Osceola and Liberty were the two top teams in the county last year, and both look to field strong teams again in 2022.
The Chargers went 19-5 with an explosive offense, but were upset in their first district game. Osceola finished last season with a 16-10 record and won a district title before bo wing out to West Orange in the regional quarterfinals.
The regular season kicks off next week with a busy slate. Poinciana is at Celebration on Monday; Tuesday includes St. Cloud at Lake Wales, Liberty at Bartow, Heritage at Gateway and Lyman at Osceola; Harmony travels to Lake Nona on Wednesday; the Tohopekaliga Tigers play their opener on Thursday against the Storm.
A look around the county:
Celebration Storm
Head Coach: Anyssa Robles
2020-21 Record: 6-9
Top returning hitters: Valeria Martinez (Soph.); Emily Cocks, (Sr.), who also pitches.
Top newcomers: freshman Kasey Pagan (2B) and Mariah Isabel (1B)
Robles on Storm: “ This is the most talented group of players I’ve coached thus far. The incoming freshmen have really proven themselves and will be an integral part of our team. With Emily Cocks leading us on the mound for her senior year and Valeria Martinez providing solid defense and a consistent bat, we should have one of our most successful seasons yet.”
Harmony Longhorns
Head Coach: Kristi Mindrup
2020-21 Record: 5-12
Top Returning Hitters: Dominica Kohurt (Jr., .229, 7 RBI), Ireland Sibitt (Jr., .225, 5 RBI). Pitchers: Brinley Cowert (Sr., 2-2, 3.50 ERA, 36 IP, 13K), Amanda Whalen (Jr., 0-4, 5.13 ERA, 24 IP, 10 K), Ireland Sibitt (Jr., 2-3, 2.66 ERA, 29 IP, 20K)
Top Newcomers: transfers Tori Moore (Sr.), Angelica Castro (Soph.) and Aurielle Reavis (Soph.); freshman pitcher Lindsay Green.
Mindrup on Longhorns: “I am very excited for this upcoming season. The team has a new chemistry and a new fire under them. We have worked hard in the weight room and on the field. Our goals are to compete for an OBC Championship—both on the field and in the classroom.”
Liberty Chargers
Head Coach: Rich Colom
2021 Record: 19-5
Top Returning Hitters: Jehna Morales (Sr., .536. 39 R, 39 RBI, 9 HR), Kayleen DeJesus (Sr., .438, 28 RBI, 12 2B), Blanca Elaraj (So., .394, 27 R, 21 RBI). Pitcher: Abagail Esparza (So., 4-0, 0.56 ERA, 25 IP, 20 K)
Top Newcomers: freshman pitcher/infielder Arianna Serrano; junior outfielders Yainid Torres and Kimberly Vargas.
Colom on Chargers: “We had a really good team last year and simply had a bad day in the district tournament. It’s something we hope to correct this year. Hopefully we can build some momentum during the regular season and make a much deeper run in the postseason this year.
“I am so proud of this team and what we were able to accomplish last year. We couldn’t have done it without the leadership of my three returning senior captains (Morales, Elaraj, DeJesus). With this solid core of leaders we are looking to make deep run in the post-season. We may have some holes in our lineup but will work hard to fix those. I love the attitude this team has and we will always fight to the end.”
Osceola Kowboys
Head Coach: Miranda Watford
2020-21 Record: 16-10, District Champions
Top Returning Hitters: Nayeli Hernandez (Jr., .508 BA, 15 RBI), Gabriela Avila (Jr., .403, 25 RBI). Pitchers: Alyssa Miranda (Sr., 5-1, 4.20 ERA, 28.1 IP, 36 K); Alexis Miranda (Soph., 5-1, 3.71 ERA, 38.1 IP, 34 K)
Top Newcomers: Veronica Fernandez, Jr., OF; Keanna Ducasse, Soph., C
Watford on Kowboys: “This will be another rebuilding year as we graduated four starters and welcome in some new talent. We are in the process of putting the pieces together but this group is focused and putting in the work. I have no doubt that this group will come together and grow, especially behind the leadership of senior pitcher Alyssa Miranda.”
Tohopekaliga Tigers
Head Coach: Chantal Schuster
2020-21 Record: 2-15
Top Returning Hitter and Pitcher: Senior Jenisis Ayala (6 R, 14 RBI., 43.2 IP, 18 K)
Top Newcomers: Jessalyn Morales, Fr., P/OF; Mya Rivera, So., C
Schuster on Tigers: “We’re excited to see what our young ladies will accomplish. Most of the girls on our team are fairly new to the game, so it was important for us to go back to the basics and get them into the routine of doing the little things right. One of the goals that we are working towards this season is more communication on the field. Our focus is to get them to understand that they must communicate and talk to each other every pitch, every play, and all game long to ensure that everyone is on the same page.”
St. Cloud Bulldogs
Head Coach: Ray Whobrey
2020-21 Record: 10-16
Top Returning Hitters: Olivia LaMeau (Jr., .409, 27 R, 19 RBI), Delaney Carnell (Sr., .311, 23 RBI, 8 HR), Hannah Nasco (Sr., 30 RBI, 8 HR). Pitchers: Kiley Holland (Jr., 3-5, 7.51 ERA, 45 IP, 22 K), Brook Scott (So., 0-4, 4.68 ERA, 46.1 IP, 30 k)
Top Newcomers: freshmen Olivia Tolentino (2B), Alanis Pantija, (3B); Veronica Pavese, (3B).
Whobrey on Bulldogs: “We have some big bats coming back with Nasco and Carnell (a Furman University signee) and they both could break the single season record for home runs this year. Olivia LaMeau and Brooke Scott will also contribute with their hitting. Kiley will probably see most of the pitching for us this year and Brooke will be there for us in the relief role. We will also have some speed on the bases with Hannah, Brooke and newcomer Olivia Tolentino. We are excited to see what the season will bring this year especially how hard this group is working.”
Poinciana Eagles
Head Coach: Randy Beeken
2021 Record: 2-14
Top Returning Hitters: Juniors Corymar Gote, Myra Saez, Brianna Montalvo; Pitcher: senior Chloe Norris.
Additionally, Sam Milien will coach the Gateway Panthers, who were 4-10 a year ago.
