By Jerry Shank
Maryland Director of Scouting
Follow @ PBR Maryland

Our second season preview of the year covers Coach John Childers and his program at La Plata High School. La Plata had a very strong year in the 3A Southern Maryland Athletic Conference finishing in second place with a 20-4 record. They made it to the state semifinals and lost to North Harford. La Plata is coming off its fourth straight 3A Southern Regional championship and have won five region championships in the last seven seasons. In Childers three seasons at La Plata the team has compiled a record of 60-14. Needless to say, the expectations are high once again for this program.  

Jimmy Monaghan will pace La Plata offensively. One of the best hitters in the state, the Campbell commit will be the man in the lineup opposing teams will pitch around. Justin Snell, Brett Konzen, Simeon Spruill, and Scott Logue are going to be looked upon as potential protection in the lineup and force opponents to pitch to Monaghan. 

RETURNING STARTERS:  7

TOP RETURNERS:
Jimmy Monaghan
Tyler Stockwell
Justin Snell
Brett Konzen
Austin Mitchell
Simeon Spruill
Scott Logue

WILDCARD: 
David Guare – The senior INF/OF had a great summer with the La Plata legion program and looks to build off of that success. The LHH hitter came into his own in the offseason getting stronger and getting into great shape. Coach Childers thinks that Guare could really make a name for himself this year.

TEAM STRENGTH:
Offense. La Plata will swing the bat well and overall team speed will put pressure on opponents. Solid team defense is something that will also help out this team and a young pitching staff. The earlier mentioned team speed will play a factor on the defensive end as well covering a lot of ground and taking away base hits.

QUESTION MARK:
Gone is ace Alex Calvert, now a freshmen at the University of South Carolina. This pitching staff will be young and inexperienced going into this season. The lone arm with experience will be senior Austin Mitchell. Jack Pilkerton (Sr.) and Kyle Hardy (Sr.) have not logged many innings but look to play key roles within the staff. Junior Scott Logue and sophomore Jake Hanks are newcomers that will round out the arms and provide some pitching depth.    

OVERALL:
When you’ve made it to the state playoffs with the regularity that La Plata has, its championship or bust for this team in terms of expectations. Tradition is a variable that cannot be overlooked as La Plata has routinely played in big games and that experience should be essential. Look for the offense to carry this team early and be a consistent threat throughout the year. As the young pitching staff gains experience and can build some confidence, La Plata could be a strong contender down the stretch of the 2015 season.