MD 2024 Preseason Power 25: No. 1
March 19, 2024
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Over the next few weeks, leading up to the beginning of the 2024 MD High School season, our staff will be releasing our Preseason Power 25. This list will be comprised of public schools across the state that we feel have a strong chance of being successful in 2024. Throughout the coming weeks, be on the lookout for our MD Public School Top 10, as well as a slew of additional preseason coverage.
#1 Stephen Decatur Seahawks
Decatur finds themselves atop the Preseason Power 25 as we inch closer and closer to the official start of the 2024 spring season. The expectations are certainly high, and a 3A State Title run is in sight. Balance, depth, and immense talent on both sides of the ball have Decatur poised for a very successful 2024 campaign.
At the dish, a nice mix of speed and power is evident throughout the lineup, led by junior standout Jackson Cheung. Seniors AJ Kolb (Towson), Waylon Hobgood (Salisbury), and Caden Shockley have advanced run tools that balance the lineup, as fellow seniors Nate Berzonski (Mount St. Mary's), Eric Braica (Delaware Tech), and Ryder Swanson (Roanoke) bring some thump throughout. Two young bucks to keep eyes on are sophomores Johnny Hobgood and Brandon Nadeau who we anticipate taking that next step this spring.
Although the loss of standout Ryan McLaughlin to graduation is a big hit, this pitching rotation is still highly talented and as deep as it has ever been. Led by seniors Nate Berzonski (Mount St. Mary's), Lukas Loring, southpaw Matthew Wright (Mars Hill), and Eric Braica (Delaware Tech), the Seahawks feature experienced seniors hungry for a state title run on the bump. Standout freshman Daylen Linton continues to impress and may be able to add some depth on the bump this spring as well.
A hungry team poised for a deep run, is this the year Stephen Decatur conquers the 3A?
Key Players to Watch
Nate Berzonski
Class of 2025 / RHP
Player Information
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Graduating Class: 2025
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Primary Position: RHPSecondary Position: 1B
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High School: Stephen Decatur HighState: MD
- Summer Team: DCP 25 National
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Height: 6-2Weight: 210lbs
- Bat/Throw: R/R
AJ Kolb
Class of 2024 / SS
Player Information
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Graduating Class: 2024
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Primary Position: SSSecondary Position: OF
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High School: Stephen DecaturState: MD
- Summer Team: Richmond Braves 17U Platinum Prospects
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Height: 5-10Weight: 165lbs
- Bat/Throw: R/R
Lukas Loring
Class of 2024 / RHP
Player Information
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Graduating Class: 2024
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Primary Position: RHPSecondary Position: SS
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High School: Stephen DecaturState: MD
- Summer Team: Richmond Braves
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Height: 6-1Weight: 188lbs
- Bat/Throw: R/R
Jackson Cheung
Class of 2025 / SS
Player Information
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Graduating Class: 2025
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Primary Position: SSSecondary Position: RHP
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High School: Stephen Decatur HighState: MD
- Summer Team: Richmond Braves 17U Prospects
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Height: 5-10Weight: 180lbs
- Bat/Throw: R/R
Waylon Hobgood
Class of 2024 / OF
Player Information
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Graduating Class: 2024
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Primary Position: OFSecondary Position: SS
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High School: Stephen DecaturState: MD
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Height: 5-10Weight: 149lbs
- Bat/Throw: R/R
Johnny Hobgood
Class of 2026 / OF
Player Information
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Graduating Class: 2026
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Primary Position: OFSecondary Position: RHP
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High School: Stephen DecaturState: MD
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Height: 5-11Weight: 179.9lbs
- Bat/Throw: R/R
Eric Braica
Class of 2024 / 1B
Player Information
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Graduating Class: 2024
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Primary Position: 1BSecondary Position: RHP
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High School: Stephen Decatur HighState: MD
- Summer Team: DCP 2024 national
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Height: 6-2Weight: 190lbs
- Bat/Throw: R/R
Caden Shockley
Class of 2024 / OF
Player Information
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Graduating Class: 2024
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Primary Position: OF
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High School: Stephen DecaturState: MD
- Summer Team: East Coast Royals
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Height: 5-9Weight: 170lbs
- Bat/Throw: R/R
Ryder Swanson
Class of 2024 / C
Player Information
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Graduating Class: 2024
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Primary Position: CSecondary Position: 1B
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High School: Stephen DecaturState: MD
- Summer Team: DCP 2024 National
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Height: 6-0Weight: 186lbs
- Bat/Throw: R/R
Matthew Wright
Class of 2024 / LHP
Player Information
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Graduating Class: 2024
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Primary Position: LHPSecondary Position: 1B
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High School: Stephen DecaturState: MD
- Summer Team: Aces
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Height: 6-4Weight: 168lbs
- Bat/Throw: L/L
Daylen Linton
Class of 2027 / RHP
Player Information
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Graduating Class: 2027
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Primary Position: RHPSecondary Position: OF
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High School: Stephen DecaturState: MD
- Summer Team: Five Star Mid-Atlantic Dark30
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Height: 6-3Weight: 155lbs
- Bat/Throw: R/R
Brandon Nadeau
Class of 2026 / C
Player Information
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Graduating Class: 2026
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Primary Position: CSecondary Position: 2B
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High School: Stephen Decatur HighState: MD
- Summer Team: Delmarva Aces DCP
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Height: 5-9Weight: 165lbs
- Bat/Throw: R/R