season as the third-place team in the Suburban One League American Conference.
Hot or Not?
New Hope entered the district playoffs winning one of its final three games. The Lions defeated Valley Forge Military (16-1) but lost to Devon Prep (4-0) and Lower Moreland (13-6).
Springfield entered the district playoffs winning its final three games. The Spartans defeated Upper Dublin twice (7-6 & 10-2) and also defeated Quakertown (1-0).
Players To Watch:
New Hope features the talents of Reese Streling, Cam Mertz, and Kevin Dougherty.
Springfield showcases the talents of Nick Pave, Tim Dahme, Farley Macleod, Trevor McCaffrey, and Brian Murphy.
Winner Gets:
The winner of the New Hope/Springfield game will play the winner of the game between Lower Moreland (#1) and Pope John Paul II (#4) in the district title game to be played on Thursday (5/24/18).
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