| | Published March 26th, 2014
| Baseball Begins in LamorindaDons, Cougars face off on Thursday
| | By Scott Wu | | |
The high school baseball season is under way in Lamorinda and each team is vying for an NCS title. DFAL league play began on March 17. Division rivals Campolindo (5-2 overall) and Acalanes (7-2 overall) will face off in their first DFAL game of the season on Thursday, March 27.
Last year Campolindo took the DFAL title and the Division II NCS title. Acalanes finished second behind Campolindo and went on to win the Division III NCS title. Miramonte had a rebuilding year, but the Mats (4-3 overall) are now looking to get back to the top of the DFAL behind their senior leadership.
This year the Cougars started the season ranked 11th in the state. Campolindo head coach Max Luckhurst is optimistic about the upcoming season despite losing some key graduates. "We will try to keep our momentum going by getting the new guys on this year's team up to speed," Luckhurst explained.
He expects strong leadership from returning seniors Denis Karas and Matt Ledrech, both of whom were first-team all DFAL players in 2013. Other crucial players on the Cougars' roster include juniors Adam Remotto and Conor McNally who also earned all-league rights last season.
Luckhurst is focused on instilling baseball fundamentals to his team. "Throwing strikes, taking care of the baseball defensively, and having competitive at bats will be the keys to our success," he said. Whether they're on the diamond or in the classroom, Luckhurst will look to instill discipline and determination into his players this year. "I expect my players to be good students, good people, and to work very hard and pay attention to details when they practice."
A win over the otherwise undefeated Berkeley High School in preseason play showcased their ability to contend with the best. With motivation and momentum, the Campolindo Cougars will be a force to be reckoned with this spring.
The Acalanes Dons, coached by Justin Santich-Hughes, are also looking to continue their success. The Acalanes squad will rely on its upperclassmen for guidance. "Seniors Grant Henderson and Austin Fisher will be two vital players to our team this year," Santich-Hughes said. Henderson, a second team all-league player will serve as a utility infielder this season, whereas gold-glove winning Fisher will play shortstop.
"Returning sophomore Jake Berry will also be key to our success," Santich-Hughes noted. Berry, a standout second team freshman in 2013, returns to the diamond as the starting second baseman for the Dons.
Even with key returners, the Dons will have to replace five all-league seniors. "Although graduating these players was tough, we are confident that this year's team can fill their shoes," Santich-Hughes said. They have been able to do so early with preseason victories over NCS powers College Park and San Marin.
Despite coming off of a rough 2013 season, the Matadors look capable of rebounding this season. "Our team has 13 seniors and five captains who provide excellent leadership," coach Vince Dell'Aquila explained. Key returning players include seniors Bennett Stehr and Andrew Rozensweig. Stehr, a 2013 second team catcher and star lineman on the football field, is the first Miramonte player since now MLB slugger Brett Jackson in 2009 to hit a home run over the fence into the Miramonte pool. Rozensweig, Miramonte's lefty ace, led the NCS in strikeouts during the 2014 preseason and is looking to continue his pitching success.
"Sophomore James Vacarro will also be a crucial factor in our pitching success this year," Dell'Aquila said. Miramonte, who has shown that it can play at an elite level, should be a serious contender during the 2014 spring baseball season.
With significant wins over Tennyson and Skyline in preseason play, the Mats have shown their strength. "We're a good, cohesive team that is looking to play solid baseball, be smart defensively, and pitch well," Dell'Aquila said.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA