Sewickley Academy, Quaker Valley baseball teams hope to reload

By: HSSN Staff
Monday, April 2, 2018 | 4:30 PM

Graduation impacted Quaker Valley and Sewickley Academy on the baseball diamond this year. Both teams lost a bevy of experience talent.

However, the programs are looking to reload for strong section runs this spring.

Quaker Valley has a new coach, but it's a familiar face in Jason Moore, who was an assistant the past couple years. His sons, junior Ethan and freshman Dylan, play for the Quakers.

“Having been on the coaching staff, there wasn't a huge change from a philosophy standpoint. We've kind of carried over what we had been doing,” Moore said. “I've coached a lot of these kids throughout the years, too. It's been a good transition.”

Last year, Quaker Valley went 10-8 overall and 8-6 in Section 2-4A. Its season came to an end with a 4-2 loss to Deer Lakes in the WPIAL quarterfinals.

“We graduated seven seniors who were significant players for us,” Moore said. “We only return four guys who played.”

Ethan Moore leads the way. The Kent State recruit hit .393 and is the only returning starting pitcher. Juniors Christian Johnson, Jake Commens, Isaiah Piatt and Jacob Debelak will see time on the mound, as well.

Junior catcher Owen Groves and junior infielder Michael Tanabe are the team's other returning starters.

“There are lot of new faces out there for us,” Jason Moore said. “I think we'll be strong defensively. A lot of these kids do play a higher level of summer ball and have been in a lot of stressful situations. I see that experience as a benefit. I think team speed is an asset, too. We have a lot of athletic kids who are fast. I am really hoping that our pitchers step up.”

The Quakers welcome an 11-player freshman class, which is encouraging.

“We have a great coaching staff, and I think we can develop the kids,” Jason Moore said. “Thinking back to 2015, we had 12 kids on the team and no JV program. Now we're at the max amount of JV games and have 32 kids on our roster. I think the program is headed in the right direction. The kids show up every day with the right attitude.”

Sewickley Academy is on the other end of the numbers game.

“It's tough, at times, with only 12 players, but we're going to make it work and stay positive,” Sewickley Academy coach Andrew Petruska said. “The weather has been crazy for us. Hopefully, we can get all the games in. We just want to get out on the field and get dirty. We're going crazy being in the gym and in the cage.”

The Panthers went 11-6 overall and 9-3 in Section 3-A. They reached the WPIAL quarterfinals but dropped a 7-6 decision to Jefferson-Morgan. Sewickley Academy graduated eight players from that squad but does not have any seniors.

The team believes it has depth on the mound.

“Cole Karlik saw a lot of innings last year. Same with John DelVecchio. Those two will definitely be our workhorses this year. With the graduation of Joey Straka, who pitched 80 innings last year, those two will definitely see a lot of innings. Cooper White only pitched one game last year but will see some innings. Same for Hudson Bordeau,” Petruska said. “Our pitching is our strong point this year early on.”

Dimitri Gary takes over behind the plate for the Panthers, who lost catcher Derrick Littlefield to graduation.

“It takes a lot to fill Derrick's shoes, just with his leadership and knowledge of the game,” Petruska said. “Dimitri will be working behind the plate for us. He wants to pitch, too, but we don't have a backup catcher right now.”

Nick Wilson and White (third), DelVecchio (shortstop), Karlik (second) and Bordeau (first) will see time in the infield. Jack Duggan, Kiernan Ragoowansi, Dev Zeleznik, Jackson Paul, Zach Rovee and Alex James could see time in the outfield.

Joe Sager is a freelance writer.

Tags: Quaker Valley, Sewickley Academy