(cover photo of Elizabethtown’s Isaiah Shayter via Brendan Ricciardi/DBN)

RADNOR, PA — The Elizabethtown Bears advanced in the PIAA 5A state playoffs with a 4-2 victory over the Radnor Raptors on Monday, leaning on timely hitting and strong pitching from Penn State recruit Isaiah Shayter to secure the first-round win.

Elizabethtown struck first in the third against Radnor starter Daniel Kellis. Dalton Fink singled, advanced to second on a wild pitch, was bunted over to third and scored on another wild pitch to make it 1-0.

Radnor answered in the fourth against Shayter, as Matthew Szychulski, Kellis, and Joe Krasowski walked, and Kyle Miltenberger’s hit-by-pitch scored Szychulski to tie it at 1-1.

Elizabethtown broke the game open in the fifth against reliever Ryan McWilliams who entered for Kellis after the fifth. Tj Kehler, Fink, and Brandon Andrews all singled back-to-back-to-back, Shayter’s hit-by-pitch scored Kehler, Mason Ridilla’s walk scored Fink.

Austin Havertine then came in relief and Ian Mohr’s single drove in Andrews, making it 4-1. Radnor fought back in the fifth against new Elizabethtown pitcher Justin Borger, with Will Selbach walking, advancing to third on a wild pitch and a passed ball, and scoring on another passed ball to cut the deficit to 4-2, but that’s as close as they would get.

Shayter earned the win for Elizabethtown, allowing one run on one hit over four innings, striking out nine and walking three. Borger closed out the game, giving up one unearned run on one hit with six strikeouts over three innings.

Fink led the offense, going 2-4 with 2 runs scored. Ryan McWilliams took the loss for Radnor, surrendering three runs on three hit without recording an out, while reliever Austin Havertine allowed zero runs in 3 innings.

Will Selbach (1-2, 1 R) and Kyle Miltenberger (1-2, RBI) were bright spots for Radnor, who couldn’t capitalize on late chances, including Selbach’s single in the seventh.

Elizabethtown moves on to the next round of the state playoffs to face Palmyra on Thursday.

Radnor ends their season as Central League Champions and District 1 Champions, but their season ends in the first round of states. They will return their top two arms in Austin Havertine and Daniel Kellis, but the Raptor offense will certainly look different next year.

(cover photo of Austin Havertine via Shelby Kauffman/DBN)

RADNOR, PA – The Radnor Raptors, fresh off a 2-1 walk-off win over Upper Dublin to claim the PIAA District 1 5A championship, host the Elizabethtown Bears in the PIAA 5A state playoff first round at Radnor High School. The 2nd-seeded Raptors (20-3) face the District 3 Bears (14-10), who advanced with a 4-0 shutout by Isaiah Shayter against Conestoga Valley. The winner moves to the state quarterfinals. 

Radnor co-won the Central League title and clinched their second district championship, driven by junior ace Austin Havertine’s nine strikeouts and Teddy Monahan’s walk-off single against Upper Dublin. Elizabethtown, of the Lancaster-Lebanon League, upset Lower Dauphin 2-1 in District 3 behind Justin Borger’s four-inning, one-run start and Shayter’s perfect relief outing.

Elizabethtown then fell to Lampeter-Strasburg in the semis but rebounded with a win over Conestoga Valley to get the third spot out of District 3.

Radnor is likely to start Havertine, the Lehigh recruit, with Radnor having plenty of rest since last Tuesday. Havertine has an insane 106 K – 19 BB ratio this season and will pound the zone at all times with a low 90’s fastball. In relief, we expect to see either Penn recruit Daniel Kellis or Kenyon College recruit Ryan McWIlliams, who have both been stellar this year.

Kellis could also get the start as well, but it will likely be him or Havertine.

Monahan, Matt Szychulski, Zach Fein and Evan Hartman fuel the offense with speed and power. Elizabethtown will likely start senior Isaiah Shayter, a Penn State recruit whose shutout last week showcased his command.

Justin Borger could relive. Dalton Fink, Brandon Andrews, Shatter, and Mason Ridilla lead the Bears’ contact-heavy lineup. 

Radnor aims to use Monahan’s speed to pressure Elizabethtown’s infield, while Kellis sets the tone. The Bears will work counts and rely on Fink and Andrews to spark rallies. Radnor’s momentum gives them an edge, but Elizabethtown’s pitching makes them dangerous. First pitch is at 4 PM on June 2, 2025, at Radnor High School.

The winner will take on the winner of Palmyra and Pittston Area on Thursday, date and time TBD.

(Bonner has now won five District 12 titles in a row between 4A, 5A, and 6A)

PHILADELPHIA, PA – The Monsignor Bonner Friars claimed the PIAA District 12 title with an 11-0 shutout over the Central Lancers at La Salle University on Thursday afternoon, advancing to the state playoffs behind a dominant performance from Johnny Ortegae and a scorching offense led by Ryan Friel.

Bonner broke through in the third against Central starter and Bucknell recruit Tyler Seidman. Joey Graziani bunted for a single, stole second, advanced on a wild pitch, and scored on a Michael Coleman infield single (1-0). The Friars erupted in the fifth inning, all with two outs, with Coleman’s single scoring Cory Sheridan, Friel’s double plating Sergio Hernandez and Coleman, and Gavin DiRita’s single driving in Friel, making it 5-0. 

Bonner capped the rout in the seventh, as Friel’s inside-the-park homer scored Coleman, DiRita tripled, Jack Redding’s single scored DiRita, and Sean Erickson’s single scored Redding and Owen Lockhart on an error by the right fielder (11-0).

Friel has been ridiculous in the playoffs so far, as he has three hits in all four playoff games the Friars have played. For those keeping track at home, that is a .706 average.

Ortegae, a La Salle commit, was stellar, tossing a complete-game shutout with 3 hits allowed–singles by Angel Nunez and Liam Madel and a triple by Aidan McElhatton–while striking out 7 and walking 3 over 7 innings. Seidman took the loss for Central, surrendering 5 runs on 5 hits in 4.2 innings, with 3 walks and 5 strikeouts.

Friel (3-4, 2 R, 4 RBI) and Coleman (3-4, 2 R, 2 RBI) led Bonner’s attack, continuing their hot streak after outscoring PCL tournament opponents 29-4, including a 14-1 win over La Salle and a title win over Archbishop Ryan.

Central, coming off a win over Franklin Towne, couldn’t solve Ortegae, managing just 3 baserunners past first base, including McElhatton’s triple in the sixth. Bonner advances to face Coatesville (beat Neshaminy 4-3) in the state tournament. The Friar’s pitching depth and offensive firepower, showcased today, signal they’re a serious contender as they head into states with momentum.

With the win, Bonner advances to the PIAA 6A State Tournament. They will play Coatesville, the third place team from District 1, Monday at 1:00 at La Salle High School. Just to clarify, not the University where they played in this one.

(cover photo of Jamie O’Neill via Dylan Johnson/DBN)

CHICHESTER, PA — The #11 Hatboro-Horsham Hatters (10-13) shut out the #1 Chichester Eagles (15-7) 4-0 in a PIAA District 1 5A playback game at Neumann University on Tuesday, securing the final state playoff spot with a masterful performance from Ursinus recruit Jamie O’Neill. 

O’Neill was dominant, tossing six scoreless innings, allowing just four hits–a double and single by Zach Murray, a double by Evan Valentine, and a single by Julian Sparks– while striking out seven and walking just three. Conner Cataldi closed out the seventh, preserving the shutout. 

Hatboro-Horsham broke the game open in the third against Chichester starter Gavin Derrickson. Chris Yeager singled, Kenny Lutz doubled, and a passed ball scored Yeager. Cole Incudine’s single drove in Lutz, making it 2-0. In the fourth, Yeager singled again, walks to Ryan Thomas, and Lutz loaded the bases, and Incudine’s single scored Thomas and Yeager, pushing the lead to 4-0. 

Chichester, coming off an 11-0 semifinals loss to Upper Dublin, couldn’t find their rhythm after a 6-2 quarterfinal win over Strath Haven and ended their season with 14 straight scoreless innings. Murray’s double in the first and Valentine’s double in the fourth gave the Eagles chances, but O’Neill stranded runners, including a double play in the fourth. Derrickson took the loss, allowing 4 runs on 6 hits over 3.1 innings, with 2 strikeouts and 4 walks.

Hatboro-Horsham, who fell 4-3 in extra innings to eventual District 1 Champions, Radnor, in the semifinals after upsets over West Chester East (6-2) and Upper Moreland (6-1), advances to the state playoffs, showcasing their resilience as a lower seed from the Suburan One League Continental.

Incudine (2-4, 2 RBI) and Yeager (2-3, 2 R) led the offense, capitalizing on Chichester’s defensive miscues. The Eagles, champions of the Del Val League, finish at 15-7, unable to reignite their bats after Upper Dublin’s shoutout. Chichester couldn’t solve O’Neill’s fastball and sharp command, ending their season one win shy of states in a tense elimination game.

(cover photo of Gavin Derrickson via Dylan Johnson/DBN)

CHICHESTER, PA — The Chichester Eagles and Hatboro-Horsham Hatters face off at Neumann University in a do-or-die PIAA District 1 5A playback game for the final state playoff spot.

The 1st-seeded Eagles (15-6) lost 11-0 to Upper Dublin in the semifinals, while the 11th-seeded Hatters (9-13) lost a 4-3 extra-innings thriller to Radnor. With both teams vying for a state tournament berth, this Tuesday’s showdown promises high intensity.

Chichester, champions of the Del Val League, entered the playoffs as the top seed but were shut out by Upper Dublin’s pitcher Luke Caron, managing just one hit–a leadoff double by Cole Sanford. Their quarterfinal win over Strath Haven (6-2) showcased their depth, with two-run doubles from Logan Werley and Cole Sandord, plus five strong innings from Gavin Derrickson, who allowed no earned runs. 

Hatboro-Horsham, a Suburban One League Continental contender, upset West Chester East 6-2 and Upper Moreland 6-1, where Junior Shane Mills threw 5.2 innings with six strikeouts and no earned runs, before falling to Radnor in a walk-off loss driven by Zach Fein’s grounder. 

With both teams’ pitching staffs rested for this elimination game, Chichester is likely to start junior pitcher Gavin Derrickson, who threw five innings with two earned runs against Strath Haven. His command can challenge the Hatter’s bats, with Cole Sanford or Zach Murray available in relief. Offensively, Sanford, Werley, and Evan Valentine are the Eagles’ spark plugs, blending speed and power to ignite rallies.

Hatboro-Horsham is likely to start Ursinus recruit Jaime O’Neill, who threw six strong innings against West Chester East in the first round. It could also be Shane Mills, who dominated Upper Moreland with 5.2 innings, six strikeouts, and no earned runs. His mid-80s fastball and sharp curve make him a tough matchup for Chichester’s lineup.

Conner Cataldi could provide relief to change the look. The Hatters’ offense, led by O’Neill, shortstop Cole Incudine, center fielder Chase Canney, and second baseman Dom Rapino (DeSales commit), brings contact hitting and gap power to test Chichester’s defense.

Chichester’s strategy is to reignite their offense after being stifled by Upper Dublin, using Sanford and Werley’s hitting to pressure O’Neill/Mills early, while Derrickson aims to limit the Hatters’ speed. Hatboro-Horsham will look to ride Mills’ dominance, work counts against Derrickson, and lean on O’Neill, Incudine, Canney, and Rapino to drive rallies, as they did in their upsets. With both teams facing elimination, execution will be critical.

Chichester’s top seed and home-field advantage with the game still being played in their area give them a slight edge, but Hatboro-Horsham’s upset pedigree make this a toss-up.  First pitch is at 4 PM at Neumann, expect a fierce battle.

(cover photo of Bonner via Sirr Production)

UPPER CHICHESTER, PA — The #6 Monsignor Bonner Friars stunned the #1 La Salle Explorers 14-1 in a Philadelphia Catholic League semifinal at Maplezone Sports Institute on Friday afternoon, punching their ticket to the PCL championship and a shot to secure a state tournament berth with a relentless offensive onslaught.

Bonner wasted no time, striking in the first against La Salle starter and Fordham recruit Declan Cawley. Michael Coleman walked, Ryan Friel singled, and Gavin DiRita crushed a three-run homer to right, making it 3-0. Cole Romano’s double later scored Jack Redding, pushing the lead to 4-0.

In the second, Joey Graziani tripled, scoring on Sergio Hernandez’s sac fly (5-0). Bonner’s bats stayed hot in the third against reliever and Old Dominion recruit Chris Cavalcante, as Redding’s single scored Friel, who doubled (6-0).

In the fourth, a balk scored Jack Brown, who doubled, an error by the third baseman plated Coleman, and Redding’s groundball scored Friel (9-1). Bonner capped the rout in the sixth against William & Mary recruit Jack Pye, with Romano’s single scoring Redding and Coleman, and Graziani’s single plating Romano and Owen Lockhart (14-1).

Bonner’s Johnny Ortegae, a La Salle University commit, was sharp over 2.2 innings, allowing no hits and 1 run on 3 walks and a HBP, striking out 3. Danny Buckton then came in to relieve, surrendering just 1 hit—a Caden Schmidt single. Cawley took the loss for La Salle, allowing 5 earned runs over 2 innings. La Salle, coming off a 6-2 win over Devon Prep, managed only 1 run despite loading the bases in the third with one out.

Bonner, who upset Father Judge 5-3, advances to face Archbishop Ryan in the PCL championship on Saturday at 11:00 at Rutgers-Camden University. The Friars, who had lost in the state semifinals four years running, now have a chance to break through.

Bonner needs to win this game to advance to the PIAA 6A State Tournament. Should Bonner lose, La Salle will get that 6A spot because it is a combination of playoff and regular season success.

(cover photo of Matt Szychulski via Shelby Kauffman/DBN)

RADNOR, PA – The Radnor Raptors, fresh off a 9-2 rout of Upper Perkiomen, host the Hatboro-Horsham Hatters in the PIAA District 1 5A semifinals at Radnor High School.

The 2nd-seeded Raptors (18-3) face the 11th-seeded Hatters (9-12), who upset WC East 6-2 in the first round and moved on to upset #3 Upper Moreland 6-1 in the second round. The winner advances to the District 1 5A championship to face the winner of #1 Chichester vs #4 Upper Dublin, while the loser gets a second chance in Tuesday’s playback game for the final state playoff spot. 

Radnor’s 2024 season saw them surge to the District 1 5A final and a state playoff berth, finishing 15-10 with a seven-game win streak to secure their spot. This year, they co-won the Central League title and continued their dominance against Upper Perkiomen, where junior ace Austin Havertine struck out 11 over five innings, and Matt Szychulski’s two-run homer and Evan Hartman’s two-RBI double fueled a nine-run outburst. Hatboro-Horsham, a Suburban One League Continental contender with a 9-12 record, leaned on gritty pitching and timely hitting to topple Upper Moreland.

Since both teams relied heavily on their pitching staffs this week, Radnor will not be able to start Havertine, who threw five innings on Wednesday, and will likely turn to junior Daniel Kellis (Penn commit), whose command and low-90s fastball can challenge the Hatters’ lineup. Senior Kenyon College recruit Ryan McWilliams could provide relief if needed, or even start. Either way, expect to see both

Offensively, Teddy Monahan, Matt Szychulski, and Zach Fein form a potent trio, with Monahan’s speed and Szychulski’s power driving the attack. Evan Hartman has been a big force in the lineup as well, and Joe Krasowski has had a good season as well.

Hatboro-Horsham could start senior Jamie O’Neil (Ursinus commit), who collected the win against WC East in the first round by throwing 6 innings while allowing just 2 runners and getting 7 strikeouts. He did throw 107 pitches on Monday so it’s tough to see what he would have left.

Junior Conner Cataldi could see some relief duty to change the look. The Hatter’s offense, led by O’Neil, Cole Incudine, Chase Canney, and Dom Rapino (DeSales commit), blends contact hitting and gap-to-gap power to test the Radnor defense.

Radnor’s strategy is to keep their bats hot, using Monahan’s speed and small ball to pressure Hatboro-Horsham’s infield, while Kellis aims to set the tone early. The Hatters will look to work counts against Kellis and exploit Radnor’s bullpen, relying on O’Neil, Incudine, Canney, and Rapino to spark rallies. With both teams battle-tested, execution will be critical.

Radnor’s near-perfect record and their home-field advantage give them the edge, but Hatboro-Horsham’s upset pedigree makes them a dangerous underdog. First pitch is at 4 PM on Friday at Radnor High School. 

(cover photo of Austin Havertine via Shelby Kauffman/DBN)

NEWTOWN SQUARE, PA – The #2 Radnor Raptors (15-1) surged past the #10 Upper Perkiomen Indians (13-9) 9-2 in a PIAA District 1 5A quarterfinal at Marple High School (due to rain) on Wednesday, advancing to the semifinals behind a potent offence and a 11 strikeouts from ace Austin Havertine.

Upper Perk struck first in the opening inning when Zane Saeger reached on an error, advancing on a balk, and scored on Brayden Adam’s two-run homer to left, giving the Indians a 2-0 lead. 

Radnor answered immediately in the bottom half. 

Teddy Monahan walked, stole second, and scored on Matt Szychulski’s two-run shot to left, tying the game at 2-2. Evan Hartman’s single drove in Daniel Kellis, who was hit by a pitch, and Will Selbach’s single scored Kyle Miltenberger, putting Radnor up 4-2. 

Upper Perk starter Jackson Long got knocked out after 35 pitches in the first inning.

The Raptors added two more in the second, with Joe Krasowski’s sac fly scoring Hayden Goldenberg and Miltenberger’s bunt single plating Szychulski. Now 6-2.

Radnor really broke it open in the fourth against Upper Perk’s Topher Burns. Hartman’s double scored Krasowski, and Blake Havertine’s single drove in pinch runner John Belveal and Miltenberger, making it 9-2. Austin Havertine settled in after the first, allowing just two hits—Adam’s homer among them—while striking out 11 over five innings, with just three walks. Upper Perk’s Jackson Long took the loss, surrendering four runs and only recording two outs. 

Radnor, co-champions of the Central League, moves on to the 5A semifinals to face #11 seed Hatboro Horsham, continuing their quest for a Disctrict 1 title after last year’s runner up finish. 

Szychulski (2-3, 2 RBI) and Hartman (2-3, 2 RBI) led the offense, while Upper Perk’s Saeger (1-2, 2 BB) and Adam (1-3, 2 RBI) couldn’t spark a rally. The Indians finish at 13-9 after their 7-1 upset of Upper Merion, unable to overcome Radnor’s depth in a game where the rain held off just enough, allowing the Raptor’s to win with a commanding performance.

On the other side of the bracket, #1 Chichester took down #9 Strath Haven 6-2 behind two-run doubles from Logan Werley and Cole Sanford along with five strong innings on the mound from Gavin Derrickson with Sanford throwing the final two.

Chichester will take on #4 Upper Dublin, who took down #5 WC Rustin on a walk-off walk. Both that game and Radnor/Hatboro-Horsham will be Friday at 4.

Both teams will not see their season come to an end Friday as the losers play next Tuesday for the final states spot.

(cover photo of Keller Bradley courtesy of Kyle Demott)

LEVITTOWN, PA – The #5 Pennsbury Falcons (15-5-1) shut out the #12 Lower Merion Aces (13-8) 7-0 in a PIAA 6A District 1 second-round matchup at Pennsbury High School on Tuesday, advancing to the quarterfinals with a dominant performance on the mound from Vanderbilt recruit Keller Bradley.

Bradley was electric, tossing a three-hit shutout with 11 strikeouts and just one walk, stifling a Lower Merion squad that had beaten Conestoga 8-2 a day earlier. He struck two batters in the first to set the tone and continued by striking out the side in the fourth.

The only offensive production came from the bat of Brendan O’Gara with a double and singles by Nicholas Dragut and Calvin Rendle. Pennsbury took the lead in the first when Evan Hawkes singled, stole second, and scored on Dylan Hirsh’s sacrifice fly. Ryan Webber’s triple in the third scored Hirsh, who had been hit by a pitch, making it 2-0.

The Falcons broke it open in the fifth against Lower Merion starter Justin Heck. Kawkes walked, stole second, and scored on an error by the center fielder, while Pierce Perry’s single drove in Hirsh for a 4-0 lead. In the sixth, reliever Peyton Spiegler struggled as Hirsh’s two-run double scored pinch runner Trip Hansbury and Carson Crane, and Webber’s single plated Hirsh, pushing the lead to 7-0.

Heck took a tough loss, allowing 4 runs (just 2 earned) on 3 hits over 5 innings, with 3 strikeouts and 4 walks. 

Pennsbury, SOL Patriot Champions (11-4), advances to face #4 seed Coatesville later this week, leveraging their deep lineup and home-field advantage in a game moved up from Wednesday due to expected weather. Lower Merion couldn’t find their rhythm after their first-round win, finishing 13-8. The Aces struggled to solve Bradley’s fastball and sharp breaking pitchers, ending their postseason run at Pennsbury.

(cover photo of Toby Myers via James Quinn)

LEVITTOWN, PA – The Lower Merion Aces, riding high after an 8-2 win over Conestoga, head to Pennsbury High School to face the Falcons in the second round of the PIAA District 1 6A playoffs. 

The 12th-seed Aces (13-7 overall) face a tough test against the 5th-seeded Falcons (14-5-1), who are fresh off a first-round bye. The winner advances to the quarterfinals to meet the victor of #4 Coatesville vs. #13 Quakertown.

Lower Merion’s first-round rout of Conestoga showcased their offensive depth and pitching dominance. Junior Brain Heck threw a complete game with ten strikeouts, while Toby Myers powered the offense with a three-run homerun and a two-RBI single. This marks the Aces’ second trip to the round of 16 in three years after they took down Neshaminy in 2023.

Pennsbury, the SOL Patriot Champions with an 11-4 league record, rested after their bye. The Falcons had a strong 2024, but lost in the first round of districts at home to Boyertown. Their deep lineup and pitching make them a formidable force at home this time around. 

With both teams’ pitching staffs rested, even though the game was moved up from Wednesday due to the expected weather, Lower Merion will likely turn to the bullpen early, as their ace, Brian Heck, threw a complete game yesterday. The Aces’ strategy of avoiding giving opponents multiple looks at the same pitcher could see Justin Heck and Will Cohen take the mound, both wielding low to mid-80s fastballs with sharp breaking pitches to challenge Penssbury’s potent bats. Offensively, Toby Myers and Gus Wright are Lower Merion’s spark plugs, with Myers’ power and Wright’s speed igniting rallies.

Brody Slensky is also a name to watch in the order, as well as Calvin Rendle.

Pennsbury could start a few different arms, but the thought is that they are expected to start Keller Bradley, a Vanderbilt recruit. We could also see sophomore left-hander Pierce Perry, whose mid-80s fastball and 70-mph curve can keep the Aces’ aggressive hitters off balance.

Senior Mason Keith (East Stroudsburg commit) or seniors Joe Beitler (Penn State Harrisburg commit) and Ryan Paolella (Penn State Altoona commit) could see relief duty, with Keith’s mid-80s fastball, curve, slider, and change-up offering versatility. The Falcons’ offense is led by seniors Evan Wawkes (Swarthmore commit), Dylan Hirsh (Bloomsburg commit), and Ryan Webber (Army commit), whose mix of power and discipline will test Lower Merion’s defense.

Lower Merion’s game plan is to leverage their hot bats and aggressive baserunning to disrupt Perry early, while their bullpen aims to keep Pennsbury’s hitting guessing. The Falcons will look to work counts against the Aces’ relief arms and capitalize on their home-field energy, with Hawkes, Hirsh, and Webber driving the offense. Execution will be critical in this high-stakes matchup.

Pennsbury’s strong season, bye, and deep roster give them a slight edge, but Lower Merion’s strong pitching and offensive momentum make them a dangerous underdog. First pitch is at 4 PM at Pennsbury– expect a packed crowd and a fierce battle.