Baseball: Southeastern Pa. Top 25

INQUIRER BASEBALL TOP 25

With last year's record and final area ranking in parentheses. NR-not ranked.

1. Conestoga (14-7, NR).

The Pioneers are led by first baseman Max Dolente, infielders Tom Richter and Andrew Turner, outfielders Andrew Born, Steve Born and Austin Shirley, and hurler Brendan Little.

2. Malvern Prep (27-9, No. 5).

The Friars' bid for a fourth straight Inter-Ac League title is headed by pitcher Gardner Nutter, outfielder-pitcher Chris Butera, second baseman Matt Maul, and first baseman Dan Grandieri.

3. La Salle (21-5, No. 4.).

The key returnees for the defending Catholic League champs are ace righthander Dom Cuoci, outfielder-pitcher Jimmy Herron, shortstop A.J. Grezeszak, second baseman Brad Schneider, and catcher Nick Dermo.

4. Holy Ghost Prep (20-5, No. 9).

The Firebirds have a pair of top-notch hurlers in Tim Brennan and Curtis Staropoli. Also back for the defending District 1 Class AAA titlists are shortstop Ryan Malloy, catcher Jack Seibert, and outfielder Colin Smeraglio.

5. North Penn (17-10, No. 1).

The Knights, who last season claimed the Class AAAA state crown, return five starters: third baseman Jared Melone[CQ], middle infielders Chris Kersey and Anthony Cameron, catcher Bobby Scott, and outfielder Mason Nadeau.

6. Upper Moreland (21-5, No. 10).

Charlie Hooker and Eddie Decker, outfielders who also pitch, make up a terrific one-two punch. The Golden Bears also return catcher Pat Driscoll, first baseman Colton Hooker, and third baseman Mike Cavanaugh,

7. Coatesville (21-7, No. 3).

Veteran skipper Hal Ziegler brings back ace pitcher-first baseman Brian Brown, catcher Bobby Stewart, leftfielder Brady Carras, pitcher Bobby Kuehn, and shortstop Aaron Cummings.

8. Council Rock North (16-8, NR).

Righthander Matt Renck anchors the starting rotation. Catcher Tyler Callender, infielders Aden Tully and Brandon McIlwain, and outfielder Cole German are threats at the plate.

9. Pennridge (20-8, No. 2).

The catalysts are infielder-pitcher David Tatoian, shortstop Brad Misialek, outfielder-pitcher Danny Shane, and designated hitter-first baseman-pitcher Tyler Shoultes.

10. Spring-Ford (11-9, NR).

The drive for a Pioneer Athletic Conference title is headed by outfielder David Gulati, pitcher-outfielder Cameron Simmons, shortstop Connor Klemann, and catcher Corey Rantz.

11. Garnet Valley (12-7)

12. Devon Prep (14-9)

13. Boyertown (16-9)

14. Central Bucks East (16-4)

15. Neshaminy (15-5)

16. Neumann-Goretti (16-10)

17. Council Rock South (11-9)

18. Germantown Academy (8-20)

19. Archbishop Wood (15-7)

20. Methacton (17-7)

21. Haverford School (14-10)

22. Bonner-Prendergast (17-6)

23. Hatboro-Horsham (9-11)

24. St. Joseph's Prep (13-12)

25. Bristol (8-11)

Under consideration, listed alphabetically: Pennsbury (12-7), Pope John Paul II (5-14), William Tennent (11-8).