Leading up to the start of the high school season, we will count down the Top 25 preseason teams every day as part of our comprehensive season coverage:

SS Marek Houston

Team: Venice
Preseason Rank: 6
2019 Record: 26-6
FHSAA Class: 6A
Head Coach: Craig Faulkner
Playoff Run: 7A State Champions


TOP PLAYERS
Name, Position, Class (College Commitment)
Mac Guscette, C/1B, 2020 (Florida)
Zac Calhoon, OF, 2020 (FGCU)
Jacob Faulkner, RHP, 2020 (Princeton)
Michael Robertson, OF, 2021 (Florida)
Aidan Corn, 1B, 2021
Marek Houston, SS, 2022

X-FACTOR

Marek Houston - The sophomore shortstop started 30 games as a freshman last year and will be a key part of the 2020 squad. One of the more talented sophomores in the state, Houston will look to be an impact for Venice on both sides of the ball.

KEY PLAYERS LOST
Danny Rodriguez, RHP/OF, 2019 (FGCU)
Orion Kerkering, RHP, 2019 (USF)
Clay Callan, RHP, 2019 (SCF)
Kevin Dubrule, SS, 2019 (Army)

OUTLOOK
Venice is coming off their second straight state championship in 2019. They return a strong core from last season that has what it takes to make another run. Their biggest loss comes on the pitching side, where they lose their three top pitchers from last season. Danny Rodriguez (FGCU), Orion Kerkering (USF), and Clay Callan (SCF) have all graduated, and replacing them will be Princeton commit Jacob Faulkner. Offensively, Venice returns two of their best hitters from last season in Mac Guscette (Florida) and Michael Robertson (Florida). Guscette batted .351 with 2 HRs and 19 RBI. Robertson batted .441 with 1 HR and 19 RBI in 2019. Also returning on offense are Zac Calhoon (FGCU) and Aidan Corn, who will both make a big impact in 2020. Talented sophomore Marek Houston returns as well after starting 30 games as a freshman. Make sure to follow @pbrflorida on Twitter for the most up-to-date coverage throughout the season.

 

RECENT NEWS