Fifteen SOL baseball teams will compete in the District 1 Tournament. Check out the preview capsules.
District 1 Class 6A
#5 Pennsbury – First Round bye
14-5-1 overall
11-4 SOL Patriot, first place
Key Players:
–Keller Bradley (Jr., P)
–Evan Hawkes (Sr., CF)
–Carlton Crane (Jr., 2B)
–Dylan Hirsh (Sr., C)
–Ryan Webber (Sr., SS)
–Pierce Perry (So.,OF/P)
–Mason Keith (Sr, P)
The season: Taking two of three over Neshaminy in the final series of the season gave the Falcons the division crown and head into postseason on a roll. They also own series wins over CR South and CR North.
Up Next: Pennsbury will host the winner of #12 Lower Merion and #21 Conestoga in a second-round game on Wednesday.
#6 Neshaminy – First Round Bye
13-6 overall
11-4 SOL Patriot, tied for first
Key Players:
—Chase Bonner (Jr., SS/P),.362,17 H, 16 R, 10 RBIs; 4-0, 0.68 ERA, 30.2 IP
–Noah Wallace (Jr., 1B), .306, 15 H, 8 RBIs
–Jared Kligerman (Jr., P), 4-3, 0.92 ERA, 38 IP
–Mike Sassano (Jr.,2B), .409, 18 H, 9 RBIs
–Dan Marable (So., OF), .380, 19 H, 14 RBIs, 15 R, 3 doubles
–Brandon Lall (Jr., 3B), .388, 19 H, 13R
The season: Pretty much the front-runners in the SOL Patriot all season, two losses to Pennsbury cost Neshaminy the division title, but it salvaged the third game of that series to help wrap up the first-round bye and does own wins over CR South (3) and CR North (2).
Up Next: Neshaminy will host the winner of #11 Avon Grove and #22 CR North in the second round on Wednesday.
#8 North Penn – First-round bye
15-5 overall
10-5 SOL, Colonial Division champions
Key Players:
–Trevor Lugara (P), 6-1, 0.68 ERA, 56 K, 4 BB, .162 BAA
–Jake Nunn (P), 4-2, 1.54 ERA, 22 K, 5 BB, .180 BAA
–Kevin Brace (SS), .422, 27 H, 12 RBIs, 17 runs
–Mason Coyne (1B), .350, 4 doubles
–Chase Jones (C), .270; 5 doubles, 4 HR, 16 RBIs
–Christian Barnes (CF), .304, 2 HR, 15 RBIs
–Ben Grattan (LF), .322, 19 H
The season: North Penn owns wins over playoff teams Souderton (2), CB West (3), and CB South, and tested itself in the nonleague with wins over Wilson-West Lawn, Spring-Ford, and Hazleton. The Knights went 1-3 in their last four division games.
Coach Kevian Manero: “It’s the District One Tournament, so every game is like game seven of the World Series, and none of them are easy. For example, we will play the winner of (Council) Rock South vs Great Valley, but CRS is no ‘24-seed.’ When you come out of the SOL, the number next to your seeding means very little. At least twice in the last dozen years, a #24 seed SOL team has played in Happy Valley. I know because we were one of them. It just comes down to whoever is playing their best baseball this time of year, and, of course pitching matchups.”
Up Next: North Penn will host the winner of #24 Council Rock South and #9 Great Valley in a second-round game on Wednesday.
#24 Council Rock South at #9 Great Valley, Monday, 4 p.m.
CR South
10-9 overall
8-7 SOL Patriot, tied for third
Key Players:
–Reed Curtier (Jr., P), 4-1, 30 IP, 53 Ks, .149 BAA, 1.15 ERA
–Jimmy Clark (Fr., P), 2-1, 34 2/3 IP, 38 Ks,.203 BAA, 1.01 ERA
–Jack Albright (Sr., P), 3-2, 25 IP, 30K, .228 BAA, 2.24 ERA
–Billy O’Neill (Sr.), .323, .421 OBP, .873 OPS, 20 H, 17 RBIs, 8 runs
–Jake Andrews (Sr., C), .306, .417 OBP, .743 OPS, 9 RBsI, 8 runs
–Owen Mclean (Jr.), .298, .434 OBP, .820 OPS, 17 H, 5 XBH, 9 RBIs, 12 runs
–Johnny Mendola (Sr,), .254, .324 OBP, .689 OPS,16 H,12 RBIs, 11 runs
The season: The Golden Hawks won their last four division games to clinch the final spot in the field, including their second win over CR North in the final game of the season. They also own a win over #6 Pennsbury.
CR South Greg Paprocki: “We are happy to get in. We have battled injuries throughout the season but feel we are healthy and hitting our stride at the perfect time. Great Valley has had a great season; we look forward to a great matchup on Monday.”
Great Valley
14-6 overall
11-6 Ches-Mont, third-place
Key Players:
–Cole Callahan, .500, 28 H, 11 RBIs, 19 R
–Brady Hounsell, .473, 35 H, 31 RBIs, 9 doubles, 4 HR, 35 runs
–Joey Newell, .443, 31 H, 20 RBIs, 8 doubles, 2 HR, 21 R
–Ty Callahan, .406, 26 H, 19 RBIs, 5 doubles, 16 runs
–Cooper Callahan, 3-0, 1.91 ERA
The season: Key wins on the season include over #4 Coatesville and #11 Avon Grove.
Up Next: The winner plays at #8 North Penn in a second-round game on Wednesday.
#22 Council Rock North at #11 Avon Grove, Monday, 4 p.m.
CR North
12-8 overall
8-7 SOL Patriot, tied for third place
Key Players:
–Jude Hamilton (Jr.), .280, .418 OBP
–Preston Martin (Jr.), .306, 15 H, 10 RBIs, 3-0, 2.55 ERA, 30 Ks
–Kyle Book (Jr.), .327, 15 H
–Will Cabo (Jr.), .320
–Noah Furman (So.), .333
–Peyton Shaw (Sr., SS)
–Will Seiler (Sr.), 1-1, 4.40 ERA, 27 IP, 34 Ks
–Will Godonis, 2-1, 4.06 ERA, 17 Ks
The season: “(We) started off the season battling powerhouses Pennsbury and Neshaminy back-to-back in our opening series,” said coach Matt Schram. “Winning games in each of those series was key to our mid-season 5-3 run which pushed us into the playoffs.”
The Indians also own wins over playoff teams CR South, Plymouth Whitemarsh, and went 3-0 in a trip to South Carolina.
CR North coach Matt Schram: “Our baseball team continues to grow with every inning. While still young and developing, this squad is learning firsthand just how demanding — and emotional — the high school game can be. Each matchup brings new lessons, and though fundamental challenges have played a role in some tough losses, the potential for a strong postseason run remains undeniable.
“What makes this team special isn’t just their talent, it’s their heart. Despite a varsity roster filled with underclassmen, every player has embraced their role and, more importantly, each other. The chemistry, camaraderie, and commitment to the team are at an all-time high.
“As the district playoffs begin, the excitement ramps up — especially when facing unfamiliar opponents. This year, we will take on Avon Grove, a respected program from the competitive Ches-Mont League in Chester County. Known for producing high-caliber baseball talent, the Ches-Mont consistently fields teams that are battle-tested and fundamentally sound. Avon Grove is no exception.
“This marks the first postseason meeting between CR North and Avon Grove since 2015, when we hosted the Red Devils in a memorable first-round matchup. Now, nearly a decade later, we are ready to hit the road, face their ace, and rise to the challenge. Expect a hard-fought game between two passionate programs — and don’t count out this hungry, unified CR North team that’s just getting started.”
Avon Grove
12-7 overall
11-7 Ches-Mont, sixth place
Key Players:
–Logan Nelson, .529, 38 H, 11 RBIs, 24 R, 7 doubles
–Ken Askin, .418, 28 H, 14 RBIs, 19 R
–Myles Raymond, .383, 23 H, 20 RBIs, 7 doubles, 2 HR
–Ryan Fuller, 5-2, 1.45 ERA, 38.2 IP, 69 K
The season: Avon Grove went 8-2 down the stretch to clinch a playoff berth, highlighted by a 6-5, nine-inning win over #3 Coatesville on April 30.
Up Next: Winner will play at #6 Neshaminy in a second round game on Wednesday.
#17 Souderton at #16 Boyertown, Monday, 4 p.m.
Souderton
10-9-1 overall
8-7 SOL, SOL Colonial, tied for second
Key Players:
–Tyler Lutz (Sr., LHP, 1B, OF)
–Connor Klock (Sr.,C)
–Evan Divens (Jr.,SS)
–Trent Lutz (So.,RHP, 1B)
–Cody Ricko (Sr.,OF)
The season: The Indians had quality league wins against the likes of CB West, North Penn, CB South, as well as an early season three-game sweep of Pennridge that helped secure the postseason bids. Out of league, they also own a win over Quakertown and tied Pennsbury.
Souderton coach Mike Childs: “Anything can happen in the playoffs. We like to call this Season 2. Season 1 got all of us to Season 2 for a reason. Everyone has a top pitcher and a good lineup. Whoever makes the least number of mistakes with getting hot at the right time with the bats usually succeeds.”
Boyertown
10-10 overall
8-8 PAC-10
Key Players:
-Jonah Mayer (P)
-Brett Boyer (DH)
-Tilman Henley (OF)
-Luke Hagan (1B)
-Connor Houck (P)
The season: Key late-season wins over Spring-Ford and Perkiomen Valley highlighted an up-and-down season for the Bears. They also own wins over Methacton, Phoenixville and Pope John Paul II.
Up Next: Winner plays at #1 Haverford in the second round on Wednesday.
#18 Central Bucks West at #15 Central Bucks South, Monday, 5 p.m.
CB South
11-8 overall
8-7 SOL Colonial, tied for second
Key Players:
–Jake Yang (SS)
–Brett Barrett (P/3B)
–Connor Thompson (1B)
–Owen Pinkerton (CF)
–Shane Farrell (OF)
–Blake Bell (P/OF)
–Luke Hillegas (P)
The season: The Titans have quality series wins over Souderton and North Penn to help earn the playoff bid but went 2-4 down the stretch to fall out of contention for the division title.
CB South coach Kevin Bray: “Each of the first three games versus West (the) score differential didn’t exceed three runs. We know this is going to be a battle. The team that executes the best and limits mistakes will come out on top.
“Our message to our guys is to continue to play our brand of baseball. Don’t get away from what has given success this season.
“West is a very good, well-coached team. We know we need to play a clean game and cash in on opportunities with runners in base.
“This year’s club has been one of our most united groups. They play for each other; they all want to see each other succeed. We will need to continue to focus on what we do best – play defense, pitch, and execute at the plate.”
CB West
12-7 overall
8-7 SOL Liberty
Key Players:
–Jack Hogenauer, .446, 25 H, 13 RBIs, 22 R, 9 doubles
–Ernie Sanchez, .345, 19 H, 21 RBIs, 12 R, 5 doubles; 2-1, 3.23 ERA
–Connor Grzywacz, .389, 21 H, 6 doubles, 14 R
–Jacob Greer, 4-2, 3.21 ERA
–Stephen Verdolini, 3-1, 1.13 ERA
The season: Two wins over Souderton enabled a key late-season series win for the Bucks, who also took the season series over CB South.
Up Next: Winner plays at #2 Methacton in the second round on Wednesday.
#20 Plymouth Whitemarsh at #13 Quakertown, Monday at DeSales University, 4 p.m.
Plymouth Whitemarsh
10-10 overall
7-8 SOL Liberty, fourth place
Key Players:
–Mike Bongard (JR), .424 AVG.,.500 OBP
–Mason Eagland (SO), .333 AVG, .487 OBP, 4 2B, 4 3B, 1 HR
–Jake Rauscher (SR, P), 2.23 ERA, 40 IP
–Bobby Pasquarello (FR., P), 3.11 ERA, 33.2 IP
–Max Eagland (SO., 2.10 ERA, 33.1 IP
The season: PW won a key series over division champ Upper Dublin early in the season, and then also took games from Wissahickon, Quakertown, and Hatboro-Horsham to earn a playoff spot.
PW coach Chris Manero: “We played three competitive games with Quakertown this spring, and there isn’t really any reason to expect anything different will come in the postseason. We know each other pretty well, and that should make for a very strategic and intriguing match-up. No matter who the opponent is, however, we just need to focus on baseball and elevate our level of play if we want to continue on.
“(Our pitchers) each has provided us with strong innings on the mound all season and they give us pitching depth that we hope will help in the post season.”
Quakertown
10-9 overall
9-6 SOL Liberty, second place
Key Players:
–Cole Reich (Sr.), .393, 24 H, 16 RBIs, 8 doubles, 3 HR, 20 runs
–Carter Tucholski (Fr.), .367, 22 H, 14 RBIs, 12 R, 6 doubles, 3 triples; 2-1, 1.72 ERA
–Gerry Stanziola (Sr.), .343, 23 H, 17 RBIs, 4 doubles, 18 runs
–Jarred Housten (Sr.), 5-2, 0.77 ERA, 45.2 IP, 54 K
The season: The Panthers played for the division title in the last series of the season, but dropped two close games to eventual champ Upper Dublin. They did win the series over PW as well as Hatboro-Horsham.
Up Next: Winner plays at #4 Coatesville in a second-round game on Wednesday.
#19 Wissahickon at #14 Downingtown East, Monday, 4 p.m.
Wissahickon
11-9 overall
8-7 SOL Liberty, third place
Key Players:
–Adam Hajdak (P, OF)
–Mark Selverian (3B)
–Josh Stonesifer (C)
–Giulio Carbo (INF/P)
The season: The Trojans punched their ticket into the playoffs with a key series wins over
Plymouth Whitemarsh and Quakertown to end the season.
Wissahickon coach Andy Noga: “Downingtown East ended our season last year in the second round, so we know they are a very talented program. Taking care of the baseball is going to be the biggest thing. We know they can swing it, so we need to be expecting the baseball on defense. Other than that, the key is having competitive at bats and some timely hitting to help our pitching staff out.”
Downingtown East
11-9 overall
10-8 Ches-Mont
The season: Went 3-5 over its final eight games heading into the playoffs but does own wins over #3 Coatesville and #11 Avon Grove (2).
Up Next: Winner plays at #3 Perkiomen Valley in the second round on Wednesday.
Dsitrict 1 Class 5A
#3 Upper Moreland – First-round bye
14-5 overall
13-2 SOL Freedom, second place
Key Players:
–Pat Kilgus (Sr., 1B), .424, .527 obp, 695 slg
–Chase Moore (So., SS), .365 .570 opb.365 slg
–Lucas Zipper (So., C), .325 ba,.481 obp,.500 slg
–Cannon Campbell (Fr., P), 31.1 IP, .894 ERA, 1.05 WHIP
–Nick Simons (Jr., P), 34 IP, 1.85 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 44 K
–Luke Sword (Jr., P), 29.2 IP, 4.01 ERA, 1.45 WHIP, 30 K
The season: At one point, the Golden Bears won 10 straight games, before dropping a three-game series to eventual Freedom champ Springfield in three games decided by two or fewer runs in every game.
UM coach Jim Fasano: “We play the winner of H-H and WC East, and both should be a great challenge that we’re looking forward to. Can’t wait to host a playoff game in front of our home crowd and community.
“We have to continue to pitch well and perform situationally. We have a deep roster and are excited to get out there on Wednesday.”
Up Next: UM will host the winner of #6 West Chester East and #11 Hatboro-Horsham in the second round on Wednesday.
#4 Upper Dublin – First-round bye
14-6
11-4 SOL Liberty, champions
Key Players:
–Austin Dahl (1B/P)
–Eric Berman (CF)
–Eddie Stoffel (2B)
–Oliver Gill (SS)
–Evan Sanders (1B/P)
–Luke Caron (P)
The season: The Flying Cardinals clinched the division title with a series win over Quakertown during the final week of the regular season. They also have wins over the likes of Hatboro-Horsham (3), Wissahickon (3) and Plymouth Whitemarsh.
Up Next: UD will host the winner of #5 West Chester Rustin and #12 Marple Newtown in the second round on Wednesday.
#11 Hatboro-Horsham at #6 West Chester East, Monday, 4 p.m.
Hatboro-Horsham
7-12 overall
6-9 SOL Liberty, fifth place
Key Players:
–Cole Incudine, .375, 21 H, 5 doubles, 6 RBIs, 10 R
–Chase Canney, .294, 15 H, 3 doubles, 9 RBIs, 9 R
–Jamie O’Neill, 2-3, 1.27 ERA, 43 IP, 53 K
–Shane Mills, 4-2, 2.01 ERA, 38.1 IP
The season: Top wins for the Hatters were over Plymouth Whitemarsh (2), Quakertown and Wissahickon.
West Chester East
12-8 overall
11-7 Ches Mont
The season: The Vikings rebounded after a 1-5 start to the season, with key wins for the Vikings were over Downingtown East (2) and Avon Grove.
Up next: Winner will play at #3 Upper Moreland in the second round on Wednesday.
Class 4A
#1 Springfield Twp vs. #4 Interboro, Tuesday 4 p.m.
Springfield
17-3 overall
14-1 SOL Freedom champions
Key Players:
–Bobby Hartman (CF/P), .312
–Matt Caruso (SS), .347
–Jon Matthews (LF), .333, 15 RBIs
–Nolan Kidwell (LHP) 4-0, 0.79 ERA
–Max May (RHP) 4-0, .2.48 ERA
–Ryan Trader (RHP), 7 G, 0.00 ERA
The season: It was a dream regular season the Spartans, highlighted by a pair of wins against Class 5A #3 Upper Moreland that essentially clinched the division title. Also own good non-league wins over La Salle and Penn Charter.
Springfield coach Rob Bond: “We don’t know much about Interboro, but any team from Delaware County can be tough to play against. The key for our success has been what has worked all year, which is getting great starting pitching, playing solid defense and the ability to grind at bats. This formula seems to be what we need to do to be successful.”
Interboro
9-3 overall
Key players:
–Scott Poluchuck .458
–JJ Nelson .333
–Austin Dean .351
–Tyler Green .321
–Andrew Berbera .3124
Up Next: The winner advances to Friday’s championship game between #3 Holy Ghost Prep and #2 Pope John Paul II.
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