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Maryland Mailbag: May 8 Playoffs

May 8, 2015

By Jerry Shank
Maryland Director of Scouting

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Every week, PBR Maryland holds an interactive chat through Twitter with our followers. Our goal is to be accessible. This is your chance to take advantage of our expertise. Ask questions to Jerry Shank, Maryland Scouting Director, about the recruiting process, upcoming high school season, specific prospects, PBR events, or anything else that may be on your mind.

We would like to thank all who participated, we enjoy bringing you knowledge and expertise on players and programs in your area.

We will be answering questions throughout the week, stay tuned.

The top questions from the ask.fm Q&A session


How do you think Calvert Hall and Spalding match up having split the season series?
+Think its a great match up and should be an exciting game. I said it before, I think Calvert is a year away. I like Spalding this year. Total team and consistency and their hitters have been getting stronger as the season has progressed.

Why take Georgetown Prep over Landon? Landon is 8-2 and swept Prep? Overall talent levels?
+Prep has a lot of tradition and that is hard to overcome sometimes. I think they get back their IAC championship.

Who's your sleeper team in 2A ?
+Sleeper would be Hammond. They have some good talent just haven't put it together this season. Williamsport as well but they are a two seed and not really a sleeper.

What teams in 1A could do the most damage?
+McDonough,Col. Richardson, Brunswick, Smithsburg, Clear Spring

Any chance Tuscarora can make a run in playoffs?
+They definitely can. They seem to be an up and down team this season. They get going on the right foot, they could make a run.

Who do you see in the 3A south regional final
+Think it will be Decatur and La Plata. Chopticon v. La Plata before that should be a great game.

Who you got as a contender in the 2A East?
+Parkside and Rising Sun. Patterson Mill could also make a run.

Why did you take Paint Branch over Gaithersburg in the final?
+I think they are closer matched up teams than you would think. Both teams have a strong lineup and solid pitching. Gaithersburg has stronger pitching and I think Paint Branch has the edge on lineup from top to bottom. I think at the end it stays close and PB finds a way to get the run they need.

Spalding and their playoff run?
+I just talked about consistency and that is what Spalding has done. Been consistent. I see them and Calvert Hall in the finals. Nick Delp back and a healthy Brandon Dorsey could be big for Calvert Hall. Still though, I think Spalding does it this year. Calvert I think is a year away.

Any chance Curley makes a run?
+Always a chance, they showed they can play with the best when they beat Spalding early in the season. Its about pitching and being consistent, if their workhorses Menfee and Korczynski can throw strikes and compete, they have a chance.

What do you think about Parkside in the playoffs?
+I like their chances. They could possibly get a second chance against Southern in the finals. They are a year older and I think their recent loss should give them a kick start to stay focused. I know some injuries hit them , but I think they have the depth to handle that adversity. Only if some younger players will step up and handle big games

How do you think Gaithersburg will do?
+I think they should make a long run. I like their draw in the region and they better not take anyone lightly. I see them playing for the championship. Read our playoff preview to find out the rest. http://www.prepbaseballreport.com/news/MD/Maryland-Notebook-Playoff-Edition-1473205689
What do you think about James M. Bennett in the playoffs?
+Wow forgot to mention Bennett in that tough region for 3A as well. Easily the toughest region in all the playoffs. Northern is in there as well. Should be a lot of exciting games and no one taking any opponent lightly.

Thoughts on La Plata high school, and possible up and coming players there?
+La Plata is in by far the toughest draw of the playoffs. Decatur, Chopticon, and I like Huntingtown and the way they play the game. I said in the preview that whoever gets out of that region is my pick to win it all. They shouldn't miss too much of a beat next year after losing some talent to graduation. Stockwell will need to take a larger role.

What do you think will take Severna Park deep in the state tournament this year?
+Pitching a defense always does the trick. I stated a while ago that if their pitching a defnese can pick it up they could have a special season and they have proved me right. They have one of the better lineups in the state, and the pitching and defense has really been playing well as of late. Yesner has been throwing well. They have a tough draw in the region but it is against teams that they know. I like their chances.

What makes you think Old Mill is a Cinderella?
+Really the classification for me is that they are below a top three seed. I like some of the pieces that they have on their team. They started off pretty hot and have hit some bumps in the road and are my pick as a team that could come out from a lower seed. Smith, Parks, Biscoe, Arocho are some talented players. Still doesn't change my prediction however that SP will take the region.

How do you feel about Rockville's chances as the No.1 seed of Montgomery county 3A to make it to the state 3A semifinals?
+I think they have a good shot. They have a decent draw but you can never take any opponent lightly. I think they will be playing for the region championship against Urbana.

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