Sports
Patapsco High Baseball and Lacrosse Previews
Patriots baseball squad returns a number of players from last year's winning squad. Head coach says developing pitching staff and playing defense will be key.
Baseball
Head Coach: Tony Maggard (11th season)
2010 record: 11-7 including playoffs (6-1 conference)
Key Returning Players: Shaun Wich, pitcher, senior; Shawn Spencer, shortstop, senior; Rob Flynn, catcher, senior.
Biggest Contributor(s): “A total team effort from all of our players will be important for us to be successful this season,” Maggard said.
Team Members: Cameron Sieling (Sr), Vaughan Prachniak (Sr), Andy Frasier (Jr), Brandon Martin (So), Paul Vanbeber (Jr), Jeff Watkins (Sr), Brandon Olszewski (Sr), Sean Fazenbaker (Sr), Rob Lingenfelter (Jr), Ray Waterfield (Jr), David Dickey (Jr) along with Vince Borsa (Fr).
Breakout player(s): “Each and every year it continues to be a battle to earn respect for our players from this area,” Maggard said. “Most of the kids here do not play for the elite summer programs due to the financial and time commitment necessary to get the respect from the other coaches. We have numerous players that have come through our program that continue to play at the next level. I am sure that there are several breakout players again this year; we will wait and see.”
Expectations: “I believe if we continue to put in the hard work and dedication that we have so far this year that our team has a great potential to surprise a few teams,” Maggard said. “Fundamentals and execution in high school wins a ton of games and with success comes confidence and the belief that all is possible.”
Keys to Success: “We need to have great pitching and defense and need our players to step up and perform when given the opportunity,” Maggard said. “The sooner we do this, the more successful we will be this year.”
Strengths: “We believe our strength will be a solid defense and overall team speed,” Maggard said.
X Factor: “We really need our pitchers to develop and build an inner confidence strength that they can compete and be successful,” Maggard said.
Patapsco Softball
Head Coach: Michele Forero (11th season)
2010 record: 3-4 in conference
Current record: 0-3
Key Returning Players: Brittany Beacham, catcher, junior; Jennifer Spangler, 1st base, junior; Emily Goodman, OF, junior; Kristy Kraft, utility, senior; Jillian Steinert, 3rd base, sophomore; Miranda Vargas, utility, junior; Alexis LaWall, SS, junior; Santina Busch, utility, senior; Tori Miller, OF, senior.
Breakout player(s): Freshman pitcher Taylor Manger
Keys to Success: “Working together, communication and applying fundamentals,” Forero said.
Strengths: “Compatibility amongst all players,” said Forero, who also mentioned that her players must remain very coachable.
X Factor: “Stay focused at all time,” Forero said.
Patapsco Girls Lacrosse
Head Coach: Paul Latanishen (1st year)
2010 record: 9-4 (6-3)
Key Returning Players: Niccole Fries, attack, senior; Whitney Woods, defense, senior; Alexis Ronkette, midfield, junior; Tabitha Fuller, attack, junior; Sarah Grochowski, midfied/center, junior.
Biggest Contributor(s): “Nikkie Fries will move to the top of the offense and look at a more defined role as a finisher. Taking her away from the midfield should allow her to replace the 60 goals scored by former senior captain Sammie Maggard (Randolph College, VA),” Latanishen said. “We are also looking for freshman Tessa Hom to hit the ground running and contribute on offense from day one.”
Breakout player(s): “Kathryn Hacke moves up to varsity this year and will be charged with anchoring the defense,” Latanishen said. “Her willingness to be coached, work within a team concept, and tremendous work ethic will really allow her to grow as a player.”
Expectations: “We want to keep getting better,” Latanishen said. “We have certain ‘team’ goals related to individual games, namely those we've not won in the past, but we want to be able to look back two months from now and see growth as players and as people.”
Keys to Success: “Goalie play is going to be huge,” Latanishen said. “While we graduated our senior goalkeeper, we're blessed with two freshman goalies that have years of recreational experience: Kelsey Hundt, fr., comes to us from Perry Hall rec, and Savannah Clough, fr., from ESP rec. Success will largely rest on their young, but able, shoulders.”
Strengths: “Thus far, the coachability of this team has been outstanding,” Latanishen said. “Varsity Assistant Kandice Schroeder has installed some new defensive concepts, and the girls are learning quickly. If they continue their willingness to learn and progress, we have outstanding potential.”
X Factor: “The little things have to become more important,” Latanishen said. “Ground balls, clears, draws ... we've got to get to the point where every possession matters. We don't play with a sense of urgency yet; the sooner it happens, the sooner we can start getting better.”
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Patapsco Boys Lacrosse
Head Coach: Andrew Mininsky (4th year)
2010 record: 8-5
Key Returning Players: Isaiah Colmore, defense, senior; Greg Spriggs, defense, junior; Vance Baughman, midfield, senior; Ben Schubel, midfield, senior.
Breakout player(s): Tyler Clough, goalie, junior.
Expectations: “Quality team victories,” Mininsky said.
Keys to Success: “We need to improve on our fundamentals and play well as a team,” Mininsky said.
Strengths: “Keep a positive attitude in the face of adversity,” Mininsky said.
X Factor: “Commit to the season and each other in order to improve our skills every day,” Minisky said.