By Justin Burgess
Florida Area Scout

We are now beginning the third week of releasing the preseason top 25 teams in the state of Florida. Ten programs have already come off the board and they have represented Classes 2A-8A and have ranged from just about every area of Florida. Clearly all 25 of these programs, as well as the programs on the bubble, have an excellent chance of making the Final Four in their respective classifications. That being said, we are in now in the top 15 and these schools are likely viewing the upcoming season as, “State tournament or bust.” The team coming in at number 15 today certainly has to possess that mindset as they boast the best pitcher in the state and one of the best in the country.

Windermere Prep is included in, what appears to be, a punishing 3A classification. 3A may actually end up being the toughest division behind 8A by the time May rolls around. That being said, when the Lakers take the field behind RHP Austin Bergner, they have (more than) a legitimate chance of defeating any opponent. The North Carolina Signee is the number one-ranked prospect in Florida and has a good chance of being a first round selection in June. His fastball has been clocked up to 95-96 mph and he shows off an advanced curveball and changeup. Setting aside his future as a pitcher for the moment, Bergner will also be one of the top bats for Windermere Prep and should drive in plenty of runs as he will likely hit in the middle of the lineup. Another vital two-way player for the Lakers is 3B/RHP Rylan Thomas. Thomas, a Central Florida Signee, will also hit in the middle of the lineup and may be the number one power source for Windermere Prep this season. On the mound, Thomas can run his fastball up to 93 mph and he possesses a hard slider that sits in the mid-80s and a sharp curveball that sits in the upper-70s.

The Lakers will also receive some assistance from a couple of talented underclassmen, one of whom is already committed. 2018 RHP Michael Bacica is one of the top arms in the 2018 class and he is already committed to North Carolina. The 6-foot-4 righty can run his fastball up to 89-90 mph and he still has plenty of room to fill out. Bacica will not just be an arm who fills in to relieve Bergner and Thomas, but a guy who will also give the Lakers a great chance to win every time he steps onto the rubber. After Bacica, a two-way freshman will be a critical asset for this squad. RHP/1B Casey Daiss possesses a frame that belongs on senior as he stands at 6-foot-3, 210 pounds. Even though he is still a little raw and has some room for growth and refinement, he runs his fastball up to 85-86 mph with an easy delivery and loose arm. Daiss may or may not be in the lineup offensively for the Lakers but he will almost certainly make numerous appearances on the mound this season.

As previously mentioned, Windermere Prep likely faces one of the most difficult circumstances in regards to their road to a state championship. Even though their regional as a whole is not necessarily very tough, they will have to grapple with The First Academy to win their district and they will likely have to face them again in a regional semifinal matchup. If the Lakers do in fact make it the Final Four, programs that potentially await them are Trinity Christian, Tampa Catholic, Bishop Verot, Benjamin, and Westminster Christian. That being said, if Windermere Prep has a huge advantage in that they hold three 90+ mph arms and if they can contrive the most productive pitching rotation (where Bergner and Thomas are making all the starts) then that may in fact be the variable that leads them to a state championship.