Bowling Green/Parma Region
Strongsville District
Favorite #1 Strongsville (13-7)
Contenders #2 St. Ignatius, #3 St. Edward
Sleepers #4 Lakewood, #5 Normandy, #6 Parma, #7 Valley Forge
It’s not often that St. Ignatius goes into any postseason as an “underdog,” but this year in baseball, the Wildcats didn’t have the type of season they were hoping for and #1 Strongsville played more consistent ball all season.
However, this district appears to be a three-team race with St. Edward presenting a formidable challenge, as well.
Strongsville’s depth in its pitching rotation, along with a solid defense and potent lineup make the Mustangs the favorite in this district, but any time an ace like Connor Adams takes the mound, the Wildcats have a great chance.
The Mustangs tested themselves with a rigorous non-conference schedule and the Greater Cleveland Conference also presented some tough challenges, as three different teams earned No. 1 seeds in their districts.
St. Ignatius (7-10) lost some head-scratching games, as did St. Edward (7-13). But this time of year, the talent on both rosters is enough to give any team problems.
Along with some of the uncharacteristic losses for the Wildcats, Ignatius took Jackson to extra innings and fell, 2-0. It may have ended in a loss, but that was one of their best games of the season. Ignatius also played a nailbiter with Amherst, another one of the top teams in the state.
The range of 4-7 teams will be interesting to follow in this district.
Due to the fact that this could be called a “down year” for Ignatius and Ed’s, a possible upset could be in the making.
At times this season, it’s been a mystery as to which St. Ignatius and St. Edward teams would show up on the field.
Meanwhile, #4 Lakewood held its own in the competitive Southwestern Conference and they’re likely to meet up with Strongsville in the district semifinals.
The potential St. Ignatius vs. #7 Valley Forge game could be a bit closer than most would expect. VF gave Elyria Catholic two tough games this season and the young team has taken quite a few close losses to good teams.
Normandy and Parma had solid seasons in the Great Lakes Conference, but they would both go into their second round matchups as decided underdogs.
The most interesting potential games in this district are (of course) the Ignatius-Ed’s rivalry semifinal, Strongsville v Lakewood, and a district final which could pit two of the best pitchers in the region against one another.
Players to Watch
Matt Brosky Strongsville
Parker Shannon Strongsville
Connor Adams St. Ignatius
Ryan Jacobs St. Ignatius
Quinn Lavelle St. Edward
Jacob Lozinski St. Edward
Edison Budzar-Tigue Lakewood
Josh Gainer Normandy
Ben Smenda Parma
Brendan Santiago Valley Forge
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