BASEBALL
Battery Creek
Coach: Dan Tooman (Fifth year, 37-48)
2011 record: 4-6 Region 7-AAA
Notable losses: CF/SS/P Joe Fields, INF CJ Jenkins
Top returning players: 3B/P Shane Dixon (.388 avg., 2 HR), OF Rusty Willman (.382 avg.), 3B/P Shane Goude (.310, 5 CG), SS Thomas Smith (.315 avg.)
Key newcomers: C/INF Clyde Parker, OF Dustin Spurlock
Coach's prognosis: "This year's team has more depth and talent across the board than in years past," Tooman said. "The key to our success will be the players' ability to gel and play as a team as opposed to individuals. Our pitching staff will be our greatest asset, as we return our top three starters and top three relief pitchers. We play in a tough region and intend to compete for both a region title and top four seed for playoffs."
Beaufort High
Coach: Scott Mullen (First year)
2011 record: 3-5 Region 8-AAAA, no playoff game
Notable losses: P/OF Beau Brown, OF Kyle Dawson
Top returning players: C/INF Weber Pike (.385, 17 RBIs, 9 2B), P/INF David Tilton (.382, 20 RBIs), INF Mark Jones (.373, 18 RBIs), INF Alex Silon (.370, 2 HR), INF Mitchell Stewart (17 R, 6 SB), OF/P Joel Fickes (2.00 ERA, 6 W, 37 K), OF/P Luke Smith, OF Tony Nolan, Zach Brown, Austin Willis-Green, Carson Gregory
Key newcomers: Ben Vaigneur, Stephen Baggett, Rob Dennis, Matt Thorpe, Jake Snider
Coach's prognosis: "If we pitch well, play defense well and stay focused on fundamental baseball at the plate, good things will happen," Mullen said.
Bluffton
Coach: Bryant Kitty (Eighth year, 102-79)
2010-11 record: 15-13, 5-5 Region 7-AAA, lost in fourth round of Lower State District Tournament
Notable losses: P/OF Ryan Ward, C Hunter VanGeison, C Kyle Wamsley, OF Travis Ramsey, P B.J. Kitty
Top returning players: 2B/OF Tucker Mosley (.234 avg., 10 RBIs), 3B Michael Grant (.333 avg., 12 RBIs), SS/OF/P Khalil Mitchell (.257 avg., 15 RBIs)
Coach's prognosis: "I think we will surprise a lot of teams this year," coach Bryant Kitty said. "Our players have been working hard and we are looking forward to the 2012 season."
Hilton Head Christian Academy
Coach: Danny Morgan (Second year, 4-15)
2010-11 record: 4-15, 1-7 SCISAA Region 3-AAA
Notable losses: None
Top returning players: INF Kevin Campbell (.313 avg.), INF/P Luke Higgs (.313 avg.), INF/P Andrew Halley (.213, 12 RBIs), OF JD Reichel, OF Reese Dolyniuk (.286 avg., 9 RBIs), INF/P Lincoln Fuller (.227 avg.), INF Alec Westmark (.333 avg.)
Key newcomers: C/P George Tesoniero (transfer from Hilton Head High), INF/OF/P Caleb Workman
Coach's prognosis: "As long as our defense can handle the baseball, we will be able to compete with the best teams in SCISA," coach Danny Morgan said.
Hardeeville
Coach: Chris Staton (Sixth year, 19-34)
2011 record: 2-14
Notable losses: P/OF Brandon Blackshear, C/SS Paul Habersham, C/OF Terrell Knighton
Top returning players: P/CF Charlie Morrison-Ford (.370 avg.), DH/3B Primos Life (.393 avg., 2 HR), UTIL Amar Wilkins (.364 avg., 17 SB), P/SS/3B Ransom Dunham (.260 avg., 5 SB), OF Gavin Bush (.273 avg.)
Key newcomers: P/UTIL Phillip Harris, C Shawn Wilson
Coach's prognosis: "I am really looking forward to seeing this group take the field together as a team," Staton said. "We have developed and defined our roles as players and have a better overall understanding of the game. We have improved in all areas of the game, from simply the routine plays in the field, to taking a good aggressive approach at the plate and to noticing the little things it takes to scratch out a win. I think the team really wants to get back into the playoffs and make a run at being a state competitor once we are in."
Hilton Head Island High
Coach: Chris Wells (14th year, 245-116)
2010-11 record: 20-10, 6-4 Region 7-AAA. Finished as district champions and advanced to the Lower State bracket.
Notable losses: INF Charlie Wilkins, C Ethan Olliff, INF Collin Stokes, OF Desmond Bush, P Mike Vaniska, P Jeff Lauderdale, P Sean Bartlett, P Nic Levy, P Matt Brown
Top returning players: INF Kevin Hickey (.410 avg. 32 RBIs), INF Storm Grisham (.364, 28 RBIs), C Brandon Johnson (.333 avg.), OF Caleb Martin (.228 avg.), OF Adam Orischak (.314 avg., 26 RBIs), OF Michael Haven (.353 avg., 21 RBIs), P/INF Cameron Stoltz (.286 avg.)
Key newcomers: IF Aaron Facenda, UT Carlos Pecero, P Andrew Dill, P/INF Jake Kizer, P Mat Clark
Coach's prognosis: "If our pitching continues to progress, we should have a shot to compete for the region title this spring," coach Chris Wells said.
Hilton Head Prep
Coach: Lew Kent (First year)
2010-11 record: 15-10 overall, 5-3 region
Notable losses: P Patrick Andreews, Matt Layman
Top returning players: P/INF Dylan Powell (.427, 9 HR, 36 RBIs), Patrick Briody (.419 avg., 27 RBIs), Marcus Hindall (.290 avg.), John Sheehan (.379 avg.)
Coach's prognosis: "The Dolphins are retooling around the loss of Patrick Andrews and Matt Layman," coach Lew Kent said. "With only two seniors and one junior, the Dolphins will be extremely young."
Thomas Heyward Academy
Coach: Nic Shuford (78-49)
2010-2011 record: 17-7
Notable losses: Logan Mock
Top returning players: P/CF Ryan Day .577, 40 RBIs, 5 HR), SS Taylor Cowart (.413 avg.), 1B/P Joe Laycock (.347 avg.), P/3B Zack Newton (.237 avg.), Dylan Crosby, P Will Richardson, RF Bryan Lee Wade (.383 avg.), Forrest Richardson (.382 avg.), Evan Duncan (.308 avg.)
Coach's prognosis: "This year's goals are to win the conference championship and make a run at a state championship," Shuford said.
Whale Branch
Coach: Dean Hawkins (Second year, 10-10)
2011 record: 10-10 overall, 9-5 Region 5-A, 1-2 playoffs
Notable losses: None
Top returning players: OF/P Ty Fields (2-1 record, 5.43 ERA, .396 avg.), INF/P Danny Makowski (4-3, 4.47 ERA, .325 avg.), OF/P Dee Delaney (1-0, 3.99 ERA, .467 avg.), P/1B Jay Delaney (3-3 record, 4.12 ERA, .412 avg.), OF Jamel Brown (.298 avg.), C Timmy Campbell (.310 avg.)
Key newcomers: P/3B Malik Fields
Coach's prognosis: "Overall we feel good about our team," Hawkins said. "We have good team speed on the bases and the kids have great chemistry with each other. Many of the kids have known each other for many years and we have some brothers and cousins on the team. Pitching should be a strong suit for us and a key will be getting our big left-hander, Jay Delaney, healthy as he is struggling from a shoulder injury suffered over the summer. We expect his twin brother to help with the pitching load until he can return. The key to the season will be making the routine plays. If we're able to do that, we feel we can compete with any team at the Class 1-A level. Our team goal is to win the region and secure a No. 1 seed going into the playoffs."
GOLF
Beaufort High
Coach: Brook Dixon (first year)
Notable losses: Christian Connely, Hunter Dean
Top returning players: Josh Fickes, Taylor Simonsen
Key newcomers: Tommy Earl
Coach's prognosis: "Our top three golfers -- Fickes, Simonsen and Earl -- are experienced players, each of whom can shoot in the 30s for nine holes," Dixon said. "They will need to play well in tournaments, which I believe they will, and as their games continue to grow, this will bring the other five up a level. The five players under the top three -- Michael Babalis, Grant Conder, Kevin Feltner, Derek Vaughn and Patrick Watson -- are less experienced players, but have great work ethics and are improving weekly. If they can play well in tournaments, and our top three score like they are capable of, I feel we should be very competitive in Region 8-AAAA."
Bluffton
Coach: David Crosby (Fifth year, 108-76)
2011 results: 32-38
Notable losses: Shane Fox
Top returning players: Wesley Long, Alec Weary, Jake Rapp
Key newcomers: James Elliott Johnson
Coach's prognosis: "Looking to have a great year," coach David Crosby said. "I have five accomplished golfers.
The goal is to finish in the top five."
Hilton Head Christian Academy
Coach: Doug Langhals (eighth year)
2011 results: Finished tied for second in the region and placed fifth at the state tournament
Notable losses: Chandler Vilcheck
Top returning players: J.D. Lehman, Bryson Nimmer, Will Miles, Kyle Weaver
Key newcomers: Jonathon Schuble
Coach's prognosis: "We are a young team that is filled with talent," coach Doug Langhals said. "The strength of our season will depend on how consistent our young players become. I'm excited to see how we develop as a team over the next few months."
Hilton Head Island High
Coach: William Smith (fifth season)
Notable losses: Phillip North, Tate Hoisington
Top returning players: Brooks Moody, Gavin Lindstrom, Tommy Vater, Brenden Fick, Chris O'Donnell, Troy Hoisington
Key newcomers: Andrew Orischak, Evan Reier, Clay Mancill, Zach Ruhlin
Coach's prognosis for 2012: "Should finish in the top 10 in the 3-A state tournament."
GIRLS TRACK & FIELD
Battery Creek
Coach: Tyrone Pierce (Fifth year)
2011 results: Fifth in Region 7-AAA
Notable losses: Tatiara Collins, Nicole Birch, Lyvette Coleman, Leslie Brown
Top returning athletes: Alexis Miller, Tremaine Aikens, Gretchen Brown, Jasmine Calixte, Kiara Jenkins, Amanda Martinez, Daisja Cannon
Key newcomers: Raven Chapman, Daejahne Williams, Desiree Mack, Diamond White, Quamecha Morrison, La'Schirrae Morrall, Tinea Morris, Elizabeth Ford, Erica Alston, Kyleigh Alman, Allie Garcia, Alexis Brown, Daijah Morrison, Jasmine Wallace, Kimberly Vigil, Kimberly Castro, Latavia Bearden, Jamie Green, Natalia Guazzelli
Coach's prognosis: To win the region championship, contend for the state championship.
Beaufort High
Coach: Herbert Glaze
Notable losses: None
Top returning athletes: Madeline Aune, Veneshia Holmes, Stephanie Pollock, Bre-Anna Heyward-White
Key newcomers: "Too early to say."
Coach's prognosis: "We look forward to an exciting, competitve and productive season."
Hilton Head Island High
Coach: Blake Bishop (Six years)
2011 results: Finished as state finalists and region champions
Notable losses: Sara Manesiotis, Rosie Dungan, Margo Dill
Top returning athletes: Keyuntay Heyward, Savannah Scheopp, Faith Lifer, Abi Short, Avery Fine, Christina Mason
Key newcomers: Rachel Friend, Michelle Stine, Cierra McMahon, Marta Lazowic, Frankie Shoning, Kayla Frazier
Coach's prognosis: "We have several newcomers ad well as a few returners from last year's successful team," Bishop said. "Finding the right events for all the girls early in the season and having them focus on those events throughout the year might land a few girls in this year's State Meet."
Ridgeland
Coach: Pearl Mitchell (Fifth year)
2011 results: Second in Region 5-A
Notable losses: Adashia Beasley (region champion in 200m, 400m, 4x400m, 4x800m, Lower State 4x800m champion)
Top returning athletes: Tiara Nelson (4x400m, 4x800m, shot put, discus, 400m hurdles), Bendrea Washington (4x800m, 800m, 1600m, 3200m), Goldy Cohen (4x800m, 800m, 1600m, 3200m, Shashea Williams (shot put, discus), Shaniece Brown (shot put, discus), Brunitta Jenkins (4x100m, 100m hurdles, 400m hurdles), April Jenkins 100m hurdles, 400m hurdles, 4x400m hurdles, Tiara Black (4x800m, 4x400m, 800m)
Key newcomers: Matesha Stevens (High jump, 4X100m, pole vault), Tyshawna Payne (4x100m, 4x400m, 200m, 400m, Alshaya Thompson (long jump, 4x100m), Shantavia Swinton (high jump, 4x100m), Rayshaunda Rankins (100m hurldes, 400m hurdles, high jump), Zawadi Brown (100m, 200m, 4x100m), Jade Robiston (800m, 1600m, 3200m, 4x800m)
Coach's prognosis: "The team now has depth, something it lacked in previous years," Mitchell said. "We will be strong all across the board. Our sprinting will come from our ninth-graders and middle school athletes. Leading our jumping/hurdling will be young ladies from the 2011 basketball state champions. Throwing events will come from our juniors and seniors. The relay teams will include athletes in all four grade levels. We will battle Allendale-Fairfax for the region title."
Whale Branch
Coach: Brad Taracuk (First year)
Notable losses: None
Top returning athletes: Shot putter Donique Lykes, Discus thrower Renee Smalls
Key newcomers: None
BOYS TRACK
Battery Creek
Coach: Tyrone Pierce (Fifth year)
2011 results: Second in Region 7-AAA, 10th in Class 3-A state championship
Notable losses: Jamario Williams, Rhakeem Brown, Carlton Linnen, Raymond Wayne, Spencer Butler, Marcus James and Brent Johnson.
Top returning athletes: Justice Oliver, Javon Livingston, Jayron Sneed, Michael Evans, Randy Deloach, Shakil Gause, Caleb Harris, David Partridge, Erik Barbosa, Raheem Cooper, Luis Castillo, Wendell Roberson.
Key newcomers: Jihad Muhammad, Anthony Walls, Raekwon Smalls, Jeffery Darden, Matthew Woodley, Michael Reyes, Stephen Newell, David Frazier, Darrin Peeks, Cleveland Hampton, Edwin Lopez, Justin Frazier, Michael Harbin, DeAndre Johnson, Warren Lawyer
Coach's prognosis: To win the region championship, contend for the state championship.
Beaufort High
Coach: Carolyn Bostick (15th year)
Notable losses: None
Top returning athletes: Akeem Smalls, Desmond Howard, Randy Thomas, D'Vonta Cohen, Henry Jenkins
Hilton Head Christian Academy
Coach: Tommy Lewis (First year)
2011 results: N/A
Notable losses: N/A
Top returning athletes: N/A
Key newcomers: Jamario Williams
Coach's prognosis: "We are excited to start the track program at HHCA, and are even more excited to have 26 kids come out for the team," Lewis said. "It will be a year of learning and growth, coupled with the successes that come from hard work, great attitudes and tremendous effort."
Hilton Head Island High
Coach: Blake Bishop (Sixth year)
2011 results: Won Class 3-A state championship and Region 7-AAA championship
Notable losses: Jack Felix, Michael Brewer, Mackenzie Johnston, Aubree Bruce, T.J. Melanson
Top returning athletes: Jack Manesiotis, Alex Couch, Desmond Bonaparte, Robbie Iulo, Michael Julian, Alex MacDonald, Sean McMahon, Colton Hennessey, Chandler Bolthouse, Melvin Fields
Key newcomers: Herbert Daise, Raheem Williams, Jerome Maddox, Matt Pollar, Michael Ruth, Victor Jimenez, Ben Miller, Quincy Cooper
Coach's prognosis: "Although we lost a lot of successful runners from last year's state championship team, we are returning several key athletes that can score some points in big meets," Bishop said.
Ridgeland
Coach: Russell Holley (Fifth year)
2011 results: Region 5-A champions
Notable losses: Medicus Deloach (400m, 800m), Adrian Polite (200m, 400m, 800m), Darnell Solomon (110m high hurdles, 400m hurdles, triple jump), Tyboshe Mikell (400m hurdles, 400m), William Dupont (400m)
Top returning athletes: Alvin Brown (Class 1-A discus champion, shot put state qualifier), Wesley Scott (Shot put state runner-up), Saydrian Williams (triple jump state qualifier), Jacob Ferguson, Torray Amlett, Xavier Capers, Hamilton Harris, Tyron Mikell, Marquis McClennon, Isreal Allen, Desjon Frazier, Antoine Johnson, Immanual White
Key newcomers: Jeremiah Nelson (100m, long jump, 400m relay), Jesus Gonzalez (1600m 3200m), Donald Jenkins (800m 3200m relay), Nicholas Reid (800m 3200m relay), Otis Devore (triple jump, high jump), Allan Cruz (1600m 3200m)
Coach's prognosis: Compete for the state championship.
Whale Branch
Coach: Terry Fillmore (Second year)
2011 record: Third in Region 5-A, fourth at Lower State, sixth at Class 1-A meet
Notable losses: None
Top returning athletes: Sprinter Josh Fields, high jumper and long jumper Davonte Altston, shot putter Travon McKee, discus thrower Howard Allen, distance runner Charles Jiles, middle distance runner Devonta' Lykes, distance runner Devonta Glover.
Key newcomers: Sprinter Andre Watson
Coach's prognosis: "The opportunity to win the state championship is here," Fillmore said. "We have one of the top sprinters in the state in Andre Watson. Devonta' Alston was all-state, with a second-place finish in the long jump last year. He also placed third in the high jump. Devonta' Glover placed fifth in both distance events and Devonta' Lykes placed fifth in the 800 meters. Travon McKee placed fifth in shot put and Howard Allen placed fourth in discus."
BOYS SOCCER
Battery Creek
Coach: John Perry (Fourth season)
2011 record: 10-9, 4-4 Region 7-AAA, third in region, lost to Camden in the first round of Class 3-A playoffs
Notable losses: F Rodney Cooper, MF Christopher Koko, GK Zack Benki
Top returning players: D Wyatt Trevithick, D Jose Diaz, D Christopher Bockelman, D Thomas Hunter, MF Oscar Tierrablanca, MF Manny Gonzalez, F Luis Castillo, GK Manuel Majia
Key newcomers: F Luca Basuino, MF Jon Saullo, MF Gabriel Tineda
Coach's prognosis: "I'm going to finish as good as not better as last year," Perry said. "I have a lot of notable players with skill. And I have some height this year. I can match a lot of teams evenly in height. Last year, everybody skyed over us."
Beaufort Academy
Coach: Bill Dalton (101-51-1)
2011 record: 3-11
Notable losses: GK Matt Bass, D Nathan Akers, MF Pete Olsson, MF Leif Koppernaes, MF Patrick Walker
Top returning players: MF Conner Akers, D Jack Griffith, D Billy Dailey, D Finn Koppernaes, D Jack Dailey, F Michael Bible, F Gibson Achurch
Key newcomers: MF George Sanford, MF Mike Bhoi, MF Charles Sanford
Coach's prognosis: "We have the best chance of making the state playoffs that we have had since 2009."
Beaufort High
Coach: Steve Aldred (first year)
Notable losses: D Parker Essary, F Andrew Settlemire, MF Ethan Konoza, D Ford Collins, D Ben Carey, GK Nick Manos, Ted Olsson, Kevin Gess, Jake Holland, David Ardilla
Top returning players: F/MF Christian Faale, D Kyle Clark, MF Josh Gutierrez, MF Hector Lopez, MF Augustin Arce-Riaz, GK Mack Stansell, F Arlen Ho, D Tommy Buskirk, MF David Seguine
Key newcomers: D Shelton Avera, MF Eddie Viellgas , MF Christian Campbell, D Brandon Videtto, GK Dalton Gay, MF Kieran Kelly, F Jonathan Rodriguez, MF Pedro Jaramillo, D James Cato, D Alex Martinez
Coach's prognosis: Winning season
Bluffton
Coach: Josh Fox (Third year, 23-15-1)
2011 results: 10-8, 6-2 Region 7-AAA, lost to Myrtle Beacch in second round of playoffs
Notable losses: F Osmar Moreno (9 goals)
Top returning athletes: F Akeel Crooks (9 goals), D Denis Nunez (3 goals), D Jake George (captain), D Mallie Sprouse, GK Chris Sulivan (5 shutouts), MF Ryan Blizzard (6 goals).
Key newcomers: D David Rosenbloom, F B.J. Hill.
Coach's prognosis: "I am very excited abut this group of guys. We have a good mix of experience and some quality players joining us for the first time," Fox said. "... We will be tested by a tough nonregion schedule that includes the likes of Wando, Brookland Cayce, Cardinal Newman and North Gwinnett (Ga.). We always look forward to our region matches with with our rivals across the river at Hilton Head Island High School. We hope to use these games to build momentum and make a run in the state playoffs."
Hilton Head Island High
Coach: Wayne Quinlan (Fourth year, 37-19-3)
2010-11 results: 16-6-1, 8-0 Region 7-AAA. Lost to A.C. Flora 2-1 in third round of Class 3-A playoffs.
Notable losses: Defender Will McCarty, defense Edwin Hernandez
Returning starters: D Tyler Betts, MF Chris MacMurray, GK Mike Riterbeck, F Ruben Romero
Key newcomers: Chip Tremarelli, Blake Bishop, Eliot McPherson, Josh Mousseau
Coach's prognosis: "We have high hopes. But we are not there yet," coach Wayne Quinlan said. "We have to continue to improve our speed of play in order to reach our goals."
Hilton Head Prep
Coach: Matt Dakolios (First year)
2010-11 results: 6-5-2, 2-4 region; Missed playoffs
Notablee losses: GK Tim Ochsner, D Ben Ranney, MF Tommy Peeples, F Chris Cardamone, MF Elliot McPherson
Top returning players: MF Logan Clark, D Dan Chambers, F Colin White
Key newcomers: D Keylan Hanna, D Noah Sulek, F Aidan Hegarty
Coach's prognosis: "The team has been working hard to maximize their potential and progress every day as a unit," coach Matt Dakolios said. "They are optimistic that they can improve upon a solid 2011 and make a return to the state playoffs after just missing out last year."
GIRLS SOCCER
Beaufort Academy
Coach: David Byrne (12th year)
2011 record: 10-3-2, lost 2-1 in state final
Notable losses: Nikki Ozburn, Callie Rhodin, AC Crowther
Top returning players: MF/F Miranda Weslake, D Katie Kindwall, MF Madeline Griffith, MF Shelby Mixson, GK Charlotte Delfosse
Key newcomers: MF Xavia Lemott
Coach's prognosis: "Poised for another run at another SCISAA state title. Led by strong experienced midfield of Miranda Weslake, Shelby Mixson and Madeline Griffith. The defense is anchored by talented second-year keeper Charlotte Delfosse and sweeper Katie Kindwall. Must fill out the defense with the departure of Callie Rhodin and find more goals missing Nikki Ozburn and AC Crowther."
Bluffton
Coach: Mike Manning (Second year, 5-15)
2010-11 record: 5-15, 4-4 Region 7-AAA. Lost in second round of Class 3-A playoffs to Brookland-Cayce.
Notable losses: MF Meredith Hamilton, F Erika Watkins, MF Sara Oros
Top returning players: CB Naomi McCracken, MF Madison Putich, F Alex Bailey, OB Ashlyn Murphy, MF Jordan Franklin, MF Brianna Mucia
Key newcomers: GK Brittany Hundley, MF Jillian Koves, F Amanda Rainboth
Coach's prognosis: "We have a strong core of players who have bought into what our coaching staff believes," coach Mike Manning said. "The 2012 season is promising for us. We are still an up-and-coming team who is learning how to win and what it takes to be consistent."
Hilton Head Island High
Coach: Ernie Suozzi (Third year, 41-10)
2010-11 record: 23-4, 8-0 Region 7-AAA; Won 3-A state championship
Notable losses: F Julee Kuklinski, F Cayla Hennessy, MF Sara Manesiotis, GK Maraia Tremarelli
Roster: Jessica Bonilla, Megan Farrell, Taylor Bush, Kelsey Fitzhugh, Emily Crick, Logan Danzell, Faith Lifer, Bridgette Noonan, Alex Vinson, Jordan Haughton-James, Victoria Johnston, Carter Julseth, Nikki Schoning, Emma Stanton, Elizabeth Wipper, Chyna Bachman, Amanda Green, Ashley Green, Natalie Mlodzinski, Rebecca Johnston
Coach's prognosis: "We hope to be at the final game of the season in Columbia like last year," Suozzi said.
Hilton Head Christian Academy
Coach: Ben Gerdts (Second year, 11-11-2)
2010-11 record: 11-11-2, 6-4 SCISAA Region 3-AAA
Notable losses: Jessica Day, Anna Bensch
Top returning players: Audrey Bensch, Addy Bensch, Megan Nadal
Key newcomers: Nicole Sicilia (transfer from Connecticut)
Coach's prognosis: "This team has more potential than last year's, and I've really loved the attitude and intensity that these girls have brought to preseason practices and conditioning sessions," Gerdts said.
Hilton Head Prep
Coach: Chance Cook (Second year, 13-3)
2010-11 record: 13-3, 10-2 in region; Lost to Cardinal Newman in the SCISAA Class 3-A state semifinals
Notable losses: M Kathleen Blum, D Lane Czura, D Taylor Clark
Top returning players: F Halie Parker, M Amber Erkan, D Maggie Gasser, D/GK Mackenzie Brown
Key newcomers: M Maren Czura, M Marisa Wojcikiewicz (transfer from Naperville, Ill.)
Coach's prognosis: "While we have our share of new faces, this year's team is beginning to gel and has an opportunity to match the overall succes of last season if we continue to improve over the next few months," coach Chance Cook said.
SOFTBALL
Battery Creek
Coach: Lydia Williams (first year)
2010-11 record:
Notable losses:
Top returning players: LF Emily Webb, CF Kelsey Poole, P Tori Hill
Key newcomers: P Macala Barnard, 1B Sara Cathey
Coach's prognosis: "We have a young team, but an enthusiastic one," Williams said. "This will be a learning season for us. I expect the girls to build in their confidence and softball knowledge. One of our team's goals is to have a team GPA of 3.25 and finish 7-18."
Beaufort High
Coach: Jay Gratton (Third year, 24-28)
2011 record: 12-11, 4-4 Region 8-AAAA, 0-2 in Class 4-A playoffs
Notable losses: P/OF Ariel Promislow (6-1, 1.22 ERA, .344 avg., 12 RBIs), OF Taylor DeLoach (.307 avg., HR, 6 RBIs)
Top returning players: INF/P Michelle Brown (.354 avg., 10 SB), OF Maddie Berry (.260 avg.), P/INF Jenny Mullins (.273 avg., 6-10 record, 2.35 ERA), INF Megan Cieplowski (.259 avg.), INF Molly Clark (.250 avg.)
Key newcomers: OF/INF Jessica Bennett, C Carli Cline, INF Sydney Bourg, OF/INF Morgan Peoples, INF/P Zoe Mitchell
Coach's prognosis: "We have a long way to go, but the players are working hard to build on the success we had last season," Gratton said. "They are improving with every practice and game. We have a lot of talent and are loaded with underclassmen. The coaching staff is extremely excited about the direction Beaufort High School softball is heading."
Bluffton
Coach: Bill Ball (Sixth year, 75-34)
2010-11 record: 18-5, 10-0 Region 7-AAA.
Notable losses: C Melissa Peebles, 2B Lauren Lowell, 3B Summer Lawson, OF Taylor Lammy, Jamie Toomer, Jennicia Mitchell
Top returning players: P Courtney Smith, CF Morganne Parker, IF Mikyla Houghlan
Key newcomers: INF Whitney Morrell, IF Alexia Cortez (transfer from Battery Creek)
Coach's prognosis: "If we can maintain a team-first mentality, this group has the tools to compete with any top 10 Class 3-A team in South Carolina," coach Bill Ball said.
HIlton Head Island High
Coach: Sarah Beachkofsky-Moore (Fourth year, 20-35)
2010-11 results: 7-13, 5-8 Region 7-AAA
Notable losses: Madeline Mayer, Kirston Hutton
Top returning players: INF Arianna Tolerton, INF Macy Moore, C Aileen Moore, P Kayla Roberts, P Whitney Haley
Coach's prognosis: "We will still be on the young side, but this group of athletes offers a great deal of potential for this season and years to come," coach Sarah Beachkofsky-Moore said. "Many of them have had the benefit of varsity playing time and are dedicated as a team to improving and are looking forward to having a successful season."
Thomas Heyward
Coach: Bob Layman (Third year, 62-10)
2011 record: 28-3, SCISAA Class 2-A champions
Notable losses: OF/P Weslee Sewell (.315 avg., 1.54 ERA)
Top returning players: P Ashlie Layman (.58 ERA, 147 K, .359 avg., 38 RBIs, 3 HR), OF Brianna Kelnhofer (.460 avg., 11 SB), C Andrea Daring (.440 avg., 4 HR, 30 RBIs), INF Chandler Cook (.447 avg.), INF Caitlyn Cooler (.404 avg.), INF Kayla Canavan (.349 avg., 3 HR, 21 RBIs), INF/P Taylor Ernestine (.378 avg., 21 RBIs, .984 fielding percentage), OF Brielle Jungblut (.315 avg., 8 SB), OF Haley Davis (.286 avg.), OF Jamie Malphrus (.400 avg.)
Coach's prognosis: "We lost one player from last year, Layman said. "We gave up one run in the state playoff run to win the state championship. Everyone will be gunning for us. We have to bring our 'A' game every game. We hope to repeat. The girls understand the task at hand and will be working harder than ever to meet our goal."
BOYS TENNIS
Battery Creek
Coach: Bob Prawel (first season)
Top returning players: Wlliam Ferlo, Grayson Morgan, Landon Morgan, Johnathan Wright, Nathon Cooper
Key newcomers: Surachat Jaroenwareekul, Garrett Morgan, William Fry, DeQuan Robinson, Matthew Carter
Coach's prognosis: "Half the team are returnees. We have a lot of good players that are dedicated to improve their talent on a daily basis during practice. We have two very strong new players this year that will make a huge contribution to the team."
Beaufort High
Coach: David Riedmayer (Sixth year, 104-35)
2010-11 record: 15-6, 6-0 Region 8-AAAA, lost in Class 4-A Lower State semifinal to state runner-up Lexington
Notable losses: None
Top returning players: Malcolm Kates (state singles qualifier), James Bachety, Hunter Pylant, Anthony Williams, Alex Angus, Rohan Desai, Damonte Glass
Key newcomers: Nubian Jean Charles, Brogan Ferry
Coach's prognosis: "Our team's goals are to win the Region 8 championship for the third year in a row. This will give us the No. 1 playoff seed in the region. We expect to get to the Lower State finals this year and fight for a state championshp."
Bluffton
Coach: Bob Brown (Eighth year)
2011 results: 14-2, lost in Lower State championship
Notable losses: Spencer Sasko, Zack Rardon
Top returning players: Chris Davis, Richard Snyder, Davis Rosenblum, Aaron Newland, Nate Calhoun, Diego Garcia
Coach's prognosis: "We will be strong in the region," Brown said. "We hope to repeat and avenge a loss in the Lower State championship."
Hilton Head Christian Academy
Coach: Eric Wammock (Sixth year)
2011 results: 2-7, 0-5 in region play
Notable losses: Ryan Cash, Justin Remegi
Top returning players: Charlie Drake, Ben Likins, Sam Trimble, John Ziegler
Key newcomers: Nick Bybel, Hampton Drake, Alex Likins
Coach's prognosis: "(We've) undergone a massive improvement with the addition of Nick Bybel and Hampton Drake, both nationally-ranked junior, vying for the No. 1 position," Wammock said.
BOYS LACROSSE
Hilton Head Island High
Coach: Joe Monmonier (Six years, 47-25-1)
2011 results: 11-4-1, lost to Wando in state quarterfinals
Notable losses: Nick Roberts, Yannie Reynecke, Clayton Reed, John Ferrebee, Erik Rzeczycki, Hayden Lovette, Emmitt Smith, Charlie Jackson, Campbell Miller
Top returning players: Nick Bautista, Kyle Kirby, Justin Wan, Robert Moody, Ross Lovette
Coach's prognosis: "We are young and have some talent, but how fast our team grows up will determine how far we go in the playoffs," Monmonier said.
GIRLS LACROSSE
Hilton Head Island High
Coach: Meg Hendy (Fourteen years, 69-62)
Notabell personnel losses: Sammi Burns, Breen Weir
Top returning players: Jennifer Sheeran, Elaine Natoli, Morgan Raffaele, Maddie Campbell, Carson Kendrick, Abby Ogden
Key newcomers: Haley Matousek (transfer from Venus, Fla.), Tonia Haynes-Toon (transfer from Atlanta)
Coach's prognosis: "The team spirit is high and the skill level is coming along," coach Meg Hendy said. "We have had a good start to the season and will build on the experience of the returning players to assist the newbies."
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