Justin Burgess
Florida Area Scout

The 3A division for the FHSAA playoffs will be wrapping up regional play on Tuesday, May 12^th. The top eight teams have arisen and it is a fairly deep pool in this class as there appears to be no clear favorite to win it all. Highlighting these four games, however, has to be North Florida Christian taking on Providence. North Florida Christian has arguably the best 1-2 starting pitching combination in the state, regardless of class, with 2015 RHP and FSU Signee Cole Sands and 2016 LHP and FSU commit Cole Ragans. Sands has a chance to be a top three round pick in this years’ draft and the same goes for Ragans regarding the 2016 draft. As a team, the Eagles are 19-9 after having played a tough schedule that has taken them all over the state to face some of the better teams. As for Providence, they have an identical record at 19-9 and have played a fairly tough schedule, although not quite as grueling as NFC’s. Providence, however, may have the best pure hitter in the 2018 class in Alec Sanchez, who is also an FSU commit. Sanchez also should not be intimidated facing these NFC arms as he has been successful against some of the better arms in the state this year. This game will be played in Jacksonville at Providence on Tuesday at 4:00.

Prediction: North Florida Christian

Bishop McLaughlin vs Orangewood Christian

Bishop McLaughlin has pretty much dominated all season, going 25-3 so far, and has an incredible 0.96 team ERA while collectively hitting .320. Orangewood is comes in at 15-13 and is hitting a solid .311 as a team, but their ERA is 3.37. The game will played at Bishop McLaughlin on Tuesday at 4:00.

Prediction: Bishop McLaughlin

Canterbury vs Indian Rocks Christian

Indian Rocks (24-5) and Canterbury (21-4-1) not only have similar records, but are almost identical statistically except in ERA where Canterbury has the edge by about one run (1.60 to 2.78). This should be a very tight game as both teams appear to be evenly matched. Canterbury will be hosting the game Tuesday at 7:00.

Prediction: Indian Rocks Christian

Westminster Christian vs Benjamin

Westminster comes into this regional final game at 20-7-1, while Benjamin comes in at 24-5. Both schools have impressive wins over some of the better, larger public schools and the stronger private schools this season. Westminster is hosting this game which may give them the edge. The game will be played Tuesday at 4:00.

Prediction: Westminster