2020 Bayside Conference Season Preview

James M. Bennett Clippers: The Clippers defeated C. Milton Wright 5-3 last year to claim their fourth state championship in school history and first since 2012. This year's team will have a bunch of familiar faces as co-head coaches Jay Fenoglietto and Jesse Serig return six starters and five arms from 2019. On the mound, Aaron Combs (Salisbury) returns as the team's ace with the hard throwing Sang Baek (George Mason) available to close out tight games as he did all throughout the playoffs a season ago. Both garnered First Team All-Bayside South honors a season ago. Look for seniors Anders Brown (UMES), Garrett Southern, and junior Alex Smoot to also play key roles on the staff that looks to replace Ryan Mitchell (Delaware State). Brown and Southern figure to also make an impact in a lineup that also sees back seniors Max Taylor (First Team All-Bayside South), Paul Oscar, junior Naythan Lewis, and talented sophomore shortstop Colby Dailey. Look for juniors Chase Dixon, Jacob Hare, Chase Illian, and Jake LeCates to also contribute this year at the plate and in the field as the Clippers look to defend their title in 2020.

Stephen Decatur Seahawks: Stephen Decatur figures again to be one of the top teams from the shore in 2020. While the Seahawks do lose last year's Bayside Conference Pitcher of the Year Hayden Snelsire (Randolph Macon), LHP Jack Rosenberg (Christopher Newport), and shortstop Ridge Watson, head coach Rich Ferro returns two hard throwing aces in senior Hunter Selzer (Shenandoah) and junior Evan Truitt. That one-two punch on the bump should provide them with an opportunity to match up with anyone in the state this season. Seniors Noah Ager, Blake Marshall, and sophomore catcher Ashten Snelsire return to anchor an offense that at times struggled to score runs in 2019. They will need those three to continue their production as some younger guys step up. Look for sophomores Calvin Lorance and Logan Tapman to also add depth on the mound behind the big two this season. Last year, the Seahawks came up just short of playing for the Bayside Conference Championship losing 3-1 to Mardela in a classic pitcher's duel; and then ran into eventual 3A State Champion James M. Bennett in the 3A East Section II Final. This year they move to the MPSSAA 3A South Region with the new regional alignments where they will once again face Bennett, Chesapeake-AA, and Northeast-AA. Oxon Hill from Prince George's County and Easton from Talbot County join them to make it a six team pod with the winner clinching a berth into the newly formed State Quarterfinals.

Snow Hill Eagles: Don’t count out Snow Hill who look to be contenders once again in the South, one year removed from playing for the Bayside Conference Championship in 2018. Head coach Todd Lampman returns talented two way University of Salisbury commit Cole Gursky to anchor the lineup and staff in 2020. Look for junior Chris Baumann to play a critical role on at the plate and on the mound as well and for junior Clay Gaskill to make an impact provided his versatility. 

Wicomico Indians: The Indians look to be strong contenders in 2020 with a solid core returning from a season ago. Look for Second Team All Bayside-South selection Daniel Davis to anchor the lineup and staff behind the dish alongside juniors Luke Elzey, Brayden Luers, and sophomore Kevon Whitehead.