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Preseason Top 25: No. 8 South Dade

January 27, 2016

By Justin Burgess
Florida Area Scout

The 8th-ranked team in the preseason top 25 takes us back down to South Florida. This Class 8A program is looking to build off a district championship from a year ago and earn a state tournament bid by winning their region. In fact, their loss that eliminated them from last year’s playoffs fell to the hands of eventual state champion, Columbus HS, by a score of 1-0.

The South Dade Buccaneers are another deep 8A program from the Miami Area who will possess the, “State championship of bust,” mentality. The Buccaneers return six key starters from a year ago, including three who were key pieces in their 2014 state title. Their ace, and best overall player, is 2016 RHP/1B Alek Manoah. The West Virginia commit stands at 6-foot-6 with a strong frame and is one of the best right-handed arms in Florida. He has an easy delivery and runs his fastball up to 94 mph while pounding the zone with above average off speed. Manoah will also hit in the middle of the order for South Dade as he looks to build off a .430 batting average from last season. Another player who will be a vital factor is 2016 C Gabe Cruz. Cruz, a Bryant commit, is coming off a scolding hot season in which he hit .528 and was First Team All-Dade. Cruz is a physical player who will certainly be one of the team’s leaders this season. Another senior who will be playing a crucial role for the Buccaneers is 3B Danny Vaughn. The Charleston Southern commit hit .329 a year ago and will be one of the top third basemen in the area. Vaughn had an excellent showing at the Dynasty Games in October where he put on a show in batting practice by hitting balls way out of the park to right and center field. Vaughn also shows soft hands at 3B with a strong arm across the diamond.

An underclassman who had an impressive 2015 season is 2017 SS Willie Escala, who hit .377. Escala should hit towards the top of the order for the Buccaneers and be a reliable defender in the field. On the mound, two other pitchers who will really solidify the rotation behind Manoah are Kendrick Pico and Gio Fernandez. Pico had an ideal season as a junior when he finished the season with a 2.96 ERA. As for Fernandez, another senior, he is just looking to imitate his nearly unblemished 2015 performance in which he boasted a 1.38 ERA.

South Dade is definitely the favorite in their district and region this season as the only teams who could potentially give them issues are Columbus and Coral Gables. With this pitching staff, lineup, and experienced senior class, the Buccaneers should emphatically stamp their ticket to the Final Four, where they will be met by three other accomplished and motivated teams.