SPSL NORTH BASEBALL: AT A GLANCE
∙ FAVORITES: Kentlake, Tahoma.
∙ CONTENDERS: Kentridge, Kentwood.
∙ SLEEPER: Federal Way.
∙ NOTABLE: One of the state’s most loaded leagues, Kentlake and Tahoma remain the favorites. The Falcons surprised last year, sharing the league crown with the Bears despite being picked in the preseason poll to finish “in the hunt.” That isn’t the case this year as Kentlake, behind the return of right-handed pitchers Zach Wright and Doug Christie, is expected to be the frontrunner. But the Falcons go considerably deeper than just their two junior pitchers. Also back in fold are first-team All-SPSL North selections Miles Nagel (1B/DH) and Bobby Joe Tannehill (SS) along with second-team outfielder Andy Enders. Kentlake is coming off an historic season in which it won a school-record 21 games and finished second at state. What makes the Falcons so scary this time is the fact that most of the players from last year’s team are back. … Tahoma will give Kentlake a stiff challenge with returning North Division MVP Kyle Conwell along with first-teamers Thomas Hammett (OF) and Zach Aaker (3B). The key to the Bears, however, just might come from pitcher Chris Marangon, one of the grittiest kids in the league on the mound. … Including the addition of Auburn and Auburn Riverside, the North Division returns 16 first or second-team all-leaguers. One player who is notably missing from Auburn Riverside’s roster is outfielder Sean Rehon, last year’s SPSL 3A MVP. Rehon transferred to Puyallup during the offseason, leaving the catcher Joe Briggs as the team’s lone returning starter. … Though Kentlake and Tahoma are the favorites, Kentwood and Kentridge certainly return enough talent to be considerable factors. There weren’t many pitchers in the North last year better than KW’s Alexander Lee (2.55 ERA, 25 strikeouts and 20 IP), whom the Conks will lean heavily upon this spring. But Kentwood has plenty of bats too, led by catcher Taylor White (.351 last year) and Bryant Van Engelenburg (.395). … Kentridge will take on an entirely different look this season, having graduated 11 seniors. Offensively, the Chargers should be just fine with the return of senior outfielder Ben Mora (.423) and junior shortstop Stetson Olson (.333). However, Kentridge will need to find some reliable arms to keep pace in the North and will look to juniors Hayden Njos (16 strikeouts in 17 2/3 IP last year) and Matt Jackson to lead the way.
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